North America’s largest purely biomass-powered generating station just got a new lease on life.

OPG’s Atikokan Generating Station (GS), located near Thunder Bay, has entered into a new five-year contract with Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator.

That means the station can continue to provide low-carbon electricity to meet periods of intense demand in the province.

As a peaking plant, Atikokan can quickly ramp up power generated from burning sustainably sourced wood pellets, a key differentiator to other forms of renewable generation.

“For 10 years now, our Atikokan station has played an important role in providing reliability, flexibility, and resiliency to Ontario’s electricity system,” said Nicolle Butcher, OPG’s chief operations officer. “The station also plays a major role in the health of the northern economy. We look forward to continuing to build on this proud legacy.”

For 27 years, Atikokan GS operated as a coal-fired station before OPG embarked on converting the station to biomass in 2012 as part of the closure of its entire coal fleet.

For 10 years now, our Atikokan station has played an important role in providing reliability, flexibility, and resiliency to Ontario’s electricity system. We look forward to continuing to build on this proud legacy.

Over the past 10 years, the facility has operated as a purely biomass-fueled plant, capable of powering about 70,000 homes, while employing about 60 people.

As one of the area’s largest employers and the largest consumer of industrial wood pellets in Canada, Atikokan’s continued operation will provide positive economic benefits for the local economy as well as Ontario’s forestry sector, and help power northern mining operations.

It also means Ontarians can be assured they will have power when they need it, especially during the hottest summer days and coldest winter nights.

Aside from Atikokan GS, OPG continues to work to maintain and grow its diverse fleet to ensure reliable generation for today and tomorrow.

From hydroelectric to nuclear, the company is working to maintain, refurbish, and build.

This work will support the electrification of homes, businesses, and industries in the coming years, as well as Ontario’s economic growth.