North Americas Largest 100 BiomassFuelled Power Plant Opens in Canada

North America’s Largest 100% Biomass-Fueled Power Plant Opens in Canada

Sept. 17, 2014

The biomass used to fuel Atikokan Generating Station, which is now generating electricity in northwestern Ontario, is being harvested and processed locally.

Adrienne Selko

Ontario, Canada is now home to North America’s largest power plant fueled completely by biomass.

The Atikokan Generating Station conversion is complete, and the station is now generating electricity and helping meet local power needs in northwestern Ontario, according to an announcement on Sept. 11

Atikokan Generating Station will provide renewable peaking power, and can be turned on when electricity demands are highest.

The plant, which employs 70 full-time workers, burned its last coal, two years ago, on Sept. 11, 2012.

The closure of Ontario’s coal plants comes as the province moves toward implementing a smarter electricity grid, increasing efficiencies within the electricity system, introducing strong conservation efforts and committing to cleaner energy sources.

Conversion of the station began in mid-2012 and included construction of two silos and boiler modifications to accommodate the biomass. The project employed over 200 highly skilled trades people and technical workers.

"Close to 100% of the electricity OPG produces is from sources that are virtually free of climate change or smog causing emissions,” explained Tom Mitchell, CEO, Ontario Power Generation. “Atikokan GS is a unique addition to our clean energy portfolio as it provides dispatchable renewable energy that can be used when the power system needs it.”

The biomass used to fuel Atikokan Generating Station is being harvested and processed in Ontario. Domestic suppliers have leveraged this opportunity to secure contracts to provide pellets to international buyers.

“A new era has dawned in Ontario; one where the air will be cleaner and the multiple costs of coal-fired generation have become a distant memory,” said Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy.

Replacing coal-fired electricity generation is the single largest climate change initiative being undertaken in North America and when fully eliminated will be equivalent to taking up to seven million cars off the road, according to the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure - Ontario, Canada.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.