Province Explores Small Modular Reactors to Meet Rising Electricity Demand in Haldimand County
HALDIMAND COUNTY, Ontario — The Ontario government has announced the next phase of its long-term energy strategy with a $500,000 growth readiness investment from Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to support Haldimand County as it explores future energy generation opportunities at the Nanticoke site, including the potential deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs).
The funding will allow the municipality to work alongside OPG in assessing opportunities for new electricity generation at the former Nanticoke Generating Station, a 900-acre property already zoned for up to 3,000 megawatts of electricity generation. The site’s existing transmission infrastructure, rail connections, port access and industrial land position it as a strategic location to help address Ontario’s rapidly increasing electricity needs.
Ontario expects electricity demand to rise by as much as 90 per cent by 2050, driven by population growth, housing development, electrification, advanced manufacturing and expanding critical minerals supply chains. Provincial officials say expanding electricity generation capacity will be essential to maintaining affordable, reliable and clean energy while supporting economic growth and attracting new investment.
Government Positions Nanticoke for Ontario’s Future Energy Needs
Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said the province is seeking to transform the former coal-fired generating station into a modern energy hub while supporting regional economic development.
“Ontario has a plan to breathe new life into OPG’s Nanticoke Generating Station site, after the former government shuttered this job creator,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Our government has a vision to generate power and jobs across Haldimand County by planning for new energy generation that fully unlocks the region’s full potential. To meet electricity demand that is forecast to increase by as much as 90 per cent by 2050, we are planning ahead and building for future generations. We are taking another step forward to advance this project, in true partnership, including seriously considering small modular reactor deployment, to revitalize the economy and workforce.”
The province said revitalizing the site aligns with its integrated energy strategy, Energy for Generations, which focuses on expanding electricity infrastructure to support residential growth, industrial development and long-term economic competitiveness.
The announcement follows Haldimand County Council’s unanimous December 2024 motion supporting continued discussions with OPG and the Ministry of Energy and Mines regarding the possibility of new electricity generation, including nuclear power, at the site.
The latest funding enables Haldimand County and OPG to proceed with a formal memorandum of understanding that will advance planning and community engagement.
Economic Development and Indigenous Partnerships Highlighted
Provincial officials said future energy generation at Nanticoke could deliver broad economic benefits, including new employment opportunities, increased municipal tax revenues, infrastructure investments, industrial development and potential equity participation for Indigenous communities.
Will Bouma, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brantford-Brant and Parliamentary Assistant to several provincial ministries, emphasized the importance of collaborative planning.
“This potential for new energy generation is exciting for the region and all of Ontario,” said Will Bouma, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brantford-Brant and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, to the Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, and to the Premier. “Working with Indigenous partners, municipalities and local stakeholders to further secure the future demand for energy is vital and Ontario continues to lead the way.”
Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley said the initiative extends beyond electricity generation and represents an opportunity for long-term regional prosperity.
“Haldimand County is proud to be part of the conversation about Ontario’s energy future,” said Shelley Ann Bentley, Mayor of Haldimand County. “For our community, opportunities like this are about more than energy generation. They are about supporting economic growth, creating opportunities for future generations, and helping build a prosperous and sustainable future for Haldimand County and surrounding communities.”
Nanticoke Joins Broader Provincial Energy Expansion
The Nanticoke site is one of three OPG-owned locations in Southern Ontario already zoned for electricity generation, alongside Wesleyville in Port Hope and Lambton in St. Clair Township. OPG began discussions with municipalities and Indigenous communities at all three sites in late 2024 to assess support for future energy projects, including nuclear generation.
Earlier this year, OPG signed a partnership agreement with the Municipality of Port Hope to advance planning for the proposed Wesleyville nuclear generating station, a project expected to support more than 10,000 jobs across Ontario during its lifetime.
Industry Groups Back Provincial Energy Strategy
The announcement received broad support from municipalities, industry organizations and business associations across Ontario, with stakeholders highlighting the project’s potential to strengthen electricity reliability, attract private investment and support manufacturing growth.
Amy Martin, Mayor of Norfolk County, welcomed the investment, describing the Nanticoke site as a long-standing regional infrastructure hub capable of supporting economic development throughout Southwestern Ontario.
Kim Lauritsen, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Strategy and Growth at OPG, said the funding would help Haldimand County engage residents as the utility works collaboratively with communities to evaluate future generation options.
Business organizations including the Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Energy Association, Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO), Association of Major Power Consumers in Ontario (AMPCO), Canadian Nuclear Association, Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries, Energy Storage Canada, Canada Fuels Association, New Economy Canada and the Canadian Hydrogen Association also expressed support for continued planning at Nanticoke.
Many stakeholders pointed to the site’s established infrastructure, skilled workforce and strategic location as key advantages for future electricity generation while emphasizing the importance of maintaining affordable power, supporting Indigenous partnerships and strengthening Ontario’s long-term energy security.
With electricity demand projected to nearly double over the coming decades, the Ontario government says advancing projects at existing energy sites such as Nanticoke will play a central role in ensuring the province has sufficient generating capacity to support future economic growth, industrial expansion and population increases.