Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is allocating CAD500,000 ($356,584) to Haldimand County. This money will fund local engagement and planning for a potential new energy facility at the 900-acre Nanticoke site. The former coal-generating station site is being evaluated for future power generation. This may include small modular reactors (SMRs) or standard nuclear power. The initiative aligns with Ontario’s Energy for Generations plan, which aims to meet a provincial electricity demand forecast to grow to 90% by 2050.
The Nanticoke Generating Station, which was North America’s largest coal-fired generating station, operated from 1972 to 2013. It was safely demolished in 2019. “OPG understands the critical importance of engaging with communities early when considering siting new generation infrastructure,” said OPG President & CEO Nicolle Butcher. “This funding will ensure Haldimand County has the capacity to engage fully on behalf of its residents as we work collaboratively to explore generation options for this site.”
In December 2024, Haldimand County passed a motion of support for OPG to explore potential energy redevelopment at Nanticoke. The site has a number of strategic advantages. It is approved for up to 3,000 MW of electricity generation and features extensive pre-existing transmission infrastructure as well as having access to rail lines, port facilities, and major highways. It is located within an established manufacturing region.
A nuclear facility at this location could run for 65 years. The multi-year plan would generate thousands of skilled trades positions. Public consultations, environmental evaluations, and regulatory approvals are still to be completed. However, the funding helps to establish a formal memorandum of understanding between OPG and Haldimand County.
“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, Ontario Minister of Energy & 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% 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 revitalise the economy and workforce.”
This new funding, which will be used at the discretion of the municipality, will help Haldimand County further assess the site for future development, including evaluating municipal infrastructure improvements that would be required to support the siting of new generation. OPG has provided similar funding to local Indigenous Nations to support early engagement activities. OPG will continue to work with Indigenous Nations, municipal leadership, and local stakeholders to understand their priorities and determine support for various generation technologies.
OPG will also continue to work with both the local municipality and Indigenous Nations to discuss potential economic and social benefits that would flow to host communities, including equity participation options for Indigenous Nations, municipal funding to support infrastructure investments, and associated jobs and economic development opportunities for local community members.
The Nanticoke site already hosts a new 44 MWe solar plant – Nanticoke Solar – built in partnership with the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The facility was put into service in March 2019, on schedule and on budget.
In addition to Nanticoke, OPG is exploring new generation opportunities at two other strategic sites – Wesleyville in Port Hope, where a new large-scale nuclear development is being proposed, and Lambton in St Clair Township.
In February 2026, OPG signed a partnership agreement with the Municipality of Port Hope to advance planning and preparation for the world’s largest nuclear generating station at the Wesleyville site. The project would support 10,500 jobs across Ontario, including 1,700 new good-paying jobs in Port Hope, representing an average 15-20% boost to overall employment levels in the local area, while contributing CAD235bn to Ontario’s GDP over its lifespan.
Like Nanticoke, Lambton is a former heavy coal-fired generation plant site. OPG is running impact assessments to preserve long-term options for the property. Ongoing talks with local municipal and Indigenous leaders determine which energy mix (nuclear, storage, or renewables) is most appropriate.
