NANTICOKE—Conversations are ongoing about the future of Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) former Nanticoke site, with a potential nuclear facility still in the running.
OPG President and CEO Nicolle Butcher recently spoke at the Norfolk Innovation Frontier Forum about the potential of converting the former coal-fired generating station in Nanticoke into a new power generating station that will support the province’s growing energy need.
The Press contacted Butcher for some details on what that project could entail.
During her appearance, Butcher was quoted as saying nuclear is “on the table” for the site.
Asked to clarify what that means at this time, Butcher replied, “At the moment, we’re talking about all the different technology options – including nuclear – because the right answer is one that fits the system need, the site, and the priorities of the local communities.”
She continued, “Safe and reliable nuclear power currently provides more than half of Ontario’s electricity and – based on the Integrated Energy Plan – (it) will play a key role in the Province’s electrification and economic growth plans going forward. But it may not be suitable for all sites, so our early discussions include other forms of generation as well.”
Currently, OPG is in what Butcher characterized as the early stages of discussion for the site, with a focus on engagement.
“We’re talking with Indigenous communities and Haldimand County to better understand potential interest and priorities,” said Butcher. “We will only consider any potential redevelopment at Nanticoke with the support of the local municipality and First Nations.”
The Nanticoke site has been identified as one of three strategically located sites with potential for new energy generation.
“The three existing OPG sites the Ontario Government asked us to explore for potential new generation – Wesleyville in Port Hope, Lambton in St. Clair Township, and, of course, Nanticoke in Haldimand – are all located in strategic growth corridors and already zoned for generation. We believe all these sites could have a role to play in meeting the forecast demand,” Butcher said.
Asked what makes Nanticoke an appealing prospect, Butcher replied, “It has real advantages: it’s big at approximately 900 acres, already zoned for electricity generation, close to transmission infrastructure, and located in a rapidly developing part of southern Ontario. In other words, it’s the kind of site that could matter not just locally, but to the province’s ability to reliably meet future demand.”
While she cautioned a long road ahead before a final determination for the site is made, Butcher noted, “It all starts with community partnership and transparency.”
When asked how a potential nuclear site might fit into Ontario’s plan to meet a projected 65% increase in demand for electricity by 2050, Butcher said that estimate is conservative.
“Demand could grow by as much as 90%. Rapidly growing demand means we must refurbish existing generating assets and build new generation,” she said. “It also means we must start planning now because some projects will take a number of years to build.”
Before a shovel enters the ground on any project of this magnitude, Butcher promised ongoing public education and engagement opportunities through the “complex and lengthy process.”
“We still have a great deal of work to do – in consultation with the Ministry of Energy – before determining if we’ll build new generation on the site and, if so, what form best meets Ontario’s long-term needs,” she said.
Once a new project is identified, OPG begins the assessment process, identifying suitable technology for the site and completing required regulatory work.
Should the decision to move forward with a nuclear project happen, a subsequent multi-year regulatory process would then be initiated with public input throughout, including through public regulatory hearings.
“The decision to proceed with a project will be made in consultation with Indigenous rightsholders, local government, residents, and our regulators,” said Butcher.
Asked how that engagement process with local Indigenous communities is proceeding, Butcher said OPG is still in the early stages of those discussions.
“We understand the importance of early and ongoing engagement with Indigenous rightsholders and are committed to creating meaningful, lasting, and mutually beneficial relationships,” she said. “That means engaging First Nations, such as Mississaugas of the Credit and Six Nations, from the outset, so their values, priorities, and perspectives meaningfully inform discussions and decisions. It also means discussing the potential for equity or economic partnerships with these Nations and making capacity funding available to support early engagement.”
Should the stars align, Butcher promised a large net positive impact on the surrounding community.
“If there is alignment and it makes sense for Ontario’s grid, there will be a significant opportunity – not just in megawatts, but in jobs, local procurement, and long-term economic activity,” she said. “For communities in Haldimand, this isn’t only about direct jobs at a station; it’s also about the broader ecosystem: local contractors, suppliers, service businesses, training providers, and the spin-off activity that comes with major infrastructure work. And that’s why this matters to the conversation about Nanticoke.”
She concluded, “As we continue exploring future generation opportunities there, we’ll also look at the potential economic opportunities – including jobs and local business participation – and we’ll do that in partnership with Indigenous Nations and the community.”
