ATIKOKAN – Yesterday, the Atikokan Generating Station burned its last piece of coal. Conversion of the Atikokan plant from coal to biomass is now underway. This project, the first of its kind in the province, will create 200 construction jobs and help protect existing jobs at the plant.
The project will also create new economic opportunities for Ontario’s forestry sector, which will provide the biomass fuel to the plant. The converted plant will be able to deliver more than 200 megawatts of clean, renewable power by the end of 2014.
“Today we are one step closer to eliminating the use of dirty coal while building a modern, reliable energy system that families and businesses know they can count on. By reducing harmful emissions we are ensuring a cleaner, healthier Ontario for current and future generations,” stated Chris Bentley the Minister of Energy.
“Ending coal-fired electricity generation in Ontario is the largest reduction of greenhouse gases in North America. It protects our health, fights climate change, and keeps Ontario on the green energy path,” added Jim Bradley the Minister of the Environment.
The effort to save the Atikokan plant has come after a great deal of effort from MPP Bill Mauro.