We know Ontario Power Generation is upgrading the Calabogie Generating Station, but now the uitility is giving us details on some of the challenges involved.
While plans to boost the existing power plant’s production had been on the books for some time, a tornado in 2018 knocked it out of service, making the work currently being performed, essential.
The new, higher capacity powerhouse is about 50 metres upstream from the existing century-old structure.
The new site will allow more water flow and double production capacity to ten megawatts.
What’s called a forebay- or catchment pool, is being reshaped to increase efficiency, while conforming to the existing Water Management Plan for the Madawaska River system.
Planned excavation on the project involves nearly 60,000 cubic metres of soil and 50,000 cubic metres of rock.
Rather than truck the rock away, it will be recycled by Greater Madawaska Township.
OPG is investing over $100 million to redevelop the Calabogie site.
Through a Joint Venture, SNC Lavalin is responsible for the new station’s design while M. Sullivan & Son is leading construction.
About 175 person-years of work will be associated with the initiative.
