Government of Canada
2002/50
May 6, 2002
DHALIWAL OPENS ENERGY OTTAWA'S
GREEN HYDRO SITE IN OTTAWA
OTTAWA — Innovative technology is putting heritage hydro sites
back into business, generating clean, renewable energy for our power mix. The
Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, along with Glen
Shortliffe, Chair of Hydro Ottawa, and Ottawa Mayor, Bob Chiarelli, today officially
opened Energy Ottawa's environmentally-sound generating facilities, located
on the Ottawa River, which are refurbished with state-of-the-art technology.
"Small hydroelectric powerhouses such as these provide us with a clean
source of energy and offset power production from energy sources that create
greenhouse gas emissions," said Minister Dhaliwal. "By bringing Energy
Ottawa's facility back into service, we are witnessing sustainable resource
development in action, helping us improve the quality of life of all Canadians."
The Government of Canada contributed $280,000 to this project and Gestion Conseil
S.C.P. provided an in-kind contribution. Energy Ottawa invested $10 million
to upgrade its generating facilities. The Government of Canada has contributed
$547,000, through the Technology Early Action Measures (TEAM) component of the
Climate Change Action Fund (CCAF) and Natural Resources Canada towards mini
and small refurbishment projects in the National Capital Region. This project
is the first to be completed.
"In addition to the immediate benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
by more than 88,828 tonnes a year, we are confident that Energy Ottawa's green
power project will encourage other municipalities to upgrade existing small-
or mini-hydro sites," commented Environment Minister, David Anderson.
Renewable energy sources are those that produce electricity or thermal energy
without depleting our natural resources. Renewable energy sources include the
sun, wind, water, earth, biomass and waste. Natural Resources Canada is working
with stakeholders to accelerate the development and the commercialization of
technologies that use these renewable sources. This hydro facility was rebuilt
using innovative control systems, and turbines whose performance is optimized
through computational fluid dynamics simulation. This technology is being adapted
to another site in the National Capital Region, and holds great potential for
other retrofits in Canada and worldwide.
Energy Ottawa, an affiliate of Hydro Ottawa, working with Gestion Conseil S.C.P.
of Sherbrooke, Quebec, a private developer of innovative technologies for the
recommissioning of old hydroelectric powerhouses, were responsible for refurbishing
and automating hydroelectric generating facilities in Ottawa.
Canada has a well-established small-hydro industry, employing 2,000 people
and contributing $150 million to the economy annually. It is a recognized leader
in several areas, including: low-cost application of control systems using microprocessors;
upgrading refurbishment of existing hydro turbines; and development of innovative
fish bypass systems. Small-hydro markets in Canada and abroad are immense, and
the Canadian industry is well positioned to capitalize on these opportunities.
Energy Ottawa Inc. is a diversified and innovative energy company that generates
green power, provides hot water services for approximately 40,000 residential
and commercial customers and offers a growing range of energy management and
procurement services to a wide range of customers. A wholly-owned subsidiary
of Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc., Energy Ottawa is committed to the highest standards
of customer service and environmental responsibility.
For more information, media may contact:
Heather Bala
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
(613) 996-7252
The following media backgrounder is also available:
- Overview of Small-hydro in Canada
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