Haldimand County set to receive $500K in provincial funding for Nanticoke energy site

Ontario has announced their plan to give Haldimand County $500,000 in “growth readiness funding” to revitalize the Nanticoke Generating Station.

Part of that funding from Ontario Power Generation is also set to go towards small modular reactors at the site.

Officials say the area already has electricity zoning for up to 3,000 megawatts, access to major transmission infrastructure, rail lines, port access and industrial land – all factors they say make the 900-acre Nanticoke site positioned to assist in meeting Ontario’s future electricity needs.

“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 per cent by 2050, we are planning ahead and building for future generations,” said minister Stephen Lecce in an email to CHCH News.

Lecce continues, “We are taking another step forward to advance this project, in true partnership, including seriously considering small modular reactor deployment, to revitalize the economy and workforce.”

Provincial officials say demand for more electricity is driven by new housing, advanced manufacturing and the expansion of critical mineral supply chains.

The Nanticoke Generating Station closed over a decade ago. It was once the largest coal-fired power plant in North America.

According to the provincial government, this new funding is set to revitalize the site, create good-paying local jobs and ensure Nanticoke goes back to its roots and plays a vital role in Ontario’s power grid.

Back in December of 2024, a motion was passed unanimously by the Council of Haldimand County that endorsed continuing engagement with the generator and Lecce on the potential for new energy generation, including nuclear power, at the Nanticoke site.

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