Heather Wright/The Independent

St. Clair Township is backing another power generation proposal – this one from Eastern Power.

The company built its existing power plant on Oil Springs Line near Courtright in 2015 and it began producing in 2017. The company had approval to build in Mississauga originally, however it became the centre of a political scandal and the project was moved to St. Clair Township.

In 2021, Eastern Power built a “hydrogen ready” facility to generate more power. 

Aug. 11, St. Clair Township agreed to give a resolution of support for two new projects making their way to the Independent Electricity Supply Operator in December.

“These projects will be constructed behind the Green Electron Power Plant and next to the Hydrogen Ready Power Plant at the rear of the property,” writes Gregory Vogt, the president of the company in a letter to council.

“Each project will be (a) gas fired power plant with a capacity of up to 195 megawatts with the ability to burn hydrogen as a fuel source when commercially available.”
With a total of 390 megawatts produced, the two plans could power between 156,000 and 351,000 homes.

Vogt added the land the plants will be built on does not include farm land. Vogt added Eastern Power expected the projects to create 400 construction jobs. 

St. Clair Township council passed the municipal support resolutions for the two plants with only Mayor Jeff Agar commenting after the vote was complete, saying “good stuff.” 

The township has also supported a natural gas project at the former Lambton Generation Station site. The St. Clair Energy Centre is also apply for an expansion. Both presented their proposals at a public council meeting.

It’s expected the IESO will make a decision in 2026.