Overview
Peter Sutherlan Sr. is a 28 MW hydroelectric power plant in Ontario, Canada, operated by Coral Rapids Power and OPG. It contributes to the region's renewable energy grid.
Peter Sutherlan Sr. is a hydroelectric power plant located in Ontario, Canada, with an operational capacity of 28 megawatts. The facility is jointly owned by Coral Rapids Power and Ontario Power Generation (OPG), reflecting a partnership in renewable energy generation. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the flow of water to produce electricity, aligning with Canada's abundant hydropower resources. Hydroelectric plants like Peter Sutherlan Sr. typically operate with high efficiency and low variable costs, providing baseload or peaking power depending on water availability. In Canada, hydropower is the dominant source of electricity, supported by federal and provincial regulations that emphasize sustainable water resource management. The plant's technology involves turbines and generators driven by water flow, with no direct fuel combustion, resulting in minimal air emissions. Environmentally, hydroelectric power offers low greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants, but it can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The Peter Sutherlan Sr. facility contributes to Ontario's clean energy mix, supporting grid stability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its location in a region with significant water resources underscores the importance of hydropower in Canada's energy transition.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can alter river ecosystems and fish migration patterns. The Peter Sutherlan Sr. plant operates in a region with cold climates and seasonal water flows, which may affect generation capacity. Proximity to populated areas is limited, reducing local air quality impacts. Regulatory oversight under Canadian environmental laws ensures sustainable water use and habitat protection.
Frequently asked questions
Peter Sutherlan Sr. is located in Ontario, Canada, at coordinates 49.9620 N, -81.5226 W.
The plant has a capacity of 28 megawatts (MW), typical for a small to medium hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned by Coral Rapids Power and Ontario Power Generation (OPG), a major Canadian utility.
Hydroelectric plants in Canada are regulated under provincial water management laws and federal environmental assessments, including the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and Fisheries Act.
Hydroelectric power produces low greenhouse gas emissions but can affect aquatic habitats, water flow, and fish migration. Mitigation measures include fish ladders and environmental flow releases.