Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has begun reassembling unit G7 at its Cameron Falls Generating Station in Ontario, Canada, following a major turbine refurbishment. The company expects to return the unit to service this winter.
The work includes installation of a new runner, rehabilitation of the existing turbine shaft, and upgrades to the unit’s instrumentation and monitoring system. OPG expects the refurbishment to extend G7’s operating life by approximately 25 years.
Cameron Falls is located on the Nipigon River, northeast of Thunder Bay. Its first six units entered service in 1920, while G7 was commissioned in 1958. OPG said the station’s last completed refurbishment was in 1995.
The project forms part of a wider renewal programme across OPG’s hydroelectric fleet. The company said refurbishments have increased the fleet’s capacity by approximately 140MW over the past six years. It plans to refurbish around 70% of the fleet, comprising about 50 stations, over the next 20 years.
