Ontario’s revised electricity demand forecast relies on nuclear

Ontario’s Independent Electricity Systems Operator (IESO) released an updated electricity demand forecast on 16 October, projecting that power demand will soar by 75% over the next 25 years.

A significant proportion of that demand will come from industry, such as EV battery plants and supply-chain manufacturing, with a full 13% of the total coming from data centres. At least 16 new data centres are forecast to be built in Ontario by 2035.

“This is a significant opportunity, but it creates pressure on the grid,” said Energy and Electrification Minister Stephen Lecce, referring to the growth in data centre demand. “So we understand that there’s much more demand for energy on the system, on the grid, but we have a plan.”

The Minister said he will soon be releasing his vision for how to meet this future demand, but it is almost certain that nuclear will be a fundamental part of that plan. Refurbishment of Pickering, the Darlington SMR projects, the expansion of Bruce Power Nuclear Generating Station, or new nuclear projects not yet announced will all play a role in meeting demand growth.

“Nuclear power is the backbone of Ontario’s clean electricity grid,” said John Gorman, CNA President & CEO. “If Ontario is going to continue to attract the kind of businesses and investments necessary to grow a healthy economy – some of which are going to rely increasingly on big data and artificial intelligence – it’s going to need a steady, sustainable, and reliable source of low-carbon electricity.”