Hydro One selected to construct Greenstone line

Executive Summary

• The Ontario government, via the Minister of Energy and Mines, has directed the Ontario Energy Board to designate Hydro One Networks Inc. to develop and construct the Greenstone transmission line.
• The project is a strategic infrastructure initiative aimed at improving electricity reliability for Northern communities, driving economic development, and unlocking the mineral potential of the Ring of Fire region.
• The project includes a unique equity partnership model allowing proximate First Nations to invest in a 50% equity stake in the transmission line component.

Key Details

• Project Scope: A single-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line designed to support a future second circuit.
• Route and Infrastructure:
  • Connects to existing 230-kilovolt infrastructure (the East-West tie) near Nipigon Bay.
  • Extends to the Longlac transformer station, where a new 230-kilovolt station will connect to the existing 115-kilovolt circuit.
  • Continues to or near Aroland First Nation.
  • Terminates at a new 230-kilovolt switching station with associated station facilities.
• Timeline: The line is expected to be in service in 2032.
• First Nations Partnership:
  • Hydro One is utilizing its "first nation 50-50 equity partnership model."
  • Proximate First Nations have the opportunity to invest in a 50% equity stake in the transmission line component.
  • Hydro One and First Nations will collaborate on planning, development, and construction.
• Strategic Goals:
  • Provide additional capacity and improve reliability for Northern communities.
  • Support Indigenous community growth and economic reconciliation.
  • Unlock the vast mineral potential of the Ring of Fire (described as one of the largest undeveloped, high-grade deposits of critical minerals on earth).
  • Create 20,000 jobs and reduce permitting timelines by 50% to build mines faster.
• Stakeholder Involvement: The designation follows three years of collaboration involving Hydro One, the Ontario government, and multiple First Nations including Red Rock Indian Band, Aroland First Nation, Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinabek/Rocky Bay First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation, and Long Lake #58 First Nation.

Notable Quotes

• David Lebeter, President and CEO, Hydro One: "The designation of this line is the result of three years of collaboration between first nations, Hydro One and Ontario... This line is foundational to building a secure and reliable electricity system in the North -- one that supports every community in the region."
• Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines: "Ontario is officially giving the greenlight to build the Greenstone transmission line, delivering the energy backbone and infrastructure to unlock the Ring of Fire's vast mineral potential."
• Chief Allan Odawa Jr., Red Rock Indian Band: "This project will not only enable first nations to secure meaningful equity ownership in major Canadian infrastructure, but it will also deliver reliable power to the seven communities that have long faced chronic service disruptions with extended outages."