AbitibiBowater using $9.6M grant from Ontario to expand clean power capacity at Thunder Bay

OTTAWA, March 15, 2011 (Press Release) - Through an agreement with the Ontario Power Authority (OPA), AbitibiBowater will increase its electricity generation capacity by 40 megawatts, producing enough additional power for 38,000 homes. The project is expected to be completed by January 2013.

The expansion is also supported by Ontario's Forest Sector Prosperity Fund and will add capacity to AbitibiBowater's existing biomass-fuelled combined heat and power (CHP) project. These types of projects help industries become more energy efficient and reduce costs, while supplying clean electricity for Ontarians.

AbitibiBowater is also taking advantage of the Industrial Conservation Initiative which is available to over 200 of Ontario's largest energy consumers. This program encourages industrial companies to shift their electricity consumption to off-peak hours, helping companies like AbitibiBowater stay competitive, invest more in their businesses and create new jobs.

Strengthening the Northern Ontario economy, supporting projects that build a clean energy economy and providing electricity price relief to businesses and families are important parts of the McGuinty government's Open Ontario Plan.