The Lower Mattagami Project is a hydroelectric project that includes the addition of a new third generating unit to the existing two-unit Kipling Generating Station.
Existing Facility
The existing Kipling facility includes two vertical propeller turbine-generator sets, penstocks and draft tubes, and three existing single-phase transformers. Little Long has been in-service since the mid-1960’s.
Located 95 km north of Kapuskasing, Ontario, the facility is operated remotely from OPG’s Northeast Control Centre located at the Porcupine Transformer Station in Timmins, Ontario.
Expansion
The expansion includes one vertical propeller turbine-generator set, penstocks and draft tubes, and one new three-phase transformer. The addition of the new generating unit adds 78.3 MW to the existing capacity for a total site capacity of 233.3 MW at a head of 30.5 metres.
As part of the expansion, a tailrace gate hoisting system is installed on the existing powerhouse tailrace deck, extending over the new tailrace deck of the powerhouse extension.
Water from the Mattagami River is conveyed from the existing Kipling GS intake structure for the third generator unit to the new spiral case via a concrete encased steel penstock. The new generating unit is installed at the existing concrete structure. All three generating units share the same gravity dam and powerhouse. The new generating unit is connected to Hydro One’s 230kV L20D circuit.
Location: Harmon Township
River System: Mattagami River
Nameplate Capacity: 233.3 MW
OPA Contracted Capacity: 233.3 MW
Operator: Ontario Power Generation
Technology: Hydroelectric
Turbines: Three vertical propeller turbines
Originally Built: Mid-1960’s
Coordinate: 50° 08’ 55” N, 82° 12’ 34” W
Project Progress (December 31, 2013)
- Concrete pouring continued
- Earth berm and Cell 2 of the downstream cofferdam removed
- Powerhouse superstructure erected and enclosed
- Generator step-up transformer installed
Ontario Power Generation Inc.