ATIKOKAN, Ont. -- This community’s conversion from coal to wood biomass has been hailed among the continent’s largest climate change initiatives, and it all came to fruition Wednesday.
The plant officially reopened with the ability to provide the energy grid with 200 megawatts of peak energy.
Ontario’s Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli applauded the conversion, saying it will replace the formerly used dirty coal.
“It’s very, very significant for economic development,” Chiarelli added during a recent media interview. “It’s retaining jobs here in Atikokan and the pellet manufacturers for Atikokan is Northern Ontario product.”
The plant is the largest 100 per cent biomass facility in North America and will provide the town with an estimated 80 jobs.
(CKPR Radio)
