Through the recent Resource Adequacy Study Review process, Hydro identified the need for additional generation to meet system reliability requirements. To meet this need, the addition of a new combustion turbine at the Holyrood Thermal Generating Station (HTGS) was identified as one of the least-cost and environmentally responsible resource options to maintain compliance with Canada’s draft Clean Electricity Regulations.

Hydro is currently relying on the HTGS to reliably serve customers. Investment in Bay d’Espoir Unit 8 Project, combined with the Avalon Combustion Turbine Project, support the eventual retirement of Holyrood’s thermal generating units, which is currently being kept online to support the reliable operation of the power system. The new combustion turbine is expected to add an additional 150 MW capacity to the provincial grid, which will help meet the system’s requirement for additional capacity and will be used for peaking and reliable standby generation.

This solution has the ability to use renewable fuels once they are reliably available in our region. Hydro has been advancing the Front-End Planning and Engineering, as well as the Environmental Assessment process to ensure we have all the evidence needed to support our build application.

STATUS PUB Application submitted March 2025, with Early Works Application approved April 2025. Environmental Assessment is required. Pending PUB approval, this project has a 4-year timeframe with construction activities beginning at the site in 2026, and Close-Out reporting in 2030.