Greenstone transmission line unveiled in Ontario to boost northern energy capacity

Ontario and Hydro One unveiled the proposed 230-kilometre Greenstone Transmission Line, expected to add up to 700 megawatts and be in service by 2032, and the route has the support of seven local First Nations.

Ontario and Hydro One announced the proposed Greenstone Transmission Line at an event in Etobicoke, describing it as a major new project for northwestern Ontario. Leaders from seven local First Nations spoke about how improved, reliable electricity could support housing, local businesses and resource development. The province called the work a high-priority project and said approvals would be expedited. The unveiling included details on route, capacity and partnership plans, though cost and a construction start date were not provided. Key details: - The proposal is for a single-circuit, 230-kilovolt transmission line about 230 kilometres long that would connect near Nipigon Bay and extend to the Longlac transformer area and Aroland First Nation, tying into the East-West Tie. - The line is expected to add up to 700 megawatts of capacity and is designed to support a future second circuit. - The project has the approval of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishnaabek and six other area First Nations, and Hydro One was named to build it while offering a First Nation 50/50 equity partnership model. - The article reports the project could support about 7,000 project-related jobs and generate local economic spinoffs over the coming years. - The article mentions Rock Tech Lithium's proposed Georgia Lake spodumene deposit near Beardmore as one potential future user of the added capacity. - No project price tag or construction start date was provided in the announcement. Summary: The Greenstone line is presented as a long-term infrastructure effort intended to improve reliability and reduce reliance on diesel generation for several Indigenous communities while creating capacity for future mines and local development. Approvals are being positioned for faster review by the province; the line is expected to be in service by 2032, and the construction start date is undetermined at this time.