Could wetlands help generate more electricity for Ontario communities?

Modelling was applied to the Dog Lake watershed near Thunder Bay, Ont.

For this study, DUC and OPG selected the Dog Lake watershed near Thunder Bay because of its size as well as the fact that the area’s wetlands are well mapped out. The research project is divided into three phases: a literature review to gather research on groundwater impacts of wetlands; a modelling phase to simulate the addition of wetlands to the watershed; and an economic analysis to determine the cost/benefit ratio.

The first two phases of the project are complete. Results of the modelling work found that even if eight to 10 per cent of wetlands were restored in the watershed, there would likely be sufficient increase in energy generated to offset the cost of the wetland restoration work.

DUC is encouraged by the results of the research and how natural infrastructure, like wetlands, can offer climate-resilient solutions for energy generation in the province.

“Besides capturing carbon, filtering phosphorus and mitigating the effects of flooding, wetlands may provide a nature-based solution that can lower greenhouse-gas emissions and improve site resilience against the impacts of climate change,” says Michael Williams, manager of DUC’s manager for Conservation Pro in Ontario. “Ultimately, if wetlands prove to be a viable option for the energy sector, this could be applied in many other watersheds in Ontario.”

While the findings to date show promise, final economic analysis is yet to be completed and confirmed. Heather Brown, OPG’s vice president of Environment, Health and Safety says OPG is very pleased to be collaborating with DUC on this groundbreaking study. “It’s encouraging to see the potential innovation that wetlands and nature-based solutions could bring to benefit our company and host communities.”