This small (< 5 MW) hydroelectric project was designed to have a minimal environmental ‘footprint’. With a net head of 2.6 m and rated flow of 210 m/s, the plant would produce an estimated 29.5 GWh annually. The proposed site was upstream of an existing 10-MW plant, creating the potential for ‘optimizing’ the operation of the two plants to yield maximum energy under variable hydrological conditions.

We provided a Business Case based on a financial model suitable for presentation to potential investors in the project. In addition, in view of the relatively high cost of the project, we investigated the eligibility of the project for qualification under the Federal ‘Ecologo’ program as ‘Green Power’, and

advised on the prospects for price premiums for ‘Green Power’ in Ontario’s then newly competitive market. Finally, we assisted the proponent to identify candidate investors, and provided detailed guidance on strategies for directing negotiations with those investors toward a development agreement.