Big interest in small hydro Back in 1989 Acres was asked by the Misema Power Partnership to investigate the potential for a hydroelectric project on the Misema River near Englehart, Ontario. The proposal was for a 3-MW unit at a site known locally as Eighty Foot Falls.

With the opening of the Ontario energy market, the Canadian Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC), a leading developer of green power projects in Ontario, acquired rights for the Misema site from the previous owners. With a head start on other applicants, and skilled guidance through the new regulatory process by Acres International and Acres & Associated Environmental, Misema became the first small hydro development to be approved by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

It had been hoped to start construction in November of 2001, but the go-ahead from MNR was not received until April 2002. However, based on Acres proposed fast-track approach to construction, together with managed risk, the new station is scheduled to be commissioned in January 2003, just two months later than originally planned.

Misema is a run-of-river plant, operating under a gross head of 42 m. Civil works consist of a simple concrete overflow weir, with a pipe to maintain continuous downstream flow for aquatic ecology. A concrete training wall connects the weir to the intake, which conveys water through a vertical dropshaft and horizontal tunnel to a 1.75-m diameter penstock. The powerhouse is a reinforced concrete box construction located in a rock cut, with hatches in the roof for lowering equipment. The horizontal double-runner Francis turbine, with horizontal generator, has an output of 3-MW. A short 44-kV wood pole line connects to an existing Hydro One transmission line.

Ian Baines, President and CEO of CREC, says "In our opinion, Acres is a key component for a successful small hydro product. Their project management efforts and skills at Misema have been significant and exceptional."