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"We have a demand forecast of 75 per cent more power in the province, four-and-a-half cities (the size) of Toronto — we have to add to the grid," he said at a press conference. 

"This expansion of non-emitting nuclear energy will reduce emissions and massively grow our economy, and that's a big advantage."

Lecce previously announced in November that he had asked Ontario Power Generation to begin discussions with municipalities and First Nation communities around three OPG-owned sites where the province could potentially build new power generation such as nuclear plants.

Port Hope and the Williams Treaties First Nations are the first to say they're willing to continue those discussions, and OPG says it is still exploring putting new power generation at its Nanticoke site in Haldimand County and Lambton in St. Clair.

Officials say OPG expects to start impact assessment activities this year for the Wesleyville site near Port Hope, and would hope to get construction and operation licences in the 2030s for operation in the 2040s.

Wesleyville was originally envisioned in the late 1970s as an oil-fired power generation station, but construction was halted due to economic pressures, Lecce said.

Officials say the site could support a nuclear plant with a capacity of 8,000 to 10,000 megawatts, which is larger than any of Ontario's currently operating nuclear facilities.

The same officials declined to provide a cost estimate for such a project, saying it was too premature.

This report by °µÍø½ûÇø was first published Jan. 15, 2025.