Forest Industry Generating Stations, 1997

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Abstract

This map depicts the 78 electrical generating plants operated by forest-based industries. These industries are defined using the North American Industrial Classification. These plants are scattered throughout Canada, and are about equally divided between being hydro or thermal plants.

Nearly one-quarter of the generating stations in Canada are operated by industries other than utilities. Of the 189 non-utility plants, the largest single group - 77 stations - is operated by the forest industry. This industry is defined here to consist of operators in North American Industrial Classification System Sub-sectors 321 (Wood Product Manufacturing), and 322 (Paper Manufacturing). These plants are scattered throughout Canada, usually in communities with a pulp mill. Although access to fibre was the original determinant for creating these communities, the precise location was invariably close to a large river as a lot of water is needed for the production process. Occasionally, this river would also be developed for a power plant for the mill.

The forest-based industry plants are about equally divided between being hydro or thermal plants. Many of the oldest forest industry generating stations were hydro stations. However, many of this industry's generating stations later developed as a way to burn forest waste and by-products to generate power and steam for the adjacent mill.