Hydro Ottawa Energizes First Lower-Carbon Substation in Ottawa
Hydro Ottawa Limited has energized Piperville municipal transformer station (MTS), its first lower-carbon substation, serving southeast Ottawa with 90 MW of capacity, matching the utility’s Cambrian MTS, commissioned in 2022.
The project achieves a 12.3% reduction in embodied carbon emissions, eliminating 618 tonnes of CO₂e against Cambrian’s baseline. Reductions stem from lower-carbon concrete, optimized engineering and a more compact building layout. Building emissions decreased by 508 tonnes and yard emissions by 202 tonnes, partly offset by a 92-tonne increase from heavier power equipment.
The station strengthens electricity distribution infrastructure through increased system redundancy and supports regional development, transit electrification and future integration of distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar and battery storage.
“Piperville is a shining example that we can build a stronger, more resilient grid while remaining deeply committed to environmental stewardship and a sustainable future,” said Bryce Conrad, President and CEO.
Hydro Ottawa plans to apply this substation design benchmark to upcoming projects, including Hydro Road and Mer-Bleue in 2027, and Old Second Line and Greenbank in 2028, as it prepares to energize new stations through 2030.
