Hatch, a global engineering, project delivery, and professional services firm in the energy, metals, and infrastructure sectors, recently celebrated its centennial celebration in the field of hydropower in Niagara Falls, Ont.
The momentous occasion marked 100 years since H.G. Acres and Company was established in 1924. Acres joined Hatch in 2004 and since then, Hatch has continued the legacy as a leading force in the hydropower industry.
To commemorate this milestone, Hatch hosted an industry event at the historic Niagara Parks Power Station. This hydroelectric power generation plant, which is more than 115 years old, has recently undergone a remarkable transformation, turning it into an immersive experience for visitors.
Hatch was joined by a number of dignitaries, including: Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati; Rudy Cuzzetto, parliamentary assistant to the Ontario Minister of Energy; Beth Dennahower from the office of Tony Baldinelli, Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls; David Adames, CEO of Niagara Parks Commission.
Hatch chose to honour this centennial milestone with a celebration and a showcase of the legacy of hydroelectric power in Niagara Falls while also shedding light on the broader engineering industry. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the fascinating stories behind the Niagara Parks Power Station and the significant contributions made by engineers throughout history. Hatch’s commitment to the hydropower industry is unwavering. Over the past century, the company has been at the forefront of innovation, driving advancements in sustainable energy solutions.
“We are incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone in our journey,” said John Bianchini, CEO of Hatch. “For 100 years, Hatch and its predecessors have been instrumental in shaping the hydropower industry. We are excited to celebrate our achievements and look forward to a future where sustainable energy continues to play a vital role.”
Hatch maintains its hydropower center of excellence in Niagara Falls as part of its broader global Power business unit, serving clients in Niagara and around the world with industry leading expertise. To commemorate this milestone, Hatch is hosting an industry event at the historic Niagara Parks Power Station. This hydroelectric power generation plant, which is more than 115 years old, has recently undergone a remarkable transformation, turning it into an immersive experience for visitors.
Hatch has continued to deliver the industry’s most innovative hydropower solutions throughout the past 100 years and boasts many industry firsts in Canada, including the following:
- 2014 – The Forrest Kerr Hydroelectric Project commissioned in British Columbia, a project in which Hatch was recognized with multiple industry awards for fast-tracked design and construction efforts.
- 2015 – Lower Mattagami Hydroelectric Project commissioned, Ontario’s largest hydropower project in forty years.
- 2022 – The Keeyask Generating Station is completed. It is a source of renewable energy providing approximately 695 megawatts of capacity and producing an average of 4,400 gigawatt hours of electricity each year. Hatch was involved in this project for twenty-five years and was recently awarded the Constructed Project Award of Excellence from the Canadian Dam Association.
- 2023 – Mactaquac Generating Station, involvement in this project dates back to the 1960s. Hatch has recently been engaged in joint venture to ensure a 100-year lifespan for this station.
- 2024 – Kakabeka Falls Generating Station is set to be redeveloped. The 117-year-old station is the second-oldest hydro station in OPG’s fleet. Hatch in partnership has been engaged to ensure it generates clean, reliable power for an additional ninety years.
To learn more about how Hatch continues to work alongside our clients to power the world and create a climate resilient future, click here.
Featured image, from left to right: Robert Francki, global managing director, Energy, Hatch; Amar Jolly, managing director, Power, Hatch; Jim Diodati, mayor of Niagara Falls; Jim Sarvinis, Global Managing Director, Energy, Hatch; John Bianchini, chairman and CEO, Hatch; Rudy Cuzzetto, parliamentary secretary to the Ontario Minister of Energy; Beth Dennahower from the office of Tony Baldinelli, Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls; Jim Law, global director, Hydropower and Dams, Hatch; and David Adames, CEO of Niagara Parks Commission. Credit: Hatch.
