The McGuinty government today announced it will boost Ontario’s supply of renewable energy with the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for up to 1,000 megawatts of clean, green power — enough to power 200,000 homes.
“Green power means clean power, and clean power means better quality air for Ontarians to breathe,” Energy Minister Dwight Duncan said. “Today’s announcement is another major step forward to increase Ontario’s supply of renewable energy and replace coal-fired generation in a clean and sustainable way.”
This is the government’s second RFP for renewable power. In November, the government announced 10 new renewable energy projects that will provide Ontario with 395 megawatts of clean power and $700 million in new investment. Today’s announcement is expected to bring an additional $1.5 billion of new investment to Ontario, and will help the government reach its target of generating five per cent (1,350 MW) of Ontario’s total energy capacity from renewable sources by 2007.
“The Canadian Wind Energy Association is very pleased to see this next step in Ontario’s move to increased renewable energy supply,” Robert Hornung, President, Canadian Wind Energy Association said. “It demonstrates that wind energy and other renewable sources are viable alternatives for power in this province.”
“This announcement sends a clear signal about the government’s commitment to new renewable energy,” Paul Norris, President of the Ontario Waterpower Association said. “I am confident that waterpower will play an increasingly significant role in meeting the province’s targets.”
The government’s RFP calls for wind, water, solar, biomass and landfill gas projects in Ontario that have a capacity of 20 megawatts or more. Proponents have until August to submit their proposals. It is expected that successful projects will be announced as early as this Fall.
“We’re creating a new and exciting industry in Ontario,” Duncan said. “Expanding our share of renewable energy will not only clean up our air, it will mean more jobs, more opportunities, more innovation and more economic growth across the province.”
Minister Duncan also announced today that in June the government will issue an additional RFP for up to 200 megawatts of power from small and medium-sized renewable energy projects under 20 megawatts. This RFP will be coordinated with the Ministry of Natural Resources’ efforts to make Crown sites available for waterpower development.
The government is also exploring a strategy to encourage very small community and agriculture-based renewable energy projects. The Ministry of Energy is consulting widely on the options available and expects to make an announcement later this year.
“Ontario has enormous potential for clean and efficient electricity generation,” Duncan said. “Our government will continue to remove barriers and implement new ideas as we move vigourously to seek and encourage more clean, green energy in Ontario.”
The government will formally release this RFP on Friday, April 22. More information can be found by visiting www.ontarioelectricityrfp.ca.
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