Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has launched a 565 MW renewable energy request for proposals (RFP), approved by Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA).
This will include the launch of 300 MW of wind energy also.
This is the first of three RFPs under IESO’s Large Renewable Procurement (LRP) competitive process.
CanWEA has played a major role in the LRP consultation process, ensuring the successful completion of this process for further wind energy project investments in Ontario.
The project supports Ontario’s targeted goal of 10.7 GW of non-hydro renewable energy capacity by 2021.
Ontario is Canada’s leader in clean wind energy with more than 3,590 MW of installed capacity, supplying over 3.5 per cent of the province’s electricity demand.
However, Ontario has the most expensive electricity in North America leading to over-priced wind power.
Ontario pays 11-13.5 cents per kwh for wind power and the average price in the U.S. is 7 cents. The average price for Ontario nuclear, water and gas is 7 cents.
New wind energy developments will help create and maintain an increasingly diverse, made-in-Ontario, supply and value chain that will encourage new investments and create competitive advantages for Ontario’s green energy economy.
In recent years, the Ontario Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Program has attracted global investors, facilitating investment and job creation that has made Ontario a leader in renewable energy development.
CanWEA looks forward to the results of this process and future opportunities to ensure that Ontario meets and builds on its initial renewable energy targets.
CanWEA represents Canada’s wind energy industry, promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy on behalf of its more than 420 members.
A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada’s leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits.
Sabeena Wahid
[email protected]