Community opposition rampant, municipalities demand more power in planning decisions, and Ontario has a surplus of power, but Wynne government opens bids for more intermittent, expensive wind power
Ontario Newsroom, April 5, 2016
Ontario Launching New Competition for Renewable Energy Projects
April 5, 2016 12:30 P.M.
Ministry of Energy
Ontario is continuing to secure a clean energy future by launching a second phase of the competitive Large Renewable Procurement (LRP) process.
Working with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), a Request for Qualifications process will be issued by August 1, 2016 for 930 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy from solar photovoltaic, wind, hydroelectric and bioenergy sources, following engagement with stakeholders, municipalities and Indigenous communities.
The province will continue to ensure renewable energy procurement encourages the selection of projects with local support and competitive prices, as well as projects with First Nation and Métis participation. Based on the results of the first phase of the LRP (LRP I), it is expected that $3.3 billion in LRP costs will be removed relative to the 2013 Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP) forecast, saving the typical residential electricity consumer an average of $1.67 per month on their electricity bill over the forecast period.
The next phase of the Large Renewable Procurement (LRP II) will ensure Ontario remains a global leader in clean energy development. Since 2003, Ontario’s clean energy initiatives have attracted billions of dollars in private sector investment and it is estimated that they have generated over 42,000 jobs in the clean technology sector. There are more than 30 solar and wind manufacturers operating in communities across the province.
Building a safe, clean, reliable and affordable energy system is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
Quick Facts
- The Large Renewable Procurement (LRP), which replaced the large Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program, covers renewable energy projects generally larger than 500 kilowatts (kW) and was designed to strike a balance between community engagement and achieving value for ratepayers.
- In March 2016, the IESO offered contracts to 16 successful LRP proponents, for a total of almost 455 MW of renewable energy capacity. Of the 16 projects that received contracts, 75 per cent received support from local municipalities.
- For LRP Phase II, Ontario has set targets of up to 600 MW of wind, up to 250 MW of solar photovoltaic, up to 50 MW of hydroelectricity and up to 30 MW of bioenergy.
- The IESO engagement process will include surveys, webinars and meetings with industry associations, municipal associations and Indigenous communities. Further engagement opportunities will take place during the LRP II RFQ and RFP phases.
- Background Information
- Support For Ontario Launching New Competition for Renewable Energy Projects
- Additional Resources
- Results of Large Renewable Procurement I
- Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan“Ontario is a North American leader in the development of renewable energy projects. By putting emphasis on price and community support, the next phase of renewable energy procurement will save consumers money by putting further downward pressure on electricity prices.”Minister of Energy
4 Comments
Barbara
Forbes, March 29, 2016
‘the Myth Of Wind and Solar Capacity’
“But in energy, ‘capacity’ is actually a technical term meaning the maximum
momentary ability to produce electricity not the constant, long-term ability to produce electricity, which is what matters to human life.”
Their reliable capacity: ZERO
http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexepstein/2016/03/29/the-myth-of-wind-and-solar-capacity/#54829d4f18dc
Seems that many can’t distinguish between capacity and reliable capacity.
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Bert
Buying what you have surplus of already is a stupid waste of ( rate and taxpayers ) money.
Every wind project is costing Ontarians more money. Liberals are subsidizing cheap electricity for the US.
Pat Cusack
Very depressing.
Sommer
News of this sort can work to propel people toward highly intelligent and effective strategies. Direct your anger from this absolutely ridiculous announcement. It flies in the face of opposition from so many well understood and well articulated angles of this mismanagement of the energy portfolio in Ontario.
There’s no time for depression or despair. Keep the momentum high!
We need to work together like never before.