Just weeks after announcing the approval of multiple wind projects – including the Otter Creek Wind Project north of Wallaceburg – Ontario is launching a second phase of the competitive Large Renewable Procurement (LRP) process.
The province said in a press release issued on Tuesday that they are working with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), and 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.
“Ontario is a North American leader in the development of renewable energy projects,” stated Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy.
“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.”
Ontario officials say 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, provincial officials stated.
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.
More details from the province:
– 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.
