The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for announcing plans to procure 5,000 MW of new wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy.
Toronto, December 13, 2023—CanREA applauds Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for announcing its first major renewables procurement since March, 2016.
On December 11, the IESO provided a resource adequacy update to Ontario’s Minister of Energy, entitled “Evaluating Procurement Options for Supply Adequacy,” and announced it is making plans to procure a total of 5,000 MW of new energy-producing resources (wind, hydro, biomass and solar).
“This announcement provides a clear signal to our members that Ontario is ready for new renewable projects, said Eric Muller, CanREA’s Director for Ontario. “This procurement will be a significant opportunity for our members to develop low-cost wind, solar and energy storage in Ontario to meet the province’s growing needs.”
CanREA has consistently advocated with the Ministry of Energy and the IESO for clear and timely procurement targets and longer-term procurement certainty for the market. This is now being addressed by the IESO’s five-year (2024-2028), cadenced approach for upcoming procurements, including 2,000 MW of new non-emitting electricity generation by 2030 as part of the “Long-Term 2 Request for Proposals” (LT2 RFP), as well as 1,500 MW for 2032 and an additional 1,500 MW for 2034.
The IESO notes that these procurements will complement the energy-storage projects currently in operation or being developed, which could represent as much as 3,000 MW on the grid by 2028.
“Provinces across the country are investing in renewable energy and energy storage projects—Ontario will now be investing in both,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “Ontario ratepayers will be well served with this additional, affordable, clean renewable energy on the grid.”
While this announcement is an encouraging signal, there are still many challenges to address before actually getting this new clean energy connected to Ontario’s grid. CanREA will continue advocating for clear processes for Crown land access with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), for clear permitting requirements in support of upcoming energy procurements with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), and for transmission expansion, particularly as it pertains to northern development, with the Ministry of Energy (MoE).
“On behalf of our members, CanREA is committed to working collaboratively with the government, the IESO and key decision-makers to address these challenges constructively,” said Muller. “There is a lot more to do in Ontario, and we are looking forward to getting it done.”
Quotes
“This announcement provides a clear signal to our members that Ontario is ready for new renewable projects. This procurement will be a significant opportunity for our members to develop low-cost wind, solar and energy storage in Ontario to meet the province’s growing needs.”
—Eric Muller, Ontario Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“Provinces across the country are investing in renewable energy and energy storage projects—Ontario will now be investing in both. Ontario ratepayers will be well served with this additional, affordable, clean renewable energy on the grid.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“On behalf of our members, CanREA is committed to working collaboratively with the government, the IESO and key decision-makers to address these challenges constructively. There is a lot more to do in Ontario, and we are looking forward to getting it done.”
—Eric Muller, Ontario Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
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Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
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About CanREA
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
