Moving Clean Energy Projects Forward

 
Moving Clean Energy Projects Forward
 
 
 

August 2, 2011 10:45 AM

McGuinty Government Providing More Stability, Creating Clean Energy Jobs

Ontario is making it easier for energy developers and manufacturers to do business in the province. This is part of ongoing efforts to help provide stability and create jobs in Ontario's clean energy sector while protecting the health and safety of Ontarians and the environment. Changes include:

  • A new stage in the development of renewable energy projects that will provide greater stability to developers and manufacturers, helping to create jobs in Ontario:

    • Developers who are able to demonstrate a completed Domestic Content Plan and a manufacturing equipment agreement will now be able to request a waiver of the Ontario Power Authority's termination rights. Projects will still be required to submit a financing plan, connection impact assessment and obtain all regulatory approvals before proceeding to the construction stage.

  • Improvements to the Renewable Energy Approvals (REA) process that will provide greater certainty for developers, while continuing Ontario's rigorous protection of the environment and human health.
  • Based on recent consultations, the Ministry of Finance has proposed new rules to provide greater clarity and stability to the property tax assessment of renewable energy projects.

These changes will further advance Ontario as the leading destination for clean energy investment. Ontario's clean energy sector has already created 20,000 jobs to date and is on track to create 50,000 jobs by the end of 2012.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • More than 2,000 mid-size and large-scale Feed-in Tariff projects have been awarded contracts, representing enough electricity each year to power more than 1.1 million homes.
  • Since 2009, more than 30 businesses have announced they are setting up or expanding plants in Ontario to manufacture parts for the solar and wind industries.
  • Ontario leads Canada in photovoltaic solar capacity and is currently home to the world's largest operational solar photovoltaic farm located in Sarnia.
  • In 2003, Ontario had only 10 wind turbines. Today, the province has more than 900 wind turbines and is home to Canada's four largest wind farms.

CONTACTS

  • For media inquiries call:
    Andrew Block, Minister's Office
    416-327-6747
    andrew.block@nullontario.ca
  • For media inquiries call:
    Paul Gerard, Communications Branch
    416-327-7226
    paul.gerard@nullontario.ca
  • For public inquiries call:
    1-888-668-4636
    nullTTY: 1-800-239-4224



Ministry of Energy
ontario.ca/energy


 

"These changes will give companies who have invested in this province more stability in planning and dealing with manufacturers, ensuring we remain competitive in North America's emerging clean energy economy. It will also help protect good jobs for Ontario families as we build a cleaner electricity system."

 – Brad Duguid
Minister of Energy

"Ontario is a leader in the green economy and takes great pride in working closely with the renewable energy generation sector. Our property tax system will continue to maintain a sustainable and competitive environment for renewable energy production, while also creating and protecting jobs."

 – Dwight Duncan
Minister of Finance

"Our approvals process ensures that all projects meet our stringent requirements to protect human health and the environment. These new guideline documents will provide developers with the tools they need to navigate the approvals process for renewable energy projects, encouraging new investment in renewable energy sources and helping create well-paying clean energy jobs."

 – John Wilkinson
Minister of the Environment

 
 
 
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