Through the IESO’s Large Renewable Procurement Program, Ontario ratepayers can secure emissions-free, wind-generated power produced at the best possible price.
The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) is pleased to note that the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) latest request for proposals (RFP) for the production of up to 300 MW of wind energy confirms the cost-competitiveness of Ontario’s wind energy industry.
As announced, the IESO has selected five wind energy projects totaling 299.5 MW at an average price of 8.59 cents/kWh as part of its latest RFP through its Large Renewable Procurement (LRP) Program. Ontario ratepayers are reaping the benefits of this competitive process, which secures emissions-free wind-generated electricity produced at the best possible price.
Ontario’s LRP RFP is part of a thorough analysis process that guarantees a high level of competition for renewable energy procurement while striking a balance with early community engagement. In total, 25 projects representing 2,026.8 MW of wind energy were submitted to the IESO as part of a call for tenders under the program.
“CanWEA was pleased to see such a large response to Ontario’s LRP RFP from wind energy developers,” says CanWEA president Robert Hornung. “The extent of the response to the RFP is indicative of a mature wind energy industry in Ontario that is capable of vastly expanding the level of affordable and zero-emission electricity generation it can provide for Ontarians.”
Wind energy has an important role to play in the next Long-Term Energy Plan, which Ontario is presently working on, as well as its Climate Change Strategy, which outlines a plan for achieving greenhouse gas emissions reductions of 80% over 1990 levels by 2050 while supporting a high-productivity low carbon economy and society.
“The transition to an economy based on low carbon power sources requires a significant reliance on clean, renewable energy like wind energy,” adds Hornung. “The results of this latest RFP represent another example of Ontario showing leadership in the transformation to a future where carbon-free and affordable power production is available to drive down emissions across other key sectors of the economy like buildings, industry and transportation.”
“Today’s announcement reflects an understanding that there is a will and a need to cost-effectively and reliably integrate more clean, renewable energy, like wind energy, into the electricity grid,” says Brandy Giannetta, CanWEA’s regional director in Ontario. “The wind energy industry looks forward to working collaboratively with the Ontario government, system operators and host communities as we move forward with the projects announced today.”
CanWEA
www.canwea.ca | www.windfacts.ca
Filed Under: Policy
