The IESO launched a 565 MW renewable energy request for proposals, of which 300 MW will be dedicated to wind energy.
The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) applauds the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) launch of a 565-megawatt (MW) renewable energy request for proposals (RFP), of which 300 MW will be dedicated to wind energy. This is the first of three RFPs under IESO’s Large Renewable Procurement (LRP) competitive process that supports Ontario’s targeted goal of 10.7 gigawatts (GW) of non-hydro renewable energy capacity by 2021, reflecting Ontario’s ongoing commitment to build a cleaner and more sustainable electricity system.
“Ontario’s new competitive bidding process has attracted high-quality project applicants who were pre-qualified through the LRP I RFQ process, based on mandatory requirements focused on past development experience and financial capability,” said CanWEA president Robert Hornung. “We are confident that this process will demonstrate wind energy’s cost-competitiveness as a source of new electricity generation in Ontario.”
Wind energy’s cost-competitiveness, economic development potential, environmental sustainability, reliability, and rate base value provide a solid foundation that ensures a strong and growing role for wind energy generation in Ontario’s electricity future.
“An important part of the RFP process will be early and meaningful community engagement,” said Hornung. “Effective community engagement is fundamental to the success of wind energy projects and the wind industry values the right of individuals to have an important role in discussions about developments in their community.”
Ontario’s goal is for 10.7 GW of non-hydro renewable energy capacity by 2021.
CanWEA has played an active role in the LRP consultation process, and is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of this open and competitive procurement process, which will help attract investment and build public support for quality and cost-competitive wind energy projects in the province.
Ontario is Canada’s leader in clean wind energy with more than 3,590 MW of installed capacity, supplying over 3.5% of the province’s electricity demand. New wind energy developments will help create and maintain an increasingly diverse, made-in-Ontario supply and value chain that will encourage new investments and create competitive advantages for the region’s green energy economy.
CanWEA looks forward to the results of this process and future opportunities to ensure that Ontario meets and builds on its initial renewable energy targets.
Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA)
www.canwea.ca | www.windfacts.ca
Filed Under: News, Policy, Projects
