Ontario procuring 300 MW of wind energy under new competitive process

OTTAWA, March 11, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) applauds the Independent Electricity System Operator's (IESO) launch of a 565 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 GW of non-hydro renewable energy capacity by 2021 and reflects 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."

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 that will ensure Ontario will continue to attract investment and build public support for quality and cost-competitive wind energy projects.

Ontario is Canada's leader in clean wind energy with more than 3,590 MW of installed capacity, supplying over 3.5 per cent 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 Ontario'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.

About the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA)
CanWEA is the voice of Canada's wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada's leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits. Join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and join the conversation at windfacts.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Wind Energy Association

For information and interviews: Lejla Latifovic, Canadian Wind Energy Association, 613-234-8716 ext 241, [email protected]