Ontario on track for coal-free power

TORONTO, ONTARIO - According to a recent report from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the Canadian province of Ontario is well positioned for the entire phase-out of coal-fired generation by the end of 2014. Replacement capacity is either on-line or on schedule.

Replacing coal fired power generation in Ontario will represent the single largest greenhouse gas reduction initiative in North America according to IESO – the equivalent to taking almost seven million cars off the roads.

10,000 MW of new generation or demand management is in service or planned, comprising of refurbishment of nuclear power facilities, additional natural gas generation, energy production efficiency initiatives and over 1,400 MW of renewable generation – mostly through wind energy, solar power and biomass projects – to be in place by 2011.

Ontario now leads Canada in wind power capacity, with over 700 megawatts of installed wind turbines, and more on the way. Between January and November 2008, over 1 terawatt hours of wind driven electricity was generated. The province is aiming to have over a gigawatt of wind power capacity up and running by the end of this year.

The intermittent nature of wind power makes it difficult to forecast generation in Ontario with certainty. For example, wind output on December 2, 2008 rose to 617 MW. By contrast, wind production reached a low of just 2 MW on July 19, 2008, a hot and windless day.

An IESO snapshot of fuels used to meet electricity demand on January 6 – 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Ontario show the following:

Nuclear: 10047 MW

Hydro: 5522 MW

Gas: 2273 MW

Coal: 2940 MW

Wind: 357 MW

Other: 153 MW

In the above figures, only 13.8% of Ontario's power was derived from coal-fired generation. According to the Australian Coal Association, black and brown coal accounts for over 85 per cent of AustraliaÂ’s electric power.

Related News

alberta-rising-electricity-prices

Alberta's Rising Electricity Prices

CALGARY - Alberta’s electricity market is facing growing instability, with rising prices leaving many consumers struggling. The province's "last resort" rate, a government-set price for people who haven’t chosen a fixed electricity plan, has become a significant concern. Due to volatile market conditions, this rate has surged, causing financial strain for households. Experts, like energy policy analyst Blake Shaffer, argue that the current market structure needs reform. They suggest creating more stability in pricing, ensuring better protection for consumers against unexpected price spikes, and addressing the flaws that lead to market volatility.

As electricity prices climb, many consumers are feeling…

READ MORE
starting-texas-schools-after-labor-day

Starting Texas Schools After Labor Day: Power Grid and Cost Benefits?

READ MORE

ontario electricity

COVID-19 pandemic zaps electricity usage in Ontario as people stay home

READ MORE

substation attack

Neo-Nazi, woman accused of plotting 'hate-fueled attacks' on power stations, federal complaint says

READ MORE

work from home

Residential electricity use -- and bills -- on the rise thanks to more working from home

READ MORE