IESO releases list of proposed renewable energy projects

Ontario Large Renewable Procurement (LRP) invites competitive IESO bids for renewable energy projects over 500 kW, targeting wind, solar, bioenergy, and waterpower, with community engagement, Aboriginal participation, and clear contracting to build a cleaner grid.

Ottawa, ON - The Independent Electricity System Operator, or IESO, has released the list of renewable energy projects proposed by the companies that were qualified to participate in the Large Renewable Procurement, or LRP. Qualified applicants are only allowed to submit proposals for these projects that were identified through the registration process that ended in early August.

The LRP is a competitive process for procuring renewable energy projects larger than 500 kilowatts. It is also an important component of Ontario's ongoing commitment to clean energy and to building a cleaner and more sustainable energy system. Targets for this procurement include up to 300 megawatts MW of wind, 140 MW of solar, 50 MW of bio-energy and 75 MW of waterpower.

This procurement process has been designed to bring in competitive offers for new renewable generation projects while also ensuring there is community engagement in areas where projects may be located. Preference will also be given to projects that demonstrate additional community support and participation from Aboriginal communities.

"At this stage, community members should be aware that a project has been proposed for their area because the applicants are required to engage with communities," says JoAnne Butler, Vice-President of Market and Resource Development for the IESO, highlighting early engagement. "This was a key element we learned from stakeholders through our consultation on the process. Those applicants who have done this well and can show community support have a much better chance of getting a contract."

During an earlier stage of the procurement, 42 applicants were qualified to participate in the LRP process, a pathway similar to other requests for proposals used in the sector, based on their ability to meet a set of mandatory requirements focused on past development experience and financial capability.

All final proposals were due on September 1. The IESO will evaluate the proposals received and expects to offer contracts to successful proponents by the end of the year. Successful proponents will then have to obtain all required licenses and approvals, such as a renewable energy approval or completing an environmental assessment.

More information about LRP can be found online at: http://www.ieso.ca/Pages/Participate/Generation-Procurement/Large-Renewable-Procurement.

Click here for the list of applicants: http://www.ieso.ca/Documents/generation-procurement/lrp/LRP-I-RFQ-Qualified-Applicant-List-r4.pdf

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