Competition begins for 500 megawatts of renewable projects

The final contract rules have been set for a competition to award new contracts for projects larger than 10 megawatts (MW). For instance, a 10-megawatt wind facility can power more than 2,600 Ontario homes for a year. This bidding will mark the first phase of a Renewable Energy Supply (RES) procurement process, one that is intended to combat climate change by adding 2,000 MW of new green power to Ontario's electricity supply.

The projects are a key step in the province's goal to double the amount of renewable energy supply by 2025 and will emit almost zero greenhouse gas emissions per megawatt hour compared to about 1,000 kilograms per megawatt hour currently emitted by coal-fired plants.

The 500-megawatt RES III Request For Proposals (RFP) process is designed to be highly competitive and bring renewable capacity to the province in areas where it is most needed. Proposals will be evaluated for technical capability, financial strength, previous experience, management skills and a variety of other criteria to ensure the successful bidders will complete their projects on time and on budget. A fairness advisor will monitor the process.

The Ontario Power Authority – the province's energy planner – will process and evaluate the bids. The deadline for bids is Oct. 28, 2008 and the successful projects are expected to be announced in December, 2008.

"These projects will not only increase Ontario's supply of clean, sustainable energy sources, they will help boost local economies and create jobs," said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

"This announcement kick starts the process to which we anticipate a strong response," said Robert Hornung, President of the Canadian Wind Energy Association. "The wind energy industry is ready to answer the call to provide Ontarians with an infinite source of emissions-free energy for generations to come."