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I was just reading a news release from the Ontario Power Authority about six new wind energy projects and the benefits these projects will bring to the province. Wind energy generation is one of the green energy solutions to our hydro needs both present and future. These projects take a few years to build but remain in place for at least twenty years. BC Hydro should take a lesson from the Ontario Power Authority and not reduce their power calls but increase them so we in British Columbia can also reap the benefits of green power.
New Green Energy Projects Generate More Green Jobs
Ontario Power Authority
Toronto, Jan. 23, 2009 – The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has awarded long-term contracts for six green energy projects. These projects will help create about 2,200 jobs and power a cleaner, greener, energy future for all Ontarians.
The six new wind power projects – three to be located in Chatham-Kent and one each in Essex, Prince Edward County and Thunder Bay – will provide enough electricity for more than 120,000 homes.
“This is a major green economic initiative, one which will benefit all of Ontario,” said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. “We are determined to maximize the development of the province’s green energy sources so we can not only clean up our air, but kick start our economy, bringing new jobs and fresh sources of revenue to local communities.”
Local economic benefits from the projects include:
• About 1,132 direct jobs
o Southern Ontario (Chatham-Kent and Essex): up to 716 jobs
o North-Western Ontario: 308 jobs
o South Eastern Ontario: 108 jobs
• About 1,090 indirect jobs ( in the manufacturing of building materials and provision of services such as engineering design, legal, accounting and real estate)
• About $3 million in annual lease payments to hundreds of landowners who host wind turbines
• About $1 million in municipal tax revenues each year
Awarded through the Renewable Energy Supply III (RES III) program, the six contracts will create 492.1 megawatts (MW) of new renewable generation. The bidding process was triggered by a government directive to the OPA to secure 500 MW of green energy supply. The projects’ combined $1.32 billion in capital costs will be financed privately.
“The strength of the chosen projects shows that Ontario is an attractive place to invest and the province is well on its way to maximizing its potential for green, renewable power,” said JoAnne Butler, OPA’s Vice President of Electricity Resources.
Ontario is Canada’s leader in wind power. In fact, Ontario’s supply of wind power has nearly doubled in the past year alone. Projects already in operation from previous government-directed procurements include Canada’s two largest wind farms, the Melancthon EcoPower Centre near Shelburne and the Prince Wind Farm near Sault Ste. Marie.
These major green energy projects will help the province achieve its commitment to eliminate dirty, coal-fired generation by 2014 and to maximize the development of renewable energy. The new power sources will emit almost zero greenhouse gases per megawatt hour compared to the almost 1,000 kilograms per megawatt hour currently emitted by coal-fired plants.
The six projects are expected to be in service by the end of 2012. The contracts are for a 20-year term.
The OPA is responsible for ensuring a reliable, sustainable supply of electricity for Ontario. Its four key areas of focus are: Planning the power system for the long term; leading and co-ordinating conservation initiatives across the province; ensuring development of needed generation resources and supporting the continued evolution of the electricity sector.
Ontario Power Authority at http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/
About CanWEA
The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) and its members advocate the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy throughout Canada. For more information on wind energy development in Canada visit: www.canwea.ca