Request For Up To 200 Megawatts Of Renewable Energy Targets Small And Medium-Sized Projects

TORONTO, July 12 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is adding more clean, green power to Ontario's electricity supply mix through the release of a third Request for Proposals (RFP) for new renewable energy.

The government is seeking up to 200 megawatts of power from small and medium-sized renewable energy projects under 20 megawatts, including wind, water, solar, biomass and landfill gas - enough to power 40,000 homes.

"In addition to providing cleaner energy and cleaner air, this latest call for proposals for renewable energy is expected to attract nearly $400 million in new investment and new jobs to Ontario," said Dwight Duncan, Minister of Energy. "It will also help our government meet or exceed our target of generating five per cent of Ontario's power from new renewable energy sources by 2007, as we move aggressively to replace coal-fired generation with cleaner sources of energy."

This is the McGuinty government's third RFP for renewable power. In November 2004, the government announced 10 new renewable energy projects that will provide Ontario with 395 megawatts of clean power. In April 2005, the government released a second RFP for up to 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy from projects over 20 megawatts. Combined, the government's three RFPs for renewable power are expected to bring up to 1,600 megawatts of new renewable power and almost $2.5 billion in new investment to Ontario. This could exceed the government's five per cent target (1,350 megawatts) for renewable energy by 20 per cent.

The government's RFP will be coordinated with the Ministry of Natural Resources' efforts to make Crown land available for waterpower and wind development. Proponents have until December to submit their proposals. It is expected that successful projects will be announced in the spring of 2006.

"Our government is continuing to remove barriers to cleaner energy and conservation as we clean up our air and clean up the way we generate electricity," said Minister Duncan. "We want to ensure that small and medium- sized renewable energy projects have a chance to compete as we continue to bring on cleaner sources of energy."

Information on the RFP can be found by visiting www.ontarioelectricityrfp.ca.

Disponible en franEcais. www.energy.gov.on.ca