SAULT STE. Mar, ON, Dec. 7, 2007 -- Canada NewsWire

Sault Ste Marie is poised to become home to one of Ontario's largest solar farms, thanks to the latest contracts signed under the province's Standard Offer Program.

Already a significant solar project comprised of two 10 MW phases when announced in September, plans for the Sault project now include six phases that would contribute 60 megawatts to Ontario's electricity grid - that's enough electricity to supply 9,000 homes. This latest project represents a potential $360 million investment and an important addition to the economy of Sault Ste Marie.

It will join a 60 MW project planned in Sarnia as one of the largest solar power generating stations planned in Canada.

"It's exciting to see how Standard Offer is opening up new opportunities in communities across Ontario as well as ensuring cleaner sources of power for Ontario," said Sandra Pupatello, who made the announcement on behalf of Energy Minister Gerry Phillips.

"Renewable energy is an exciting new opportunity for Sault Ste Marie. Not only are we home to Canada's largest wind installation with the Prince wind farm, we are now also working on becoming a solar capital," said David Orazietti, MPP for Sault Ste Marie.

Sault Ste Marie's new solar farm is one of a series of significant energy projects that is resulting in sizable economic investments:

The Ontario Power Authority reports that 228 renewable energy projects had been awarded contracts under the Standard Offer Program as of November 30, 2007. Taken together with today's announcement, those projects have the potential to generate 882 megawatts of renewable energy.

For further information on the Standard Offer Program and tips on how to become a small generator, visit www.powerauthority.on.ca/sop .

SOURCE: Ontario Ministry of Energy

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