Today, nearly 75% of Ontario's electricity comes from aging nuclear-, coal-, oil-, and gas-based generation facilities. However, a major shift toward renewable energy is under way. The Ontario Power Authority has committed to doubling its supply of clean energy by 2025—a goal that will have a major positive impact on both the environment and the local economy.
Helping the province to meet the province’s ambitious goals, Recurrent Energy is working to bring clean solar power to multiple sites and communities throughout Ontario. In total, the Ontario Power Authority awarded Recurrent Energy 180 MW of ground-mount solar projects at various locations in southern and central Ontario. The 19 projects included in the award are scheduled to be completed in 2011 and early 2012.
The environmental and economic benefits of the projects are significant. Together, Recurrent Energy's Ontario solar farms are expected to generate more than 210 million kWh of electricity in their first year of operation—enough to power roughly 21,000 homes and prevent the emission of roughly 47,000 metric tons of carbon. A minimum of 60% of the materials for the projects will be made or sourced in Ontario, providing an important boost to the local economy. An estimated 2,500 jobs will be created across multiple sectors, including local manufacturing, engineering, construction, and related services.
For more information on Recurrent Energy's Ontario projects, please visit www.ontariosolarfuture.ca.
Reuters — “Recurrent Energy Secures Deal with Ontario Utility”
San Francisco Business Times — “Recurrent Lands Big Canadian Solar Contract”
The New York Times — “Ontario Issues $8 Billion in Renewable Energy Contracts”
“These projects are the latest accomplishments of the Green Energy Act which is making Ontario a place of destination for green energy development, manufacturing, and expertise. The investments generated by FIT will not only create green jobs, but will also build a coal-free legacy for future generations.”
Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, speaking about the success of Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT) program