Ontario's energy mix to 2025

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Ontario's Energy Minister, Dwight Duncan, announced that the Government will accept the Ontario Power Authority's (OPA) December 2005 Supply Mix Recommendations to 2025, with minor revisions. Main announcements of the government are: Nuclear Nuclear power will continue to provide about half of the province's power to 2025. This will be achieved by refurbishment of existing units at Pickering and Darlington and the building of new units at an existing nuclear site. Duncan has asked the OPA to recommend sites where environmental assessments should be carried out. Likely candidate sites are Bruce Power (Tiverton) and Darlington. Future use of nuclear power will be limited to today's capacity of 14,000MW. The government goes some way to addressing whether CANDU technology will be used in the new build: "Although the government prefers to use Canadian companies and technology even if decisions will be made based on the best technology offered at the best price". Renewables The government aims to double the amount of electricity drawn from renewables, up to 15,700MW by 2025. Hydroelectric power currently provides about 7500MW, and an additional 1350MW will come from small scale hydro projects. The province also intends to import hydro power from large scale projects in other provinces. Wind is expected to provide 5000MW and solar power and biomass are expected to increase from negligible levels today to 40MW and 500MW respectively in 2025. Coal In 2003, the Provincial Liberal Government's election campaign included a promise to close coal power plants by 2007. But, Duncan confirmed that to meet Ontario's electricity demands, coal plants would need to remain open beyond 2009. The government has asked the OPA to recommend cost effective measures to reduce emissions from coal plants. Gas Despite rapidly increasing prices, the proportion of electricity produced in gas fired power plants will remain fairly static (7% today to 6% in 2025). Gas will be used to meet peak demands or locally where no alternatives are available. Conservation The Ontario government expects to make savings of 6,300MW by 2025 through conservation. This is the double the amount projected as achievable by the OPA. Smart meters and variable pricing are expected to encourage conservation, there are extensive pilot projects in place, and by 2010 every home and business in Ontario is expected to have smart meters installed.

 

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