Ontario government changes course, opens massive energy procurement to natural gas

 

The Ford government is launching another massive energy procurement process — but Wednesday’s announcement included a key change from a past promise. 

The province will include natural gas facilities in the list of sought-after energy generation technologies. Former energy minister Todd Smith, who left politics two weeks ago, previously said it would only be open to non-emitting resources like wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear. 

Earlier this year, the province concluded the first round of long-term procurement, which eyed 4,000 megawatts of energy — enough to power about four million homes — from facilities that could come online between 2026 and 2028. 

Altogether, the first round netted the province about 2,700 megawatts from battery storage, 700 megawatts from natural gas and biomass plants, and about 300 from upgrading existing facilities. 

The province didn’t need the 4,000 megawatts but set it as a target to ensure it didn’t fall short. 

Wednesday’s announcement is after 2,000 megawatts from facilities that could start producing power in the early 2030s. 

Minister of Energy, Stephen Lecce also ensured municipalities will still be “in the driver’s seat” because they have to pass a “support resolution” before any project goes forward. 

“That means that new generation capacity will only be built if a municipality is comfortable. Period,” said Agriculture Minister Rob Flack. 

The Tories put the policy in place after the previous Liberal government faced backlash when trying to expand wind power in parts of the province. 

https://www.miltontoday.ca/local-news/ford-government-changes-course-opens-massive-energy-procurement-to-natural-gas-9450136