Ontario to Secure 5,000 MW in Largest Energy Procurement Ever

The Ontario government has announced its largest-ever competitive energy procurement, aiming to ensure long-term affordability as electricity demand is projected to rise by 60% by 2050. This initiative, part of the Second Long-Term Procurement (LT2), seeks to secure up to 5,000 megawatts (MW) of energy from diverse sources including nuclear, renewables, natural gas, and biomass.

Key measures include incentivizing energy projects in northern Ontario, prohibiting solar projects in prime agricultural areas, and requiring municipal support for new developments. The procurement also includes incentives for Indigenous-led projects and unlocks Crown Lands for renewable energy.

Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification, stated, "With energy demand growing rapidly, our government is stepping up by advancing our largest energy procurement in history."

Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness, emphasized the protection of farmland, adding that agricultural assessments and restrictions on projects in specialty crop areas are part of the strategy.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has been tasked with delivering a procurement framework by September 2024, with a completion target of February 2026.

This procurement will build on Ontario's recent success, including the securing of 3,000 MW of new battery storage projects, and support the province's continued push for clean and reliable energy.

Source: news.ontario.ca