Ontario is moving ahead with a new wave of renewable energy, securing more than 1,300 megawatts from 14 wind and solar projects set to come online by 2030. This marks a notable shift after the provincial government previously cancelled renewable contracts nearly a decade ago. The projects, most of them solar, are part of a larger procurement plan aiming to deliver 7,500 megawatts, the biggest in Ontario’s history. All projects include significant Indigenous partnerships, and three major developments will each generate 200 megawatts.
The expansion reflects a broader national trend, with billions being invested in renewable energy as demand grows. Analysts say falling costs have made wind and solar increasingly competitive with fossil fuels, strengthening the case for continued investment. Government officials emphasized strong competition among bidders and framed renewables as one component of a diverse energy mix that also includes nuclear, hydro, and natural gas.
However, critics argue the announcement should be viewed cautiously. While the new contracts are a positive step, they say Ontario’s overall energy strategy still leans heavily on natural gas and nuclear power. Concerns remain that future procurement rounds could favour fossil fuels, and projections show emissions may rise in the near term before declining after 2030, even as the province plans to significantly expand nuclear energy by 2050.
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