All provinces in the province of Ontario are working to meet the growing electricity demand from pollution-free sources. This includes electricity generation from new renewable sources. So they are not yet ready to commit to getting out of fossil fuels.
Energy Minister Todd Smith on Monday announced the 2030 to 2050 grid readiness. The Independent Electricity System Operator projects Ontario’s electricity demand will double by the middle of this century. Keeping this in mind, new wind, solar and hydropower are being considered as next steps.
In Windsor, Ontario, the Minister of Water Resources said, “We don’t have to start building these power plants today.” But those involved in the water sector need to plan now, so that we have new and pollution-free projects ready when needed.
Two nuclear power plants were announced last week as part of the strategy. One of these is new and the other is the massive Bruce Nuclear Power Plant on the shores of Lake Huron. In addition, three new small-scale modular reactors were announced at the Darlington Nuclear Power Plant east of Toronto.
Energy Minister Smith said the projects are enough to power 6 million homes. Along with that, the projects will also play a role in reducing the dependence of Ontarians on natural gas in power generation. Besides, they will help stop the use of natural gas in power generation by 2050. Today’s report on Powering Ontario’s Growth Plan will go a long way toward achieving the goal of a 100 percent clean grid.
