One step closer to renewable energy

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has plans to lift a controversial ban on the development of offshore wind energy projects in the Great Lakes. The moratorium was instituted late in 2006 to allow the government time to study the potential impact of water-based wind farms on bats, butterflies, aquatic animals and migrating birds. A ministry official confirmed that the department is “getting ready” to make an announcement.

Given that the Ministry of Energy directed the Ontario Power Authority to procure another 2000 megawatts of renewable power last summer, offshore wind energy in the Great Lakes offers significant opportunities. According to a study by Helimax Energy Inc., the lakes’ typically strong and consistent winds could generate up to 47,000 megawatts of clean electricity – nearly double Ontario’s existing power capacity.

Wind energy is renewable, clean, infinitely sustainable and reduces greenhouse gas emissions when it displaces fossil-fuel-derived electricity. Offshore wind farms may offset their higher construction cost with higher annual load factors, thereby reducing cost of energy produced.

Toronto Hydro has considered an offshore wind farm with as many as 30 turbines in Lake Ontario near the Scarborough Bluffs. A more ambitious project by Trillium Power Energy Corporation would see 142 turbines erected about 15 kilometres offshore from Prince Edward County. The Trillium wind farm would have a capacity of 710 megawatts, enough to generate enough electricity for more than 200,000 homes.

Wind energy is a major part of the McGuinty government’s plan to double the amount of electricity that comes from renewable resources by 2025.

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