The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has submitted its integrated power system plan (IPSP), which emphasizes conservation, renewable energy and transmission upgrades, to the Ontario Energy Board.
Renewable resources that the OPA considers feasible and cost-effective and that do not require upgrades to the transmission network will be procured as soon as possible, the utility says.
The 20-year plan includes a list of transmission network enhancements to facilitate new renewable resources, and accompanying resources will be developed by coordinating with the extensions of the transmission system through enabler lines. The OPA adds that a list of facilities and geographic areas that constitute the currently most attractive renewable resource opportunities is included in the IPSP and will be developed in order of transmission availability.
In the near term (2008 to 2010), the OPA plans to procure up to 10,402 MW of new renewable supply in addition to what is achieved through the utility's standard offer program. Energy Minister Dwight Duncan announced Aug. 27 that Ontario has increased its planned procurement of renewable energy from 2,000 MW to 4,000 MW. (See ‘Ontario Plans To Double Renewable Energy Acquisition.’)
According to the OPA, projected environmental benefits of the IPSP include a 95% reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions, a 50% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, an elimination of mercury emissions and a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
