Although nuclear power continues to dominate Ontario's energy supply, wind energy is increasing its share of the province's power mix.
According to recent data from Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator, wind energy has grown to become a mainstream resource in the province. In 2012, wind power production increased from 3.9 TWh to 4.6 TWh in Ontario. On a percentage basis, wind generation represented 3% of total energy output – up from 2.6% in 2011.
Notably, wind energy production surpassed coal-plant output in 2012, reflecting the province's move away from coal and toward clean energy sources. Last week, the Ontario government announced that it will retire its remaining coal-fired power plants by the end of next year.
In 2012, nuclear output showed a modest increase to 85.6 TWh, up from 85.3 TWh in 2011 and representing 56.4% of total generation; output from hydroelectric and natural-gas facilities was essentially unchanged from 2011, coming in at 33.8 TWh and 22.2 TWh, respectively; and Ontario's coal-fired units accounted for less than 3% of production.
