Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: Ontario

  • IESO signs 20-year contracts for 14 renewable energy projects

    Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has signed 20-year agreements for 14 renewable energy projects, including 12 solar projects and two wind projects, to introduce over three terawatt-hours of electricity annually by the early 2030s. The contracts were awarded through competitive bidding, resulting in a 21% cost reduction compared to previous large-scale renewable contracts. Indigenous communities have at least 50% equity ownership in each project, and projects located within municipalities have received Municipal Support Confirmations. The projects, including solar and wind installations, aim to meet growing energy demands in Ontario and mark the first extensive undertaking for large-scale renewable developments in the country in over ten years.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/ieso-20-year-contracts-14-renewable-projects/

  • Ontario backs 12 solar projects totaling 915 MW

    Ontario has approved 12 solar projects and 2 wind projects, totaling over 1.3 GW of capacity and adding 3 TWh of new annual capacity to the grid. These projects, with at least 50% Indigenous equity ownership, will power over 350,000 homes and are awarded 20-year agreements. The procurement exercise highlights the readiness of renewable energy to meet rapid growth challenges, with solar capacity in Canada expected to reach 21 GW by the mid-2020s. Commercial operations for these projects are set to begin by May 2030.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/10/ontario-backs-12-solar-projects-totaling-915-mw/

  • Solar sheep grazing delivers margins up to 40% in new study

    Agrivoltaic sheep grazing models in Ontario have been found to outperform traditional farming, offering higher margins and dual revenue streams from livestock and solar site services. The co-location of sheep grazing and solar PV arrays, known as agrivoltaics, provides a robust solution to the tightening profit margins of modern agriculture. Research by Western University indicates that these integrated business models offer a hedge against market volatility, with performance metrics consistently exceeding the broader agricultural industry's average EBITDA margin. The study explores two operational strategies – a year-round "Breeding Model" and a seasonal "Auction Model" – both of which show high financial stability and return on investment. The dual-revenue nature of the business, vegetation management fees from solar asset owners, and the technical superiority of sheep for vegetation control under solar panels contribute to the economic and environmental benefits of agrivoltaic systems. This approach could also help address trade imbalances in the meat industry, boost the rural economy by $170 million, create specialized agricultural jobs, enhance local food security, and preserve farmland while ensuring the financial resilience of family farms in the long term.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/26/solar-sheep-grazing-delivers-margins-up-to-40-in-new-study/

  • Boralex and SNGRDC commission battery storage facility in Canada

    Boralex and the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation have commissioned the Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park in Ontario, Canada, with 300MW/1.2GWh of capacity using 334 Tesla Megapack 2XL units. The project aims to stabilize the grid, support renewable energy integration, and align with Ontario's electricity system needs for decarbonization. SNGRDC now holds 1GW of battery storage capacity in North America, with additional projects in development, showcasing a significant step towards climate solutions and sustainable energy practices.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/boralex-sngrdc-commission-battery-storage/