Sault Ste. Marie To Build One Of World's Largest Solar Farms
September 7, 2007 - Ontario's electricity grid will
soon get a boost from two new solar farms capable of delivering 20 megawatts
of renewable electricity, MPP David Orazietti announced today.
"This is an exciting development in Ontario's quest for cleaner power,
and in our efforts to minimize our ecological footprint," said Orazietti, MPP
for Sault Ste Marie, making the announcement on behalf of Energy Minister
Dwight Duncan. "We're building the electricity system Ontarians need and
deserve, and creating a whole new industry here in Sault Ste Marie."
This project will comprise two solar farms and will contribute 20
megawatts to the grid - enough to supply electricity for 3,000 homes. It is
the second-largest solar farm in Canada, after the 40-megawatt project in the
Sarnia area announced earlier this year. The project represents an additional
$120 million investment in the economy of Sault Ste Marie.
The new solar farm is just the latest in a series of energy projects that
are resulting in significant investments in the economy of Sault Ste Marie:
Prince wind farm - Canada's largest wind installation - is a
$400 million investment;
The Algoma Energy Cogeneration facility - a 63MW high efficiency
cogeneration project - is a $135 million investment and is currently
under construction.
Today's announcement brings to 140 the number of projects awarded under
the Standard Offer Program since February. Taken together, these projects will
generate 595 megawatts of renewable energy - enough to power approximately
150,000 homes.
Today's announcement also builds on the McGuinty government's solar power
strategy which includes: Setting a target of installing 100,000 solar roofs across the
province;
Launching "Go Solar" - a one stop information shop for Ontarians
interested in installing solar energy systems to heat water or
generate electricity;
Extending the retail sales tax rebate on qualifying solar equipment,
as well as wind, micro-hydro, and geothermal systems, to January 1,
2010.
For further information on the Standard Offer Program and tips on how to
become a small generator, visit www.powerauthority.on.ca/sop. (416) 327-4334