Wind energy contributing to improving Ontario electricity grid stability and reliability

IESO stated late last week that the retirement of coal-fired generation combined with transmission-ready renewable wind and solar power has put downward pressure on peak demands on the electricity system without impacting reliability. As Canada’s leader in clean wind energy, Ontario has more than 2,400 MW of installed capacity, supplying over 3 per cent of the province’s electricity demand. 

“Procuring a stable and steady stream of wind energy complements Ontario’s  new energy conservation measures, and provides the province with unprecedented flexibility to align electricity supply needs with changing economic and environmental circumstances,” said Robert Hornung, President, Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). “Progressive governments around the world know that continuing to integrate new wind energy not only results in a major contribution to reducing carbon emissions, it improves the reliability of electricity grids, while ensuring more predictable and stable electricity prices,” he added.

In 2013, the US Energy Information Administration reported that onshore wind energy is also one of the cheapest forms of new power, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has proven how wind energy enhances grid reliability.

Today, Ontario has a range of options for new electricity generation but few that match the requirement for affordability, economic development potential, environmental sustainability, diversification, reliability and rate base value as compellingly as wind energy.  Wind energy developments are growing an increasingly diverse, made-in-Ontario supply and value chains that are fueling new investments and competitive advantages in Ontario’s green energy economy.