New clean electricity generation is needed beginning in 2030 to keep pace with Ontario's growing economy and advance grid decarbonization, according to a new report from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). This new supply will help meet overall energy needs and support the process of eliminating emissions from the electricity system.
In an update to the Minister of Energy, the IESO is targeting 2,000 MW of new non-emitting electricity generation, including wind, solar, hydro and bioenergy. Subsequent procurements will target an additional 3,000 MW. The IESO is also looking at options to re-acquire, upgrade, or expand existing facilities. While recent procurements were designed to secure flexible supply that can provide capacity to the system, this new supply will help meet the province's overall energy needs.
"With new supply on track to meet demand mid-decade, we are now addressing energy needs going into the 2030s and beyond," said Lesley Gallinger, IESO president and CEO. "The next round of procurements will be a perfect complement to our storage fleet – generating energy to charge recently procured batteries that can be deployed when needed to meet system needs."
The IESO's competitive procurement process is structured to deliver maximum ratepayer value and helps ensure that cost-effective proposals will be chosen. To avoid overbuilding infrastructure and manage costs, the IESO will secure this new supply through a series of procurements, adjusting as circumstances change. Targets will be finalized early next year following external engagements, with the next procurement set to launch later in 2024.
