Smart power is green power
Ontario has great renewable power potential: from windy lakeshores and fast flowing rivers to sun-filled days and a wealth of biomass. These clean power sources can be tapped economically - especially when you consider the health and climate trade-offs of using coal - and efficiently. Wind power generation is growing rapidly in Ontario and many of its supposed limitations have already proven false: with a well distributed wind fleet, issues like intermittence and availability can be effectively addressed. Surprisingly, Ontario is actually very well suited to solar generation with long summer days that match peak solar generation to peak demand periods (and nicely compliment wind, which is strongest in the winter months). And the province has a wealth of sources of biomass and biogas: from old landfill sites to mill wood and agricultural waste. We can also make much better use of cleaner fossil fuels like natural gas by getting two services - heat and electricity - from every bit of fuel we burn. Combined heat and power systems can make schools, condos, apartment buildings and shopping malls mini power plants that don't need expensive transmission systems to operate. Since 2004, Ontario has contracted for more than 3,200 MW of new renewable and clean power. Adding another 3,000 MW by 2010 is a reasonable target with a big payoff - cleaner air and a much reduced climate impact.
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