The provincial government has released details of its first competitive clean-energy procurement, with some of the projects featuring a majority Indigenous ownership.
The Ontario Ministry of Energy and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) provided the results of the procurement on Monday, known as the Expedited Long-Term Request for Proposals (E-LT1).
The procurement acquired 880 megawatts of clean energy storage, and nine of the 15 storage projects have at least a 50 per cent Indigenous ownership.
At least partial ownership was achieved by Six Nations of the Grand River, Walpole Island First Nation, MoCreebec Eeyoud, Caldwell First Nation, and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.
Energy Minister Todd Smith said the procurement was the biggest in Canadian history.
"I’m proud that more than half of the energy storage projects selected have at least 50 per cent indigenous ownership, creating new opportunities for local communities while continuing on the province’s path to advance meaningful reconciliation," said Smith.
Partnerships between Queens Park and Indigenous communities have already resulted in significant clean energy investment. An agreement involving Indigenous stakeholders has already resulted in projects tied to the 250-megawatt Oneida Energy Storage Facility, to be operational by 2026.
"This procurement of storage facilities marks a significant step forward for Indigenous economic participation in the electricity sector," said IESO President and CEPO Lesley Gallinger. "We look forward to continuing to build these relationships in the future."