The Ontario government has announced a plan to meet the expected 75 per cent increase in energy demand, as the province works toward becoming an energy superpower.
The plan, called Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future: The Pressing Case for More Power, outlines the challenges facing the province and sets the course for the province to deal with growth up to 2050.
As part of the plan, Ontario will continue advancing nuclear power through pre-development work at Bruce Power, four small modular reactors at Darlington, and supporting Ontario Power Generation’s plan for refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generation Station.
“Ontario’s energy policy will literally determine the success of our province, today and for the next generation,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification.
Instead of a carbon tax, Ontario expects to meet its emission reduction targets with affordable and clean power that supports families and businesses to move away from higher emitting sources of energy.
According to a media release, the province wants become an energy superpower by building on its competitive advantage and exporting clean energy and technology to the world, while driving revenue and jobs.
“Just like our great grandparents built the first hydroelectric dams at the turn of the century, our grandparents who launched the build out of our nuclear fleet in the 1960’s, it will be our generation and our government that builds for our children and grandchildren,” continued Minister Lecce. “Our competitive all-of-the-above approach will deliver more affordable power to our families – with non-emitting nuclear energy as our anchor – to keep costs and emissions down without a costly and unnecessary carbon tax.”
Ontario’s plan will also look at ways to reduce energy consumption in addition to generating more power with a a significant expansion of energy efficiency programs promised starting January 1, 2025.
"The integrated plan is expected to outline the total energy required by 2050, the financial investments to deliver on the need through the province’s all-of-the-above approach to energy planning to reduce costs and province-wide emissions," a statement from the province said. "Ontario wants to coordinate all energy resources, including electricity, natural gas and other fuels, to ensure that the province’s energy needs are anticipated and met in a coordinated and long-term manner, anchored by the largest expansion of non-emitting nuclear energy on the continent."
The province says the demand for energy is increasing because of a rapid growth in population, new manufacturing facilities, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, the electrification of industry, and the charging energy required for electric vehicles. It expects Ontario will need nearly 2,200 megawatts of electricity for EV supply chain companies by 2050. It believes industrial electricity demand will increase by 50 per cent in just the next five years.
Ontario’s first Integrated Energy Resource Plan will be launched in 2025. The government has opened a consultation and engagement process with the public, Indigenous communities, and other groups.
"As a key economic driver, Ontario's energy system must be reliable, affordable and sustainable. That's why the Ontario Chamber of Commerce welcomes the government’s long-term, integrated planning," said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. "To be successful, Ontario must leverage its diverse energy mix, ensure predictability for business and investors, drive energy efficiency, incentivize behavioural change by consumers and businesses, and meet our climate goals - all while keeping costs down. By positioning Ontario to meet its energy needs with 90 per cent clean electricity, this plan promises economic benefits for generations to come."