Power generated by wind blows past coal in Ontario

• 11 years ago (2013-01-15)
• David Flin

North America 1021 Nuclear 659 Renewables 776

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For the first time, electrical power generated by wind has surpassed that from coal in Ontario, Canada. Figures released by Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) showed that wind-generated power supplied 3 per cent of the province’s electricity in 2012, compared to 2.8 per cent for coal-generated power. A decade ago, coal-burning plants produced a quarter of the province’s electricity output.

The news follows Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty’s announcement that the Lambton and Nanticoke coal-fired power plants are to close by the end of this year, one year ahead of schedule. That will leave the province with just two coal-fired generating units in Thunder Bay.

Nuclear power continues to be Ontario’s chief source for electricity, supplying 56.4 per cent of total output in 2012, followed by hydro at 22.3 per cent, and natural gas at 14.6 per cent.

Meanwhile, a plan to convert the Thunder Bay Generation Station from coal to natural gas was suspended in November after the Ontario Power Authority said that it believed future electricity needs in the region can be met without conversion, a move that could save $400 million in change-over costs.