Innovative Energy Sector Powers Ontario’s Economy
The Green Energy Act’s introduction in 2009 and the resulting fastest-growing clean tech sector in Canada have established Ontario as a North American leader in the development, use, and manufacturing of renewable energy technologies. With the largest wind, solar and nuclear generating capacity in Canada, Ontario has recently attracted billions of dollars in private sector investment, generating more than 42,000 jobs in the process.
Strategic investments in our province’s energy infrastructure
Ontario has made innovating in energy technology a priority, designing programs and policies to accelerate the development of renewable energy — thereby stimulating economic activity and supporting job growth — while offering foreign investors access to a diverse industry with opportunities ranging from technology development and supply to energy generation, distribution, and storage.
The Ontario Ministry of Energy points to the province’s partnership with Samsung under the Green Energy Investment Agreement (GEIA) as a great example of how the industry has grown. On the strength of that relationship, the province has attracted other leading compan- ies such as Siemens, CS Wind, Canadian Solar, and SMA Solar Technology. There are now more than 30 solar and wind manufacturers, both local and international, operating in Ontario, providing growing expertise in energy innovation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy storage, and smart grid technology.
The goal is to turn that growing expertise into an important export industry for Ontario. In order to make that happen, the Ontario Government is supporting energy sector companies and trade initiatives with the goal of strengthening international relationships and creating new opportunities, jobs, and investment. The Ministry of Energy is also working closely with organizations such as the Advanced Energy Centre in order to encourage the adoption and export of new energy skills and technologies.
“We recognize the future depends on access to clean, reliable, and affordable power for families and businesses. That’s why we made the investments necessary to rebuild aging infrastructure and transition off of coal,” says Hon. Glenn Thibeault, MPP for Sudbury and Ontario’s Minister of Energy. “While there have been significant costs associated with modernizing Ontario’s badly neglected electricity system, we’ve been successful at making this jump while keeping electricity costs competitive with neighbouring jurisdictions. Thanks to our early leadership, Ontario is ahead of the pack while the others are still playing catch-up.”
Energy infrastructure benefits the wider economy
One part of the Ontario energy sector that has long been a source of valuable exports, specialized employment, and considerable innovation is the nuclear industry. The nuclear supply chain now comprises over 180 companies supporting a work force of approximately 60,000, including highly skilled people in plant operation and support, manufacturing, and nuclear refurbishment.
The multibillion refurbishment of Ontario’s nuclear fleet represents continued investment in the province’s nuclear industry for decades to come. Companies such as SNCLavalin and BWX Technologies are providing critical support for the refurbishments, creating highskilled, high-paying jobs in Mississauga and Cambridge, respectively.
According to information provided by the Ministry of Energy, the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station refurbishment will create up to 23,000 possible jobs annually, and the refurbishment and continued operation of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station until 2055 will increase employment across the province by an average of 14,200 jobs annually. The refurbishments will also further strengthen the foundation for Ontario’s nuclear suppliers, enabling them to produce exports from their products and services.
“Ontario’s commitment to nuclear energy makes the province a natural hub for the broader community of nuclear research, evidenced by sites such as the Chalk River Laboratories and the McMaster Nuclear Reactor,” says Devin McCarthy, Vice President of Public Affairs at the Canadian Electricity Association. “Many Canadians know that nuclear reactors provide the medical isotopes used to help diagnose and treat diseases.What many might not realize is that nuclear energy is also harnessed to power space exploration, develop new agricultural seed varieties, and perform non-destructive testing such as checking pipelines for structural weaknesses.”
Ontario’s commitment to an energy supply mix that leans heavily toward both nuclear and renewables offers potential investors a clean and reliable electricity system in which 90 percent of the electricity produced in 2015 was emission-free. Investments in the transmission and distribution network, along with standards set and monitored by the Independent Electricity System Operator, ensure system reliability. And with recent investments in clean and renewable energy generation bringing approximately 18,000 megawatts of wind, solar, bioenergy and hydroelectric generation capacity online or contracted, the future looks bright for Ontario’s energy industry.
“We recognize the future depends on access to clean, reliable, and affordable power for families and businesses. That’s why we made the investments necessary to rebuild aging infrastructure and transition off of coal.”