Ontario's Long Term Energy Plan 2017 Affirms Future for Waterpower

LTEP Released by Ministry of Energy

TORONTO, Oct. 26, 2017 /CNW/ - As referenced by the Honourable Glenn Thibeault, Minister of Energy, during his opening keynote address at the Power of Water Canada Conference this week, waterpower will play an integral role in meeting Ontario's current and future energy needs.

At the POWC conference, the Minister noted that there is plenty of opportunity to better leverage the existing waterpower assets that are found right here in Ontario, either through retrofitting existing dams, or taking advantage of new turbine technology such as the very low head turbines to capture more of the waterpower potential available in our province. The Minister also stated that to better accommodate a more flexible electricity system, we must better leverage the province's pumped storage potential.

The LTEP specifically recognized OWA's November 2013Northern Hydro Assessment report which identified significant remaining waterpower potential in the north. The LTEP also identifies opportunity to increase operational flexibility and capacity at existing facilities.

"The OWA looks forward to working with the Independent Electricity System Operator and Ontario Energy Board, in the development of implementation plans," said Paul Norris, President of the OWA. "Waterpower has been the backbone of a reliable electricity system for more than a century and will continue to play that role going forward."

The OWA was founded in 2001 to represent the common and collective interests of the province's original green energy sector – waterpower. More than 160 members are committed to advancing resource management and sustainable development. www.owa.ca.

SOURCE Ontario Waterpower Association