The Great Lakes are an attractive location for offshore wind develop-ment, and new rules proposed by Ontario’s government aim to enable private investment in the renewable resource. The government is seeking input from the public and industry on its proposed policy until August 24th. This policy aims to provide clarity around offshore wind as it relates to Renewable Energy Approval regul-ations promulgated under Ontario’s Environmental Protection Act.
Coupled with the offshore wind renewable energy approval require-ments, Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources is also preparing additions to waterpower and land-based wind power legislation that would extend rules surrounding the development of offshore wind projects. The second phase of this legislation would include policies and procedures regarding where, when and how the government makes Crown land available for offshore wind projects.
These developments all mesh with Ontario’s goal to shut down its coal plants by 2014 and bring online thousands of megawatts of clean, renewable power.
By Jeff Beyer, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
