North American Windpower: Government Of Ontario Halts Offshore Wind Development

Government Of Ontario Halts Offshore Wind Development

by NAW Staff Monday February 14 2011

The government of Ontario has announced that it is not proceeding with proposed offshore wind projects while further scientific research is conducted. No Renewable Energy Approvals for offshore have been issued, and no offshore projects will proceed at this time. Applications for offshore wind projects in the feed-in-tariff program will no longer be accepted, and current applications will be suspended.

Offshore wind in freshwater lakes is in early development, and there are currently no projects operating in North America. The recently installed Lake Vanern pilot project in Sweden is one of the only operational freshwater offshore projects in the world, and a pilot project has been proposed in Ohio, according to the Ontario government.

Ontario will monitor these projects, and the resulting scientific knowledge. Ontario will work with its U.S. neighbors on research to ensure any future proposed projects protect the environment on both sides of the Great Lakes.

SOURCE: Government of Ontario

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