Province creates renewable energy opportunities

Province creates renewable energy opportunities

TORONTO, Nov 10, 2004 Canada NewsWire

The Ontario government is working to ensure that Ontario residents benefit from clean, renewable energy sources by encouraging development of new waterpower sites, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today.

"Our government is committed to phasing out coal-fired electricity generating plants and developing cleaner and greener energy sources," said Ramsay. "Expanding waterpower opportunities will help us achieve that goal, contributing to a cleaner environment, cleaner air and healthier Ontarians."

The ministry is:

- issuing a 30-day request for Expressions of Interest to identify potential sites; - putting out a Request for Proposal for development of seven projects that are compatible with the government's green, clean-energy goals; and - releasing opportunities through a Request for Qualifications on two MNR-owned dams on Crown land in southern Ontario that have potential to produce hydro power.

"The McGuinty government is making it more attractive to explore renewable energy options in our province," said Dwight Duncan, Minister of Energy. "We want to unlock the potential for clean and efficient electricity generation that is around us, and to remove barriers, free up resources and bring new thinking and ideas in order to meet our supply needs in an environmentally responsible way."

Ramsay also announced a new waterpower site release policy developed with extensive feedback from Aboriginal communities and stakeholders. The site release policy establishes a framework for managing Ontario's waterpower resources in an ecologically sustainable way. Aboriginal community participation in waterpower development is strongly encouraged.

"The waterpower industry has been awaiting this initiative eagerly and is anxious to pursue the new opportunities it presents to develop more waterpower sites," said Paul Norris, president of the Ontario Waterpower Association. "It's an exciting time for people involved in renewable energy. The government clearly recognizes that encouraging waterpower development on Crown land is critical to achieving the province's renewable energy goals."

Note to Editors: B Roll available on request.

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www.mnr.gov.on.ca

VIEW ADDITIONAL COMPANY-SPECIFIC INFORMATION: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/orgDisplay.cgi?okey=56528

For further information: Media calls only: Ginette Albert, Minister's Office, (416) 314-2212; Steve Payne, Ministry of Natural Resources, (416) 314-2103

News release via Canada NewsWire, Toronto 416-863-9350 -GPOE-

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