Two new solar projects approved for southwestern Ontario

The province is investing in 14 new green energy projects, including two solar projects in southwestern Ontario in partnership with local First Nations.

Two new green energy projects are coming to southwestern Ontario.

The Independent Electricity System Operator has awarded contracts to two solar projects — one in Chatsworth and another in West Grey.

Each project was proposed as a 50‑per‑cent partnership with the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.

West Grey’s coming project alone will produce around 38 thousand megawatt hours of electricity. Compass Greenfield Development says that the 90 acre project will produce enough electricity annually for around 4,200 households.

“Part of our mission is to support decarbonization of the energy systems and we think that means a lot more electrification, and when it comes to electrification green energy of course provides carbon free power, but it’s also low cost on a dollars per kilowatt hour basis,” explained Jonathan Cheszes, Compass Greenfield Development President.

The announcement comes as the IESO projects electricity demand could increase by up to 90 per cent by 2050.

“From that perspective, I do have some hope because as our energy needs grow or continue to increase, we’re going to continue to see a lot of green energy on the grid to support that,” said Cheszes.

A total of 14 projects were approved, marking the first large‑scale investment in green energy in Ontario in more than a decade.