Wind Power Generation in Ontario

Ontario is on the forefront of wind in Canada with almost 1,100 MW of installed capacity on the transmission grid.

As system operator, the IESO is working to ensure that Ontario’s power system can effectively support increased levels of wind generation.

Wind energy is generated by wind turbines in large wind farms connected to the transmission grid or as smaller installations within a distribution service area. This form of generation creates zero emissions and has very little environmental impact, and as a result, is one of the greenest forms of energy available.

Currently there are eight large-scale wind farms in operation in Ontario. There is also another 67 MW of wind generation located within distribution service areas through Ontario Power Authority contracts.

Amaranth Wind Farm (200 MW)	Prince Wind Projects (I and II) (189 MW)
Kingsbridge Wind Power (40 MW)	Ripley Wind Power Project (76 MW)
Kruger Energy Port Alma Wind Power Project (101 MW)	Underwood Wind Farm (182 MW)
Port Burwell Wind Farm (99 MW)	Wolfe Island Wind Power Project (198 MW)

The following wind projects are currently under development:

Expected date of commercial operation

Byran Wind Project (64.5 MW)	2010
Raleigh Wind Centre (78 MW)	2010
Greenwich Wind Farm (99 MW)	2011
Talbot Wind Farm (99 MW)	2011
Kruger Energy Chatham Wind Project (101.2 MW)	2011
Gosfield Wind Project (50 MW)	2012

Ontario is well-positioned for considerable growth in wind generation with a good selection of sites across the province. The implementation of the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, 2009 is expected to accelerate the expansion of wind generation even further. The Ontario Power Authority’s Feed-In Tariff program will add thousands of megawatts of additional renewable supply.

Unlike some other generation resources, wind farms cannot be called upon to generate specific amounts of megawatts on demand. Wind power generation is dependent on weather conditions, temperature and even the season.

From month to month, wind output (the amount of energy actually produced compared to the amount the turbines are capable of producing given perfect conditions) can vary. In April 2009, the average wind output was 41 per cent of capacity, while in June it was 14 per cent, reflecting the fact that the summer months aren’t as windy.

IESO centralized wind forecasting, due to begin in the summer of 2010, will help address the variable nature of this energy supply, as it will allow the IESO to understand the periods of time in which they can expect greater levels of wind generation. Equipped with this knowledge, the IESO will be better able to manage all the province’s electricity resources used to meet Ontario’s needs.

IESO WIND TRACKER

See how wind power is helping to meet Ontario's electricity needs. This information does not include wind generation capacity located outside the transmission grid.

Note: This data is updated every hour, however, there is a one hour time delay in publishing the results.

WIND FARMS IN ONTARIO

Ontario’s wind farms are located across the province – ensuring a diversity of wind energy supply. This map shows large scale wind generation facilities directly connected to the grid. Click to download a map of the entire province.