Pathways to Decarbonization

Sector Evolution

The Pathways to Decarbonization study is in response to the the Minister’s October 7, 2021 letter requesting that the IESO evaluate a moratorium on the procurement of new natural gas generating stations in this decade (reliability, cost, environmental considerations) and develop an achievable pathway to phase out natural gas generation and achieve zero emissions in the electricity sector that considers:

Reliability
Cost/affordability
Timeline
Impact on broader electrification of the economy
Low emission fuels for thermal generation
Storage combined with non-emitting resources
New technologies

The IESO will engage with stakeholders on the study approach to inform the development of achievable pathways to zero emissions in the electricity sector. The IESO will provide transparency around the assumptions that will be used in the analysis, and seek feedback (based on technical research) on key assumptions. This feedback will be used to ensure that stakeholder input will inform the IESO’s report back to the Ministry in Q4 2022.

The IESO encourages stakeholders and particularly environmental organizations, municipalities, and consumers to stay informed and participate in this engagement. To be added to the email list for communications related to this engagement or to submit comments and enquiries, please email engagement@ieso.ca.

Related Information

Draft Engagement Plan

Schedule of Activities

Date	Engagement Activity	Expected Actions
December 15, 2022	Report Release Communication Read the Pathways to Decarbonization Report
November 24, 2022	Timing of Pathways to Decarbonization Study, Annual Planning Outlook, and Conservation and Demand Management Framework Mid-Term Review Communication
October 7, 2022	New IESO Procurement Advice: Shift to Grid-Scale Storage While Relying on Natural Gas Expansions in the Near-Term Communication
July 19, 2022	Updated Assumptions based on Stakeholder Feedback
March 24, 2022	Discuss the IESO's approach to its Operability Assessment as part of the Pathways to Decarbonization study. Presentation	Recorded Presentation This webinar was presented during the IESO's March stakeholder engagement sessions, see full agenda for more information.
March 16, 2022	Feedback is due on the February 24 webinar topics, including the preliminary assumptions to be used in the development of the pathways study. Assumptions for Feedback July 19, 2022: Updated Assumptions based on Stakeholder Feedback Feedback form Feedback Received: AMPCO APPrO Atura Power Boyd Reimer CanREA Capital Power Canadian Assn of Physicians for the Environment Ontario Regional Committee Citizens Climate Lobby – 1 Citizens Climate Lobby – 2 Citizens Climate Lobby – 3 Citizens Climate Lobby – 4 City of Ottawa Climate Action for Lifelong Learners ClimateFast Climate Impact Fund Climate Network Lanark – 1 Climate Network Lanark – 2 Climate Network Lanark – 3 David Lang Dr. Gary Bota Eileen Nicolle Enbridge Energy Storage Canada For Our Kids – 1 For Our Kids – 2 For Our Kids, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton – 1 For Our Kids, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton – 2 Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance Jim Hollingworth JM Wiggin Consulting Joyce Lee Lyn Folkes Mark Sibley Martin Green MIDAC Morgan Solar Northland Power Ontario Clean Air Alliance Ontario Energy Association Ontario Power Generation Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-operative Pembina Institute Pocket Change Project Power Workers Union Steve Lapp TC Energy The Atmospheric Fund Think Renewables Group Toronto Environmental Alliance July 19, 2022: IESO Response to Feedback In addition to the feedback on the Pathways to Decarbonization Assumptions posted above, the IESO received non-assumption related comments from residents regarding Ontario’s decarbonization goals in general. Though out of scope for this engagement and the request for feedback on the study assumptions posted on March 16, the IESO appreciates the interest and feedback received.
February 24, 2022	An update on the approach to inform the development of achievable pathways to decarbonization in the electricity sector. The IESO will provide transparency around the assumptions that will be used in the analysis, and seek feedback (based on technical research) on key assumptions. Presentation	Recorded Presentation This webinar was presented during the IESO's February stakeholder engagement sessions, see full agenda for more information.
February 3, 2022	Launch of engagement Communication