Sault $300 million solar project officially opens

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

**************************** Orazietti announces official opening of first phase of $300 million solar energy project

Province's renewable energy programs making Sault green energy capital

SAULT STE. MARIE - David Orazietti, MPP was joined today by representatives from Starwood Energy to officially cut the ribbon on the first of three phases that, when combined, will bring $300 million in investment, create 420 jobs and produce 60 MegaWatts of solar energy in Sault Ste. Marie.

“The province’s innovative green energy programs are leading the way in North America and delivering solar energy projects that are significantly improving our environment, creating local jobs and diversifying Sault Ste. Marie’s economy,” said Orazietti. “With $1 billion in alternative energy investments in the Sault and area in recent years, we should all be concerned about political parties in Ontario who, if elected in October, will cost our community hundreds of high-quality jobs.”

Phase one, which is a $100 million project, consists of two 10 MW solar photovoltaic solar farms on Base Line Rd. and Carpin Beach Rd. and was made possible through the province’s landmark Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP).

The project represents the first phase of a $300 million, 60 MW solar project to be built in Sault Ste. Marie.

Starwood Energy is financing the initiative after acquiring the project from Pod Generating Group.

The 20 MW project is capable of providing power for up to 8,000 Ontario homes. The solar facilities will reduce yearly carbon emissions by an amount equal to 3,800 cars and light trucks each driving 12,000 miles per year or, the equivalent of planting more than 16 million trees in Ontario's forests.

In addition to improving the environment, the new solar farm has also created economic benefits as several local companies were hired to work on the project including N- Sci, Clarida Construction and Maintenance, AMEC, Genivar, Tiltran, Sutton Group Realty, Wishart Law Firm, D.S. Urso Surveying, P.U.C., SatCon, AEG, China Steel, Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre and NorPro.

“We sincerely appreciate the support we have received from various local and provincial authorities, and specifically from MPP David Orazietti,” said Himanshu Saxena, senior vice-president of Starwood Energy Group. “Various stakeholders have worked very closely together over the last several years to make these projects a reality. We look forward to making more investments in the green energy sector in Ontario and applaud the progressive policies that have enabled these projects to materialize.”

Phase two of the project will create 30 MW.

The first of three units in Phase two began operating in July and the other two units are expected to achieve commercial operations this September. 

The Third phase will be 10MW and achieve commercial operations in December 2011.

The province’s Green Energy Act places a priority on expanding Ontario’s use of clean and renewable sources of energy to help combat climate change and phase out coal generated power.

The provincial Green Energy Act continues to boost investment in renewable energy projects, increase energy conservation, create green jobs and strengthen Sault Ste. Marie’s economy.

Key provincial investments that are transforming Sault Ste. Marie into the green energy capital of North America while also strengthening the local economy and creating jobs include:

- Ontario power purchase agreement to facilitate $400 million investment by Brookfield Renewable Power in 189 MW wind farm

- Ontario power purchase agreement to facilitate $300 million investment by Starwood Energy in 60 MW solar farm

- Ontario power purchase agreement to facilitate $175 million investment by St. Mary’s Paper in 30 MW biomass co-gen plant

- Ontario power purchase agreement to facilitate $135 million investment by Essar Steel in 70 MW co-gen plant

- Over $7 million to green Sault Ste. Marie schools including energy retrofits

- $7.4 million in provincial gas tax funding to increase ridership for public transit also reducing air emissions

- $2.5 million for Heliene Canada to build a $10 million solar module manufacturing plant

- $2 million for Ellsin Environmental tire recycling project

- $1.4 million to construct methane collection system at landfill to reduce greenhouse gases

- $900,000 for Elementa project for bio-conversion

- $864,000 P.U.C. -  Water treatment solar project facilitated by Ontario power purchase agreement

- $50,000 for Algoma University solar project

- $50,000 for Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) to create alternative energy strategy

- FIT and microfit programs

- Completed Sault Ste. Marie - North Transmission line upgrades – greater electricity stability

Additional background information on Ontario’s Green Energy Act: www.mei.gov.on.ca/en/energy/gea/   ****************************