“Ontario’s energy policy will literally determine the success of our province—today and for the next generation,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification, as the province unveiled its plan: “Affordable energy future: the pressing case for more power”.This comes on the heels of the Independent Electricity System Operator forecasting that the province’s demand for electricity will increase by 75% (111 TWh) by 2050.Increasing energy demand stems primarily from Ontario’s new manufacturing growth, rapid increase in population, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence data centres, the electrification of industry, and the charging energy required for electric vehicles, explains the Ontario Energy Association.“To get this right, however, we need to move away from the current siloed approach to energy planning […] That’s why I’m starting the work now to put forward a new, integrated approach that brings together every part of the energy sector to fuel our growing economy,” Lecce added.Advertisement“Affordable” outlines the challenges and priorities to be addressed in the government’s first Integrated Energy Resource Plan (launching in 2025), which will be underpinned by the following:Integrated planning – Coordinate all energy resources—including electricity, natural gas and other fuels—to ensure its energy needs are anticipated and met in a coordinated, long-term manner.Affordability – Anchor energy affordability as a main driver in planning decisions by driving savings through competition.No carbon tax – The province will instead meet its emission-reduction targets with clean power, and move consumers away from higher-emitting sources of energy.Energy efficiency – In addition to generating more power, provide ways to reduce energy consumption. The government will prioritize energy efficiency ahead of the Integrated Energy Plan by launching “a significant expansion of energy efficiency programs on January 1, 2025”.Energy superpower – Build on its competitive advantage and export clean energy and technology to the world.“By prioritizing affordability and energy efficiency, we will make progress toward meeting emissions targets while also empowering businesses to invest and create jobs,” said Teresa Sarkesian, president & CEO, Electricity Distributors Association.The integrated plan will outline the total energy required by 2050, and the required investments. The government says it will gather input from the public, Indigenous communities, and other groups. (ICE TORONTO)

Fonte notizia: https://www.energy-manager.ca/