As reported in February, Ontario’s last shot at a generous feed in tariff for renewable energy was so successful that the 10 year target was reached within a year and the program temporarily ended.
The program has been rolled out again – and is even more generous than the last. For owners of solar panel systems under 10kW, they’ll receive AUD 84c (current exchange rates) per kWh. Larger systems payments are according to a sliding scale.
The program is based on a gross model; that is, the premium payment is made on all electricity produced rather than just surplus power exported to the mains grid.
Ontario’s new FiT initiative isn’t confined to solar power – wind, hydro, biomass, biogas and landfill gas are all included, albeit attracting lesser rates.
Such a generous program is expected to see Ontario attract huge investment in renewable energy projects and could make the region the clean energy powerhouse of North America.
Ontario is Canada’s most heavily populated province, with around half the population of Australia. The region has a goal of eliminating coal fired power generation by 2014.
Ontario’s new program has seen some Australian commentators asking the question – “..if they can do it, why can’t we?”. Australia currently has a fractured feed in tariff system, with each state having its own arrangements (or none at all). With the exception of the ACT, all feed in tariff programs in the country are net-based and paying rates far lower than Ontario.
More information on Ontario’s feed in tariff program can be viewed on the Ontario Power Authority’s web site.
Learn more about feed in tariffs in Australia
Discuss feed in tariffs in Energy Matters’ forum.
