Solar project developer Recurrent Energy announced the commercial operation June 4 of six photovoltaic projects, providing a total of 70 megawatts peak (MWp)/ 52 megawatts AC (MWac) of solar power for two communities in eastern Ontario.
The projects are the first six of nine to reach commercial operation in a 100 MWp/74 MWac portfolio acquired by Mitsubishi Corporation and Osaka Gas at commercial operation of each project as agreed in June 2012. The electricity generated from this portfolio will be delivered to the Ontario Power Authority through 20-year feed-in tariff agreements. The remaining three projects in the portfolio are expected to reach COD by early 2014.
“I’m happy to congratulate Recurrent Energy on achieving this significant milestone. It’s clear that Ontario’s clean energy policies are creating thousands of good jobs and cleaning up our air,” said Minister of Energy Bob Chiarelli. “We’re building on that strength by making important changes – like setting annual renewable energy procurement targets for the first time – to bring greater predictability and sustainability to Ontario’s clean energy sector.”
The entire 100 MWp/74 MWac portfolio is expected to generate more than 124 million kWh during the first year of operation, enough to power approximately 12,300 homes in Ontario.
Including this portfolio, Recurrent Energy currently has 20 projects totaling 220 MWp/159 MWac in development in Ontario. All 20 projects are expected to be operating by early 2014.