Green energy gets Kingston council support
Resolution of support will back energy projects that incorporate The Kingston council of Kingston has approved a resolution that would not allow for projects that use fossil fuels, such as natural gas, to be supported by only projects that involve solar, electricity storage and biofuels. The Independent Energy System Operator (IESO) is seeking to foster the creation of an additional 2,518 megawatts of year-round electricity by 2028, and 55 applicants in Ontario are qualified to submit proposals under the request for proposals. The IESO is aware of two companies seeking to establish battery storage facilities in the Kingston area.
Published : 2 years ago by Elliot Ferguson in Environment
But that support will not apply to projects that use fossil fuels, such as natural gas. “I think it is highly unlikely that we will see any gas plants coming to Kingston but just to be crystal clear we put it in writing,” said Lakeside Dist. Coun. Wendy Stephen, who put forward the amendment. “Supporting electricity generated through the burning of fossil fuels would really run counter to the direction we’ve chosen for our city.” Only projects that involve solar, electricity storage and biofuels will be supported. The move to keep fossil fuels out of the support resolution was supported by 11 of the twelve councillors present, with Countryside Dist. Coun. Gary Oosterhof being the only dissenting voice.
Oosterhof said ruling out the use of fossil fuels could increase energy costs in the future. “We have to be very careful with this,” Oosterhof said. “We are speaking on behalf of 130,000 people in the city who, when they wake up in the morning, want their power to be there.” “There is a role for gas to play,” he said, noting that “politicians can mess up the energy file.” The Independent Energy System Operator (IESO) is seeking to foster the creation of an additional 2,518 megawatts of year-round electricity by 2028. According to the IESO, there are 55 applicants in Ontario qualified to submit proposals under the request for proposals, which could include a significant amount of solar installations, electricity storage resources, hybrid generation and storage options, natural gas and biofuels. City staff are aware of two companies seeking to establish battery storage facilities in the Kingston area.
Topics: ESG