Green / Energy Efficiency Projects

Ontario Green Energy Act

The Ontario Green Energy Act (GEA), passed in 2009 by the Province of Ontario, changes the way that renewable energy projects on agricultural lands are approved in Ontario. Now all approvals are granted through the Province. If you are thinking about developing a green energy project you may require a Renewable Energy Approval (REA) from the Province. Below is a list of renewable energy projects that do not require a REA:

  • Wind facilities with a name plate capacity less than or equal to 3 kW
  • Ground mounted solar less than or equal to 10 kW (Class 1)
  • Rooftop and wall mounted solar of any size (Class 1 or 2)
  • Regulated mixed anaerobic digestion facilities or anaerobic digestion facilities processing non-regulated waste on farms are subject to a Nutrient Management Strategy
  • All waterpower facilities

For additional information on provincial approvals for renewable energy projects, please refer to the following guide: www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/business/green-energy/docs/REP_Guide.pdf

Green energy resources, links and information are available on the OMAFRA website at www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/ge_bib/welcome.htm

In addition to a new provincial approvals process for renewable energy projects, the Province is also offering some significant financial incentives to start-up green energy projects. The Ontario Power Authority had developed the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff Program. Two distinct programs exist, the FIT Program, for projects over 10 kilowatts, and the microFIT Program, for those under 10 kilowatts.

For example under microFIT, if you’re a homeowner, farmer, or small business owner, or if you manage an institution such as a school or place of worship, you have the opportunity to develop a very small or “micro” renewable electricity generation project on your property (10 kW or less). You’ll be paid for all the electricity you produce through the microFIT Program. For further information please visit: http://fit.powerauthority.on.ca/

Other useful links:

www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page6670.aspx 
www.mei.gov.on.ca/en/energy/gea/  
www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/statutes/english/2009/elaws_src_s09012_e.htm  
www.ene.gov.on.ca/publications/7449e.pdf

EcoAction Community Funding Program

Web: http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction/default.asp?lang=En&n=FA475FEB-1
Application deadline - November 1 each year

The Program encourages action focused projects that will protect, rehabilitate or enhance the natural environment, and build the capacity of communities to sustain these activities into the future.

Project Funding
In keeping with Environment Canada's national environmental priorities, the Program supports projects that address the following four themes:

  • Clean air - reducing air emissions that contribute to air pollutants
  • Clean water - diverting and reducing substances that negatively affect water quality or focusing on water conservation and efficiency
  • Climate change - reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change or dealing with the impacts of climate change
  • Nature - protecting wildlife and plants, and protecting and improving the habitat where they live

EcoEnergy for Industry Assessment Incentives (formerly the Industrial Energy Audit Incentive)

Tel: 613-996-6891
Web: http://oee.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/industrial/financial-assistance/assessment/index.cfm?attr=24

The Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation (CIPEC) offers two study incentives for industrial companies which can identify opportunities to reduce emissions and costs, streamline processes, and increase competitiveness. The Process Integration Study, an extended energy audit, is funded up to 50% to a maximum of $50,000. The Computational Fluid Dynamics Study, which analyzes fluid flow and heat transfer processes, is funded up to 50% to a maximum of $30,000. Invoices for contracted work performed must be retained and submitted for refund.

Farm Energy Online

Website:  http://www.farmenergyonline.com

The purpose of this website is to assist farmers and food processors with a path, information, tools and resources to assess the renewable energy opportunity in their business. They’re striving to offer value from project start to finish by providing information and discussion platforms like this web-site and our blog.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FMC) - Green Municipal Fund

Web:  www.fcm.ca/gmf

FCM's Green Municipal Fund™ (GMF) is a unique program that supports municipal initiatives across Canada that benefit the environment, local economies and quality of life.  GMF grants and below-market loans directly support municipal initiatives, while GMF education and training resources help municipal governments share expertise and strengthen their ability to set and surpass their sustainable goals.  The Government of Canada endowed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) with $550 million to establish GMF.

High Performance New Construction Program – Ontario Power Authority

Tel: 1-888-672-4762
Web: www.hpnc.ca

The program, administered by the Ontario Power Authority, provides incentives and design assistance for buildings located in Ontario outside the 416 area code. For prescriptive (standard-measurement) projects, building owners receive $250 for every verified kW saved, or $60 per appliance; each project must be eligible for at least $1,000 in incentives. For custom projects, incentives range from $250 to $400 per kW saved (minimum $5,000 in incentives) for builders and $50 to $100 per kW saved for design decision-makers. The program also covers the costs of modeling a building, up to $10,000.

Renewable-energy and Energy-efficient Technologies (RET) Screen International

Website:  www.retscreen.net/ang/home.php

RETScreen International Clean Energy Decision Support Centre seeks to build the capacity of planners, decision-makers and industry to implement renewable energy, cogeneration and energy efficiency projects. This objective is achieved by: developing decision-making tools (i.e. RETScreen Software) that reduce the cost of pre-feasibility studies; disseminating knowledge to help people make better decisions; and by training people to better analyse the technical and financial viability of possible projects. 

Smart Energy Decision Assistance Centre

Website:  www.ao.uiuc.edu/energy/index.cfm

The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) provides advice and analyses to increase economic viability through the efficient use of energy resources. Determine the financial impact of your energy saving investment project with SEDAC’s Energy Project Economics Calculator (http://www.ao.uiuc.edu/energy/Energy.cfm)