Proposed regulations for off-shore wind projects in Ontario open for public comment

As announced late last month, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment is soliciting feedback on a discussion paper regarding the proposed Renewable Energy Approval ("REA") requirements for off-shore wind projects. The paper proposes that wind turbines must be located at least 5 kilometers off-shore. The paper also discusses other REA requirement under O.Reg 359/09 for off-shore wind projects, including: natural heritage assessments, water assessments, cultural heritage resources assessments, wind facility reports, technical studies, and consultation requirements.

Additional background is available on EBR Registry posting 011-0089. The paper is open for public comment until August 24, 2010.

In parallel, the Ministry of Natural Resources is entering into a second phase of its review of its site release policies and procedures for wind and waterpower projects. These policies and procedures are intended to provide an orderly framework under which Crown land will be made available for renewable energy development.

A summary of the changes proposed during the first phase of the MNR's review, as well as detailed proposals for wind and waterpower projects, are available on EBR Registry posting 010-7895.