More wind farms approved for southwestern Ontario

It was an overcast day for the opening of a 44-turbine wind farm near Port Alma, Ont.,Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008. (Dave Chidley / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The province has approved and awarded contracts for several new wind farms in southwestern Ontario.

A total of 16 contracts have been offered under the Large Renewable Procurement (LRP) process across the province.

The new wind farms thate were approved by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) include the Strong Breeze Wind Project in Dutton-Dunwich, the Romney Wind Energy Centre in Chatham-Kent and Otter Creek Wind Farm in Chatham-Kent.

A solar farm will be built at the former Nanticoke coal-fired generating station in Haldimand County.

The LRP process was administered by the IESO and overseen by an external fairness advisor.

In a news release, the IESO says project proponents will need to meet a number of contractual requirements as well as environmental and permitting approvals before construction can begin.

The IESO says this will include more community engagement.