Maybe its just my perception, but it appears there is a bit of a cooling underway in the blistering growth of renewable energy development in Canada. Two examples: Ontario’s halt on its successful Standard Offer Program, and BC’s disinterest in ocean hydrokinetic energy (tidal and wave power). The Canadian Solar Industries Association, understandably alarmed, is working to help resolve the issues together with the government and other industry players. The central challenge seems to be based on the fact that the program was wildly successful in its first year, bringing in far more interest from renewable energy proponents than expected. Established industry (nuclear) isn’t so keen on competition, and the fact that these two different forms of power generation require very different transmission infrastructures going forward, is a challenge. Nuclear needs centralized, renewables, distributed. The government is in a politically sensitive place.
Ontario changes could put solar in the shade, CANSIA Press Release
Some companies that have been striving for a number of years to utilize BC’s perfect ocean energy coastline, and engage the government and provincial utility in being a supporter and partner, are now seeking to relocate. The Maritimes appear to be a better bet right now. BC Hydro has shown virtually no interest in furthering the technology, either in R&D or commercial deployment. A missed opportunity in the making. Ebbing away, Vancouver Courier
