ABSTRACT
Figure 11.1 The Lakeview coal plant was first dynamited in 2006 and was then completely demolished in 2007 as part of the Ontario coal phase-out (Photo: Vaughan Weather).Furthermore, through the implementation of new renewable energy laws and an ambitious feed-in tariff (FIT) program, Ontario now has the leading solar and wind power sectors of Canada.The growth of these new industries combined with modest conservation programmes, incipient combined heat and power initiatives, and the vast market response to the province’s FIT program is challenging the validity of the power generation model and electricity use paradigm that has characterised Ontario for over 100 years.The Ontario electricity paradigm, based on large-scale centralised power generation, morphed from its original reliance on the province’s vast hydroelectric resources to dependency on
coal and nuclear systems, which became prevalent in the second half of the 20th century [2].Although the reign of coal is scheduled to end soon, nuclear plants remain as highly protected territories in the Ontario power generation landscape. Even on the face of the recent Fukushima nuclear disaster, whose international ripple effects have convinced large industrialised nations, such as Germany, to formally re-affirm their intention of abandoning the nuclear juggernaut, Ontario’s two largest political parties remain openly supportive of the nuclear industry.Political support of the nuclear sector entails huge economic liabilities and also translates directly into serious limits and problems to the expansion of renewable energy, conservation, efficiency, combined heat and power, district energy, and other synergistic sustainable energy solutions (e.g., electric transportation, thermal and electricity storage, smart grids, and sustainable buildings).
