Renewable energy source options are coming back to council at tonight’s meeting.
Council will vote on three motions, two wind farm proposals and one solar project.
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is launching its Long Term 2 (LT2) procurement process, which is about acquiring new electricity supply projects, including wind and solar, to meet Ontario’s growing electricity needs.
The IESO estimates that Ontario’s annual electricity demand will increase by 75 percent by 2050 and is exploring alternatives for municipalities to implement to meet the projected demand.
Crossfield Wind Inc. and Botany Wind Project Inc. are hoping council will execute a Community Support Agreement allowing them each to apply for IEOS contracts.
Crossfield Wind, also known as Capstone Infrastructure, is proposing a 110 Megawatt (MW) farm northeast of Ridgetown, which would include 15 to 18 turbines.
Botany Wind, also known as EDF Power Solutions, is hoping for community support to construct a 100 MW farm with 15 to 18 turbines northwest of Ridgetown.
A financial component is being proposed to the municipality for both builds. The Botany farm would provide the community $14 million and Crossfield Wind $15.4 million over the course of their 20-year contracts.
Wind turbines have been a contentious issue in Chatham-Kent, and with the two proposed farms being located in what is considered prime agricultural areas, Chatham-Kent’s official plan requires both companies to do an Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA).
FLT Energy Inc is also for council approval to pursue an IESO contract. The Chatham-Kent-based energy company is looking to lease two vacant municipally owned parcels for ground-mounted solar projects.
The first parcel of land is located off Mitton Line in Ridgetown, with the second vacant municipally owned piece of land located off Elm Street West in the very southwest corner of Bothwell.
With a combined total of 32 acres, FLT Energy would pay the municipality $500 per acre annually from November 1, 2026, until the project reaches commercial operation in 2030. After that, the company would pay $3,400 per acre per year until 2050.
Under the lease agreement, FLT Energy is required to remove all structures at the end of the term, returning the land as close as possible to its 2026 condition
If the three motions are approved by council but are not successful in obtaining IESO contracts, the agreements would be terminated immediately without penalty or liability.
