On June 30, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Brad Duguid, along with his Energy Parliamentary Assistant and Brant (ON) MPP, Dave Levac, and Norfolk County Mayor, Dennis Travale, visited the SunE Sky Ryerse solar photovoltaic park in Norfolk County, Ontario.
The provincial and mayoral representatives are excited about the project’s contributions to Ontario’s green energy industry. “These solar parks represent an important step in Ontario’s effort to become a leader in the global clean energy market,” said Minister Duguid. They will be a major source of renewable energy, attract investment to further grow the industry, and create jobs for an Ontario labour force eager to partake in solar and industry training.
Green Energy to Replace 250K Tonnes of CO2 Emissions
The park is one of two of its kind in the area that is being developed through a joint venture between partners SunEdison and SkyPower Limited. The total capital investment contribution for the project is approximately $80 to $90 million, and once completed, the combined green energy from both parks will be enough to power 33,000 homes, thus, drastically reducing CO2 emissions by 250K tonnes.
In year one, the parks will produce 19 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable energy and are expected to reach 400 million kWh by their 20th operating year. SkyPower President and CEO, Kerry Adler, stated, “The SunE Sky projects in Norfolk are great examples of how the Government of Ontario’s renewable energy policy, community foresight, and industry innovation are working together to attract large investments, create new green jobs, and enhance green skills while helping to combat climate change.”
Solar Industry Training
Many hope that the substantial infusion of investment in Ontario’s green energy industry will lead to more employment opportunities. Already, residents have begun exploring solar training classes to augment their skills and prepare themselves for the wave of potential green-collar jobs. Programs like Ontario Solar Academy offer solar PV installation courses expressly for this purpose - to help novices and veterans alike acquire the requisite training to safely work with photovoltaic technology.
The Future of Green Energy
SunEdison is North America’s largest solar energy services provider and is about to commence a third cycle of solar projects in Ontario - projects that could boost additional demand for skilled labourers and qualified solar professionals. Already, “A workforce of over 150 is actively completing the Norfolk County solar parks,” remarks Jason Gray, Vice President of SunEdison Canada. As more green energy projects are launched, it is likely that hiring freezes stemming from the current recession could eventually thaw as the province continues to transform itself into a greener, cleaner economy.
