Approval and Permitting Requirements

New provincial approvals process for renewable energy projects

A new streamlined provincial approval process for renewable energy projects has been developed based on the concept of a complete submission. The complete submission combines all provincial Ministries requirements into a coordinated process for review and decision making on proposed renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, biomass and biogas projects that generate electricity.

There are 2 key documents:

1. MNR’s Approval and Permitting Requirements Document that outlines the MNR’s requirements for the application, review and decision-making regarding the approval of renewable energy projects.
2. The Ministry of the Environment’s (MOE) Renewable Energy Approval Regulation that outlines requirements for the review and approval of renewable energy projects.

Some information requirements are common between the MNR and the MOE. Where there are common requirements they are outlined in the Renewable Energy Approval Regulation but will also be reviewed and considered by the MNR for decision making on its approvals or permits.

In addition, a renewable energy project may require approval from other agencies or level of government, for example, a conservation authority, municipality or federal agency. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that those other requirements are met.

For more information on the complete submission process please see the Renewable Energy Facilitator's Office process chart.

Waterpower Project Approvals

The Government recognizes that waterpower projects are unique by comparison to other types of renewable energy generation projects as they have specific engineering considerations and the project timelines are much longer term than those of other renewable energy generation projects. The rules for waterpower projects are customized through a Class Environmental Assessment with clear requirements for considering environmental impacts and working with communities to design better projects in cooperation with government.

The Ontario Waterpower Association's Class Environmental Assessment for Waterpower Projects is a key source document for understanding the rules governing the development of waterpower projects under 200 Megawatts. Waterpower projects 200 Megawatts and larger are subject to an Individual Environmental Assessment.