Wind, solar and bio-energy
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| Solar panels in summer, First Light Solar Farm Photo: Sarah Garden/MNR |
The Ministry of Natural Resources plays a key role in the review and approval of renewable energy projects wind, solar and bio-energy projects.
A central element of Ontario’s Green Energy initiative is a provincial approval process for renewable energy projects, based on the concept of a complete submission. The process provides a coordinated approach for review and decision making on proposed renewable energy projects, including wind, solar and bio-energy projects that generate electricity.
The Approval and Permitting Requirements Document for Renewable Energy Projects (APRD) outlines MNR’s requirements for the application, review and decision making regarding the approval of renewable energy projects.
To learn more, read MNR’s info sheet about approval and permitting requirements
(PDF 218 Kb)
The Ministry of Environment's Technical Guide to Renewable Energy Approval provides detailed information on the requirements for submitting a complete application for a Renewable Energy Approval (REA). The requirements for REA are established through regulation 359/09 under the Environmental Protection Act.
The Provincial Approvals for Renewable Energy Projects Guide explains how these documents work together. For more information on the renewable energy approvals process, please visit the Renewable Energy Facilitation Office.
Natural Heritage Assessment
Under Section 24 of the REA Regulation, most renewable energy projects must undergo a natural heritage assessment (NHA), including a records review, site investigation and evaluation of significance.
The REA regulation establishes requirements for renewable energy projects and protections for natural features based on development prohibitions and setbacks from significant natural features.
MNR plays a key role by reviewing and confirming NHA reports and providing technical guidance to applicants. Reports prepared in connection with a NHA are submitted to MNR for review and confirmation, prior to applying for a REA. The results of the MNR review must be included with the REA application submitted to MOE.
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| Prince Wind Farm, Little Brown Bats, Red Tailed Hawk |
Guidelines and Resources
- Natural Heritage Assessment: Guide for Renewable Energy Projects - Second Edition (2012)
(PDF 1.3 Mb) - Bats and Bat Habitats: Guidelines for Windpower Projects (2011) (PDF 545 Kb)
- Birds and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Windpower Projects(2011).(PDF 570 Kb)
Tools for REA project applicants:
- Wind Energy Bird and Bat Monitoring Database – on this page of the Bird Studies Canada web site you will find field data forms and data submission templates to support data collection for pre and post-construction monitoring consistent with the requirements of Ontario’s Bird and Bat Guidelines for Wind Power.
To learn more, read MNR info sheets
Protecting Birds and Bird Habitats (PDF 547Kb)
Protecting Bats and Bat Habitats (PDF 238Kb)
Protecting Ontario’s Natural Heritage (PDF 264Kb)
Ministry of Energy Resources
For information regarding renewable energy project application and procurement contracts, please contact the Ministry of Energy’s Renewable Energy Facilitation Office. You can also click here to consult the Ontario Power Authority’s Feed-in-Tariff Program
