Waterpower Site Application

MNR has four (4) different kinds of waterpower site release processes

Direct Site Release Process applies if the proposed development:

• will produce less than or equal to one megawatt of electricity; or
• is proposed by the riparian owner (owns the land right beside the water); or
• is within the basins of the Severn, Winisk (Weenusk), Attawapiskat; Albany rivers and is proposed by a local Aboriginal community(ies) and/or their partner and is less than 25 MW.

Non-Competitive Site Release Process applies if the proposed development is greater than 1 MW and less than or equal to 10 MW, and does not otherwise qualify for Direct Site Release.

MNR Dams Site Release Process applies if the proposed development is for an MNR dam.

Competitive Site Release Process applies if the proposed development is greater than 10 MW and does not otherwise qualify for Direct Site Release. 

How does the application process work?

Direct Site Release, Non-Competitive Site Release and MNR Dams applications are on a first-come first-served basis.

• Generally, the first qualified applicant that submits a complete application is given the opportunity to pursue Applicant of Record status.
• The Applicant of Record status means that the applicant now has the opportunity to pursue Environmental Assessment and development approvals.  Site construction can only begin when all requirements have been met.
  

Competitive Site Release

• The applicant submits an Expression of Interest for a site. 

• MNR screens the site to see if it is eligible for waterpower development.
• If the site is eligible, MNR prepares a Competitive Release Package and posts it on the Renewable Energy Extranet.
• Applicants may then apply for the site by submitting a Plan of Development that describes the development proposal.
• MNR reviews all Plans of Development, selects a successful applicant, and grants them Applicant of Record status. 
• The Applicant of Record status means that the applicant now has the opportunity to pursue Environmental Assessment and development approvals.  Site construction can only begin when all requirements have been met.