Use of renewable energy sources in Canadian province Ontario will be boosted three-fold thanks to a new tie-up between the government and a consortium involving companies such as the Korea Electric Power Corporation and Samsung. The aim is to produce 2,500 megawatts from solar and wind energy technologies – enough to supply almost 600,000 Ontarian homes. As a result of the collaboration, in excess of 16,000 new job opportunities will also be opened up.

Ontario is the second largest Canadian province and the most densely-populated, being home to over 13 million people – according to 2009 statistics. It already has Niagara Falls as a major hydroelectric power source, but now four new renewable energy sites will be manufactured, and not only will the energy be used domestically, but it will be exported too.

Ontario: Green Energy

“Thanks to today's announcement, we will be delivering more green energy for Ontarians to use - and more green energy products for North America to buy”, the head of Ontario’s government , Premier Dalton McGuinty, announced. “With this step, Ontario is becoming the place to be for green energy manufacturing in North America.”

"We commend Ontario for creating a welcoming climate for green energy investment”, Samsung C&T Corporation Chief Executive Officer/President, Sung-Ha Chi, added. “Samsung takes pride in its global efforts to support a more sustainable future and looks forward to working with Ontario residents and businesses to create clean, green power.”

Green Energy Act: Ontario

This new investment into environmentally turbo-charging Ontario’s energy supply will see the equivalent of £4 billion injected into new renewable technologies – an unprecedented amount in this part of the world. Ontario was selected as the site for these technologies to be set up because of its Green Energy Act - put into law almost 12 months ago - the goals of which are to expand use of renewable energy sources, promote conservation of energy and open up new job prospects.

In recent, related news, Enviro-News reported on how Japanese motor firm Mitsubishi was planning to carry out electric car tests in Canada, specifically in Quebec.