As Ontario eyes Crown land for renewable energy, parking lots seen as having ‘untapped potential’
Ontario recently made an exciting announcement regarding the exploration of new energy projects in the northern region of the province. The focus is on utilizing Crown lands for renewable energy initiatives, particularly involving wind, solar, and biomass. This initiative aligns with the increasing demand for electricity, projected to rise by 75 per cent leading up to 2050, as stated by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).
While Ontario heavily relies on nuclear and hydroelectric sources for electricity generation, there is a growing recognition of the importance of integrating solar and wind power into the energy mix. Currently, only one per cent of Ontario’s electricity supply comes from solar power, according to the IESO. However, with the participation of industrial, commercial, and residential consumers in the grid through technologies like solar photovoltaic panels, this percentage is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
One interesting proposal put forward by Atul Sharma, a renewable energy consultant at Algoma Energy Solutions, is the installation of solar panels in parking lots. Sharma believes that parking lots provide ample space with no shade, making them ideal locations for solar energy projects. Additionally, the panels can be angled southwards without any obstacles, maximizing sunlight exposure. This is in contrast to the challenges faced when installing panels on fixed residential roofs.
Moreover, installing solar panels on carports in parking lots not only generates electricity but also provides shade for cars during heatwaves. Sharma acknowledges the initial cost involved in building carports over parking lots for panel installation but emphasizes the long-term benefits, such as supplying power to shopping malls and large commercial establishments.
José Etcheverry, an associate professor at York University and director of the International Renewable Energy Academy, highlights the importance of local solar models in providing power for various transportation modes like buses, cars, bicycles, scooters, and wheelchairs. He argues that solar energy is a cost-effective source of energy and questions Ontario’s reliance on nuclear energy and natural gas, attributing it to political decisions rather than scientific reasoning.
In other jurisdictions, similar initiatives are gaining traction. The Ontario Clean Air Alliance has proposed installing solar panels on Toronto’s parking lots to phase out electricity produced by natural gas. This voluntary program aims to incentivize parking lot owners to contribute solar electricity to the grid, benefiting the environment and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
In France, a recent law mandates outdoor car parks with more than 80 spaces to install solar panels over at least half of the area within the next five years. This measure is expected to generate a significant amount of power, enough to supply millions of homes. Businesses and municipalities are encouraged to fund these projects through grants and loans, with fines imposed for non-compliance.
Overall, the shift towards solar energy in parking lots presents a promising opportunity for sustainable energy generation and reducing carbon emissions. By leveraging available space in parking lots, Ontario can accelerate its transition towards a cleaner and more renewable energy future.
