Natural gas would retain its status as an essential ingredient of power supplies for Ontario, the most populated Canadian province, in a program adopted by the province’s Independent Electric System Operator (IESO).

Canada GHG

The plan calls for adding up to 1,500 MW of capacity to natural gas-fired generators for Ontario’s 15 million residents by 2027. The thermal plants would be 38% of the IESO total capacity growth goal of 4,000 MW.

“By using natural gas in a limited way, Ontario’s communities, businesses and consumers will be able to continue with their electrification plans, while at the same time, decarbonization of the electricity system can continue in a carefully coordinated manner without risking reliability or economic growth,” IESO’s plan stated.

The additional...