ecoENERGY for Renewable Power

ecoENERGY for Renewable Power (Voted)

Start date

April 1, 2007

End date

The Program’s authority to enter into contribution agreements ended on March 31, 2011. However, allocated funding will be issued to program participants until 2020-21.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2008-09

Strategic Outcome

2 – Natural Resource Sectors and Consumers are Environmentally Responsible

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture

2.1 – Energy-Efficient Practices and Lower-Carbon Energy Sources and 2.1.1 – Renewable Energy Deployment

Description

The ecoENERGY for Renewable Power Program is investing $1.4 billion over 14 years to increase Canada's supply of clean electricity from renewable sources such as wind, biomass, low-impact hydro, and solar photovoltaic energy. It is intended to help position low-impact renewable energy technologies to make an increased contribution to Canada’s energy supply and thereby contribute to a more sustainable and diversified energy mix. Payments of the incentive will be paid over a 10-year period to qualifying projects.
This transfer payment program has repayable contributions.

Results achieved

The expected result is increased production of renewable energy supply in Canada. During 2015-16, the Program contributed to the generation of 12.3 terrawatt hours (TWh) of electricity from clean, renewable energy sources. This production lead to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of about 5.73 megatonnes. The projects under this program met less than expected electricity production due to lower than expected renewable energy resources. 

Comments on variances

Due to the variability of renewable energy resources such as wind, the planned spending each year is based on estimated production for that period. During 2015-16, the projects were affected by lower than expected renewable resources which resulted in lower electricity production. 

Audits completed or planned

Seven recipient audits were performed during 2015-16. An additional five are planned for 2016-17. The completed audits did not report any concerns. 

Evaluations completed or planned

An evaluation of the Program was completed in July 2015.    

Engagement of applicants and recipients

Applications are no longer accepted for the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power Program, as the commitment period ended on March 31, 2011. The Department continues to engage with recipients to ensure compliance with the requirements of the contribution agreements.