Ontario eliminates renewables’ domestic content requirement

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The government of Ontario is eliminating the domestic content requirement for renewable energy projects.

Japan and the European Union raised signalled their opposition at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), to Ontario’s 60% domestic content requirement for renewable energy projects to be eligible for the government’s feed-in-tariff (FiT). The requirement is being scrapped altogether.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The amendment in the Ontario Electricity Act, which specified that 60% of a solar or wind project's equipment or services must be locally sourced,  was ruled as unfairly discriminating against outside companies by the WTO. In May the domestic requirement level was reduced to 22% for crystalline and 28% for thin-film PV systems.

Originally a temporary measure to resettle domestic trade, the requirement has been eliminated entirely. The government claims industry growth means it is no longer required.

“The strength of the sector means here at home, when Ontario’s renewable energy providers make decisions about what products and services they purchase, we’re confident Ontario suppliers will be competitive and the supplier of choice,” said Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Energy.

The amendment means there is no domestic content requirement needed for eligibility to government FiTs. The Ontario government claims this will save ratepayers CA$1.9 billion over 35 years.

Canada has opened a trade case against China over alleged dumping and subsidising of silicon metal from China.

Read Next

September 10, 2025
A project claimed to be Germany’s largest agriPV plant has been commissioned in the north-east of the country.
September 10, 2025
Renewables developer rPlus Energies has secured US$100 million in tax equity financing for its 125MW solar PV plant in the US state of Idaho.
September 10, 2025
Indian solar module manufacturer Vikram Solar reported a 79.7% year-on-year increase in revenue for the first quarter of FY26.
September 10, 2025
Cordelio Power has started commercial operations at its 150MW Winfield solar project in Lincoln County, Missouri.
September 10, 2025
Voltalia is seeking compensation for the ongoing curtailment of its Brazilian solar and wind fleet, which has exceeded expectations this year.
September 10, 2025
Japanese solar cell manufacturer Toyo Solar has sold 1.6GW of solar PV cells in the first half of 2025, driving revenue of around US$139 million.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines