Background
On June 12, the Ontario government released Energy for Generations, its first-ever integrated energy plan. The strategy brings together electricity, fuels, hydrogen, and new technologies under one coordinated framework to meet a projected 75% increase in electricity demand by 2050, the equivalent of adding four-and-a-half Torontos to the grid. The plan is central to Ontario’s efforts to build a resilient, affordable, and self-reliant energy system that supports growth and long-term economic competitiveness.
Described as a “nation-building” initiative by Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce, the plan emphasizes domestic infrastructure and investment while reaffirming the province’s four core energy principles: affordability, security, reliability, and clean growth.
What’s changing?
The Energy for Generations plan sets out major shifts in how Ontario will plan and deliver energy over the next 25 years:
- Largest nuclear buildout on the continent, including up to four new SMRs at Darlington and a new large-scale nuclear station at Bruce Power.
- Expanded transmission and grid modernization, particularly in Northern Ontario, to unlock a clean energy supply and support new industries and housing.
- New Natural Gas Policy Statement, reaffirming natural gas as a reliable and affordable energy source during the clean energy transition.
- Support for distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar, batteries, and smart home tech for individuals and businesses.
- $3 billion in Indigenous equity financing, alongside increased funding for Indigenous energy programs to support economic reconciliation.
- Smarter, faster planning, ending siloed approaches by integrating fuels, electricity, and emerging technologies under one strategy.
The plan also positions Ontario as a global clean energy exporter, building on its strengths in nuclear technology, medical isotopes, and engineering expertise.
What is the government saying?
“At the turn of the century, our great grandparents had the vision to build Ontario’s hydroelectric dams, later our grandparents built out Ontario’s nuclear fleet, and today, that responsibility falls on us to build for the future.”
– Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines
“This energy plan is central to our ability to deliver on our $200-billion infrastructure plan. It secures the affordable, reliable and clean energy we need to power up Ontario’s roads, schools, homes and hospitals.”
– Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure
What are others saying?
“The plan gives Ontario home builders confidence that energy infrastructure can support the housing supply we need across the province.”
– Scott Andison, CEO, Ontario Home Builders’ Association
“This strategy allows Ontario’s electricity system to serve as a catalyst for long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.”
– Lesley Gallinger, President and CEO, IESO
“From SMRs to grid modernization, this is the blueprint Ontario needs to remain a clean energy leader.”
– Nicolle Butcher, President and CEO, Ontario Power Generation
Conclusion
Ontario’s Energy for Generations plan marks a shift from fragmented planning to an integrated, long-term approach. It aligns energy infrastructure with economic, industrial, and housing priorities while reinforcing Ontario’s leadership in clean energy and domestic reliability. With large-scale investment, Indigenous participation, and clear planning certainty, the province is positioning energy as the foundation for economic resilience, not just for today, but for decades to come.