Determining the largest procurement in history can be complex due to the vast array of sectors and projects involved. However, recent notable examples include ¹ ² ³:
- Ontario’s Energy Procurement: The Ontario government has launched the largest competitive energy procurement in the province’s history, aiming to secure up to 7,500 megawatts (MW) of new energy by 2034. This procurement is part of the government’s plan to meet growing energy demands, forecasted to increase by 60% by 2050, and support large-scale capital projects.
- Key Features:
- Diverse Energy Mix: The procurement will include a mix of energy sources such as nuclear, hydroelectric, renewables, natural gas, and biomass.
- Indigenous Participation: The government is incentivizing Indigenous participation among project proponents, with projects featuring Indigenous partnerships and support expected to score higher in the procurement process.
- Northern Ontario Development: Projects located in Northern Ontario will receive additional incentives, unlocking Crown lands for renewable energy development.
- Agricultural Protection: Ground-mounted solar panels will be prohibited on prime agricultural farmland to protect agricultural areas.
While this is a significant procurement deal, without more global context or comparison to other large procurements across different sectors and regions, it’s challenging to definitively declare it the largest in history. Nonetheless, Ontario’s energy procurement stands out due to its scale and strategic importance for the region’s energy future.