CarbonFree Fort Frances Solar

Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (“IESO”) is conducting a series of large-scale procurements for energy supply. These procurements are being driven by growing demand, an evolving supply mix and a drive toward grid decarbonization and electrification. The most recent procurement is the first round of the Long Term 2 RFP for Energy (“LT2(e-1)”). The schedule for this procurement includes proposal submitted to IESO on October 16, 2025, contract awards are expected in April 2026, and Commercial Operation on or before May 1, 2030. Contracts will run for 20 years from the Commercial Operation Date.

More information on the IESO’s LT2 procurement can be found at the IESO's Long-Term 2 RFP web page.

This project embraces agrivoltaics—a land-use model that combines solar energy production with active agricultural practices. By integrating farming directly under and around solar panels, our approach to development seeks to improve the productivity of the land both during and following the project’s life. 

We are committed to returning more land to agricultural production than is taken out. The project is planned to return formerly cleared lands, that have grown back, to production.  These lands will be seeded with graze species and maintained for the life of the solar project. Our project design maintains and enhances the agricultural viability of the site during and after project operations. 

Clean and Renewable: PV systems generate electricity with zero greenhouse gas emissions.
 

Quiet and Low Impact: Solar panels operate silently and have a minimal footprint on surrounding communities.
 

Reversible Land Use: PV installations are designed to be temporary, preserving the land’s long-term value.
 

Energy Security: By adding local generation capacity, projects like CarbonFree Fort Frances help diversify Ontario’s energy mix and enhance resilience.
 

Long-Term Stewardship: With smart design and ongoing vegetation management, solar projects can coexist with natural ecosystems and even improve site conditions over time.
 

This project aspires to reflect CarbonFree’s commitment to thoughtful, forward-looking energy development that respects local values and natural landscapes.

Community and Indigenous engagement are central to this project and have been ongoing since March 2025. We will host multiple open houses to gather input and answer questions.  Dates for open houses are posted to this website. Check back for updates 

The project will follow Ontario’s rigorous permitting and assessment process, including but not limited to:

• Environmental impact studies 
• Archeological and cultural heritage assessments
• Noise, traffic, and visual impact modeling