Exploring regional energy futures in Canada: A techno-economic energy model for Ontario

We discuss a model that involves the use of linear programming to calculate the least costly configuration of the energy system in the province of Ontario in Canada for the year 2021. We identify some desirable changes in energy technologies and fuels, compared with the present, and we analyze the economic and air-pollution impacts of several policies: no new nuclear power development, higher insulation standards for homes and enforcing the use of wood or solar energy for home heating.