Rankin Renewable
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Rankin Renewable is committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions by delivering innovative, locally driven renewable projects that strengthen communities and protect the environment.
Rankin Renewable Power Inc. (RRPI) is an innovation company, specializing in the development, ownership, and operation of renewable energy projects across Ontario. Over the past two decades, RRPI has contributed to over 600 megawatts (MW) of new sustainable energy capacity in the province, with approximately 25 MW of wind, solar, and hydro projects under its direct management.
Beginning in 2022, RRPI has worked with numerous others to bring renewable energy ambitions to reality, providing civil construction, EPC, and manufacturing services to projects, as renewable energy transitioned from demonstration projects to the most cost-effective sources of energy available. Whether wind, hydroelectric, solar-powered or critical infrastructure for energy transition projects, RRPI leverages decades of heavy civil construction experience to provide a comprehensive and competitive solution to renewable energy projects throughout Ontario.
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Early Engagement
Located near Kincardine, ON, RRPI developed Ontario’s first commercial wind farm in 2022, Huron Winds. The project featured a single 1.8MW Vestas wind turbine, serving as a pioneering initiative in Ontario’s renewable power sector, working to demonstrate the viability of wind energy in the province. The project helped pave the way for future wind energy development in Ontario. Through this success RRPI gained traction, leading to the development of more owner-operated facilities, and many successful partnerships along the way.
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Developments & Partnerships
During the early years of RRPI, a partnership was developed with the Regional Municipality of Niagara in an effort to develop the first wind farm in the Niagara Region, through Wind Energy Niagara. The partnership engaged government agencies and members of the public to address challenges faced by this new and emerging technology. Although the project never advanced past the development stage, the engagement helped pave the way for the future of renewable energy development.
A few years later, RRPI developed and built three run-of-the-river hydroelectric power stations along the Welland Canal in partnership with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation. Constructed in 2007, adjacent to Locks 1, 2, and 3, each station has a capacity of 2MW, collectively producing enough clean energy to power nearly 5,000 homes annually. The project utilized existing canal infrastructure to minimize environmental impact while optimizing water flow for electricity generation. These stations exemplify Rankin’s commitment to sustainable energy development and efficient use of Ontario’s water resources. The stations are currently owned and operated by RRPI, working closely with the St. Lawrence Seaway to ensure waterflow, specifically during the annual non-navigation period.
In 2014, returning to the wind energy sector, RRPI partnered with local landowners in the development of two wind turbine farms in Wainfleet and Vineland, respectively. Each wind farm is equipped with five Vestas V100 Wind Turbines, producing in excess of 60GWh of emission-free energy annually. To date, partners of Wainfleet Wind Energy and Vineland Power Inc. actively engage with RRPI, demonstrating capacity for renewable energy to aid in local development and ownership of clean energy sources.
Most recently, RRPI joined forces with WindShare to co-own and operate the iconic 91-meter-tall wind turbine located at Toronto’s Exhibition Place. The turbine, the first of its kind in a major North American urban city center, serves both as a power generator and an educational landmark promoting renewable energy. RRPI is excited about the opportunity the partnership provides, to ensure that this project continues to inspire and educate future generations.
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Education & Community Engagement
Beyond energy production, RRPI actively engages with educational institutions like Niagara College and Brock University to promote sustainability and renewable energy education. As participating members of industry associations, including the Ontario Waterpower Association and the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), RRPI aims to advocate for a clean energy-powered economy, while being a proactive leader in Ontario’s renewable energy sector, collaborating with businesses and organizations to drive change. RRPI plays a key role in the Niagara Energy Alliance, promoting renewable energy locally, and the Renewable Energy Alliance of Ontario, which united industry associations, environmental groups, unions, and businesses at the provincial level to support the energy transition.
The construction industry is making significant strides toward sustainability, and Rankin Renewable Power Inc. will remain at the forefront, driving innovation and championing renewable energy solutions.