The power from wind, water, solar, biomass and landfill gas is enough to power 40,000 homes and could attract nearly $A440 million in new investment, Ontario minister of energy Dwight Duncan said.

The province currently aims to get 5% of its power from new renewable energy sources by 2007, and 10% (2,700MW) by 2010.

In comparison, Australia’s federal Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000, sets a target to generate an additional 2% of electricity from renewable sources by 2010.

Ontario’s official Request for Proposals (PFP) to energy companies for more renewable power is the province’s third in less than 12 months.

In November last year, 10 new renewable energy projects to provide 395MW were announced.

In April last year, the government requested proposals for 1,000MW from greenhouse-clean projects.

The RFPs are expected to bring up to 1,600 megawatts of new renewable power and almost $A2.48 billion in new investment to Ontario, Duncan said.

This could exceed the government's target of 1,350MW of renewable energy for the province by 20%.