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12/05/2011
Canadian Wind Energy Association opens trading on Toronto Stock Exchange Celebrating record year of $3.5 billion invested in new Canadian wind energy installations
OTTAWA, December 5, 2011 Today the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) celebrated a record year for new wind energy developments by opening trading at the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).
Representatives from the industry association were joined by business leaders from several of the companies it represents to open trading with news that wind installations in 2011 represent almost $3.5 billion in investment and have created more than 13,500 person years of employment in addition to providing emissions-free electricity for families and businesses across Canada.
Wind energy in Canada will enjoy a record year in 2011 with approximately 1,400MW of new installed wind energy capacity projected to come on line – compared to 690 MW installed in 2010, according to new projections from CanWEA. Canada is expected to end 2011 with more than 5,400 MW of total installed wind energy capacity – enough to power more than 1.5 million Canadian homes every year. This ranks Canada in 9th place globally in terms of total installed wind energy capacity.
"2011 has been a banner year for new wind energy development in Canada, which means cleaner air, new jobs and local investments for the communities that host wind energy projects," said Robert Hornung, president of CanWEA. "Canada, and in particular Ontario, is emerging as a very competitive destination for wind energy investment globally. Maintaining that position will require continued commitments to aggressive targets for wind energy development and a stable policy framework. As demonstrated here today, this industry represents billions of dollars in new investments across the manufacturing and construction sectors."
2011 is also a record year for new wind energy installations in Ontario with more than 500 MW projected to be installed by the end of year. While Ontario is Canada's leader for new wind energy installations, it is not alone in pursuing the economic and environmental benefits of wind energy development. In 2011, new wind energy projects were built and commissioned in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Alberta also expects to have a project commissioned by the end of the year. More than 6,000 MW of wind energy projects are already contracted to be built over the next five years.
About CanWEA:
CanWEA is the voice of Canada's wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy on behalf of its more than 440 members. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada's leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits. To join other global leaders in the wind energy industry, CanWEA believes Canada can and must reach its target of producing 20 per cent or more of the country's electricity from wind by 2025. The document Wind Vision 2025 – Powering Canada's Future is available at www.canwea.ca
For more information or to schedule a media interview, contact:
Ulrike Kucera
Media Relations Officer
Mobile: (613) 867-4433
ulrikekucera@canwea.ca
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