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Ontario’s landmark investment in wind energy will create new jobs and attract additional investment to the province

Ottawa, April 8 – The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) applauds the Ontario government for recognizing the significant contribution wind energy can make to Ontario’s green energy supply as well as its economy and job base. With 48 new wind energy projects awarded today – representing more than 1,500 MW of new generating capacity – this represents one of the largest single investments in wind energy in Canada’s history.

"This is a very significant step for the government of Ontario and the Ontario Power Authority in realizing the huge potential for wind energy under Ontario's Green Energy Act," said CanWEA president Robert Hornung. "Ontario has established itself as a clear leader in North America in moving towards a Green Economy. Going forward, the long-term success of the GEA will ultimately depend on a continued commitment to open and fair access to the Feed in Tariff, as well as accelerated investment in new transmission infrastructure."

Every 1,000 MW of new installed wind generation capacity represents approximately $ 2.75 billion in private sector investment, 1,000 new jobs, and enough electricity to power 300,000 Canadian homes. It also provides $ 3 million in annual lease payments for farmers and other rural landowners as well as a similar amount in new taxes for rural municipalities.

“Between now and 2020, it is projected that $1 trillion will be invested in wind energy projects globally, creating more than 1.75 million jobs,” said Mr. Hornung. “Today’s announcement will help Ontario capture a growing portion of this rapidly expanding global economic opportunity, but will require continued investment in transmissions and infrastructure upgrades.”

CanWEA’s Wind Vision 2025 – Powering Canada’s Future, estimates that Canada has the potential to make wind energy the country’s next great economic opportunity, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing other environmental concerns. Achieving the goal of providing 20 per cent of the country’s electricity needs with wind energy by the year 2025 will result in $79 billion in new investment, the creation of up to 52,000 new “green collar” jobs, and more than $165 million in new revenues for municipalities, many in rural areas hit hard by traditional resource declines.

The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) is a non-profit industry association representing more than 460 members of the wind energy industry, including wind turbine manufacturers, component suppliers, wind energy project developers and a broad range of service providers to the industry. CanWEA’s mission is to support the responsible and sustainable development of wind energy in Canada.

CanWEA spokespeople are available for interviews.

For more information or to set up an interview, please contact:

Ulrike Kucera
Media Relations Officer
613-234-8716, ext. 228
Mobile: 613 867-4433