P.E.I. man named wind energy pioneer

CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND - Wayne MacQuarrie, chief executive officer of the P.E.I. Energy Corporation, has been honoured as one of the pioneers of CanadaÂ’s wind energy industry.

In October, MacQuarrie was given an Individual Leadership Award by the Canadian Wind Energy Association at its annual conference and trade show in Vancouver.

“The people who know Canada’s wind industry best recognize the leadership that Prince Edward Island has shown and that Wayne MacQuarrie has shown in helping develop wind as a viable and profitable energy source for Prince Edward Island,” said Premier Robert Ghiz in congratulating MacQuarrie.

“Thanks to Wayne’s vision, our Island is at the forefront of wind power development in Canada.”

The premier said MacQuarrie and the P.E.I. Energy Corporation have been responsible for development of two publicly-owned wind farms – at North Cape and East Point – and for encouraging private sector development of wind energy. MacQuarrie has been a consistent supporter and board member for the Wind Energy Institute of Canada – helping ensure that Prince Edward Island remains a vital part of the development and promotion of wind power.

“This fall, Wayne MacQuarrie was a big part of the development of our province’s new wind strategy that will see 500 megawatts of wind-generated electricity produced on Prince Edward Island. More than that, with Wayne’s guidance, we have developed principles that will make sure the benefits of wind energy flow to every Islander in the form of lower power rates, greater independence and increased economic activity that will benefit every member of the Island community,” said the premier.

“This government, in fact this whole province, is very lucky to be able to benefit from the expertise and experience provided by Wayne MacQuarrie.”