CanWEA applauds B.C.Â’s progress on renewables

OTTAWA, CANADA - The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) recognizes the British Columbia government's progress and commitment to developing clean energy sources to supply the province's electricity needs.

The first wind energy projects in British Columbia are now fully commissioned and providing clean renewal power to British Columbians. These projects, along with the recently announced provincial cabinet committee established on climate action and clean energy, are clear examples that British Columbia is moving to take advantage of the many benefits of its massive wind energy opportunity.

The recently-commissioned 102MW Bear Mountain Wind Park, which was on-budget and ahead of schedule, will produce enough energy to power most of the Southern Peace region. This project, along with the groundbreaking Grouse Mountain wind turbine — with its innovative observation pod — provide an excellent foundation for British Columbia's long-term commitment to supporting clean and renewable sources of electrical generation.

"We are delighted to see such innovative projects get the support of government, investors and the communities in which they are located, and believe there are significant prospects for future wind energy development in British Columbia," said CanWEA President Robert Hornung. "The BC government's new cabinet committee on climate action and clean energy has an opportunity to develop the roadmap that can now move British Columbia to the forefront of sustainable and green energy development."

Hornung went on to reiterate CanWEA's commitment and desire to be part of the process of shaping British Columbia's energy future. "We hope to be fully engaged in the opportunities these recent announcements provide to our industry," he said. "As the voice for Canada's wind industry, CanWEA is well positioned to be an active participant in this important round of consultation."

CanWEA's vision document, Wind Vision 2025 — Powering Canada's Future, estimates that wind energy has the potential to be one of Canada's next great economic opportunities while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing other environmental concerns. By year's end, Canada will have 3,159 MW of installed capacity — with wind developments operating in every province for the first time ever. Wind currently supplies about 1 per cent of Canada's electricity demand with enough power to meet the needs of 860,000 homes.