Wind energy powers job creation: CanWEA

TORONTO, ONTARIO - The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) announced a strategic partnership to explore Canadian manufacturing opportunities in the growing global wind energy industry.

The announcement was made at the close of CanWEA's 25th annual Conference & Exhibition in downtown Toronto. The event was the organization's most successful to date, drawing more than 2,000 delegates and 235 exhibitors from Canada, the U.S, and around the world.

"Wind energy represents a significant opportunity to create new green jobs in Canada's manufacturing sector," said CanWEA President Robert Hornung. "The more than 8,000 parts that go into a wind turbine require highly skilled trades and quality manufacturing facilities, both of which are in abundant supply in Canada. It is estimated that between now and 2020, more than 2 million jobs will be created in the global wind energy industry, many of them in manufacturing and export."

The two national associations will partner this fall to produce a co-branded market report that explores and outlines the opportunities, the challenges, and the actions required to ensure Canada earns its share of new wind energy manufacturing and component production.

"We need to ensure that we can secure manufacturing capacity that will respond to the phenomenal growth in this industry," said CME President Jayson Myers. "In order to compete and win in the North American investment game, we need both government support and leadership. By taking the appropriate action today, we can ensure Canada is a global leader in this industry in the future."

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing sources of electricity in Canada as governments seek ways to meet increasing energy demands without producing greenhouse gases while also stimulating rural and industrial economic development. Almost 800 MW of new wind energy capacity will be installed this year in Canada, representing more than $1.5 billion of investment. By the end of 2009, wind energy facilities will be operating for the first time in every province of Canada, producing enough electricity to power almost 1 million Canadian homes.