Canadian Wind Energy Association celebrates opening of St. Lawrence College
Wind Turbine and Trades Facility

OTTAWA, Oct. 22 /CNW/ - The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) congratulates St. Lawrence College on the opening of its Wind Turbine and Trades Facility. The Kingston campus' newly completed, state-of-the-art facility will provide a modern learning environment for students of the Wind Turbine Technician program.  The facility is synonymous with St. Lawrence College's goal of training more workers to meet the growing number of jobs in the next generation of green industries.  The new facility provides space for approximately 80 students, with installed solar panels, a solar air heating system, and a wind turbine nacelle to provide hands-on learning.

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing sources of electricity in Canada as governments seek ways to meet increasing energy demand, reduce greenhouse gases and stimulate rural and industrial economic development. Canada's wind energy industry scored a record year in 2009 with 950 MW of new wind energy capacity installed in eight provinces - placing Canada 9th globally in terms of new installed capacity. In 2009, new development represented more than $2.2 billion in investment, increasing total installed capacity to 3,319 MW.  Growth continues, and Canada currently stands at 3,549 MW of total installed capacity.

"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 Robert Hornung, president of CanWEA. "This innovative program is an example of the leadership role that Ontario can play in terms of training and employing its young people to fill the growing need for skilled workers in renewable energy."

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. 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 annual revenues for municipalities.

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 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 further information:

Ulrike Kucera, Media Relations Officer, CanWEA
Direct: 613 234-8716 ext. 228
Mobile: [phone]