CanWEA applauds Ontario government plan for new transmission projects

20 new projects to create new jobs and integrate more renewable energy

TORONTO , Sept. 21 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) applauds the Ontario government's plans to proceed with major transmission system upgrades across the province, in support of the Green Energy and Green Economy Act.

The plan will greatly enhance the ability for wind energy projects to be integrated into Ontario's grid and allow for more green energy to be distributed across the province - creating an estimated 20,000 jobs and $2.3 billion in investment over the next three years. The announcement was made by Deputy Premier and Energy and Infrastructure Minister George Smitherman at the opening ceremonies of CanWEA's Annual Conference & Exhibition.

"We welcome the Ontario government's plan to upgrade this province's electricity grid," said CanWEA President Robert Hornung . "This is a huge boost to the continued development of wind energy as a viable renewable energy source in Ontario. This plan opens the door for the wind industry to grow and create new green economy jobs."

Wind energy in Canada currently has a capacity to generate 2,854 MW - enough to power more than 860,000 homes and equivalent to about one per cent of Canada's total electricity demand. 2009 will be a record year for wind energy development in Canada with new installed capacity from wind energy projects totaling 790 MW, ending the year with more than 3,000 MW total.

CanWEA estimates that wind energy can satisfy 20 per cent of Canada's electricity demand by 2025. This would cut Canada's annual greenhouse gas emissions by 17 megatonnes while generating about $80 billion (CDN) of investment, creating a minimum of 50,000 new jobs and providing economic development opportunities for rural communities throughout Canada .

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 more than 450 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, [phone], ext. 228, Mobile: [phone]