CanWEA applauds Ontario's decision to abandon coal-fired electricity ahead of schedule - Wind Energy continues to increase its contribution to the Ontario electricity system

OTTAWA, Jan. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - CanWEA today applauded Premier Dalton McGuinty's announcement that Ontario will fully abandon coal-fired electricity a year ahead of schedule. The province has reduced use of coal by 90 per cent since 2003 while at the same time bringing online 2,000 MW of clean, emissions-free wind energy.

"The move to eliminate dirty coal from the provincial power system makes Ontario a North American leader in both environmental performance and in supporting the development of a clean energy economy," said Robert Hornung, president of CanWEA. "Ontario is one of North America's wind energy leaders and every 1,000 MW of new wind energy development represents more than $2.5 billion in new investment. Our developers, manufacturers and construction contractors are excited and ready to help the province continue to build a world-leading power system that is cleaner and affordable."

According to recent remarks delivered to the Ontario Energy Network Luncheon by Paul Murphy, President and CEO, Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), wind energy's contribution to the Ontario electricity system continues to climb. At just over three per cent of electricity supplied in Ontario in 2012, wind energy's contribution has now surpassed that of coal. Mr. Murphy also noted that the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) projects non-hydro renewable resources will supply more than 10 per cent of Ontario's electricity needs by 2015.

Wind energy in Ontario has grown from 400 MW in 2006 to over 2,000 MW today.  In fact, Ontario's wind energy industry continues to create new jobs for Ontario's manufacturing sector in places like Hamilton, Niagara, Chatham and Tillsonburg. With political leadership and continued policy stability, wind energy will deliver on its promise of providing the clean, safe electricity that Ontarians want.

Wind energy is safe, clean and affordable. It does not emit air emissions or greenhouse gasses, and leaves no waste products. Wind energy uses no water in the production of electricity, and helps in our fight against climate change.

SOURCE: CANADIAN WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION

Ulrike Kucera, Media Relations Officer
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