Horizon Energy Solutions launches "Ontario's Solar Sunbelt" from region's
rooftops

Green Power initiative will lead to cleaner air, greater reliability

HAMILTON, ON, March 26 /CNW/ - On the eve of Earth Hour, Horizon Energy Solutions Inc. (HESI) is launching "Ontario's Solar Sunbelt" with a strategic energy alliance and a commercial solar energy generating business.

Horizon Energy Solutions is one of Ontario's first commercial solar energy generating enterprises, helping to create sustainable communities in Ontario's new green economy. The new initiative takes advantage of the opportunities to generate a clean and reliable local energy supply through the Ontario Government's Green Energy Act.

Horizon is also joining forces with two cities and two institutes of higher learning, as founding members of the Golden Horseshoe Strategic Energy Alliance. The cities of Hamilton and St. Catharines, McMaster University, and Mohawk College will collaborate to position the Golden Horseshoe as a leader in the green economy.

"This strategic powerhouse will combine the capabilities of these research and training institutions and the economic development resources of the cities to help create and attract the energy technologies and businesses of the future. Our alliance can provide the skilled workforce that this new sector will need, locally, for the benefit of all residents," says Horizon CEO, Max Cananzi.

Agreements are in the works for solar installations on dozens of commercial, institutional and industrial buildings in the region, and beyond. A residential solar offering will follow, likely later this year.

Every 10,000 kilowatts of solar energy generated - about the size of forty commercial-size installations - avoids or reduces emissions equal to taking more than 500 typical cars off the road for an entire year. 10,000 kilowatts of solar power, delivered over the year, is enough power to supply approximately 1,200 homes.

The solar power generated will be made available to the provincial power grid under the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program. This program was established by the Ontario Government as part of the Green Energy and Green Economy Act of May 2009.

"Ontario is becoming one of the world leaders in green energy and we aim to make the Golden Horseshoe the first choice for manufacturers and green technology businesses," noted Horizon CEO Max Cananzi. "We have a proven track record in the energy sector, and excellent strategic partnerships for research, training, and location."

"Our government's Green Energy Act has catapulted Ontario into the forefront and is attracting new business from around the globe," says Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Brad Duguid. "We anticipate 50,000 jobs will be generated from this new sector."

"We need new and expanded local sources of power," said Sophia Aggelonitis, Minister of Consumer Services, and MPP Hamilton Mountain. "This is a great time to go green to ensure that we have sustainable and renewable sources of power to provide a more reliable power supply for years to come, and to lower emissions to make our air cleaner and healthier for generations to come."

"This solar offer is a great opportunity for businesses and eventually residential users to contribute to cleaner air with renewable power, while at the same time earning green revenue over a long-term contract with a reliable, trusted organization," Mr. Cananzi noted.

Betacam SP and DVD copies of video and b-roll are available by contacting [email protected]

The Horizon Energy Solutions video can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUKDP0wUFYQ

Horizon Energy Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Horizon Holdings Inc., is a local energy company dedicated to providing commercial and residential customers in the Greater Golden Horseshoe with easy, turn-key, green energy solutions that generate benefits for the customer and the environment.

Additional Quotes

Dr. Mo Elbestawi, Vice President Research and International Affairs - McMaster University

Well, there are newer studies that point out that the number one factor in attracting foreign investment in a particular region, in a particular area, and the number one reason is actually access to intellectual capital. And, we think McMaster as one of the leading Canadian research-intensive Universities can and will provide the highly qualified personnel that any investment in solar technology in this area will require.

Cheryl Jensen Vice-President, Academic - Mohawk College:

Most of our programs are co-op, so we will have companies that will be able to hire our graduates on co-op. We'll have solar panels throughout the region, where our students can work on projects. They can help with applied research, and that way our labs are right out in the community. And our students will be able to hit the ground running when they have graduated. They will have the experience.

The Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure:

"Well, the green energy act has brought in feed in tariffs that are the best in class, seen as the best in the world. It's attracting an incredible amount of interest, and excitement on an international scale. Ontario has become a global leader in attracting interest in renewables and in attracting the next generation of jobs and green energy economy. We're looking forward to seeing those jobs come to Ontario. We're looking forward to seeing opportunities arise for businesses here in this Province. We're also looking forward to building that hub of expertise here, that we can potentially export down south of the border as President Obama prepares to get much more aggressive in pursuit of green energies.

"It's something that our generation of leadership, those in the energy sector, those in government, can join together to ensure that we're going to improve the health of our young people going forward with cleaner sources of energy. We're going to improve their opportunities with a new green economy that's going to generate 50,000 new jobs and we're going to ensure a very stable, sustainable source of energy for the coming years."

For further information: Valerie McKenna, [phone] or Sheri Ojero, [phone] ext. 2534 or cell phone [phone] or [email protected]