CanWEA opens its largest-ever wind energy O&M Summit in Toronto
TORONTO, Feb. 1, 2017 /CNW/ - The opportunity to learn about innovative new tools and techniques to improve the productivity and profitability of Canada's 11,898 MW of installed wind energy capacity has attracted almost 200 wind energy professionals to Toronto for the Canadian Wind Energy Association's (CanWEA) third annual Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Summit, being held February 1-2, at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto.
The summit has brought together owners, operators, manufacturers and service providers to discuss operational issues in Canada's maturing wind sector, and to explore ways to increase efficiencies, drive down costs, and unlock additional value from wind energy projects. More than 4,000 MW of Canada's wind generating capacity has been operating for five years or more, and as the country's turbine fleet ages, it is becoming increasingly important for leaders in the industry to collectively focus on strategies to maximize wind farm performance and drive operational excellence.
Data-driven maintenance strategies, emerging technologies and service offerings, cold climate challenges, and health and safety best practices are among the key topics that will be discussed by the summit's line up of expert speakers from across North America. There is also a tabletop exhibition featuring leading companies in the wind O&M sector.
The summit, expanded this year after selling out for two years running, is part of CanWEA's new O&M program. Industry members will hold a strategy session following the event to set program priorities for the next three years.
Quotes
"As our industry continues to expand, strategies for operating and maintaining wind energy projects continue to evolve. Coming together at CanWEA's O&M Summit to share expertise and information not only helps individual companies make informed decisions for their own operations, but ensures that as an industry, we are looking ahead and employing the best tools and practices we can to be leaders in renewable power generation."
- Phil McKay, Operations and Maintenance Program Director, CanWEA
"More wind energy has been built in the last 11 years in Canada than any other source of new electricity supply, and the rapid growth and maturation of our industry means that many companies now have more assets operating than new projects in development. Keeping those facilities operating as safely, efficiently and sustainably as possible is critical – not just for wind farm owners, but also for the communities where projects are located, the regional economies they contribute to, and the environmental goals they help meet."
- Robert Hornung, President, CanWEA
Background
- Canada has 11,898 MW of installed wind generating capacity, which is the seventh largest wind energy fleet in the world. There are currently close to 6,300 turbines installed at 285 wind facilities across the country. To learn more, please visit the Wind Markets section of CanWEA's website.
- The O&M Summit program was developed with the input of some of Canada's largest wind operators and equipment suppliers.
- A study commissioned by CanWEA in 2015 found the country's wind energy O&M market was expected to nearly double to $450 million in annual spending by 2020, bringing new jobs and investment to Canada.
About the Canadian Wind Energy Association
CanWEA is the voice of Canada's wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy. 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. Join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Learn more at www.canwea.ca.
SOURCE Canadian Wind Energy Association
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For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact: Lejla Latifovic, Communications Advisor, Canadian Wind Energy Association, 613-234-8716 x 241 or 1-800-922-6932 x 241, [email protected]
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