New task force created in wind energy sector - An approach that will confirm the benefit of further developing the industry, according to the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA)

MONTRÉAL, July 17, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) is pleased by the Quebec government's announcement today of the creation of a task force in the wind energy sector. CanWEA is confident this initiative will serve to strengthen the wind energy sector in Quebec, and CanWEA will actively participate in the task force to further promote the merits of wind energy, an asset for Quebec's future energy policy.

"Wind energy has a role to play in Quebec's economy and sustainable energy development," said Jean-Frédérick Legendre, Quebec Regional Director for CanWEA. "The province is well positioned for the next development phase of the wind energy sector to generate new investments and to further attract component manufacturing. The expansion of the wind energy industry also represents an opportunity for increasing Quebec exports. Wind energy commissioned today in Quebec is cost-competitive with all new forms of electricity production.  We are determined to work with the government to allow the industry to grow in a favourable and predictable context, which is necessary in order for new wind projects to materialize."

With the creation of over 5,000 jobs, the wind energy sector has generated $10 billion worth of investments in Quebec over the past decade, and now contributes $500 million to the province's GDP every year. The industry, which blossomed over a 10-year period thanks to the predictable and integrated approach of successive governments, offers great potential to Quebec.

The wind energy industry's development also has generated regional economic benefits, especially in Gaspésie, but it is also important to recognize its impact on Montréal, which over the years has become the biggest wind energy industry hub in eastern North America, where companies from Quebec and abroad co-exist. The preliminary stages of a large number of wind energy projects implemented outside Quebec were also completed in the Montreal metropolitan area.

In addition to being the source of many large-scale investments and economic spin-offs, the wind energy industry is generating cutting-edge expertise in Quebec. It is a source of clean, reliable and affordable energy that will benefit all Quebec electricity consumers.

About CanWEA

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 on wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits. Join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and join the conversation at windfacts.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Wind Energy Association

Lejla Latifovic, Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA), 613-234-8716 ext. 241, [email protected]