Ontario remains a national leader in the development of a green energy economy

Cost-competitive wind energy continues to deliver major benefits to Ontario communities

TORONTO, Oct. 8, 2013 /CNW/ - Wind energy must continue to be a vital component of Ontario's electricity system as the government remains on its path toward a cleaner energy future. In 2012 - for the first time ever - more electricity was generated in Ontario using wind than coal. These were the messages delivered through his opening address as Robert Hornung, Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) president launched CanWEA's 29^th Annual Conference and Exhibition in Toronto, Ontario.

"Today, Ontario has a broad range of options for new electricity generation but few that match the requirement for affordability, economic development potential, environmental sustainability, diversification, reliability and rate base value as compellingly as wind energy," stated Robert Hornung. "In addition, new wind energy development will continue to provide Ontario's wind energy supply and value chains with a core domestic market that will allow it to maintain and build upon its current investments in Ontario's green energy economy."

By the end of 2014, Ontario will be the first jurisdiction in North America to eliminate coal as a source of electricity generation. Today, Ontario's more than 1,200 wind turbines generate over 2,200 megawatts of electricity - enough to power over 550,000 homes. Every 1,000 MW of new wind energy drives more than $2 billion in investments, creates 10,500 person-years of employment, and provides enough clean power for over 300,000 average Canadian homes.

"Wind energy is a reliable and cost-effective partner as provinces across Canada pledge to diversify and clean their electricity supplies," added Robert Hornung. "Ontario's progressive approach to renewable energy development has successfully attracted billions in new investment, provided significant economic benefits to local communities and helped provide new opportunities for the manufacturing sector."

CanWEA is committed to ensuring that wind energy is an important element of the Ontario government's revised Long Term Energy Plan that is being developed this Fall.

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 on behalf of its 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. Join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and for insight on industry issues join the conversation at www.windfacts.ca.

For Canada to be a world leader in the production of clean wind energy, CanWEA believes we can and must reach a target of producing 20 per cent or more of our electricity from wind. Learn more at www.canwea.ca.

Image with caption: "Ontario Power Authority CEO, Colin Andersen provides the opening plenary keynote address at CanWEA's 29th Annual Conference and Exhibition, setting the stage for a morning that will shine the spotlight on Canada's largest wind energy market. (CNW Group/Canadian Wind Energy Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131008_C8085_PHOTO_EN_31836.jpg

SOURCE: Canadian Wind Energy Association

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Ulrike Kucera, Media Relations Officer
Canadian Wind Energy Association
(Mobile) [phone]
[email protected]

Lejla Latifovic, Communications Officer
Canadian Wind Energy Association
(Mobile) [phone]
[email protected]