Vancouver Mayor voices support for province to integrate more wind energy

VANCOUVER, Oct. 1, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) and a group of leading wind energy companies met with Vancouver Mayor Gregor Roberston and senior city officials. The meeting focused on the importance of diversifying B.C.'s power sources with renewable generation like wind energy and the role municipalities play in advocating for a cleaner energy future.

"The city of Vancouver has emerged as an important leader in Canada on the issue of climate change and support for renewable energy," stated Ian Baillie, CanWEA's B.C. regional director. "Mayor Robertson has been a champion of green economic development in cities and vocal in supporting low-carbon technology."

Earlier this year, Vancouver became the first city in Canada to set a target for shifting to 100 per cent renewable energy sources by 2050 or sooner. Having a provincial electricity grid that maximizes its renewable potential is critical for Vancouver in achieving this goal. B.C.'s energy demand is projected to increase by the end of this decade, creating an opportunity for the province to allow investments in more renewable energy.

"Our province is blessed with ample renewable energy sources, and wind energy can play an important role as we shift to a low-carbon economy," said Mayor Robertson. "Vancouver has set the goal of using 100 per cent renewable energy as part of our Greenest City plan. At a time when we're seeing countries like China and the U.S. commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and making the switch to clean energy, investing in clean energy in B.C. makes sense for our economy and our environment."

Mayor Robertson has committed to attending a CanWEA hosted renewable energy dialogue planned for the spring of 2016 that will bring together leading renewable energy companies, associations, environmental advocates and political leaders to discuss the future of renewable development in British Columbia.

Wind energy development across Canada has soared to new levels, and costs have come down at rates faster than projected. In British Columbia, wind energy represents a $10 billion dollar economic opportunity. "The wind energy industry wants to invest in British Columbia, create jobs and advance the economy," adds Mr. Baillie. "Wind energy is a cost-effective complement to B.C.'s conventional hydropower that provides a hedge against volatile natural gas prices while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fight climate change, and bring economic benefits to local communities."

Today, the province has almost 500 MW of installed wind energy capacity, ranking fifth in Canada and supplying nearly 2 per cent of the province's domestic electricity demand.

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.   

SOURCE Canadian Wind Energy Association

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