Wind energy contributes new all-time high to Ontario power supply

OTTAWA, Oct. 28 /CNW/ - Wind energy hit a new all-time record high for hourly electricity output in Ontario on Tuesday, October 26, producing 1,056 MW of power around 9:00 PM that evening according to the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). Over the course of the entire day, wind energy was responsible for supplying more than five per cent of Ontario's total electricity demand.

"Wind energy's growing contribution to Ontario's electricity supply is creating jobs and economic opportunities for Canadian manufacturers, service providers, landowners and rural municipalities," said Canadian Wind Energy Association president Robert Hornung. "We expect wind energy's rapid growth in Canada to continue, with production tripling in the next five years."

Canada is projected to end 2010 with 754 MW of new wind energy capacity - representing $1.7 billion in new investment. This will bring Canada's total installed wind energy capacity to 4,073 MW, enough power to meet the needs of more than 1.4 million homes annually.

Canada currently has 3,549 MW of installed wind energy capacity. Ontario is the provincial leader in installed wind energy capacity with 1,248 MW (one-third) of wind energy development. Quebec and Alberta follow at 663MW and 656 MW respectively (one-third), and Canada's remaining seven provinces together account for the remaining one-third.

Wind energy has increased 10-fold in the last six years in Canada as governments seek ways to meet rising energy demand, reduce environmental impacts of electricity generation, and stimulate rural and industrial economic development.

About CanWEA:
CanWEA is the voice of Canada's wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy on behalf of its more than 400 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. To join other global leaders in the wind energy industry, CanWEA believes Canada can and must reach its target of producing 20 per cent or more of the country's electricity from wind by 2025. The document Wind Vision 2025 - Powering Canada's Future is available at www.canwea.ca .

For further information:

Ulrike Kucera, Media Relations Officer, CanWEA
Direct: 613 234-8716 ext. 228
Mobile: [phone]