Wind energy in Quebec: $10 billion in new investments, thousands of jobs and
significant regional economic benefits by 2015

MONTREAL, Nov. 2 /CNW Telbec/ -  By 2015 Quebec's wind energy industry will develop 4,000 MW of generating capacity, resulting in $10 billion in new investment, thousands of new jobs, and significant economic benefits for those regions hosting wind farm developments, according to a study commissioned by the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) by the firm Hatch in collaboration with economist Jean-Claude Thibodeau.

"These are more than just numbers, these are real jobs for people living in areas of the province that have been hit by declines to other industries," said Robert Hornung, president of CanWEA. "Wind energy is the fastest growing source of new electricity generation in Canada and Quebec is a leader in capturing the economic benefits associated with this growth. With its growing wind energy manufacturing sector, and plans to install more than 600 MW of new wind energy projects annually for each of the next five years, Quebec has succeeded in making wind energy an engine of economic development."

The survey of projected economic impacts in Quebec determined that wind farm construction will create more than 37,000 jobs between 2005 and 2015. More precisely 5,210 jobs p/y would be created between 2011 and 2015. In addition, nearly 1,400 permanent jobs will be created in the operation and maintenance of the wind farms by 2015. Finally, by 2015, landowners and municipalities will stand to earn up to $25 million in annual from these wind energy developments.

Currently Quebec has 663 MW of installed wind energy capacity, generating enough electricity to satisfy the needs of approximately 230,000 homes. The study released today also quantifies the economic benefits of the wind energy industry in Quebec for the period 2005-2010.

2025 The Strength of the Wind -A Strategy for Quebec
In its report titled, WindVision 2025: A Strategy for Quebec, which was unveiled yesterday at CanWEA's annual Conference and Exhibition, CanWEA advocates that Quebec continue to develop wind power beyond 2015 by adding an additional 8 000 MW by 2025. This new phase would generate $25 million in investments and would create 90 000 jobs during the construction phase, or more than 9 140 jobs p/y between 2016 and 2025 as well as 4 500 permanent operations and maintenance jobs by 2025. The economic benefits for landowners and municipalities would climb to $95 million per year.

For details on the economic study Economic Benefits of the Wind Energy Sector in Quebec (2005-2025) (in French only): http://www.canwea.ca/windvision_quebec_e.php

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.

For further information:

For English: Ulrike Kucera-Media Relations Officer, CanWEA 613-867-4433 or
[email protected]

For French: Debbie Cabana-Ryan Affaires publique, 514-443-0706 or
[email protected]