2013 record year to be eclipsed by strong and steady growth in wind energy across Canada from 2014 to 2016

TORONTO, Oct. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Canada's wind energy industry is well positioned to build on its rapid growth to date and strong prospects for the next few years as provincial governments in all of Canada's major wind energy markets work to define the policy framework that will inform new electricity supply choices for the next decade. This was the consensus reached among participants on the Industry Leaders Panel at today's plenary session - Wind Energy across Canada.

While wind energy will see strong and steady growth through 2016 across Canada, the country's four largest wind energy markets (BC, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec) all have long-term planning processes underway that will determine how future wind energy development unfolds after 2016.

"There is little doubt that wind energy has become a significant and mainstream electricity source in all regions of Canada with another record year for installations expected in 2013", said CanWEA president, Robert Hornung. "This does not mean, however, that our long-term future is guaranteed."

Given provincial targets and pipeline projects already contracted to be built, Canada will see an average of 1,500 MW of new wind energy projects commissioned annually over the next three years.

Provincial governments across Canada are now engaged in processes to review future electricity demand and assess potential new supplies of electricity against some key criteria, including cost-effectiveness, environmental impact and economic benefits. By any objective measure, wind is well-positioned to meet all of these requirements.  It is cost-competitive with almost any other generating technology, is one of the most environmentally sustainable sources of electricity available, and brings new jobs and investment to rural economies.

About the Canadian Wind Energy Association

CanWEA is the voice of Canada's wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible andsustainable 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.

SOURCE Canadian Wind Energy Association

Image with caption: "Wind energy industry leaders discuss the wind energy experience in Ontario, October 8, 2013. (CNW Group/Canadian Wind Energy Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131009_C8434_PHOTO_EN_31884.jpg

Image with caption: "Robert Hornung, president, CanWEA welcomes delegates during CanWEA's opening plenary, October 8, 2013. (CNW Group/Canadian Wind Energy Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131009_C8434_PHOTO_EN_31882.jpg