Montreal - The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) applauded last week's announcement to proceed with the procurement of 500 MW of new wind energy capacity in Quebec and to increase the ceiling price from 9.5 cents/kWh to 12.5 cents/kWh in the call for tenders for the purchase of two separate blocks of 250 MW of community and First Nations wind energy projects. CanWEA and its membership had argued the original proposed pricing of 9.5 cents/kWh was not sufficient to attract or sustain long-term investment.

The Quebec Government anticipates these two RFPs will generate $1.3 billion in investments and create more than 4,000 jobs, bringing both economic and social benefits to many regions of the province. The RFPs were launched yesterday with the first wind energy projects expected to be operational as early as 2012, putting Quebec on track to meet its target of developing 4,000MW of wind energy by 2015.
   
"This new procurement process and the revised pricing within it is timely news for both the wind energy industry in Quebec and the many communities that will benefit directly from local jobs and new investment within the current economic context," said Robert Hornung, president of CanWEA. "We wish to highlight the work of the Hon.Claude Bèchard, Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife, and his Ministry staff in working towards a pricing structure which will set the foundation for a growing and sustainable wind energy industry in Quebec."
   
Wind energy represents a major industrial development and economic stimulus opportunity for Canada. Between now and 2020 it is estimated that $1 trillion will be invested in new wind energy facilities worldwide and that more than 1.75 million jobs will be created in this rapidly growing industry. This recent RFP well positions Quebec to capture a growing share of these economic, environmental and social benefits.
   
CanWEA's Wind Vision 2025 - Powering Canada's Future, argues that Canada has the potential to make wind energy the country's next great economic opportunity, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing other environmental concerns. Achieving the goal of providing 20 per cent of the country's electricity needs with wind energy by the year 2025 will result in $79 billion in new investment, the creation of up to 52,000 new "green collar" jobs, and more than $165 million in new revenues for municipalities, many in rural areas hit hard by traditional resource declines.

For further information visit www.canwea.ca.

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