Quebecers Show Strong Support for More Wind Energy: CanWEA

This week, The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) issued a press release applauding the Québec government’s recent announcement of a fourth call for tenders for the commissioning of a new 700-MW wind energy block. The announcement reaffirms the province’s commitment to renewable energy by seeking to attain the 4,000-MW objective set in its 2006-2015 energy strategy.

“This is great news for communities where new projects will be developed. In addition to the significant investment it will bring into the province, new wind energy projects will create new jobs throughout Québec,” said Chris Forrest, vice-president of communications at CanWEA. “We applaud the Quebec government for its vision and leadership in supporting the development of more wind energy to deliver clean electricity, new jobs and regional economic investments.”

Between 2005 and 2015, wind energy is expected to generate investments in Québec exceeding $10 billion and economic benefits for municipalities and landowners in the tens of millions, as well as create some 37,000 jobs.

Quebecers show strong support for continued development of their province’s wind energy sector, according to the CanWEA press release. A new survey, conducted earlier this year by Léger Marketing, found that 83 per cent of Quebecers see wind energy in a positive light.

In 2010, CanWEA unveiled its strategic vision for development of this form of energy in the province beyond 2015.

“Québec’s wind energy potential is immense. Almost 4,000 MW will be installed by 2015, and we expect to increase this objective by another 8,000 MW between 2016 and 2025 -which will generate $25 billion in investment and create 90,000 jobs in the construction phase,” said Jean-Frédérick Legendre, Québec regional director for CanWEA. “Revenues to landowners and municipalities could reach as much as $25 million annually by 2015,” he added.