Vestas Rolls Out Two New Canadian Wind Projects for 2012

October 17th, 2011 by Adam Johnston

Hot off the heels of a recent report that Canada will have a record year in wind energy installation, 2012 is already looking good thanks to two new wind projects slated next year, despite recent concerns plaguing the industry in one of Canada’s provinces.

Vestas, one of the largest wind turbine manufacturers in the world, announced this past week it plans two new southwestern Ontario wind farms totalling 178 megawatts (MW).

Martha Wyrsch, President of Vestas Canadian Wind Energy, said on the website that this will boost Ontario’s clean energy sector while providing up to 60,000 Ontario homes with new clean energy.

The proposed two new wind farms announcement comes after recent controversies within Ontario’s wind industry. Internal documents leaked to the public said officials took in hundreds of complaints about Ontario’s 900 wind turbines, yet downgraded the concerns. Even Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) president Robert Hornung said recently he acknowledged that turbines may have some health issues. In attempts to discuss these concerns with community groups, the association has put out a publication on better collaboration between industry and other groups in going forward.

The new farms will be under the province’s feed-in tariff (FiT) scheme. The feed-in tariff allows for renewable energy projects like wind to receive firmer prices over the long-term. Locations for the projects and names, as well, will be announced at a later date, Vestas said.

Photo Credit: Some rights reserved by johan wieland

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Tags: Canadian Renewable energy, Canadian Wind Energy, Canadian Wind Energy Association, Ontario Wind Energy, Vestas

About the Author

Adam Johnston Is currently studying at the School of the Environment Professional Development program in Renewable Energy from the University of Toronto. Adam graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a three-year B.A. combined major in Economics and Rhetoric, Writing & Communications. Adam also writes for Solar Love and also owns his own part time tax preparation business. His eventual goal is to be a cleantech policy analyst, and is currently sharpening his skills as a renewable energy writer. You can follow him on Twitter @adamjohnstonwpg or at www.adammjohnston.wordpress.com.