A new program backed by the federal government is set to boost wind-generated energy available in Canada by 500 per cent.
Through the Wind Power Production Incentive (WPPI), Ottawa will provide financial inducements for the installation of 1,000 megawatts of new wind energy capacity in Canada over the next five years. This is equivalent to the amount of power needed by approximately 250,000 average Canadian houses.
“The program will help this industry compete successfully in the marketplace and give consumers the option to choose cleaner energy sources,” said Herb Dhaliwal, minister of Natural Resources Canada .
“Increasing our use of emerging renewable energy is a part of Canada’s plan to address climate change and improve air quality while spurring innovation in the wind power industry.”
When implemented, the $260-million WPPI initiative is expected to cut Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than three megatonnes annually by 2010.
Canada has already installed about 200 megawatts of wind-energy capacity, including projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan, to provide power to government buildings and other customers.
Calgary’s C-Train system is partially powered by wind energy.
Web Watch:
www.nrcan.gc.ca/redi
