CanWEA highlights that 50,000 MW of new wind energy capacity are projected to be built in North America in the next five years, with Canada playing a significant part in this growth.
Canada's wind energy industry enjoyed a record year in 2011 with approximately 1,267 MW of new wind energy capacity representing an investment of $3.1 billion and creating 13,000 person-years of employment. Canada was in 6th place globally in terms of new installed wind energy capacity in 2011 and currently has 5,403 MW of total installed capacity - enough to power more than 1.2 million homes.
Canada's wind energy industry is now on track to easily surpass 10,000 MW of total installed capacity by 2015 - providing new opportunities for Canadian manufacturers and bringing significant levels of new investment, jobs and economic benefits to rural communities and landowners across the country.
"Canada, and in particular Ontario, has emerged as a very competitive destination for wind energy investment globally. This industry represents billions of dollars in new investments across the manufacturing and construction sectors. Wind energy is playing a growing role in delivering clean, safe and affordable energy as provinces look to build stronger electricity systems. Maintaining this growth and momentum will require continued commitments to aggressive targets for wind energy development and a stable policy framework," said Robert Hornung, President of CanWEA.
In North America, just over 50,000 MW is expected to be installed in 2012-2016, bringing its total to just over 100,000 MW of wind energy at the end of the period. GWEC expects a strong 2012 for North America as both Canada and Mexico project well over 1,000 MW of wind energy capacity to be installed - complementing another strong year for the US which began the year with more than 8,000 MW under construction.
Click here for Canada's installed capacity.
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