As our fossil fuels deplete, we must develop new, more efficient ways to generate power. Wind energy is one of the most promising sources for safe, renewable energy. Wind power technology is a rapidly growing field in Canada, as our geography with our three long windswept coastlines and vast plains provide an unending source of wind energy.
Wind Energy in Canada: Number of Users
Map from canWEA
There are many wind energy projects under development throughout Canada. 2013 figures show that Canada had a capacity of 7,803 MW. This is about 3 per cent of Canada’s electricity. It translates to the possibility of 2 million Canadian homes being powered by wind energy.
In current global rankings for wind energy use, Canada ranks 5th. Tiny Denmark, however, ranks higher. Denmark gets about 20 per cent of their energy from wind power. There is thus an exciting future ahead for wind power in Canada. After all, we are one of the world leaders in wind resource.
Wind Energy in Ontario
Canadians in our most populated province get more than 3 per cent of their energy from wind power. Ontario has over 2,400 MW of installed capacity, with this figure predicted to rise.
In 2012 Ontario got more energy from wind power than coal, and by the end of 2014 the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) expects Ontario will become the first jurisdiction in all of North America to stop getting energy from coal.
Wind Energy in Quebec
Quebec has 2,398 MW of capacity from wind energy. This is enough to power 600,000 homes—and also provide 5,000 full time jobs. Wind power is diversifying Quebec’s energy portfolio, without harming the environment.
In Quebec, as with the rest of Canada, investing in wind power is on the rise.
Why should Canada Invest in Wind Power?
Wind power is a key part of a green future. CanWEA believes Canada can be a world leader in producing energy from wind power. Not only is this energy safe, affordable, and clean, but it will be source of future investments and employment.
CanWEA’s goal is for Canada to produce 20 per cent of its energy from wind power by 2025. This targeted 20 per cent is predicted to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 17 megatonnes, significantly shrinking our carbon footprint.
The 20 per cent goal would add 55,000 MW to the grid, which will help prevent power shortages. This should also help keep energy prices stable, as these prices currently spike at times of high demand (such as winter heating, for example).
Increasing wind power energy to 20 per cent is predicted to create jobs: over 50,000 full-time jobs. This boost to our economy also includes an estimated $165 million in generation revenues for municipalities. Due to this boom, the colleges offering renewable energy training courses in Toronto is increasing. There is no doubt that Canada is sitting on gold mine with such a huge potential to create wind power.
Author Bio:
The author of the article is Jeremy Benson. He’s been writing about latest Canadian updates ,finance, mortgage and law for the past seven years. Blogging is among one of his greatest passions. Follow him onTwitter@jeremybenson19.
