CANADA PROVINCE TO SPEND BIG ON WIND

New wind energy projects could spur $72 billion in investment, 52,000 new jobs
John Shmuel, January 23, 2009 (National Post)

"The Ontario government announced…long-term contracts for six new wind energy projects in the province.

"The announcement brings Ontario's installed wind energy capacity to 1,500 MW. Currently, the province sits at 782 MW of capacity, enough to power 230,000 homes…

"The new wind energy projects are expected to total 492 MW in power output: in comparison, a CANDU 6 nuclear reactor produces 740 MW. Canada's total installed capacity sits at 2,369 MW — Ontario is currently the wind technology leader in the country…"

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"The announcement helps boost CanWEA's vision of wind energy providing 20% of Canada's electricity needs…Wind Vision 2025 says if the goal is met, it will result in $79-billion in new investment and 52,000 new jobs. It also highlights $165-million in new revenue can be created for rural municipalities hit by declining traditional resource industries."