The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters have partnered to explore Canadian manufacturing opportunities in the growing global wind energy industry.
The two national associations plan to produce a co-branded market report that explores and outlines opportunities, challenges and actions required to ensure Canada earns its share of new wind energy manufacturing and component production.
‘The more than 8,000 parts that go into a wind turbine require highly skilled trades and quality manufacturing facilities, both of which are in abundant supply in Canada,’ says CanWEA President Robert Hornung.
CanWEA also recognized organizations and individuals working to advance the Canadian wind energy industry during its gala awards banquet at the group's Annual Conference and Exhibition.
Awards were presented in four categories: individual leadership; group leadership; the R.J. Templin Award for scientific, technical, engineering or policy work; and the Friend of Wind award, which recognizes the outstanding contributions made by individuals or groups in advancing awareness of the benefits of wind energy at the community level and was presented for the first time this year.
Paul Gipe was awarded the Individual Leadership award. He has worked with wind energy since 1976, he is best known for his advocacy of wind energy and for his articles and books on the subject.
The municipality of Chatham-Kent was awarded the Group Leadership award. Chatham-Kent has showed leadership in its approach to integrating wind in the community through numerous committee, planning and council meetings.
The Utility Wind Integration Group (UWIG), led by Charlie Smith, was awarded the R.J. Templin Award. UWIG has played an important leadership role in helping system operators across North America better understand and manage the impacts of integrating wind energy onto the grid.
Two individuals were awarded the Friend of Wind Award: Don Ross and Lynn Acre. Ross, a real estate agent in Prince Edward County, Ontario, is a grassroots supporter of all forms of clean energy. Acre played a leadership role as mayor of Bayham to ensure community support for the Erie Shores wind farm.
SOURCE: Canadian Wind Energy Association
