A record 3.9 TWh of wind energy was produced in Ontario in 2011 – up substantially from the 2.8 TWh produced in 2010, according to new annual data from the Independent Electricity System Operator.
November 2011 marked the highest monthly wind output ever seen in Ontario, with production in that month alone exceeding 0.56 TWh. In annual terms, wind generation represented 2.6% of the province's total output.
In addition, a record capacity of new wind energy projects was commissioned in both Ontario and all of Canada last year. More than 5 GW of wind energy projects are already contracted to be built over the next five years.
In 2011, Canada's wind energy industry represented more than $3 billion in new investments that have created 17,000 person years of employment, according to the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). Canada is now ranked ninth globally in terms of total installed wind energy capacity.
‘Wind energy is proving itself a key partner as Ontario builds a stronger, cleaner and affordable electricity system," says Robert Hornung, president of CanWEA. "Increased growth of wind energy in Ontario means cleaner air, new jobs and local investments for the communities that host wind energy projects. Maintaining Ontario's leadership position will require continued commitments to aggressive targets for wind energy development and a stable policy framework.’
