Wind Powers more than 2 Million Canadian Homes!

Feb 05, 2014

Canada to see record installations of wind energy in 2014

According to the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CWEA), Canada will see a new record for annual installations of wind energy in 2014 as a number of new projects across the country are currently in progress.

In 2013, Canada saw exceptionally strong growth, with a record of close to 1,600 MW of new wind energy capacity installed. Canada is a global wind energy leader, ranking 9th in the world in total installed capacity with more than 7,500 MW of wind energy in operation – providing enough power to meet the annual needs of approximately 2 million Canadian homes.

GWEC released its 2013 market statistics, showing global wind energy capacity has tripled over the past five years to reach a total of 318,137 MW. Despite slower growth rates in some mature markets in some countries, the amount of wind energy installed around the world rose by over 12 per cent in 2013.

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) is predicting that the global growth rate for 2014 wind installations will rise significantly, as a result of significant new Canadian and US wind energy coming into the grid, and as emerging markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America begin to see development as well.

“Many provincial governments are on the threshold of meeting their initial commitments to wind energy development,” said Robert Hornung, President of the Canadian Wind energy Association (CanWEA). “This wide support presents new opportunities to create stable and sustainable markets in Canada for future wind energy development.”

“Most notably, the governments of Ontario and Quebec made commitments in 2013 to secure a combined 1,400 MW of new wind energy capacity over the next few years, which is the first step in building the foundation for robust, long-term markets for wind energy in Canada,” Mr. Hornung added.

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.