System Operator

Government of Canada Supports Activities of Wind Energy Technocentre

On the occasion of the 6th Wind Energy Industry Conference being held from June 18 to 20, 2012, the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, highlighted the funding awarded to the Wind Energy TechnoCentre by the Government of Canada to assist it in working to advance the wind energy industry in the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region.

"By investing in wind energy development, the Government of Canada is illustrating its firm commitment to supporting the economy and job creation in the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region," said Minister Lebel.

The Wind Energy TechnoCentre plays an important role in developing this growth sector in Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Its activities enable the region to attract businesses interested in wind power as well as new industrial investment for the benefit of the entire community.

Canada is expected to be a world leader in advanced wind energy technology by the year 2025. Through research and development, knowledge transfers and expert advice, the Wind Energy TechnoCentre helps businesses seize the opportunities offered by a fast-growing sector with a focus on sustainable development.

The Wind Energy TechnoCentre is a non-profit organization whose mission is to further the development of an industrial wind energy sector in Quebec that is competitive on a North American and global scale. It is the only establishment in Quebec with expertise in wind power in Nordic climates.

As for the Wind Energy Conference, it is an excellent opportunity to showcase and ensure recognition of Quebec businesses’ ingenuity and expertise in this area.

The most recent funding of nearly $2 million awarded to the Wind Energy TechnoCentre brings to more than $12 million the total government assistance provided since its inception in 2000. These contributions have enabled the organization to carry on its activities and provide research facilities that benefit many wind power companies.

Wind power in Canada

1997: 25 MW
1998: 82 MW (+228 %)
1999: 125 MW (+52.5 %)
2000: 137 MW (+9.6 %)
2001: 207 MW (+51.1 %)
2002: 236 MW (+14.1 %)
2003: 322 MW (+36.5 %)
2004: 444 MW (+37.9 %)
2005: 683 MW (+53.9 %)
2006: 1,460 MW (+113.8 %)
2007: 1,846 MW (+26.5 %)
2008: 2,369 MW (+28.4 %)
2009: 3,319 MW (+40.2 %)
2010: 4,008 MW (+20.8 %)
2011: 5,265 MW (+31.4 %)

www.dec-ced.gc.ca