Wind Energy

British Columbians strongly support more wind energy

Seventy-six per cent of British Columbians strongly agree or agree wind power should be further developed as a source of clean electricity, according to a recent Oracle Research poll commissioned by the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). The poll, conducted on Sept. 26 – 27, also found that 84 per cent of British Columbians want the province to produce enough power to meet the needs of residents without importing energy.

"As the province faces the challenge of a rapidly increasing energy demand and the imperative to slash greenhouse emissions while maintaining low energy cost, wind energy’s ability to meet these and other challenges find strong support among British Columbians," said Robert Hornung, President of CanWEA.

"Tomorrow, CanWEA will unveil its new WindVision for BC at Canada’s largest renewable energy event right here in Vancouver. This strategic plan to 2025 highlights the need for, and benefits of, large-scale wind energy development in British Columbia."

The poll also found that 55 per cent of residents think it is equally important that new electricity generation comes with reduced impacts to land, water and wilderness, creates zero net greenhouse gas emissions, and is low cost.

"Wind energy can deliver well on all counts, in terms of reduced environmental impacts and in supplying affordable, cost-competitive electricity," said Hornung. "In addition to supplying emissions-free energy, wind energy delivers new jobs and considerable investments."

The poll is available online at: www.canwea.ca/windvision_bc_e.php