One of the most significant opportunities for Canada’s industrial supply base, over the next decade, lies in providing products and services to the North American wind-power industry.
Plans for an estimated 5,900 MW of wind energy capacity in western Canada by 2030 has created a large supply chain opportunity.
Over the past 10 years, global energy capacity has continued to grow at an average annual rate of more than 25%. Global investment in wind energy is projected to total more than $1 trillion (U.S.) by 2020, bringing global installed capacity to more than 600,000 MW.
In Western Canada, specifically Alberta and Saskatchewan, provinces may see upwards of 6,900 MW of new wind capacity by 2030. Alberta will be competitively procuring 5,000 MW of renewables, with Saskatchewan procurement 1,900 MW of wind specifically.
However, there is a strong need for key local, regional, and national stakeholders in the wind energy supply chain to coordinate their efforts with a common purpose of ensuring a strong, globally competitive Canadian industry — while balancing the need for healthy regional competitiveness as the industry matures.
As per the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA), here are just some of the supply chain sectors that are in demand.
Turbine & components
Turbines = 150 components and 8,000 individual parts comprise the three main elements: blades, towers, and nacelles. Wind turbines and components are related to 37 NAICS codes and, in part, include:
- Blades
- Control Systems
- Yaw & Pitch Systems
- Generator
- Power Electronics & Electrical
- Hub
- Towers
Project development & construction
Project development includes a broad range of services from financial support to engineering, site surveying, and environmental consulting. Project development and construction are related to 23 NAICS codes, and include legal and financial services, inspection and permitting services, mapping, environmental consulting and engineering services, and more.
O&M
Operations includes electric power generation and distribution, as well as engineering and management services. Maintenance needs must relate to the 10+ NAICS codes, and include monitoring, repair, and ongoing support services. Additional ecosystem services are needed, including training support.
Learn more about the Canadian wind-energy supply chain growth here.
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