Wind-energy leaders are meeting in Canada this week to discuss greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The real work of translating Canada’s climate change goals into concrete and effective actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has brought together key political and wind-energy industry leaders at CanWEA’s annual Spring Forum, being held this week at the Hilton Lac Leamy Hotel in the National Capital Region.
The day-and-a-half event kicked off with an opening address from Pierre Arcand, Quebec’s Minister of Energy, and Natural Resources. The Honorable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario’s Minister of Energy, and The Honorable Catherine McKenna, the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will also deliver keynote addresses over the course of the event.
The participation of three government ministers helps underline the critical role wind energy will play in not only meeting federal and provincial greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, but also in leading the transition to a low-carbon economy. Through a series of dynamic and timely sessions, wind-industry leaders and analysts will delve into the opportunity to foster economic growth by implementing policies that encourage electrification, clean energy exports, and increased integration of renewable energy sources.
“If Canada is to live up the commitment it made in Paris and if the provinces are going to meet the greenhouse gas emissions targets they have set, we need to grow renewable energy and enable the transition to a low-carbon economy,” said CanWEA President, Robert Hornung. “This summit demonstrates that government and industry have a common interest in rolling up their sleeves and working together to forge a path that will allow us to meet our environmental and economic goals.”
Ontario and Quebec, which together are home to nearly 70% of Canada’s installed wind energy capacity, will be in the spotlight today as experts examine how Quebec’s soon-to-be-released 2016-2030 energy policy and Ontario’s upcoming new long-term energy plan can continue to capitalize on cost-competitive and emissions-free wind energy.
“Quebec relies on the most developed wind power supply chain in Canada thanks to the commissioning of almost 4,000 MW of wind power since 2006,” said Pierre Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and the Minister Responsible for the Plan Nord, Quebec. “Having benefitted from $10 billion of investment over 10 years, Quebec’s wind industry is mature and competitive in various markets. We want this energy supply to complement the hydroelectric heritage that is the province’s pride. In addition, the new energy policy with a 2030 horizon will clarify the government’s orientation for developing new wind projects.”
AWEA
www.awea.org
Filed Under: News, Policy
