The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) says 2014 was another record for the installation of wind energy capacity in the country.
According to the group, this is the second consecutive year of record new capacity, with a total of 1,871 MW installed in five provinces. The most growth was reportedly in Ontario where 850 MW was installed.
The addition brings the total installed wind energy capacity in Canada to nearly 9,700 MW, which the non-profit says could produce enough electricity to meet the needs of over three million average Canadian homes.
CanWEA president Robert Hornung said in a statement, "Canada's 37 new wind energy projects in 2014 represent over $3.5 billion in investment...Wind energy has now brought economic growth and diversification to more than 100 rural communities across Canada through land lease income, tax payments and community benefits agreements."
The organization says that while every market is unique, when it comes to cost, wind energy is expected to be able to compete with virtually all forms of electricity generation, including nuclear, hydro-electric and coal-fired power.
Hornung added, "Wind energy has demonstrated that it is a proven, reliable and cost-competitive energy solution that drives economic diversification, environmental sustainability and rate-base value...These attributes will continue to drive wind energy growth in 2015, where we expect a minimum of another 1,500 MW of new wind energy capacity to come on line."
