World Wind Energy Award 2009 goes to George Smitherman, Energy Minister of Ontario

Some of the buzz of this award is suggesting it places Ontario at the forefront of wind development in North America.

http://www.wwindea.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=248&Itemid=40

Centreflow.ca Article

Centreflow.ca: a news source on renewable energy in Canada. Just published a good synopsis on the state of wind energy in Canada, outlining the benefits, drawbacks, and thoughts on an incrimental, sustainable growth in the industry.

Good quotes:

"Secondly, the wind industry needs to mitigate its inherent drawbacks. One encouraging development is “urban turbines” for use in small settings – even backyards. Based on ancient Egyptian windmills, the turbines don’t look like massive propellers, but hand-powered lawn mowers placed vertically.

With more surface area devoted to harnessing the wind, they spin much more slowly (up to twice the speed of the wind), making the blades visible to bats and birds, and thus much safer. The urban turbines are also quieter, and relatively cheap – a small model can supply around two-thirds of a typical household’s energy needs; a medium-sized version can power an entire house."

Building a Green Energy Economy

The Canadian federal government is certainly convinced. Ottawa has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2020, setting aside $702-million aside for development of a more sustainable environment through 2011, including $400-million to transform to a “Green Energy Economy.”

Wind energy is a lynchpin of this plan. CanWEA believes wind energy can satisfy 20 per cent of the nation’s electricity demand by 2025 – a mere 16 years away. Among other economic and ancillary benefits, it’s estimated this would reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions by 17 megatonnes.

To achieve this plan, three things need to happen. First, Canada and its regions need smart investment and to play to their natural strengths and advantages. Second, the wind industry needs to continue working on mitigating wind energy’s weaknesses. Third – and let’s not mince words here – a massive commitment and capital investment is required."

First Post

I've started this to centralize and share my efforts to learn more about the wind energy industry and the challenges it faces in Canada and worldwide.

I'm John Tennant and my father and sister are wind energy developers in Ontario.