CanWEA predicts $16 billion Ontario wind energy investment

From NorthernOntarioBusiness.com :

A study commissioned by the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) predicts Ontario will see more than 80,000 person years of employment and more than $16 billion in investment over the next eight years as a result of the burgeoning wind energy industry.

The study, called The Economic Impacts of the Wind Energy Sector in Ontario 2011-2018, was conducted by ClearSky Advisors to determine the projected employment and economic benefits associated with the Ontario wind energy industry.

“The Green Energy and Economy Act and the Long-Term Energy Plan have opened up the market in Ontario for wind energy and will allow faster growth than otherwise would be the case,” Tim Wohlgemut, co-founder and principal consultant at ClearSky, said in a news release. “Ontario has been put on the global map for renewable energy development and this has the potential to create a significant number of highly skilled jobs, and attract billions in investment to the province.”

It's not indicated how much of that investment will filter into Northern Ontario; however, municipalities and landowners across the province are expected to reap about $1.1 billion in taxes and lease payments over the 20-year lifespan of the projects.

700+ Megawatts to be installed per year

On average, 709 MW will be installed per year, while the market capacity will be between 900 MW and 1,000 MW per year. The industry will create 10.5 person years of employment per MW during the construction phase and 3.6 MW for ongoing operations and maintenance.

Ontario's wind energy capacity is expected to grow from 1,428 MW of power at the end of 2010 to more than 7,100 MW by 2018. The study says this is in line with targets set out in the province's Long-Term Energy Plan.

5 Wind Energy Stocks that may benefit from clean power push

In light of the troubles at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan, energy authorities worldwide are reviewing atomic power and considering green energy alternatives. For those considering investing in windpower, here we present 5 stocks for you to research and review.

Top global windpower companies

Gamesa (MCE: GAM), (PINK:GCTAF)

Gamesa is the Spain-based, global leader in the wind industry market, with close to 21000 MW installed in 4 continents. With nominal power of 4.5 MW, the Gamesa G10X-4.5 MW is the most powerful onshore wind turbine system in the market. It offers lower cost of energy (CoE) and ease of transport and installation similar to that of a 2.0 MW turbine.



Sinovel Wind Group (SHA:601558)

SINOVEL WIND GROUP CO., LTD. is principally engaged in the development, research, manufacture and distribution of large-scale wind electric power generator sets. The Company primarily provides 1.5 megawatt (MW) series land wind electric power generator sets and 3 MW marine wind electric power generator sets. The Company offers its products under brands named Huarui Fengdian, Huarui Wind, Sinowind, Sinovel Wind, Sinovel and Sinovel Windtec.




Vestas (CO: VWS), (PINK: VWDRY)

Denmark-based Vestas Wind Systems A/S engages in the development, manufacture, sale, and maintenance of wind technology that uses the energy of the wind to generate electricity. It offers wind turbines and wind power systems. The company also provides planning, installation, operation, and maintenance services.




Western Wind Energy Corporation (TSX-V:WND)

Western Wind Energy (TSXV: WND) produces clean, renewable energy from more than 500 wind turbine generators located in Tehachapi and San Gorgonio Pass, California. Currently, Western Wind Energy's annual energy output is approximately 34.5 MW.
Western Wind Energy is in the business of acquiring exceptional land sites, capital and technology for the production of electricity from renewable sources. Western Wind Energy conducts its operations in California, Arizona, Ontario, and Puerto Rico through various wholly owned subsidiaries. Management of Western Wind Energy includes individuals involved in the operations and ownership of utility scale wind energy facilities in California since 1981.



Xinjiang Goldwind Science (SHE:002202)

Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd is a China-based company engaged in manufacture and distribution of wind turbine generator sets. The Company’s major products are 750 kilowatt (KW) and 1.5 megawatt (MW) wind turbine sets. The Company also involves in spare parts development and manufacture, provision of wind power services, development and distribution of wind farms, as well as development and transfer of wind power technologies, among others. During the year ended December 31, 2009, wind turbine generator sets accounted for approximately 95.33% of the Company’s total revenue