Powering The Green Economy
September 25, 2009 10:25 AM
McGuinty Government Supports Wind Turbine Manufacturing Jobs In Windsor
Ontario is paving the way for renewable energy by helping a wind turbine manufacturer, WindTronics, establish operations in the province.
WindTronics plans to assemble residential and small commercial wind turbines and conduct research and development in Windsor. The province is providing $2.7 million to help the company establish its Ontario operations, while the company is investing an additional $2.7 million. The investment will create 174 new jobs by 2012 and brings new capabilities to the province's manufacturing and alternative energy sectors.
The WT6000 Honeywell Wind Turbine, the first model to be manufactured in Windsor, can generate over 2000 kWh per year - up to 18 per cent of the electricity used by the average home. The turbine's innovative design reduces friction and allows electricity to be produced in slower wind speeds.
The province's Green Energy Act sets out to ensure Ontario's place as North America's Renewable Energy leader, and over 50,000 jobs are expected in the next three years as projects get underway.
QUICK FACTS
- The WT6000 begins generating power at 3 kph wind speeds, whereas large wind turbines typically require 13 kph wind speeds.
- Ontario is the leading wind capacity jurisdiction in Canada, with over 1,100 megawatts of wind capacity, enough to power about 300,000 average Ontario households.
LEARN MORE
CONTACTS
- Leigh-Ann Popek
Minister's Office
416-325-0362
- Mark Ingram
Communications Branch
416-325-4776
ontario.ca/economy
"This is a strategic investment that creates green economy jobs and brings new capabilities to our manufacturing sector. We are proud to support WindTronics' investment in Ontario. As a government we are committed to continuing our tradition of manufacturing excellence."
– Sandra Pupatello
Minister of Economic Development and Trade
"Ontario is competing with jurisdictions around the world for these types of green economy investments. Our skilled and productive workforce and business environment, which we continue to make more competitive, are helping the province to attract innovative and growing businesses like WindTronics."
– Dwight Duncan
Minister of Finance, MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh
"Manufacturing is an important part of Southwestern Ontario's economy. WindTronics' investment creates jobs and generates investment here in Windsor-Essex and spinoff economic activity throughout the supply chain and across the region."
– Bruce Crozier
MPP for Essex
"The support from the Government of Ontario allows us to hit the ground running and quickly start production. Ontario has demonstrated its commitment to the green economy and the commercialization of new technologies. The province also offers business advantages that other jurisdictions simply cannot match."
– Reg Adams
President of WindTronics
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