The two associations will collaborate on building the small wind market nationally, identifying and targeting Canadian provinces in which to pursue supportive policy initiatives and managing a Canadian small wind caucus, among other activities, they announced in a joint release.
“We are pleased to partner with CanWEA to ensure Canada fully realizes its abundant small wind energy potential and to build a collaborative foundation that will enable a cleaner, stronger energy future for both countries,” said DWEA Executive Director Jennifer Jenkins.
“We look forward to interacting with many CanWEA members at CanWEA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition being held7-10 October 2013, in Toronto where we will have a pavilion showcasing the small wind industry,” Jenkins said.
Small or on-site wind is the use of typically smaller wind turbines at homes, farms, businesses, and public facilities to off-set all or a portion of on-site energy consumption.
By joining forces, the two organizations say they will be able to more effectively secure and allocate resources to support the growing distributed wind energy market in Canada.
As members of both DWEA and CanWEA, small wind companies will have even greater opportunity to take advantage of targeted publications, reports, policy initiatives and networking opportunities offered by both organizations, they said.
“Canada is rapidly falling behind other countries in deploying small wind energy systems that can provide clean and renewable electricity for homeowners, businesses and remote communities,” said Robert Hornung, CanWEA President. “This CanWEA / DWEA partnership will bring a strong and united voice to advocacy efforts to create a stable and sustainable policy framework that can facilitate the rapid deployment of small wind energy systems in Canada.”
Support for the partnership came from small wind advocates such as Canadian-based Endurance Wind Power, a long-time and active member of DWEA.
“This is a momentous time for small wind in Canada. Endurance is pleased to be part of this new partnership extending DWEA’s reach in North America,” said Glenn Johnson, CEO of Endurance Windpower. “Expanding to serve the active Canadian wind market is the right step forward as we approach the next phase of industry growth and expansion.”
For additional information:
Distributed Wind Energy Association
