OTTAWA, ON, May 31, 2006 -- Canada NewsWire

 

The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) today released a report designed to facilitate the installation of small wind turbines across Canada. The report provides guidance for both consumers and municipalities on "Best Practices" that will ensure the proper installation of turbines under 300 kilowatts (kW) rated capacity in Canadian homes, farms and businesses.

"There is a growing interest in small wind turbines as consumers, utilities and governments realise the substantial benefits of these systems for both personal and commercial use" says Sean Whittaker, Policy Director for CanWEA. "As the Canadian market for small wind turbines grows, consumers are looking for guidance on how to site these turbines in terms of appropriate tower height, property line setbacks, sound output levels and so on", continues Whittaker. "At the same time, municipalities are looking for guidance on how they can develop bylaws that encourage the safe and responsible installation of these turbines in their jurisdictions."

"This report will greatly benefit both buyers and municipalities, and pave the way for greater use of small wind in Canada", says Whittaker.

The study, undertaken by eFormative Options and Entegrity Wind Systems, Inc. found that while few Canadian jurisdictions currently have small wind planning and permitting regulatory regimes, many local governments are in the process of updating or revising their planning and permitting protocols in light of growing interest in on-site wind power generation. The study team drew on numerous interviews with local planning officials and a survey of small wind retailers and installers to develop the "Best Practice" consumer guidelines and model municipal bylaw.

Over the next months, CanWEA will be bringing the report and its findings to the attention of consumers, installers and municipal planners across Canada. The full report, along with further information on small wind turbines, can be found on CanWEA's main website www.canwea.ca or on CanWEA's small wind website at www.smallwindenergy.ca.

About the Canadian Wind Energy Association

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The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) represents more than 230 companies involved in Canada's wind energy industry, including wind turbine and component manufacturers, wind energy project developers, and service providers to the wind energy industry. CanWEA's goal is to see 10,000 MW of wind energy capacity installed or contracted in Canada by 2010.

SOURCE: CANADIAN WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION

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