Wind Energy Institute of Canada officially opened in North Cape, Prince Edward Island

A new facility designed to propel growth and development in wind energy was officially opened in North Cape, Prince Edward Island. The Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICan) supports the development of wind power generation and wind energy-related products and services for Canadian and international markets. “Canada’s New Government will deliver an environmental strategy that includes energy sources such as wind power to ensure cleaner air for the health of all Canadians. The Wind Energy Institute of Canada will strengthen our country’s position as a leader in wind energy research and development and will help Prince Edward Island take full advantage of the opportunities that exist in this growing sector,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), who also spoke on behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources.

The 7,860-square-foot building is equipped with laboratories and workshop areas and is designed to meet the needs of both large and small-scale projects. Work at the institute will focus on testing and certification, research and innovation, and public education. “Prince Edward Island is proud to have played a role in the development of the wind energy industry, and as home to Canada’s official wind R&D site, we look forward to continuing to advance this clean, renewable energy resource,” said the Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island. WEICan is an independent, non-profit organization governed by an appointed board of directors. It will work in close collaboration with many partners including universities, colleges and other research institutions, private sector companies, governments and utilities.

“We applaud the cooperative efforts of both levels of government to carve out a niche for Canada in wind energy development,” said Anne Forbes, Executive Director of WEICan. The Government of Canada, through ACOA, has contributed $3.5 million for the establishment of the Wind Energy Institute of Canada under the Innovative Communities Fund. Natural Resources Canada is providing $2 million over two years for operating costs of WEICan. Through the PEI Energy Corporation, the Government of Prince Edward Island has contributed a total of $930,000 through land and assets of the former Atlantic Wind Test Site. The Province also contributes approximately $285,000 annually toward the Institute’s operating costs. Funding for the Institute also comes from the earnings of the North Cape Wind Farm, which is owned and operated by the PEI Energy Corporation.