Canada - 7th World Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition (WWEC2008)

The World Wind Energy Association (WWEA), Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) and St. Lawrence College (SLC) are pleased to announce the North American debut of the 7th World Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition (WWEC2008), taking place June 24 – 26, 2008 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Keynote Speakers for WWEC2008 include Dr. Hermann Scheer, global leader in the field of renewable energy and winner of the Alternative Nobel Prize, and Dr. David Suzuki, award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster.

The 7th WWEC will profile the special topic of Community Power, referring to the development and ownership of renewable energy projects by local communities including farmers and landowners, cooperatives, Aboriginal Groups, municipalities, utilities, educational institutions and other partners.

The 7th WWEC Community Power is comprised of a three-day program of panels and presentations focused on policy, financing, ownership, technology, interconnection, governance and capacity building, a Trade Show Exhibition showcasing new technologies, supplier and manufacturers in the renewable energy sector, and the first North American Renewable Energy Job Fair, linking students and professionals with training, education and employment opportunities and interested renewable power sector companies and organizations.

Ontario, Canada is a fitting location for the 7th World Wind Energy Conference. The province has introduced a feed-in tariff that encourages the development of renewable power projects in the market, and offers a compelling opportunity for wind energy investment. In addition, Canada is one of the fastest growing wind power markets in the world, with 113% installed wind energy capacity growth in 2006.

7th WWEC2008 is an international conference that will address the role of community power within the dynamic renewable energy sector, in the context of climate change and the evolution of international renewable technology and energy markets. A number of exciting advocates and leaders in the renewable power and community power have been invited to participate in the Conference, which draws a diverse mix of international delegates from differing backgrounds, regions and experience in the renewable energy sector. Previous WWECs were held in Germany, South Africa, China, Australia, India and Argentina, each of them attracting delegates from more than 40 countries.