While wind power systems and other alternative sources of electricity are becoming popular, and even common, in many parts of the world, Canada has been utilizing this form of electricity for years. Wind sourced energy has become a natural part of business and residential energy systems in Canada for quite a while. If you are considering moving to Canada soon, or even doing business with a Canadian company, you should really learn more about the way Canada uses wind energy.
Canada is a country brimming with natural resources and has been very progressive when it comes to seeking alternative energy sources to add to the more traditional coal and hydro power systems. Although wind energy still only accounts for 1% of Canada’s energy needs,
Because wind generated electricity is a great renewable resource and is also good for the environment, the Canadian Wind Energy Association has implemented a strategy to introduce more wind energy usage in the country. According to the Association, there should be 55,000 MW produced in Canada by the year 2025.
Wind power used to be the most popular in Ontario, but recently other cities, including Quebec and Alberta, are using wind turbines to generate small quantities of energy for their residential neighborhoods and businesses as well. By the end of the last century and beginning of this century, all the provinces had looked into using some form of wind power to supplement traditional forms of electricity and fuels.
There is only the province of British Columbia that does not currently have a way to source power from the elements. But they are now making progress and will catch up with other provinces soon. They have negotiated a deal to purchase 300 MW of electricity that has been generated by the use of wind farms. The future where all of the citizens of Canada can benefit from the generation of renewable energy is becoming a reality.
Even so, the amount of electricity that is generated by wind turbines in Canada is still fairly small in comparison to other sources, like coal and hydro-power. There are about 85 wind farms in Canada at this time, and this represents almost 2300 MW of generating capacity. But this number is growing all the time.
Detroit and Chicago are beginning to take notice of what is happening just over the border in Canada. They are considering using renewable energies, including the power of the wind, to provide the energy required to supply the many businesses and plants in their region. The effect that this will have on the environment and the budgets of local government and enterprises that buy into it will be fantastic. Even if it is impractical to rely totally on wind power there is the idea to build more hybrid power stations.
But it is not just governments and big business that can benefit from this trend towards using alternative sources of green energy and other programs like the Feed in Tarriff program. Residents can also get in on the act and buy equipment to create their own power from the wind. A small wind turbine would cost approximately $5000 and generate in the region of 25% to 30% of the amount of power that is normally needed domestically. If you have more space you could go for something that generates more energy, even up to 50%, but you will have to pay about $7000 for the equipment. If your requirements are a bit lower than that and you want to power your off-grid cabin you can get a machine that will supply 200 watts for as little as $600.
It’s possible to run your business through more innovative ways by utilizing inventions like wind power and other alternative energy solutions that make your process more environmental and efficient!