Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Wind Energy Group Wants More

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Regional
by John Divinski    

Wind energy is considered one of the leading alternative sources for green energy with wind energy in Canada able to produce enough to power more than 860 thousand homes.

So says the president of the Canadian Wind Energy Association, Robert Hornung.

Hornung fielded several calls on Bayshore Broadcasting's 98 the Beach that were split about evenly on the concept of wind turbine farms and the good they do, particularly in the Bruce/Grey area.

Hornung says wind energy will be able to satisfy 20 per cent of Canada's electricity demand by 2025.

When asked about the possible health side effects of leiving near a wind turbine, Hornung said his group doesn't believe there is a strong scientific basis published on what the connection between wind farms and human health might be.

He says they continue to monitor the issue though.

Hornung says in North America there are over 10 thousand turbines and he believes it's fair to say that the overwhelming majority of people around those turbines are having a positive experience.

He says as the wind farm development continues, he urges municipalities and all stakeholders to take part with the context of the Ontario Green Energy Act.

Hornung says for wind farm projects to succeed, they need a broad-base support within those communities.

CanWEA is a non-profit trade association that promotoes the appropriate development anbd application of all aspects of wind energy in Canada, including the creation of a suitable environment policy.