Welcome to the Wind Energy Industry page. This is where you will find information on the industry, on the role of Industry Canada and on various government initiatives, as well as a directory of companies operating in this industry, business resources, studies and reports, and other relevant resources and tools.

Industry Profile

Wind energy is the fastest growing renewable energy source in Canada with an average annual growth rate of 60 percent since 1998 with installed capacity increasing from 26 megawatts (MW) in 1998 to 1 876 MW by 2008. Canada is expected to experience significant growth in the upcoming years as estimates suggest a capacity of nearly 10 000 MW by 2012.

In 2008, the Canadian wind energy industry was comprised of roughly 210 companies which account for approximately 1 200 full time equivalent jobs nationwide. The industry is present throughout Canada with centres of concentrated manufacturing and technology generally located in Central and Atlantic Canada.

Canadian wind energy expertise can be found in the manufacturing and construction of towers, rotor blades, base frames, and inverters. However, wind projects currently depend almost exclusively on European and U.S. suppliers for turbines and other key components. The 2008 study entitled Opportunities for Canadian Stakeholders in the North American Large Wind Turbine Supply Chain revealed that there are hundreds of Canadian firms that have or could easily acquire the technical competence to supply components for wind turbines.

The future of wind energy development in Canada is promising and is expected to expand significantly over the coming years. This represents an excellent opportunity for Canadian businesses to develop and commercialize new and competitive technologies, to manufacture products and offer services in support of a growing industry which would ensure Canada's place in the renewable energy supply and value chain.