or rather, their energy could well be. A newly-published study commissioned by the Canadian Wind Energy Association found considerable potential for wind energy exports from the Maritime Provinces to the US north east. In this exclusive extract, PES reveals how the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island could transport their surplus energy to the US.
{pagebreak}
The study, by the Massachusetts-based Power Advisory LLC and commissioned by the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA), found significant potential for wind energy exports from the Maritime Provinces to the US northeast.Ever-increasing demand for green energy in the US presents an emerging opportunity for wind energy developers in the Maritimes. However there are barriers that must be addressed in order for Canadian producers to gain access to that growing market.
The study noted that that the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island could develop more wind energy than the region could use – between 5,500 and 7,500 MW. Conversely, just across the border, legislated renewable energy mandates in six New England states require significant increases in green electricity. Recent shortages of renewable energy suggest that New England will not be able to produce locally the required amounts of renewable energy. The study estimates the New England mandates will require about 4,200 MW of renewable energy capacity over the next 11 years – about 60 per cent of which could come from wind.
“We see there is a huge market and we also see there will be a strong value for wind energy coming from Canada,” said Jean-Francois Nolet, CanWEA’s Quebec and Atlantic Canada Policy Manager. “The task now is to ensure our producers will have an easier access to this growing market.”
