National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » Uncertain future for Ontario wind under new premier

The future of the wind industry in Ontario looks increasingly uncertain following the election of the new leader of the province’s ruling Liberal Party.

Kathleen Wynne will succeed Dalton McGuinty as Ontario’s Premier having campaigned on, among other issues, getting greater community buy-in for wind projects before they proceed.

Wynne’ election comes just weeks after the World Trade Organisation upheld complaints from Japan, the US and the EU, and found Ontario’s local content rules under its renewable energy feed-in tariff programme were discriminatory .

Despite Wynne’s ominous campaign, the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CANWEA) welcomed her election.

“We look forward to engaging with premier-designate Wynne and working collaboratively to ensure Ontario continues to attract new investments, create new manufacturing jobs, and provide Ontarians with the clean and flexible electricity system they want,” said CANWEA president Robert Hornung.

“The growth of wind energy has injected hundreds of millions of dollars into communities across the province, allowed landowners and farmers to participate directly in a clean energy economy, helped once-ailing manufacturing facilities diversify, and provided good home-grown jobs for college graduates.”