P.E.I. plans more wind power

P.E.I. will be adding more wind power to its energy mix, as part of a new energy strategy announced Friday.

The 10-year plan includes another 30 megawatts of wind power by 2019-20 and another 40 megawatts by 202526.

The plans also include:

■ new and expanded programs for energy efficiency and conservation;

■ expanding the mandate and structure of efficiency PEI to create a one-stop shop for Islanders looking to reduce their energy consumption and costs;

■ adoption of the National Building Code and National Energy Code for Buildings province-wide to ensure more energy-efficient buildings;

■ having the newly established transportation committee encourage the reduction of fossil fuel consumption in vehicles; and

■ monitoring developments in solar power and energy storage to test and demonstrate innovative energy systems.

Energy Minister Paula Biggar says the strategy will reduce the province’s overall reliance on fossil fuels, “... lower greenhouse gas emissions, and help Islanders conserve energy and save money.”

Scott Harper, chief executive officer of the Wind Energy Institute of Canada, says he is pleased to see the goal of installing even more wind energy into the grid.

“We are also encouraged to see the interest in further energy storage demonstrations, an area that WEI-Can has been working in for the past three years and we look forward to working with government and other stakeholders to develop projects and concepts best suited for the people of Prince Edward Island.”

A second report titled Recommendations for the Development of a 2016 Climate Change Mitigation Strategy was released in conjunction with the energy strategy. This report, along with the energy strategy, will support the creation of a provincial climate change action plan.

“Today we are pleased to release the updated recommendations regarding climate change mitigation for Prince Edward Island,” Environment Minister Robert Mitchell said. “Draft recommendations were provided to the public last fall for consultation and I want to thank all Islanders who helped develop these recommendations.”