DWEA Teams with Canadian Wind Energy Association to promote benefits of small-scale wind energy

Flagstaff, Ariz., July 8, 2013 – The Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA) today announced that it has entered into a formal partnership with the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) that will enable the organizations to strengthen their representation of the small wind energy industry in Canada. The two associations will collaborate on building the small wind market nationally, identifying and targeting Canadian provinces in which to pursue supportive policy initiatives and managing a Canadian small wind caucus, among other activities.

Small or on-site wind is the use of typically smaller wind turbines at homes, farms, businesses, and public facilities to off-set all or a portion of on-site energy consumption.

“We are pleased to partner with CanWEA to ensure Canada fully realizes its abundant small wind energy potential and to build a collaborative foundation that will enable a cleaner, stronger energy future for both countries,” said DWEA Executive Director Jennifer Jenkins. “We look forward to interacting with many CanWEA members at CanWEA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition being held October 7-10, 2013, in Toronto where we will have a pavilion showcasing the small wind industry.”

By joining forces, CanWEA and DWEA will be able to more effectively secure and allocate resources to support the growing distributed wind energy market in Canada. As members of both DWEA and CanWEA, small wind companies will have even greater opportunity to take advantage of targeted publications, reports, policy initiatives and networking opportunities offered by both organizations.

“Canada is rapidly falling behind other countries in deploying small wind energy systems that can provide clean and renewable electricity for homeowners, businesses and remote communities,” said Robert Hornung, CanWEA President. “This CanWEA / DWEA partnership will bring a strong and united voice to advocacy efforts to create a stable and sustainable policy framework that can facilitate the rapid deployment of small wind energy systems in Canada.”

Support for the partnership came from small wind advocates such as Canadian-based Endurance Wind Power, a long-time and active member of DWEA.

“This is a momentous time for small wind in Canada. Endurance is pleased to be part of this new partnership extending DWEA’s reach in North America,” said Glenn Johnson, CEO of Endurance Windpower. “Expanding to serve the active Canadian wind market is the right step forward as we approach the next phase of industry growth and expansion.”

About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind, commonly referred to as small and community wind, is the use of typically smaller wind turbines at homes, farms, businesses, and public facilities to off-set all or a portion of on-site energy consumption. DWEA seeks to attract members and associates from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org.  Follow us on Twitter @DWEA, find us, like us and connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn by searching Distributed Wind Energy Association.

About the Canadian Wind Energy Association
CanWEA is the voice of Canada’s wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy on behalf of its members. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada’s leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits. For more information on grassroots and community support for wind energy, visit www.friendsofwind.ca. To get the facts on wind energy and to join the conversation, visit www.windfacts.ca.

For information, please contact:

Lauren Glickman
Communications Manager
Distributed Wind Energy Association
504-258-7955
lglickman@distributedwind.org

Ulrike Kucera
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Wind Energy Association
Office: 613-234-8716 ext. 228
Mobile: 613-867-4433
ulrikekucera@canwea.ca