Siemens Canada, the 905-based subsidiary of the global energy and engineering company,
will build Ontario's first wind turbine blade factory in order to service a contract with Samsung CT and Pattern Energy. The agreement calls for Siemens to supply up to 600 MW of wind turbine energy, providing enough clean electricity, the company says, to power more than 240,000 homes under the Ontario government's
FIT program.
A representative of the company said by phone that the location of the planned factory has not yet been finalized, but the company already has a large footprint in the GTA, with its headquarters in Burlington and plants and offices located in Ajax, Markham, Mississauga, Scarborough, Brampton and Toronto. The new factory is expected to employ 300 people directly (in "green collar" jobs) and will create an additional 600 construction and indirect jobs.
In a statement, Siemens Canada Senior VP Bill Smith said that the blade factory is an example of how the Ontario FIT program will create a green energy industry in the province, which he called "one of the world's most progressive jurisdictions," and added, "our blade factory will enable the Ontario market."
The agreement with Samsung follows that company's blockbuster agreement with the Ontario government to develop 2,000 MW of wind power over the next six years. The government hope is FIT program will create 50,000 jobs in the clean energy sector and build a renewable energy industry hub in the province.
Writer: Edward Keenan
Source: Susan Willemsen of the Siren Group, on behalf of Siemens Canada
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