News
For Immediate Release
Welland
02/24/2011
Clean Energy Industry Builds In Welland: McGuinty Government Helps Create Jobs At Solar Panel Manufacturing Facility
NEWS
Ontario’s clean energy economy is growing in Welland with a new solar panel manufacturing plant that will create up to 60 new jobs within the year.
The province’s clean energy economy and the growing global demand from clean energy projects has helped Ontario Solar Manufacturing Corp (OSM) establish a manufacturing plant in Welland. OSM, in partnership with Symphony Energy of Korea, has officially started production of 230-watt solar panels at the Welland location.
Ontario's clean energy plan is getting Ontario off smog-producing coal and on to cleaner energy sources like wind, solar and bio-energy. The plan is making Ontario a global clean energy leader and has sparked a new industry in the province making it a global clean energy leader. New businesses and partnerships are supplying Ontario projects, and selling their high quality products across North America and to the world.
Supporting clean energy manufacturing is part of the province’s Open Ontario Plan to create jobs and strengthen the economy.
QUOTES
“Our government’s Communities in Transition Program has helped Ontario communities recover from the recession and position their region for future economic growth. Our Green Energy Act is attracting new investment and jobs to the province, and we welcome the latest investment by Ontario Solar Manufacturing, to the Welland community. Today’s announcement is a perfect example of how our government’s policies and programs are helping communities like Welland and companies like OSM innovate, grow, and create jobs for Ontarians.”
–Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade.
“Our Energy Plan is an economic plan with Ontario at the forefront of clean energy, creating a new industry and new jobs. This new solar manufacturing facility will help support clean energy projects across Ontario reducing our reliance on smog-producing coal and helping to create a cleaner, healthier future for our children and grandchildren.”
–Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy
QUICK FACTS
- In 2010, Ontario provided funding through the Communities in Transition Program to help Welland conduct a Green Energy Development Strategy which identified green energy opportunities with the potential to generate revenues of $93 million and 72 jobs.
- Earlier today the province announced the approval of 40 new large-scale renewable energy projects including solar, wind and water that will create 7,000 direct and indirect jobs and attract $3 billion in private sector investment.
- The new Ontario Clean Energy Benefit is helping Ontario families, farms and small businesses by taking 10 per cent off of all electricity bills for the next five years.
- In 2003, Ontario had 19 dirty polluting coal units and just 10 wind turbines, and no solar projects online. Today, the province has over 700 wind turbines, more than 2,900 solar projects and by 2014 all coal units will be closed or converted to biomass or natural gas.
- More than 20 companies have announced plans to participate in Ontario's clean energy economy.
- OSM also plans to design and build solar rooftop and ground mount systems.
LEARN MORE
- Learn more about the Ontario government’s other Communities in Transition announcements.
- Read about Ontario’s Green Energy Act
- Explore Ontario's Long-Term Energy Plan
- Learn more about renewable energy in Ontario
- Learn more about the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit
For more information:
Lauren Tedesco
Minister's Office
416-325-6909
Sofia Sousa-Dias
Communications Branch
416-326-8465
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