Renewable Energy in Prince Edward Island: 10 Facts & Statistics

Renewable Energy in Prince Edward Island: 10 Facts & Statistics

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Did you know that Prince Edward Island (PEI) is an absolute renewable energy powerhouse? Despite its size, Canada’s smallest and least populated province has long established itself as a leader in wind energy and is a rising star in solar. This dedication has not only shaped its energy landscape but has also brought significant economic benefits for its residents.

For example, wind power accounts for the vast majority of its electricity supply. The sector has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in investment for Prince Edward Islanders, creating jobs and supporting the island’s economy as a whole.

Below we review several of the latest available facts on renewable energy in Prince Edward Island taken from various reputable sources across the internet, so you don’t have to. Also see:

Renewable energy infographics banner10 Prince Edward Island Renewable Energy Facts

#1 - Wind and solar energy contribute immensely to PEI’s economy, providing jobs, reducing power costs, and attracting investment. The Sunbank Solar Farm, for example, created 210 full-time jobs for islanders [5].

#2 - PEI generates 99% of its electricity supply from wind power (2021) [3]

#3 - PEI is home to an estimated 268 MW of installed wind capacity (2021) [3], with a single megawatt (MW) having the ability to power anywhere from 300 to 1,000 homes [2]

#4 - Between 2003 and 2024, PEI saw the development of 10 solar and wind energy projects with a generation capacity of more than 1 MW [1]

#5 - PEI’s largest wind farm is Engie’s West Cape Wind Park with a capacity of 99 MW [3]

#6 - PEI’s latest large-scale renewable power project is Sunbank solar farm and battery in Summerside, with a capacity of 21 MW [3]

#7 - PEI’s Slemon Park and Summerside Sunbank solar projects have integrated battery storage that can store up to 21.5 MW-hours combined to help utilities manage peak loads [1]

#8 - PEI’s East Point Wind Farm has just 10 turbines with a 3 MW capacity each that can generate around 90 gigawatts (GW) hours every year, capable of powering 11,000 homes [5]

#9 - Most of the year, PEI’s renewable energy is solely used in the province; however, several times a year PEI produces more energy than the island’s baseload, therefore becoming an energy exporter [1]

#10 - Despite generating most of its power from renewables, most of the electricity consumed in the province is imported from New Brunswick, which generates most of its supply from a mix of nuclear, petroleum, and hydro [3]

Future of Renewables in PEI

Prince Edward Island is on an ambitious path towards a net-zero energy future, with a legislated commitment to achieve such a future by 2040. A central component of this goal is the province's plan to have 100% of its electricity sourced from renewables by 2030 (today, the province generates about one-fifth of its supply from renewables). This strategy focuses heavily on expanding its already significant wind and solar power generation capabilities to ensure energy independence and security for all Islanders [4].

To accomplish this goal, the government is actively supporting the growth of its renewable technology sector through significant investments. This includes a $50 million loan portfolio designed to help both new and established businesses adopt clean technology solutions, as well as a dedicated $10 million fund to advance research and development [4].

The future of renewables is bright in PEI, to say the least!

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We invite you to join us on social media to learn more about the renewable energy industry in Prince Edward Island and across Canada.

We look forward to having you join our growing community of hundreds of thousands of Canadians who support natural resource development as a means of promoting continued economic prosperity for families across the country!

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SOURCES:

1 - https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/environment-energy-and-climate-action/renewable-energy-in-prince-edward-island

2 - https://www.geocarbon.net/how-many-homes-can-a-wind-turbine-power/

3 - https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/data-analysis/energy-markets/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles-prince-edward-island.html

4 - https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/innovation-pei/renewable-energy

5 - https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/clean-electricity/overview-prince-edward-island.html