June 28, 2012 – Ontario has launched its Clean Energy Economic Development Strategy, which aims to leverage the province’s “clean energy experience to become a global leader in key areas of the energy sector”. It also aims to create more new jobs in the clean energy sector.

The Strategy’s priority areas include:
• Continuing the province’s progress in solar and wind energy by supporting companies that are looking to export their Ontario-made products and services to the world.
• Using smart meters and the smart grid, including grid automation, data management and consumer-facing ways, to raise awareness of energy usage to Ontarians.
• Exploring the potential of energy storage.

“Our new strategy will ensure the province is well positioned to embrace the many opportunities to export our knowledge and products to the clean energy sector globally, creating new jobs for Ontario families,” said Chris Bentley, minister of Energy.

Also on the agenda as part of the Strategy, the ministry aims to:
• Establish the “Ontario Clean Energy Task Force” to help broaden Ontario’s energy focus by collaborating within the industry to identify export markets and marketing opportunities. The Clean Energy Task Force will include energy experts from the industry and associations.
• Lead cleantech trade missions to support domestic manufacturers by showcasing Ontario’s clean energy solutions in international markets, including Asia, the Middle East and the United States.
• Deliver on the province’s Smart Grid Fund and other targeted investments to spur innovation in priority areas.

“There is no better place to do business than Ontario, especially when it comes to clean energy. Ontario companies are at the forefront of this exciting opportunity and the province is a recognized leader,” said Brad Duguid, minister of Economic Development and Innovation.