*Picture Source: Canadian Wind Energy Association

According to the Canadian Wind Energy Association, there are currently 140 active wind farms across Canada. With the largest Canadian wind farm creating just over 197 Megawatts of electricity, we are by no means a major player when it comes to wind energy. This is bound to change in the near future however, thanks to government initiatives like the Ontario FIT Program.

The title of the world’s largest wind farm is held by the United States, with the Roscoe Wind Farm in Roscoe, Texas. With 627 wind turbines that span over 100,000 acres (400 km2) of land, the Roscoe Wind Farm creates 781.5 Megawatts of electricity, which enough to power more than 250,000 average Texan homes.

Currently, the total wind farm capacity in Canada is only 5,265 Megawatts, and although that is enough electricity to power over 1 million homes, it only equates to about 2% of our energy requirements. In comparison, the state of Texas alone creates 10,223 Megawatts with its combined 40 different wind farm projects.

However, there is still room for growth, and by looking at the top 10 largest wind farms in Canada, it is evident that we are already on the right track:

#10 – Baie-des-Sables, QC

Located on the Gaspe Péninsule of Bas Saint-laurent, Quebec, the Baie-des-Sables wind farm consists of 73 GE wind turbines that have been cranking out 109.5 Megawatts of electricity since November 2006.

#9 – Carleton Wind Farm, QC

At the tip of Chaleur Bay in Carleton-sur-mer, Quebec you will find the Carleton Wind Farm. With 73 GE wind turbines, this wind farm is capable of producing 109.5 Megawatts of electricity, and has been doing so since November of 2008.

#8 – Jardin d’Eole Wind Farm, QC

The Jardin d’Eole Wind Farm is located in Saint-Ulric, Quebec, and with 85 GE wind turbines it has been producing 127.5 Megawatts of electricity since November 2009.

#7 – Melancthon Phase II, ON

Situated between Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario you will find the Melancthon Phase II wind farm. It was installed in November of 2008, and with its 88 GE wind turbines, it is capable of producing 132 Megawatts of electricity.

#6 – St. Joseph, MB

Just over a year old, this southern Manitoba wind farm is located on Highway 75 near St. Joseph. With its 60 Siemens wind turbines this wind farm can produce up to 138 Megawatts of electricity for Manitoba Hydro.

#5 – Dokie Wind Project, BC

Head north from Vancouver and 1,100 kilometres later you’ll find the Dokie Wind Project, near Chetwynd, British Columbia. With its 43 Vestas V-90 wind turbines it is capable of producing 144 Megawatts of electricity for BC Hydro.

#4 – Centennial Wind Power Facility, SK

Located southeast of Swift Current, Saskatchewan is the Centennial Wind Power Facility.
With its 83 Vestas wind turbines it is capable of producing 149.4 Megawatts of electricity for SaskPower. That’s enough to power 69,000 Saskatchewan homes each year.

#3 – Enbridge Ontario Wind Farm, ON

Situated on the shores of Lake Huron, near Kincardine, Ontario is the Enbridge Ontario Wind Farm. With 110 Vestas wind turbines, this wind farm has been producing up to 181.5 Megawatts of electricity since April 2009.

#2 – Prince Wind Farm, ON

Just north of Sault Ste. Marie, near the shores of Lake Superior is the Prince Wind Farm.
With its 126 GE wind turbines capable of producing 189 Megawatts of electricity each year, the Prince Wind Farm is the second largest wind farm in Canada.

#1 – Wolfe Island EcoPower Centre, ON

Wolfe Island is located at the entrance to the Saint Lawrence River in Lake Ontario near Kingston and the wind farm can be found on the western portion of island. Its 86 Siemens wind turbines are capable of creating 197.8 Megawatts of electricity, enough to power over 75,000 average households with clean, renewable energy each year, making the Wolfe Island EcoPower Centre the largest wind farm in Canada.