Empowering Wind Energy Innovation through Collaboration
Our Networks
WEICan places a strong emphasis on collaboration and connectivity, networking across research entities, industry players, and government agencies. Guided by this principle, WEICan actively engages in networks, where the emphasis lies on effective communication, collaborative endeavors, and the pursuit of innovation. Below is an outline of the networks with which WEICan is currently or has recently been affiliated:
Canadian Wind Energy Research Network
WEICan established the Canadian Wind Energy Research Network (CWERN) in 2021, with support from Natural Resources Canada. CWERN serves as the premier national forum for wind energy R&D tailored to Canadian stakeholders, aiming to accelerate research uptake and impact while involving industry and government in shaping research direction. Membership includes universities, research organizations, industry, and government.
IEA Wind Task 46: Erosion of Wind Turbine Blades
Since 2021, with support from Natural Resources Canada, WEICan has been representing Canada in International Energy Agency Wind Task 46: Erosion of Wind Turbine Blades. This task is an international collaborative research project that focuses on understanding the causes of leading-edge erosion (LEE), developing models to predict damage, and improving, testing, and mitigating erosion issues on turbine blades to reduce maintenance costs.
Year 21
Year 21 was a research project led by Dr. Rupp Carriveau at the University of Windsor in collaboration with industry and academic partners, including Kruger Energy, Enbridge, WEICan, and the University of Western Ontario. Active from 2016 to 2020, Year 21 developed an investment decision support system for wind turbines reaching the end of their typical 20-year lifespans. The project focused on creating strategies for life extension and asset management for Canada’s aging wind energy infrastructure, specifically analyzing data from wind farms to inform future maintenance and investment.
Utility Forum
Active from 2016 to 2023, WEICan led Natural Resources Canada’s Utility Forum, which convened the ten provincial transmission system operators in Canada to address key issues pertaining to the planning and operation of electrical power systems with significant non-synchronous generation, such as wind, solar, and battery-electric storage, engaging in tasks that showcased the challenges and capabilities of these sources through demonstrations and reviews.
Passionate – Dedicated – Pioneering
Where expertise meets innovation
WEICan advances the development of wind energy across Canada through research, testing, innovation and collaboration.
WEICan envisions a Canada where wind energy leads as a sustainable source of clean power, fostering economic growth, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and securing a cleaner future. Our dedication to pioneering wind energy research, testing, innovation, and collaboration is propelling the transformation of Canada’s energy landscape towards a sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
WEICan champions the development of sustainable wind energy through innovative research, partnerships, and community collaboration. Our goal is to advance environmentally friendly wind technologies, aligning with industry, academia, government, and community partners. We are committed to fostering economic growth and reducing carbon footprints, ensuring our contributions benefit both national interests and community well-being. Through our efforts, WEIC aims to be a leader in renewable energy promoting a cleaner, sustainable future.
