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Brown said government has reached a deal with Trout River Industries in order to help the company purchase two Island-made wind turbines. Trout River Industries – a manufacturer of highway trailers – is also investing in equipment for its production facilities.

The two turbines have been installed and running for two weeks.

“It’s encouraging to see a company make investments to produce clean, renewable power. In the years to come, we think companies that pursue renewable power will be rewarded with lower power bills and more control over manufacturing costs,” said Minister Brown.

Neil LeClair, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, visited Trout River Industries with Minister Brown February 5. He said renewable energy technologies, including wind power, hold a great deal of promise for Island businesses.

“It’s geared well for rural businesses and there are probably a lot of businesses around PEI that could tap into this,” said Minister LeClair. “It’s a way of controlling costs and building some independence when it comes to energy, I think green energy technologies are something that would interest a lot of businesses.”

Trout River Industries is purchasing two EW50 wind turbines from Entegrity Wind Systems. Each turbine is expected to produce between 100,000 and 120,000 kilowatt-hours per year, paying for the investment in less than a decade.

“I think more companies will be looking to wind and other renewable energy sources in the years ahead. The expansion of local power production helps the companies who buy these windmills, but it also increases the Island’s energy independence and reduces our carbon footprint as a province,” said Minister Brown.

The wind turbine is not Trout River Industries’ first venture into green power opportunities. In 2006, the company invested in geothermal heat pumps and in-floor heating in order to reduce heating costs for its facilities.

Harvey Stewart, owner of Trout River Industries, said the investment in wind turbines makes sense for environmental reasons and for business reasons. Mr. Stewart said, “Now, more than ever, is the time for companies to invest in productivity, waste reduction and building customer relationships.”