Finance, Energy and Municipal Affairs Minister Wes Sheridan’s work on the Hermanville/Clearspring wind development has earned him a place among Canada’s Clean16 leaders in sustainability and clean capitalism, says Premier Robert Ghiz.

“This award is well-deserved recognition for Minister Sheridan’s strong leadership in expanding wind energy capacity in Prince Edward Island,” Premier Ghiz said. “He partnered closely with industry and the community to make our newest project in Hermanville/Clearspring a reality – and as a result, our province is on the cutting edge of clean, renewable wind energy development worldwide.”

Minister Sheridan was selected from a pool of more than 550 nominations to Canada’s Clean16, which is a subset of a larger Clean50 (www.clean50.com) group honoured this morning in Toronto. Canada’s Clean16 awards are announced annually by Delta Management Group to recognize individuals or small teams who have advanced the cause of sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada.

“It is gratifying that we have been recognized among this select group for the steps we have taken to increase our province’s use of sustainable wind energy,” Minister Sheridan said. “Hopefully this project will pave the way for a more self-sustaining and environmentally responsible energy future for Islanders.”

“The 2015 Clean16 are truly the leaders of the leaders in sustainability in Canada,” said Gavin Pitchford, chief talent officer of Delta Management Group. “To be selected from amongst such a strong group of peers is truly a testament to the contribution these individuals have made to helping make living well in Canada more sustainable for all Canadians.”

“Minister Wes Sheridan championed the development of the Hermanville/Clearspring wind farm, the latest addition to the province’s impressive wind energy generation portfolio,” Pitchford continued. “Long known as a world leader in farming potatoes, PEI has now transformed itself into a world leader in farming wind.”

The 30-megawatt Hermanville/Clearspring Wind Development in Kings County was commissioned in January and an open house for the community was held in June. Combined with the North Cape Wind Farm and the Eastern Kings Wind Farm, it will allow Prince Edward Island to produce up to 30 percent of its total electricity from renewable, emission-free wind power.

The project will also provide $350,000 through payments to nearby landowners and a development trust for the community at large.