"Ontario Puts Moratorium On Offshore Wind Projects"

"The Canadian province of Ontario said on Friday it will not approve any offshore wind projects and will not accept new applications until there is further scientific research on the industry.

The province, which offers North America's most comprehensive and lucrative rates for power from the sun, wind, water and biomass, will terminate one contract with Windstream Energy for a 300 megawatt offshore wind project near Kingston, in Lake Ontario.

Four other applications will be terminated, a government spokeswoman said, and application securities returned to the developers.

The moratorium will have no effect on applications for wind projects on land. More than 700 wind turbines on land currently produce about 1,500 MW of electricity."

Susan Taylor reports for Reuters February 14, 2011.