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Canadian sustainable energy pioneers honored with first ever Probyn Prize

Toronto, ON — Canada is closer to the goal of building a sustainable energy system thanks to the work of two remarkable men: John and Ross Keating. The brothers were honored by the national power industry on November 17 with the Probyn Prize, a new award designed to highlight major accomplishments in the field of environmental technology and business. As founders of Canadian Hydro Developers (CHD), an Alberta-based public company, the Keatings have been outstanding green power pioneers for more than 20 years.

“We are delighted that the first recipients of the Probyn Prize are such a deserving duo of entrepreneurs,” said Dave Butters, President of the Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO). “John and Ross Keating personify the principles of the Probyn Prize and their success in environmental energy is an inspiration to everyone.” The Prize was presented at APPrO's annual conference and trade show which is attended by more than 1,000 members of Canada’s energy and sustainable development industry.

Internationally known Canadian sculptor Colin Gibson was commissioned by The Probyn GroupTM to create the bronze sculpture which serves as APPrO's award and embodies its themes.  Mr. Butters said, "The original work of art evokes the creative drive and imagination which make economic and environmental achievements like those of Stephen Probyn and the Keating brothers possible."

The Probyn Prize was established by APPrO to recognize "significant advances and achievements in financial markets, public policy or science and technology which promote action on climate change and sustainable development.” It commemorates the leadership of the late Stephen Probyn, who was one of the originators of Canada’s green energy industry, a leading financier in the sector, and one of the world’s foremost authorities on renewable energy development.

The company founded and led by the Keatings has grown from a single three-megawatt plant on the Belly River in southern Alberta to become one of Canada’s foremost developers of renewable energy.  CHD has developed 21 hydroelectric, wind power and biomass facilities in four provinces, with net generating capacity of 694 megawatts of green power. CHD recently completed the first underwater transmission line of its type, as part of the Wolfe Island EcoPower® Centre in Ontario. It was the first company to achieve approval by the Ontario Energy Board for a privately-owned, non-utility transmission line of its scale. As a financial innovator as well, CHD has used unique debt financing to successfully grow its business. CHD was recently acquired by TransAlta Corporation.

“The Keatings demonstrate that Canadians are global leaders in the drive to find positive solutions to the major challenges of our time, and they are an example to the world,” Mr. Butters said.

APPrO is a non-profit organization representing more than 100 companies involved in the generation of electricity in Ontario, including generators, suppliers of services, equipment and consulting services. APPrO members produce power from nuclear, hydro, fossil, wind, biomass and other energy sources. APPrO's members currently produce over 95% of the electricity generated in Ontario.

For more about the award, visit www.appro.org.

November 25, 2009  By Newswire