Carbon pricing commitment welcomed but unresolved market challenges remain for renewables
Ottawa, November 27, 2025—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) acknowledges today’s memorandum of understanding between Alberta and the federal government, but emphasizes that significant uncertainties remain for renewable energy and energy storage in the province.
The MOU suspends the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) in Alberta pending a new carbon‑pricing agreement, to be negotiated by April 1, 2026.
Encouraging elements of the MOU include:
- A proposal to raise Alberta’s industrial carbon price to at least $130/tonne by 2030.
- A reaffirmed commitment by both governments to achieve net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
- A pledge to collaborate on significantly increasing inter‑tie transfer capability between western provinces, with consideration for northern regions.
“The CER sends a signal to invest in clean electricity, but the stronger drivers are investment tax credits and a strengthened carbon pricing system,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “Much more work is needed to protect existing renewable assets in Alberta from new market and transmission risks, and to ensure the new market structure attracts investment.”
CanREA will continue to monitor timelines and implementation details closely.
Read the full MOU statement from the federal government here.
Quotes
“The CER sends a signal to invest in clean electricity, but the stronger drivers are investment tax credits and a strengthened carbon pricing system. Much more work is needed to protect existing renewable assets in Alberta from new market and transmission risks, and to ensure the new market structure attracts investment.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
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Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
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About CanREA
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision. Follow us on LinkedIn. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.