Honouring innovation, leadership and excellence in Canada’s clean energy industries
Toronto, October 20, 2026—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) proudly announced the winners of the 2026 CanREA Awards last night at the opening of Electricity Transformation Canada 2026, Canada’s largest clean energy conference and exhibition. Now in their second year, the CanREA Awards celebrate exceptional projects, organizations and leaders that are demonstrating innovation and a deep commitment to advancing wind energy, solar energy and energy storage in Canada.
“Canada needs affordable wind, solar and energy storage to power our future, and this year’s winners are showing how to build it,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “These projects and leaders deliver affordable, reliable and clean electricity while creating jobs and strengthening communities across the country. Congratulations to all of the winners on helping build Canada’s clean electricity future.”
2026 CanREA Award winners
Indigenous Clean Power Company of the Year
Aurora Renewables LP
Majority owned by Des Nedhe Group, the economic development corporation of English River First Nation, Aurora Renewables LP is advancing solar and energy storage projects across Saskatchewan. Its work includes the Descharme Lake microgrid, the province’s first fully integrated solar-diesel-battery microgrid, which was built with an all-Indigenous workforce.
“We’re honoured to receive this recognition from CanREA,” said Jonathan Palmer, Vice President of Aurora Renewables. “Aurora was built on the belief that communities should own the energy infrastructure that powers them, and that the jobs, skills and revenue it creates should stay at home. Together with our partners English River First Nation and Des Nedhe Group, we’ve proven that model with the La Plonge solar battery microgrid, and we’re working to bring it to communities across Saskatchewan and beyond.”
Canadian On-Site (BTM) Project of the Year
IISD Experimental Lakes Area MicroGrid Project, by IISD Experimental Lakes Area, with Charge Solar and KPE Electrical Contractors
A new solar array and battery energy storage system now supply up to 80 per cent of the electricity at this remote, off-grid research facility in northwestern Ontario, replacing diesel generation. The project is expected to offset approximately 80,000 litres of diesel and more than 200 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
“Congratulations to IISD Experimental Lakes Area and KPE Electrical Contractors. Charge Solar is proud to be a trusted engineering partner and equipment supplier for diesel-offset projects like this one, and we’re especially excited to help remote facilities and communities use solar and battery storage to displace diesel. This project alone cost-effectively offsets approximately 80,000 litres of diesel and more than 200 tonnes of carbon emissions each year,” said Jeff MacAulay, CEO of Charge Solar.
Innovative Canadian Clean Power Project of the Year
Mersey River Wind Project, by Roswall Development and Renewall Energy
The 148.5 MW Mersey River Wind Project in Nova Scotia, with 33 Vestas turbines, is expected to power the equivalent of 50,000 homes. It is supported by the first retail renewable electricity licence issued in the province, which gives residential, commercial and industrial customers, including Halifax Regional Municipality, a direct way to buy wind energy. Regulatory changes like this one help attract long-term investment in wind energy and give businesses access to the affordable power they need to grow and invest.
“Renewall is Canada’s first electricity provider licenced under a renewable-to-retail framework, creating a new way for households, businesses and institutions to choose locally generated clean power,” said Dan Roscoe, President of Renewall and CEO of Roswall. “Our team and partners have spent more than a decade turning that opportunity into a viable model, with Mersey River Wind farm providing the renewable electricity. This award brings national recognition to an approach that expands customer choice and opens a new path for renewable energy development.”
Robert Hornung Canadian Clean Power Leadership Award
Scott Harper – CEO, Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICan)
Since 2007, Harper has led WEICan in building its Wind R&D Park on Prince Edward Island into one of the world’s most heavily instrumented wind research facilities. He also founded the Canadian Wind Energy Research Network and has mentored more than 50 students and interns.
“Being recognized with an award named after Robert Hornung is especially meaningful to me. Having been around for most of his time leading our industry, I have seen firsthand how his vision helped shape the clean energy sector we have today,” said Scott Harper.
The Indigenous, on-site and innovative project award recipients were selected by an impartial committee of industry stakeholders from across Canada, based on clear criteria for innovation, social benefits, sustainability and leadership. The Robert Hornung Canadian Clean Power Leadership Award, new this year, recognizes an individual whose sustained leadership, integrity and collaboration have helped build Canada’s clean energy sector.
Recognizing the industry’s best
The CanREA Awards were established to recognize and amplify the outstanding achievements of CanREA members and their project partners. Nominees had the opportunity to be featured in CanREA promotional content, helping to showcase the talent and ingenuity driving Canada’s clean electricity future. This year’s winners also show how solar and energy storage can reduce reliance on diesel at remote sites, producing electricity locally that is not exposed to fuel-price volatility. The recognition of Aurora Renewables LP reflects CanREA’s support for Indigenous participation and partnerships in clean electricity projects.
CanREA encourages its members to watch for the call for nominees for the 2027 CanREA Awards, which will open in summer 2027.
If you’re not already a CanREA member, join today to be part of Canada’s growing community of clean energy leaders.
Media can contact CanREA for high-resolution photos.
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Quotes
“Canada needs affordable wind, solar and energy storage to power our future, and this year’s winners are showing how to build it. These projects and leaders deliver affordable, reliable and clean electricity while creating jobs and strengthening communities across the country. Congratulations to all of the winners on helping build Canada’s clean electricity future.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“We’re honoured to receive this recognition from CanREA. Aurora was built on the belief that communities should own the energy infrastructure that powers them, and that the jobs, skills and revenue it creates should stay at home. Together with our partners English River First Nation and Des Nedhe Group, we’ve proven that model with the La Plonge solar battery microgrid, and we’re working to bring it to communities across Saskatchewan and beyond.”
—Jonathan Palmer, Vice President of Aurora Renewables LP
“Congratulations to IISD Experimental Lakes Area and KPE Electrical Contractors. Charge Solar is proud to be a trusted engineering partner and equipment supplier for diesel-offset projects like this one, and we’re especially excited to help remote facilities and communities use solar and battery storage to displace diesel. This project alone cost-effectively offsets approximately 80,000 litres of diesel and more than 200 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.”
—Jeff MacAulay, CEO, Charge Solar
“Renewall is Canada’s first electricity provider licenced under a renewable-to-retail framework, creating a new way for households, businesses and municipalities to choose locally generated clean power. Our team and partners have spent more than a decade turning that opportunity into a viable model, with Mersey River Wind farm providing the renewable electricity. This award brings national recognition to an approach that expands customer choice and opens a new path for renewable energy development.”
—Dan Roscoe, President of Renewall and CEO of Roswall
“Being recognized with an award named after Robert Hornung is especially meaningful to me. Having been around for most of his time leading our industry, I have seen firsthand how his vision helped shape the clean energy sector we have today.”
—Scott Harper, CEO, Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICan)
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Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
communications@renewablesassociation.ca
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 policy advocacy and stakeholder 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 wind energy, solar energy and energy storage can decarbonize and modernize Canada’s electricity systems quickly and affordably, follow us on LinkedIn and visit www.renewablesassociation.ca.