CanREA brings together 400+ industry experts for Canada’s premier Renewable Energy Forum

OTTAWA, NOVEMBER 10, 2020—More than 400 participants and leading experts in wind energy, solar energy and energy storage came together for Canada’s premier renewable energy event this week, as the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) held its first-ever virtual Forum on November 9 and 10, 2020.

“One message heard consistently throughout the Forum is that Canada must capitalize on its massive untapped wind and solar energy potential if it is to build an affordable, clean and reliable energy system that will help Canada reach the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050,” said CanREA’s President and CEO, Robert Hornung. “CanREA and its more than 250 members are committed to working towards this.”

“Our abundant sources of renewable energy will power our clean growth future. We will continue to use them to reduce emissions, create jobs and grow our economies,” said the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, who participated in a live discussion about the role of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage in Canada’s future energy mix following his opening remarks.

CanREA was pleased to welcome Sophie Brochu (President & CEO, Hydro-Québec), Michael Law (President & CEO, Alberta Electric System Operator), Mike Marsh (President & CEO, SaskPower) and Terry Young (Interim President & CEO, Independent Electricity System Operator) to the Forum for an important discussion on innovation and collaboration opportunities engendered by the rapid changes in technologies, policies and customer preferences that are disrupting the electricity sector.

The program also included special panels on Canada’s energy transition, where CanREA Board Chair Michelle Chislett (Managing Director, Canada and US Development, Northland Power) spoke with industry leaders and on Canada’s energy future, where sustainability leaders from Telus, RBC, Oxford Properties and the City of Edmonton discussed their strong interest in accessing renewable energy for their organizations.

CanREA thanks all presenters, attendees, exhibitors and sponsors for making the Forum a success. A special thank you to Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Ltd. for supporting the event as a Presenting Partner, along with Goldwind Americas, who was the event’s Program Stream Partner.

“We are proud to support the Canadian Renewable Energy Forum,” said Paul van der Weg, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Limited’s Managing Director, Canada. “As a leader in reliable renewable-energy generation in Canada, we are committed to creating long-term solutions for our customers and supporting efforts to further grow the Canadian Renewables market. We see the Forum as an excellent way to engage in dialogue with our industry partners to achieve these goals.”

In addition to attending a full roster of virtual presentations, attendees were also able to connect with one another though the Forum’s chat and video conferencing tools, as well as four daily “Power Together” networking sessions, and peruse a virtual showcase of renewable energy exhibitors.

Quotes

“One message heard consistently throughout the Forum is that Canada must capitalize on its massive untapped wind and solar energy potential if it is to build an affordable, clean and reliable energy system that will help Canada reach the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050. CanREA and its more than 250 members are committed to working with Canada’s federal and provincial governments, Crown Utilities and system operators to ensure that wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix.”—Robert Hornung, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association

“Our abundant sources of renewable energy will power our clean growth future. We will continue to use them to reduce emissions, create jobs and grow our economies.”—the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources

“We are proud to support the Canadian Renewable Energy Forum. As a leader in reliable renewable-energy generation in Canada, we are committed to creating long-term solutions for our customers and supporting efforts to further grow the Canadian Renewables market. We see the Forum as an excellent way to engage in dialogue with our industry partners to achieve these goals.”— Paul van der Weg, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Limited’s Managing Director, Canada

Photos

Our Keynote Speaker, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, participated in a live discussion about the role of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage in Canada’s future energy mix. 
Robert Hornung moderated a discussion with Sophie Brochu, Michael Law, Mike Marsh and Terry Young on energy transition, as well as on the role they are looking for the wind energy, solar energy and energy-storage industries to play, both in front of and behind the meter.
Siemens Gamesa supported the Canadian Renewable Energy Forum as a Presenting Partner. Paul van der Weg, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Limited’s Managing Director, Canada provided opening remarks as a Sponsor.
More than 400 leading experts in wind energy, solar energy and energy storage came together for the Canadian Renewable Energy Association’s first-ever virtual Forum in November 2020.

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About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association 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. Our vision is to ensure wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix.

Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter. Become a member. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Bridget Wayland, Director of Communications

Canadian Renewable Energy Association

613-227-5378

bwayland@renewablesassociation.ca