Solar energy and energy storage could create additional jobs and reduce GHG emissions as part of energy-efficient home retrofitting initiatives
Ottawa, November 30, 2020—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes the Government of Canada’s Fall Economic Statement, which puts its primary focus on addressing the immediate impacts of COVID-19 while taking initial steps towards achieving a green economic recovery.
A commitment to invest $2.6 billion over seven years in energy-efficiency retrofits provides an important start for a green economic recovery, as such retrofits are significant job creators and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
“By ensuring that home retrofits enable energy self-supply through the adoption of solar energy and energy-storage technologies, in addition to energy-efficiency improvements, these initiatives can deliver even more benefits for the economy and the environment,” said Robert Hornung, President and CEO, CanREA.
CanREA also welcomes the Government’s ongoing investment in electrifying Canada’s transportation system by providing $150 million to support charging stations for EVs across the country, as increased electrification of transportation, powered by non-emitting generation, is critical to achieving Canada’s net-zero targets.
In the context of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government understandably focused much of its Fall Economic Statement on immediate relief measures for Canadians, with further details to be announced in the 2021 budget.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Canada to enable wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to play an important role in both immediate and longer-term economic recovery initiatives, as we seek to build back better from the challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Hornung.
Quotes
“By ensuring that home retrofits enable energy self-supply through the adoption of solar energy and energy-storage technologies, in addition to energy-efficiency improvements, these initiatives can deliver even more benefits for the economy and the environment. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Canada to enable wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to play an important role in both immediate and longer-term economic recovery initiatives, as we seek to build back better from the challenges posed by COVID-19.”
–Robert Hornung, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association
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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.
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For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
Bridget Wayland, Director of Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
613-227-5378
