Category: News Release

Registration now open for Canada’s premier renewable energy and energy storage conference and exhibition

July 20, 2023 (Calgary, Alberta) – Canada’s premier clean energy conference and exhibition is heading to Calgary, Alberta. Happening October 23-25 at the BMO Centre, Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC) will feature a value-packed educational program and more than 100 exhibitors, making it the largest ETC yet.

ETC 2023 will showcase progress, policies and success stories on the pathway to net-zero, aiming to inspire attendees. This platform is the ideal place for renewable-energy and energy-storage leaders to network, collaborate and move the industry forward, showcasing technology solutions from distributors, engineers, investors, installers and manufacturers.

Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC) is developed by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), which represents the voice of wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage in Canada, in partnership with the Italian German Exhibition Group—one of the world’s largest and most active event organizers—and RE+ Events, a global event management organization with a focus on the clean energy industry. These entities support a shared vision of innovation and collaboration in Canada’s renewable energy and energy storage industries, as the key to future success and prosperity.

“We are looking forward to bringing ETC to Calgary this year, with a program that presents innovations in wind energy, solar energy and energy storage, looking even more broadly to the full transformation of the electricity sector in Canada,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.

In addition to the exhibition, ETC will host informative educational sessions and engaging discussions with industry experts, government officials, and stakeholders. These sessions will delve into the innovative technologies, policies, and investments that have driven Canada’s renewable energy success and future.

“There has never been a more exciting time to help expand the clean energy industry throughout Canada,” said Stephen Miner, President, and CEO, RE+ Events. “Our goal with Electricity Transformation Canada is to support the renewable companies that strengthen the Canadian clean energy market and partnering with CanREA creates a powerful platform.”

ETC invites all attendees to learn more about Canada’s renewable energy future. Get ready to gather resources, reports and materials that offer comprehensive insights into the clean energy industry, as well as to enjoy extensive networking opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.

Registration and housing for ETC 2023 are now open! For more information, please visit electricitytransformation.ca.

Quotes

“We are looking forward to bringing ETC to Calgary this year, with a program that presents innovations in wind energy, solar energy and energy storage, looking even more broadly to the full transformation of the electricity sector in Canada.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

“There has never been a more exciting time to help expand the clean energy industry throughout Canada. Our goal with Electricity Transformation Canada is to support the renewable companies that strengthen the Canadian clean energy market and partnering with CanREA creates a powerful platform.”

—Stephen Miner, President, and CEO, RE+ Events

Media inquiries:

To request a media pass, please click here.

To request an interview about this release, please contact:

Traci Huggans, Manager, International Events & Memberships Marketing, RE+ Events, thuggans@re-plus.com

Communications, Canadian Renewable Energy Association, communications@renewableassociation.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. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible, and scalable solutions. 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.”

About RE+ Events

RE+ Events is a global event management organization with a focus on the clean energy industry. Our flagship event, RE+ 2022 (formerly SPI), is the largest renewable energy event in North America. The RE+ Events portfolio also includes U.S. regional events with a focus on trends and policies in specific states or regions, as well as international events that bring together leaders in developing clean energy markets across the world. RE+ Events is co-owned by the Smart Electric Power Alliance and the Solar Energy Industries Association.

About Italian German Exhibition Group

The Italian Exhibition Group’s mission is to offer its national Partners concrete business opportunities, high added value content and services. Their credibility and reputation will help bring value to the operations for Electricity Transformation Canada.

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) filed a submission as part of the Quebec government’s consultation on the regulation and development of clean energy.

Montreal, July 20, 2023 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) published a submission today as part of the Quebec government’s consultation on the regulation and development of clean energy, outlining a number of recommendations for modernizing the province’s energy sector.

The Quebec government launched the consultation process to gather ideas from the public and experts on how the legal and regulatory framework governing the province’s energy sector can be modernized.

“Renewable energy is key to a successful energy transition,” says Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada. “CanREA’s submission is a call to action for us all to seize this opportunity to act, propose more agile electricity generation solutions, and enshrine in law the province’s 2050 net zero target, in the interest of sustainable development.”

CanREA’s recommendations 

CanREA’s recommendations for Quebec to meet its current and future energy needs and achieve net zero by 2050 include:

1. Enshrining in law the government’s pledge to achieve net zero by 2050 through sustainable development.
2. Encouraging the integration of distributed energy resources into Quebec’s electricity mix, including net metering and energy storage.
3. Allowing agreements for the supply of electricity on (or near, provided that certain criteria are met) sites where the electricity is generated and/or used.
4. Formulating an integrated energy resource plan.
5. Enhancing and clarifying the role of the Régie de l’Énergie.

“Our collective vision for a successful energy transition must also include considerations of environmental, social justice and economic development issues,” says Habel. “Many of CanREA’s recommendations address these issues and provide meaningful benchmarks for achieving net zero by 2050.”

Summary of key recommendations

Make the transition to a net-zero future by 2050

Achieving net zero requires all Quebec stakeholders to take action for the energy transition process. Only by working together can we reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from Quebec’s industrial, transportation and construction sectors and ensure that our economic development is environmentally sustainable.

Stakeholder collaboration will play a decisive role in government policy and decision making. For this reason, CanREA recommends enshrining Quebec’s 2050 net zero target in the Sustainable Development Act and the Act respecting the Régie de l’énergie.

Seize the opportunity to diversify our energy sources

Every kilowatt of renewable energy brings climate goals one step closer. But progress needs to be made on several fronts at once: we need to simultaneously boost production, meet increased demand for energy efficiency solutions, and mitigate the impacts of peak demand.

One way that the Quebec government can expand access to decarbonization solutions and break new ground in clean-energy regulation is to legalize alternative forms of electricity supply: Quebec can become more agile in its electricity generation by encouraging net metering and allowing agreements in which power producers can provide electricity consumers with electricity on the sites where the electricity is generated and/or used. Most such agreements could only proceed after Hydro-Québec chose whether or not to exercise its right of refusal, and projects of 5 megawatts or more would be subject to specific requirements.

Reimagine energy resource planning 

According to Hydro-Québec’s Strategic Plan 2022–2026, more than 100 TWh of additional renewable energy will be required to attain net zero in Quebec by 2050. Achieving this ambitious goal requires alignment across the renewable-energy supply chain, from generation to transmission to distribution.

The government’s intent to formulate an integrated energy-resource plan is therefore promising. Such a plan would set the stage for greater collaboration and more effective long-term planning of our energy needs over the next 25 years, allowing our future energy needs to be met in a predictable, consistent and sustainable manner.

CanREA suggests that this plan be created in consultation with stakeholders, reviewed by the Régie de l’Énergie and approved by the government.

Quotes

“Renewable energy is key to a successful energy transition. CanREA’s submission for the Quebec government’s consultation on clean energy is a clear call to action for us all to seize this opportunity to act, propose more agile electricity generation solutions, and enshrine in law the province’s 2050 net-zero target, in the interest of sustainable development.”

“Our collective vision for a successful energy transition must include an environmental component, a social justice component and an economic development component. Many of CanREA’s recommendations take these considerations into account and provide meaningful benchmarks for achieving net zero by 2050.”

—Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact: 

Virginie Aubé Pelletier 
Advisor, TACT 
514-243-0329 
vapelletier@tactconseil.ca

Bridget Wayland, Senior Director of 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 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 Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.  

Leonard Kula will lead policy development and government relations in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, as well as oversee CanREA’s Technical and Utility Affairs.

Toronto, July 17 2023—CanREA welcomes Leonard Kula as its new Vice President of Policy—Eastern Canada and Utility Affairs. In this newly created role, Leonard will join CanREA’s Executive Team, lead our policy development and government relations team in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, and oversee Technical and Utility Affairs, which includes the Operations Program team and CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub team.

“Leonard is a seasoned expert with more than 35 years of experience in the electricity sector and in-depth knowledge relating to the electricity systems in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.

“We are fortunate to have Leonard join us at this critical time for the future development and integration of solar, wind and energy storage across the country. He brings comprehensive electricity-system leadership and experience that will help CanREA be proactive in ensuring our technologies thrive and bring value to ratepayers during the ongoing energy transition.”

After holding a range of roles at Ontario Hydro for 13 years, Leonard joined Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) at its inception in 1999. He fulfilled various roles during his 23 years at the IESO, notably as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In this capacity, he led a team of 300 people with responsibility for the reliable and efficient operation of the Ontario power system. This included long-term planning of transmission and supply resources, market design, resource procurement, real-time market and power system operations, engineering, and the Market Renewal Program.

In addition, from 2017-2022, Kula served on the Board of Directors of the Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC), enhancing power system reliability in Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, New York and New England. NPCC is one of six regional reliability entities supporting NERC (the North American Electric Reliability Corporation).

“I am very excited to join CanREA—and to continue supporting power system reliability and affordability,” said Kula. “Governments, communities and businesses are exploring ways to shift away from fossil fuel-based energy. They are looking to clean electricity systems to power this transformation. CanREA members—developing and delivering electrical energy from renewables and storage—are well-positioned to help build the net-zero future.”

Leonard holds an MBA (York University), as well as both a MASc (University of Waterloo) and a BSc (University of Calgary) in Mechanical Engineering. He is based near Toronto.

To see CanREA’s growing roster of professionals serving Canada’s renewable energy industry, visit the “Our team” webpage. https://renewablesassociation.ca/team/

Quotes

“Leonard is a seasoned expert with more than 35 years of experience in the electricity sector and in-depth knowledge relating to the electricity systems in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. We are fortunate to have Leonard join us at this critical time for the future development and integration of solar, wind and energy storage across the country. He brings comprehensive electricity system leadership and experience that will help CanREA be proactive in ensuring our technologies thrive and bring value to ratepayers during the ongoing energy transition.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO

“I am very excited to join CanREA—and to continue supporting power system reliability and affordability. Governments, communities and businesses are exploring ways to shift away from fossil fuel-based energy. They are looking to clean electricity systems to power this transformation. CanREA members—developing and delivering electrical energy from renewables and storage—are well-positioned to help build the net-zero future.”

—Leonard Kula, CanREA’s incoming VP Policy—Eastern Canada and Utility Affairs

About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association

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 ene

As Federal Director, Fernando Melo will support CanREA’s members on federal government engagement priorities

Ottawa, July 10, 2023—CanREA is pleased to announce its new Federal Director, Fernando Melo, who will lead federal government relations efforts and manage CanREA’s Federal Network (member caucus).

Melo will support CanREA’s members on federal government engagement priorities, including the Clean Technology, Clean Electricity and Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credits (ITCs), the recapitalization of the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREPs) program, and the publication of the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER).  

“Fernando could not be joining CanREA at a better, more exciting time,” said Evan Wilson, CanREA’s VP of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs, “and we are thankful to be putting these critical files into his capable hands.”

Before joining CanREA, Melo worked as a clean energy and technology public affairs consultant at PAA Advisory and Global Public Affairs, helping organizations find opportunities in Canada’s transition to a net-zero economy, and as a federal policy advisor at Clean Energy Canada.

“CanREA and its members have been leading Canada’s charge to reach net zero, and I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this electrifying team,” said Melo.

To see CanREA’s growing roster of professionals serving Canada’s renewable energy industry, visit the “Our Team” webpage.

Melo is based in Ottawa.

Quotes

“Fernando could not be joining CanREA at a better, more exciting time, and we are thankful to be putting these critical files into his capable hands.”

—Evan Wilson, CanREA’s VP of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs

“CanREA and its members have been leading Canada’s charge to reach net zero, and I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this electrifying team.”

—Fernando Melo, CanREA’s incoming Federal Director

About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association

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

New Ontario Government report outlines a plan for stable, predictable procurement schedules for energy, including solar and wind. 

Windsor, Ontario, July 10, 2023—CanREA joined Energy Minister Todd Smith today for the launch of the Ontario government’s new “Powering Ontario’s Growth” report, which indicates a commitment to procuring energy sources including solar and wind, and to do so via regular, transparent procurements.  

“CanREA applauds the Ontario government for enabling stable, predictable procurement schedules for clean electricity projects as part of this announcement,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “CanREA members will play a key role in meeting Ontario’s energy needs affordably with solar, wind and energy storage.”  

In this report, the Government provides a long-term vision for the decarbonization of the energy sector in Ontario, in response to the IESO’s Pathways to Decarbonization (P2D) report, released last December, which indicated that Ontario would need close to 70GW of new, non-emitting electricity generation by 2050 to meet a critical shortfall.  

“CanREA also appreciates that the Ontario government sees value to Ontario ratepayers in advancing Distributed Energy Resources. Our members are experts in this area and are already working hard to bring DERs to market,” said Bellissimo. 

Indeed, increasing the province’s supply of clean electricity meshes well with its new and growing energy storage capacity. Many CanREA member companies have already been successful in the first phase of the ongoing energy storage procurement, as announced last May.

This new report contains positive signals for moving towards decarbonization and addressing the province’s growing need for renewable energy and energy storage, including long-duration storage options.  

“Together, we will help build a more reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity system for Ontario,” said Bellissimo. 

CanREA represents Canada’s leading wind, solar and energy storage companies, working to build a more reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity system for the future of Ontario and across Canada. 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 Vison.” 

Photos

Quotes

“CanREA applauds the Ontario government for enabling stable, predictable procurement schedules for clean electricity projects as part of this announcement. CanREA members will play a key role in meeting Ontario’s energy needs affordably with solar, wind and energy storage.

“CanREA also appreciates that the Ontario government sees value to Ontario ratepayers in advancing Distributed Energy Resources. Our members are experts in this area and are already working hard to bring DERs to market,”

“Together, we will help build a more reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity system for Ontario.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact: 

Communications 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association 
647-268-3382 
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 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 Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.  

CanREA launches all-new Go Solar Guide 2023, Canada’s go-to resource for homeowners interested in going solar!

Ottawa, July 4, 2023—CanREA’s Go Solar Guide is the go-to resource for Canadian homeowners wanting to install solar panels, now available for free from the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA).

Today, more Canadian homeowners than ever before are installing solar. And with the cost of the technology having fallen by more than 80% since 2010, it’s easy to see why. There has never been a better time to harness the power of the sun! 

“Installing a solar PV system on your home is a big decision, and it is important to learn what’s involved before making a commitment. That’s why we created the Go Solar Guide. We think it will prove to be the go-to resource for Canadian homeowners interested in installing solar PV on their rooftops and homes,” said Wesley Johnston, CanREA’s VP of Business Development, Finance and Operations, who was instrumental in creating the original Go Solar Guide as the CEO of the Canadian Solar Industries Association.

CanREA’s all-new Go Solar Guide discusses everything consumers need to consider when to making a decision to go solar, such as determining their solar potential, net metering, incentive programs, financing their installation, questions to ask their installer, and much more. 

It also features a listing of 63 solar installers serving a range of provinces across Canada, all CanREA members in good standing who have signed the CanREA member code of conduct. This makes it easy for Canadians from coast to coast to find a local CanREA member company to install their solar PV system. 

The Go Solar Guide is available to download for free from CanREA’s website.

To be listed in next year’s guide, please contact CanREA’s membership team at members@renewablesassociation.ca

Quotes

 “Installing a solar PV system on your home is a big decision, and it is important to learn what’s involved before making a commitment. That’s why we created the Go Solar Guide. We think it will prove to be the go-to resource for Canadian homeowners interested in installing solar PV on their rooftops and homes.”

—Wesley Johnston, CanREA’s VP of Business Development, Finance and Operations

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
647-268-3382
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 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 Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.

Regina, June 28, 2023—CanREA is proud to receive the First Nations Power Authority (FNPA)’s Indigenous Allyship Award, presented to CanREA in Saskatoon on Monday as part of the FNPA’s 7th Annual Indigenous Cleaner Energy Forum.

The Award was one of four “Pathway to Powerful Opportunities” awards presented at the Chairman’s Gala, hosted by the FNPA’s Board Chair, Chief Felix Thomas.

The Indigenous Allyship Award celebrates organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to supporting Indigenous peoples and communities by promoting and practicing allyship, advocacy, and reconciliation in the context of energy.

“On behalf of CanREA, I want to thank the FNPA’s President and CEO, Guy Lonechild, and the whole FNPA team for being such gracious and welcoming hosts. We are thrilled to be presented with this meaningful award,” said Erwin Heuck, who accepted the award in his role as CanREA’s Director for Saskatchewan.

“It is an honour and a privilege for CanREA to have the opportunity to support Indigenous-led capacity building around sustainability and energy security, especially in Northern and remote communities across the country,” said Heuck.

“Indigenous-led projects will drive the future of renewable energy and energy storage in Canada. As an industry, we are just getting started.”

Quotes

“On behalf of CanREA, I want to thank the FNPA’s President and CEO, Guy Lonechild, and the whole FNPA team for being such gracious and welcoming hosts. We are thrilled to be presented with this meaningful award.”

“It is an honour and a privilege for CanREA to have the opportunity to support Indigenous-led capacity building around sustainability and energy security, especially in Northern and remote communities across the country. Indigenous-led projects will drive the future of renewable energy and energy storage in Canada. As an industry, we are just getting started.”

—Erwin Heuck, Director for Saskatchewan, CanREA

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Communications 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association 
647-268-3382 
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 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 Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.  

As part of CanREA’s executive team, Wilson will lead on policy files with the Federal government and governments in Western Canada.  

Calgary, June 15, 2023—CanREA is delighted to announce that Evan Wilson has been promoted to Vice President of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs, effective June 12, 2023.

In this new role, Wilson will join CanREA’s Executive Team and continue to lead on policy files with both the Federal government and governments in Western Canada.

“I’m looking forward to working with CanREA’s regional policy teams to support acceleration of solar energy, wind energy and energy storage in Western Canada, while ensuring that the Federal government provides this region with the resources needed to do so affordably and reliably,” said Wilson.

Wilson has been delivering results for our members for the past seven years, first as CanWEA’s Regional Director, Prairies, then as CanREA’s Senior Director, Western Canada, and more recently as CanREA’s Senior Director, Policy & Government Affairs.

He has led CanREA’s government relations and Caucus work in Alberta and Saskatchewan, while also making contributions to our federal engagement approach.

One of Wilson’s most notable contributions was successful advocacy for the federal clean technology Investment Tax Credits. These credits are expected to be gamechangers for our sector and will accelerate uptake of wind, solar and energy storage across the country—read more about the ITCs here.

“We are fortunate to have such a strong leader in house, bringing these important pieces into play for us on the policy front,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO, “and we are eager to leverage Evan’s considerable skills in this new role.”

View the full CanREA team here.

Quotes

“We are fortunate to have such a strong leader in house, bringing these important pieces into play for us on the policy front, and we are eager to leverage Evan’s considerable skills in this new role.”  
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, CanREA  

“I’m looking forward to working with CanREA’s regional policy teams to support acceleration of solar energy, wind energy and energy storage in Western Canada, while ensuring that the Federal government provides this region with the resources needed to do so affordably and reliably.” 
—Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs, CanREA  

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Communications 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association 
647-268-3382 
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 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 Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.  

CanREA anticipates continued success in working with the UCP Government to advance renewables and energy storage in Alberta. 

Calgary, May 30, 2023—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) congratulates the United Conservative Party of Alberta (UCP) for their election victory yesterday and looks forward to continuing their positive collaboration on advancing renewable energy and energy storage in the province.

“As an Albertan, I look forward to working closely with my government to further the development of renewables and energy storage in Alberta,” said CanREA’s President & CEO, Vittoria Bellissimo. “With arguably the best wind and solar regimes in the country, and with our stable investment environment, Alberta is primed for continued success with renewables, bolstered by energy storage.”

As CanREA’s annual data report demonstrated, Alberta represents the lion’s share of growth in renewable energy and energy storage across Canada: Alberta accounted for an impressive 75% of Canada’s total growth in 2022, having added 1,391 MW of installed capacity last year alone. This includes almost all Canada’s growth in utility-scale solar, as well as significant growth in wind-energy capacity. Alberta also doubled its energy-storage capacity in 2022.

“This impressive new growth brings beneficial new economic opportunities to rural Alberta communities,” said Evan Wilson, CanREA’s Senior Director of Policy & Government Affairs, who has long advocated for the development of these opportunities in Alberta.

“Wind and solar are the most affordable new sources of energy generation, and we will work with the new government to bring this value to ratepayers by delivering affordable electricity to customers.”

“Alberta was the number-one destination for renewable-energy investment in 2022, and we are eager to see continued success in the province in 2023 and beyond, as we bring Canada’s largest renewables and energy-storage conference (Electricity Transformation Canada) to Calgary this October,” said Bellissimo.

Quotes

“As an Albertan, I look forward to working closely with my government to further the development of renewables and energy storage in Alberta. With arguably the best wind and solar regimes in the country, and with our stable investment environment, Alberta is primed for continued success with renewables, bolstered by energy storage.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, CanREA

“This impressive new growth brings beneficial new economic opportunities to rural Alberta communities. Wind and solar are the most affordable new sources of energy generation, and we will work with the new government to bring this value to ratepayers by delivering affordable electricity to customers.”

—Evan Wilson, Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs Canada, CanREA

“Alberta was the number-one destination for renewable energy investment in 2022, and we are eager to see continued success in the province in 2023 and beyond, as we bring Canada’s largest renewables and energy-storage conference (Electricity Transformation Canada) to Calgary this October.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, CanREA

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
647-268-3382
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 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 Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.

New IESO procurement demonstrates the immense value of energy storage to Ontario’s grid.

Toronto, May 16, 2023—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) wishes to congratulate member companies who have been selected by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for the procurement of new energy storage projects in Ontario, as announced today. 

“This energy-storage procurement—Canada’s largest to date—is an affordable and much-needed solution to bolster the province’s electricity system, which faces dwindling supply and increasing demand. It demonstrates the immense value of energy storage to Ontario’s grid,” said Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy and Government Affairs. 

The IESO is moving forward with the procurement of seven new energy-storage projects in Ontario, which will provide a total 739 MW of capacity.  

Six of the seven projects are led by CanREA members. In total, projects proposed by Boralex, Capital Power and Compass Renewable Energy Consulting account for about 515 MW of capacity—nearly 70% of the total announced today.  

• CanREA Champion Member Boralex will seek to develop a 300-MW battery storage facility in Haldimand and an 80-MW facility in the Municipality of Lakeshore.  
• CanREA Advocate Member Capital Power will seek to develop a 120-MW battery storage facility near King Township. 
• Wahgoshig Solar—a partnership between Wahgoshig First Nation and CanREA Associate Member Compass Renewable Energy Consulting Inc. —is seeking to develop three 5-MW facilities in the Windsor area.   

“Energy storage offers an innovative and cost-competitive solution for meeting Ontario’s growing energy needs while driving economic growth and decarbonization efforts, particularly when coupled with renewable energy supply,” said Giannetta. 

CanREA represents Canada’s leading wind, solar and energy storage companies, working to build a more reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity system for the future of Ontario and across Canada. 

Quotes

“This energy-storage procurement—Canada’s largest to date—is an affordable and much-needed solution to bolster the province’s electricity system, which faces dwindling supply and increasing demand. It demonstrates the immense value of energy storage to Ontario’s grid.”   

“Energy storage offers an innovative and cost-competitive solution for meeting Ontario’s growing energy needs while driving economic growth and decarbonization efforts, particularly when coupled with renewable energy supply.” 

— Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy and Government Affairs 

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

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact: 

Communications 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association 
647-268-3382 
communications@renewablesassociation.ca