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 VPof 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.
“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:
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:
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.”
“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:
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:
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 TwitterandLinkedIn. 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:
Canada’s largest wind, solar and energy-storage operations event puts technological efficiency, innovative solutions and workforce development centre stage.
Toronto, April 5, 2023 –Nearly 350operations professionals from the renewable energy sector gathered in Toronto this week for CanREA’s Operations Summit 2023, the country’s largest wind, solar and energy-storage operations event. It was CanREA’s largest Operations Summit to date, reflecting an increasing interest in technical operations as the sector rapidly evolves.
“With the tremendous growth we are seeing in the wind, solar and energy-storage sectors, it will be critical to optimize site operations. We need to uphold the highest standards for efficiency, health and safety and environmental responsibility, while ensuring we have the workforce in place to scale up deployment to reach net-zero,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.
The theme of this year’s event was efficiency, supported by a streamlined program of interesting panel discussions, engaging presentations and unparalleled networking opportunities. The program was introduced by Mathieu Côté, CanREA’s Operations Program Director.
“The Operations Summit is THE opportunity for renewables operators to get together, learn from one another and zero in on the issues that will keep our wind, solar and storage assets running at peak efficiency,” said Côté.
Photo: The Canadian Renewable Energy Association welcomed nearly 350 renewable energy operations professionals at the CanREA Operations Summit 2023 on April 4 in Toronto.
State of the sector
The conference opened with an important panel discussion on the state of the sector today. Speakers from leading CanREA member companies, CanREA’s Board of Directors and key industry partners, such as Electricity Human Resources Canada, discussed which technical innovations and labour developments are helping to move the needle for renewable energy in this country, and how can we move quickly to achieve the goals set out in CanREA’s 2050 Vision.
Photo, from left to right: Phil McKay, Senior Director, Technical & Utility Affairs, CanREA; Rob Miller, Manager, Solar Operations, Northland Power Inc.; Ian MacRobbie, Vice President, Operations, Liberty Power; Paul van der Weg, Managing Director, Siemens Canada, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy; Mark Chapeskie, Vice President of Program Development, Electricity Human Resources Canada.
Technical know-how
The Operations Summit featured two educational tracks: a workforce development track, which explored how employers can improve recruitment, internal development, training and employee retention as the industry prepares to fill more and more job positions, and a technical track.
The technical track was packed with valuable insight from leading industry operators, from end-of-life planning to data mining, in sessions such as “Beyond the PPA,” “Your analysis, Mr. Data?” and “ICE ICE BABY: Preventative icing solutions.” The closing session on Fleet Electrification discussed the important shift to emissions-free service vehicles.
“Once again, Siemens Gamesa is proud to support CanREA’s Operations Summit,” said Paul van der Weg, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy’s Managing Director, Canada. “Safe, reliable, and clean energy is vital to the health of Canada and the world, and this event gives us the opportunity to share best practices across the industry and ensure that our customers can make the most of the benefits of renewables.”
In addition to the structured education sessions, the schedule offered attendees plenty of time to make powerful connections in the networking lounge and at an exclusive evening reception. Conference participants even had the opportunity to enjoy test-driving electric vehicles provided by Plug’n Drive, just outside the venue.
Photo: More than 26 companies exhibited at CanREA’s Operations Summit 2023.
Supporting Canada’s growing renewables workforce
In a special plenary session, CanREA was proud to launch its National Workforce Strategy at the Operations Summit. This report is a first in the exploration of Canada’s workforce development needs in the context of CanREA’s 2050 Vision, which calls for nearly a ten-fold expansion of wind and solar.
“A strong renewable energy workforce is essential to meeting national net-zero GHG emissions goals and achieving the expansion outlined in CanREA’s 2050 Vision,” said lead author Mary MacLean, CanREA’s Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) and Workforce Development Coordinator.
“To keep the workforce growing at the pace needed, new workers, including youth and those seeking a career transition, must be encouraged to enter the industry and supported as they climb the ladder into leadership positions.”
Read more about CanREA’s National Workforce Strategy here.
Photo: CanREA launches its National Workforce Strategy at the CanREA Operations Summit 2023. From left to right: Phil McKay, Senior Director, Technical & Utility Affairs; Mary MacLean, Environment, Health & Safety and Workforce Development Coordinator; Mathieu Côté, Director, Operations Program.
Don’t miss the Operations Summit 2024, in Calgary, Alberta! For more information, visit the event page here.
Acknowledgments
CanREA thanks all presenters, attendees, exhibitors and sponsors for making the conference a success. A special thank you to Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Ltd. for supporting the event as a Presenting Sponsor. CanREA also thanks Health and Safety Sponsor Enbridge, Networking Lounge Sponsor Goldwind Americas, Mobile App Sponsor Energy Safety Canada, Lunch Sponsors Pandell and Procore, and Event Sponsors ATCO, Pattern Canada and the Work Based Learning Consortium. CanREA would also like to thank Operations Summit’s Media Partners, PVBuzz Media and Environment Journal.
Quotes
“With the tremendous growth we are seeing in the wind, solar and energy-storage sectors, it will be critical to optimize site operations. We need to uphold the highest standards for efficiency, health and safety and environmental responsibility, while ensuring we have the workforce in place to scale up deployment to reach net-zero.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, CanREA
“The Operations Summit is THE opportunity for renewables operators to get together, learn from one another and zero in on the issues that will keep our wind, solar and storage assets running at peak efficiency.”
— Mathieu Côté, Operations Program Director, CanREA
“Once again, Siemens Gamesa is proud to support CanREA’s Operations Summit, Safe, reliable, and clean energy is vital to the health of Canada and the world, and this event gives us the opportunity to share best practices across the industry and ensure that our customers can make the most of the benefits of renewables.”
— Paul van der Weg, Managing Director, Siemens Canada, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
“A strong renewable energy workforce is essential to meeting national net-zero GHG emissions goals and achieving the expansion outlined in CanREA’s 2050 Vision. To keep the workforce growing at the pace needed, new workers, including youth and those seeking a career transition, must be encouraged to enter the industry and supported as they climb the ladder into leadership positions.”
— Mary MacLean, Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) and Workforce Development Coordinator, CanREA
For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
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 TwitterandLinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
CanREA’s National Workforce Strategy aims to support Canada’s growing renewables workforce
Toronto, April 4, 2023–The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is proud to launch a National Workforce Strategy to support Canada’s growing renewable energy and energy storage workforce.
This report is a first in the exploration of Canada’s workforce development needs in the context of CanREA’s 2050 Vision, which calls for nearly a ten-fold expansion of wind and solar in the coming decades.
There is extraordinary growth on the horizon, which will need to draw on expertise across the Canadian workforce, including roles in construction, engineering and technical operations, as well as experts in supply-chain logistics, manufacturing, planning and business development. This wave of new jobs will provide widespread opportunities across the Canadian economy.
“We are building the workforce of the future,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO, “and it is vital to be proactive to ensure the industry has all the resources in place to enable the massive expansion of wind, solar and energy storage that will be needed in Canada.”
CanREA’s National Workforce Strategy was launched April 4, 2023, at a special plenary session of the 2023 CanREA Operations Summit. CanREA team-members Phil McKay (Senior Director, Technical & Utility Affairs), Mathieu Côté (Director, Operations Program), and lead author Mary MacLean (Environment, Health & Safety and Workforce Development Coordinator) presented the crux of the strategy to the industry operators and media in attendance.
“There are many organizations and institutions across Canada that have been working hard to develop the workers our industry depends on today. It’s time to come together and collaborate anew, on an unprecedented scale, to meet the historic workforce opportunity ahead,” said McKay.
CanREA’s new report examines three key considerations for growing the renewable-energy workforce: attracting new, skilled talent to the renewable-energy industry, retaining the current workforce and retaining industry knowledge within organizations.
“A strong renewable-energy workforce is essential to meeting national net-zero GHG emissions goals and achieving the expansion outlined in CanREA’s 2050 Vision,” said MacLean. “To keep the workforce growing at the pace needed, workers must be cultivated, recruited into the industry and supported as they climb the ladder into leadership positions.”
As part of this project, CanREA developed an Employment-Process Model with five stages: Introduce, Inform, Train and Evaluate, Employ and Retain, and identified the key stakeholders involved at each stage, including educational institutions, community advocates, mentors, program recruiters, training advocates, independent trainers, employers, industry organizations, standards developers, regulators and governments. This model demonstrates the variety of pathways that could lead individuals to a renewable-energy or energy-storage career.
CanREA reached out to many of these key stakeholders, including colleges and other entities providing training programs across Canada, and has collated in the National Workforce Strategy document all the most useful resources related to the training and development of new workers.
Through this process, CanREA identified existing gaps for which new resources, classifications and other tools need to be created—the next steps that will be needed to support the current and future workforce.
As part of these next steps, CanREA issued a challenge to those members who were present at the launch. CanREA’s Operations Program Director, Mathieu Côté, urged companies to: “Go out to all the schools in your area, and speak to those students about careers in renewable energy and energy storage!”
“The renewable-energy and energy-storage sectors are already booming, and there will be more and more jobs available as the industry expands. Developing a skilled workforce will be key to success, and CanREA is determined to get the ball rolling,” said Côté.
Renewable energy and energy-storage companies can participate in the important next steps of CanREA’s workforce development plans by joining the Association as a member and signing up for the workforce development committee, part of the National Operations Caucus. Contact CanREA’s membership team for details.
CanREA currently offers a popular job board, where renewable energy and energy-storage companies post their career openings. Employers wanting to post a listing can learn more here.
Photo, from left to right: Phil McKay, Senior Director, Technical & Utility Affairs; Mary MacLean, Environment, Health & Safety and Workforce Development Coordinator; Mathieu Côté, Director, Operations Program.
Examples of the variety of pathways that could lead individuals to a renewable-energy or energy-storage career.
Quotes
“We are building the workforce of the future, and it is vital to be proactive to ensure the industry has all the resources in place to enable the massive expansion of wind, solar and energy storage that will be needed in Canada.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, CanREA
“There are many organizations and institutions across Canada that have been working hard to develop the workers our industry depends on today. It’s time to come together and collaborate anew, on an unprecedented scale, to meet the historic workforce opportunity ahead.”
— Phil McKay, Senior Director, Technical & Utility Affairs, CanREA
“A strong renewable-energy workforce is essential to meeting national net-zero GHG emissions goals and achieving the expansion outlined in CanREA’s 2050 Vision. To keep the workforce growing at the pace needed, workers must be cultivated, recruited into the industry and supported as they climb the ladder into leadership positions.”
—Mary MacLean, Environment, Health & Safety and Workforce Development Coordinator, CanREA
“The renewable-energy and energy-storage sectors are already booming, and there will be more and more jobs available as the industry expands. Developing a skilled workforce will be key to success, and CanREA is determined to get the ball rolling.”
—Mathieu Côté, Operations Program Director, CanREA
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 TwitterandLinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
CanREA welcomes refundable investment tax credits that will bolster the competitiveness of Canada’s renewable-energy industry.
Ottawa, March 28, 2023 – Recognizing the need for a Canadian response to the Inflation Reduction Act passed last summer in the United States, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) advocated for refundable investment tax credits for renewable energy and green hydrogen investments. Today, CanREA is excited to see our recommendations strongly reflected in Budget 2023, presented by Federal Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland.
“The choice to pursue investment tax credits for clean technology, like wind, solar, storage and green hydrogen, will allow Canada to take a competitive lead in accelerating the decarbonization of the energy sector,” said Evan Wilson, Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs at CanREA, who was on site for the introduction of the Budget today.
As noted in CanREA’s 2050 Vision, Canada needs to expand wind and solar energy capacity almost ten-fold in order to meet our commitment to achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
“The 2023 Budget demonstrates Canada’s strong leadership in leveraging policy, programs and the tax system to accelerate decarbonization while supporting a strong economy, with new investment certainty for solar energy, wind energy, energy storage and green hydrogen,” said Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy and Government Affairs.
With the support of these new investment tax credits, CanREA expects the deployment of new wind solar and storage to accelerate significantly, compared to the Association’s most recent data, released in January 2023.
“Today’s announcements are a strong and necessary step, accelerating our progress toward net zero. Canadian investment tax credits will stabilize investment opportunities, while safeguarding affordability for Canadians,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO at CanREA.
“These new incentives will help create good jobs in clean energy and make Canada a leader in the energy transition.”
Details
The 2023 Budget includes the following measures to ensure Canada can accelerate the deployment of wind, solar, energy storage and other clean-energy technologies:
Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit: A refundable 30% tax credit on capital cost of investments made by taxable entities in wind, solar PV and energy-storage technologies. This Credit will be available to all project spending starting today, March 28, 2023, though to 2034.
Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit: A newly announced, refundable 15% tax credit on the capital costs of investments made by non-taxable entities, such as Indigenous communities, municipally owned utilities and Crown corporations that make investments in renewable energy, energy storage and inter-provincial transmission and other non-emitting electricity infrastructure.
Clean Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit: Budget 2023 also introduces a 30% refundable ITC for investment in machinery and equipment used to manufacture clean technology and extract relevant critical minerals. This tax credit is available for the manufacturing of renewable energy and energy-storage equipment, and the recycling of critical minerals.
Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit: A refundable 40% investment tax credit on green hydrogen, starting in Budget 2023.
Net-zero Transmission Project Support: There will be an upcoming consultation on the “best means” to support intra-provincial transmission that support Canada’s net-zero grid objectives.
Canadian Infrastructure Bank: Budget 2023 also includes $20 billion in support for Clean Electricity investments, including at least $10 billion through the Clean Power priority area and at least $10 billion through the Green Infrastructure priority area.
Recapitalization of SREPs: The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREPs) program will receive a total of $3 billion to support regional priorities and Indigenous-led projects.
Canada Growth Fund: The Budget provides an enhanced commitment to carbon-price stability via new tools in the Canada Growth Fund, which will be managed by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board.
Quotes
“Today’s announcements are a strong and necessary step, accelerating our progress toward net zero. Canadian investment tax credits will stabilize investment opportunities, while safeguarding affordability for Canadians. These new incentives will help create good jobs in clean energy and make Canada a leader in the energy transition.”
— Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, CanREA
“The 2023 Budget demonstrates Canada’s strong leadership in leveraging policy, programs and the tax system to accelerate decarbonization while supporting a strong economy, with new investment certainty for solar energy, wind energy, energy storage and green hydrogen.”
— Brandy Giannetta, Vice-President of Policy and Government Affairs, CanREA
“The choice to pursue investment tax credits for clean technology, like wind, solar, storage and green hydrogen, will allow Canada to take a competitive lead in accelerating the decarbonization of the energy sector.”
— Evan Wilson, Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs Canada, CanREA
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 TwitterandLinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
Proposed amendments to the Electricity Act would open the door for energy-storage solutions and accelerate the use of battery storage in the province.
Ottawa, March 22, 2023—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Government of Nova Scotia for presenting amendments to the Electricity Act, announced today, that would allow the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables to issue RFPs (requests for proposals) for energy-storage solutions, such as utility-scale batteries.
“CanREA has long advocated for the deployment of energy storage in Nova Scotia to help achieve the province’s net-zero targets,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Atlantic Canada.
“Energy-storage technologies will be key for the future energy mix in Nova Scotia, as they will contribute to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and help achieve a net-zero economy.”
“I am pleased to see the positive steps Nova Scotia is taking toward enacting policies that will attract renewable energy investment to Canada,” said Habel. “This move will encourage innovation and the early adoption of battery technology in the province and bolster the energy-storage sector, creating job opportunities for Nova Scotians.”
CanREA members will look forward to the new opportunities that this legislative change will bring to the renewable energy and energy storage industries in Nova Scotia.
Quotes
“CanREA has long advocated for the deployment of energy storage in Nova Scotia to help achieve the province’s net-zero targets.”
“Energy-storage technologies will be key for the future energy mix in Nova Scotia, as they will contribute to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and help achieve a net-zero economy.”
“I am pleased to see the positive steps Nova Scotia is taking toward enacting policies that will attract renewable energy investment to Canada. This move will encourage innovation and the early adoption of battery technology in the province and bolster the energy-storage sector, creating job opportunities for Nova Scotians.”
— Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Atlantic Canada
About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (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 Vison.” Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here.
For more information or interview opportunities, please contact:
The Government of Quebec confirms an ambitious wind-supply strategy that will quadruple the number of MW installed by 2040.
Montreal, March 16, 2023—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased seetoday’s announcement by Quebec’s Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, confirming that a new call for tenders is expected to be launched soon.
CanREA commends the Minister’s intention to quadruple the number of MW installed in the province by 2040, which is a positive sign for the future of wind energy in Quebec.
“This announcement provides welcome predictability for the renewable energy industry in Quebec. CanREA members are aware of the scale and speed needed for energy deployment in the coming years and are ready to contribute,” said Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada at CanREA.
To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, CanREA stresses the importance of remaining agile in the coming years through a range of supply mechanisms and by integrating a diverse array of renewable sources into Quebec’s energy mix.
Wind Supply Strategy
CanREA welcomes the Quebec Government’s launch of a 1,500 MW call for tenders, with operations set to begin no later than December 2029. This announcement is part of a wider strategy that will quadruple the number of MW installed in Quebec by 2040—excellent news for the industry.
CanREA had advocated for predictability and consistency in future wind deployment supplies, as did several partner organizations. Our position was well received by the Government, given the current pressure on both workforce and supply chains, and the importance of having an upstream discussion with local communities.
Energy Transition
The announcement of a longer-term strategy for wind deployment in suitable areas reaffirms the need to view energy deployment in a more comprehensive manner, building on Hydro-Québec’s announcement yesterday that six wind energy projects were selected for proposals, accounting to nearly 1,150 MW of installed wind energy.
What’s more, it is imperative that energy production be integrated with transmission and distribution. Hydro-Québec’s 2022-26 strategic plan outlines the need for more than 100 TWh of additional renewable electricity in order for Quebec to reach net-zero emissions by 2050— strategic plan aligns with CanREA’s 2050 vision.
“CanREA maintains that to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Quebec’s energy deployment will require an even more diversified energy mix, a range of supply mechanisms, and ongoing collaboration with Hydro-Québec. This will allow us to work together to align transmission and distribution system deployment with the need for additional generation described in the 2022-2026 strategic plan,” said Mr. Habel.
Photo
Photo, from left to right: Frédérick Morency (AIEQ), Jean Habel (CanREA), Gabriel Durany (AQPER), Marie Lapointe (AIEQ), Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon.
Quotes
CanREA members are aware of the scale and speed needed for energy deployment in the coming years and are ready to contribute. This announcement provides welcome predictability for the renewable energy industry in Quebec.”
“CanREA maintains that to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Quebec’s energy deployment will require a further diversified energy mix, a range of supply mechanisms, and ongoing collaboration with Hydro-Québec. This will allow us to work together to align transmission and distribution system deployment with the need for additional generation in the 2022-2026 strategic plan.”
– Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
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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
For more information or interview opportunities, please contact :
