Category: News Release

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 350 operations 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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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’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.

Photos

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

For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:

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

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

For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:

Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
communications@renewablesassociation.ca

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.”  

As described in CanREA’s whitepaper, “Laying the Foundation: Six priorities for supporting the decarbonization of Canada’s electricity grid with energy storage,” energy storage provides key flexibility services, supports electricity system reliability, and can be part of a solid foundation to expand and decarbonize the electricity grid. 

“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: 

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

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 see today’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

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 : 

Bridget Wayland 
Senior Director of Communications, CanREA 
613-227-5378   
communications@renewablesassociation.ca  

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

CanREA’s new industry data shows that Canada is just starting to take advantage of its wind, solar and energy storage potential 

Ottawa, January 31, 2023—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) today announced the industry’s year-end data, reporting that Canada’s wind and solar energy sectors grew significantly in 2022.  

“I am happy to see that, across Canada, the sector grew by an impressive 10.5% this year,” said Phil McKay, CanREA’s Senior Director, Technical and Utility Affairs. “Canada now has an installed capacity of more than 19 GW of utility-scale wind and solar energy, having added more than 1.8 GW of new generation capacity in 2022.”  

Of note: Solar is growing particularly quickly—more than one quarter of all the installed capacity in Canada was added this year alone. 

Western Canada accounted for 98% of Canada’s total growth in 2022, with Alberta adding 1,391 MW and Saskatchewan adding 387 MW of installed capacity this year. Quebec contributed 24 MW to the total growth for 2022, Ontario 10 MW, and Nova Scotia 2 MW.   

As it grows, the renewables sector is emerging as an important force for job creation, primarily in the construction of new facilities, but also in the ongoing operations and maintenance of these sites. Canada’s wind and solar industry accounted for approximately 4,462 person-years of employment in 2022, having grown by an impressive 86% this year (it was 2,400 in 2021).  

“Growth in the renewables sector means job growth for Canadians,” said McKay, “and we are anticipating these employment opportunities to keep expanding exponentially as the renewables industry continues to grow.”  

While this year’s growth of 1.8 GW was significantly larger than last year’s (less than 1 GW in 2021), it does not meet the growth rate called for in CanREA’s 2050 Vision, Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero, which states that Canada needs to deploy more than 5 GW of new wind and solar energy every year to meet its commitment to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

“Canada is just starting to take advantage of its wind and solar energy potential,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “The country needs to do more to unlock the benefits of the enormous opportunities offered by renewable energy. We have massive, untapped wind and solar resources, the lowest-cost sources of new decarbonized electricity generation available today.” 

Significantly more growth in the deployment of wind and solar energy can be expected in the near future. CanREA’s data team is tracking more than 2 GW of projects that are currently under construction across Canada, plus another 6 GW of projects in advanced stages of development, for a total forecast of more than 5 GW of wind, 2 GW of major solar and 1 GW of energy storage expected in the next few years. 

At the same time, CanREA is working with federal and provincial governments to unlock many more GWs of additional opportunities in their jurisdictions.  

“CanREA is working hard to dramatically accelerate and expand the deployment of wind, solar and energy-storage technologies—there are several policy, regulatory and infrastructure barriers that we think need to be addressed,” said Bellissimo.  

To download a summary of the latest industry data for Canada, visit CanREA’s “By the Numbers” webpage. CanREA members have access to a more detailed report on the members-only side of the website. 

Facts at a Glance  

Current state of the industry, growth & forecasts 

• Overall, the wind, solar and energy storage sector grew by 10.5% this year.  
• As of December 31, 2022, Canada had an installed capacity of more than 19 GW of utility-scale wind and solar energy. 
• Canada added more than 1.8 GW of new generation capacity in 2022, significantly larger than last year’s growth (1 GW in 2021). 
• CanREA is forecasting the addition of more than 5 GW of wind, 2 GW of major solar and 1 GW of energy storage capacity in the short term (2023-5). 
• CanREA is working hard to unlock massive opportunities for renewable energy in the coming years. 

Turning the spotlight on solar energy 

• Solar energy grew by 25.9% (810 MW) in 2022, to a new total installed capacity of nearly 4 GW.  
• More than a quarter of Canada’s current solar capacity was installed in 2022.  
• Alberta accounts for almost all this growth, with 759 MW of 771 MW. Saskatchewan installed 10 MW, Nova Scotia 2 MW, and Yukon 0.1 MW this year.  
• As of December 31, 2022, Ontario had more than 1.9 GW of installed solar PV capacity, powering nearly 517,000 homes. 
• This year’s growth was not on par with CanREA’s 2050 Vision, which calls for the addition of 1.6 GW of utility-scale solar annually. 

 From coast to coast to coast, wind is a winner 

• Wind energy grew by 7.1% (1 GW) this year, to a new total of more than 15 GW of installed capacity. 
• Western Canada blew ahead of the pack in 2022, thanks to significant growth in Alberta (nearly 605 MW) and Saskatchewan (377 MW), as well as some (24 MW) new wind in Quebec.  
• This year’s growth was not on par with CanREA’s 2050 Vision, which calls for the addition of 3.8 GW of wind annually.  
• Across Canada: As of December 31, 2022, Ontario had more than 5.5 GW in total installed wind capacity, powering nearly 1.5 million homes. Quebec had nearly 4 GW. Alberta had a new total of 2.6 GW, Saskatchewan had 804 MW of installed wind capacity, and Nova Scotia had 616.  

Recharging the grid with energy storage  

• Across Canada, energy storage increased by 30.5% or 50 MW this year, now accounting for nearly 214 MW of energy storage capacity (347 MWh duration), up from 164 MW/ 277 MWh in 2021.  
• This increase was led by Alberta (40 MW/ 40 MWh). Alberta doubled its energy storage capacity this year. 
• Across Canada: As of December 31, 2022, Ontario had the most installed energy storage capacity, with 126 MW/ 240 MWh, having added 10 MW/ 30 MWh in 2022, while Alberta had 82 MW/ 92 MWh. In addition, BC, Quebec, NB, SK, PEI also had some energy storage capacity. 

Quotes  

“Canada is just starting to take advantage of its wind and solar energy potential. The country needs to do more to unlock the benefits of the enormous opportunities offered by renewable energy. We have massive, untapped wind and solar resources, the lowest-cost sources of new decarbonized electricity generation available today. CanREA is working hard to dramatically accelerate and expand the deployment of wind, solar and energy-storage technologies—there are several policy, regulatory and infrastructure barriers that we think need to be addressed.” 

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association  

“I am happy to see that, across Canada, the sector grew by an impressive 10.5% this year. Canada now has an installed capacity of more than 19 GW of utility-scale wind and solar energy, having added more than 1.8 GW of new generation capacity in 2022. Growth in the renewables sector means job growth for Canadians, and we are anticipating these employment opportunities to keep expanding exponentially as the renewables industry continues to grow.” 

— Phil McKay, CanREA’s Senior Director, Technical and Utility Affairs 

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact: 

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

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  

Canadian utilities and system operators shared expertise and collaborated on key electricity issues

Nearly 100 energy systems professionals attended the first annual CanREA Electricity Transition Hub Summit, held in downtown Toronto on January 24 and 25, 2023. It was a unique occasion for Canada’s electricity utilities and system operators to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to renewable energy integration and grid-modernization projects in Canada. Expertise was also shared from around the world, including progress towards standards and best practices across North America and Europe.  

“I am very proud of our Electricity Transition Hub, as a vital new element of Canada’s energy landscape,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO at CanREA, during her opening remarks. “The spirit of collaboration and innovation is what brings so many of us together here today, at the cutting edge of electricity transformation.”

Launched in 2022, the Hub aims to share relevant knowledge and skills with participating electricity utilities and system operators through a curated resource library known as the Electricity Transition Hub Electronic Resource (ETHER) Library, as well as through quarterly reports of the latest recommended resources, quarterly meetings and an annual Hub Summit.

In their opening remarks, both Bellissimo and Phil McKay, CanREA’s Senior Director, Technical and Utility Affairs, thanked Natural Resources Canada for its generous support. The Hub is funded by CanREA and Natural Resources Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREPs) program. Read the funding announcement press release here.

“I have worked with wind, solar and energy storage operators and researchers for nearly a decade,” said McKay, “and it has become very clear to me how important the role of everyone in this room will be for attaining a decarbonized grid.”

Over the course of two days, attendees heard from expert speakers on a variety of topics, including renewable energy and regulatory innovation, mapping available grid integration resources, and the state of Canada’s electricity system.

CanREA was pleased to welcome Francis Bradley, President and CEO of Electricity Canada, to present an address on the state of the electricity system in Canada.

“I want to congratulate the CanREA team for getting the Electricity Transition Hub off the ground. It is a fantastic initiative,” said Bradley in his remarks. “And for me, the Hub Summit is a unique occasion to speak directly with Canada’s utilities and system operators about important topics facing the electricity industry today.”

Presenters hosted small workshop sessions, prioritizing open dialogue and collaboration on important issues facing the industry.

Among them was Brennan Louw, Senior Manager System and Sector Development at the Independent System Operators of Ontario (IESO), who moderated a panel on the integration of distributed energy resources and their potential to contribute to reliability, affordability and customer choice.

The IESO sent a team, including VP Carla Nell and Director Katherine Sparkes, to participate in the Hub Summit alongside Louw.

“CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub Summit was a terrific opportunity to connect with utilities and system operators from across the country,” said Nell. “Exchanging ideas and collaborating with partners is so important as we drive and guide electricity sector evolution, while ensuring the grid is reliable, affordable and sustainable. Thanks to the CanREA team for an excellent event.”

Natural Resources Canada delegate Bronwyn Lazowski (Senior Policy Advisor) were was on hand to lead a workshop session on national renewable energy and regulatory innovation in Canada, while Tracey Kutney (Senior Manager, Renewable and Electrical Energy) presented on the SREPs program and Eldrich Rebello (Science and Technology Advisor) led a session on NRCan’s Smart Grid Program and Innovation Funding efforts.

“I am so glad I attended the Hub Summit 2023 on behalf of NRCan. It was an excellent occasion to exchange ideas about integrating more renewable energy into Canada’s electricity system,” said Lazowski. “I presented on regulatory innovations and was thrilled with the questions and valuable discussion it engendered. The attendees were clearly engaged with this topic!”

Organizers and attendees were pleased with the inaugural CanREA Electricity Transition Hub Summit, but none more so than CanREA’s Phil McKay, who works closely with Hub Manager Jim Zhao to meet the needs of Hub participants year-round.

“It was inspiring to see electricity utilities, system operators and other sector leaders come together to discuss how collaboration and building confidence with renewable energy can drive Canada’s transition to a net-zero electricity system,” McKay said. “I look forward to continuing our work through The Hub and keeping the conversation flowing.”

Thank you to all attendees, whose enthusiastic participation in this event demonstrated the immense value of working together to modernize Canada’s grid.

Interested in joining the CanREA Electricity Transition Hub?
Any utilities and system operators who would like more information about joining CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub, accessing the ETHER site, attending the next Hub Summit, or any other information, are encouraged to reach out to CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub Manager, Jim Zhao. Read more about the Hub here.

CanREA welcomes Erwin Heuck to the Policy team

“We could not be more pleased that Erwin has joined CanREA’s Policy team,” said Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs. “There is a great opportunity for renewable energy in Saskatchewan as the province moves to decarbonize its grid, and CanREA aims to unlock this potential in the years to come. Erwin is well placed to lead these efforts on behalf of our members.”

Heuck served as the Director of Facility Planning with SaskEnergy until 2018, then created and led the Distributed Energy Association of Saskatchewan (DEAS) from 2019 to 2022. At DEAS, he supported the DER technology vendor dialogue with academia, municipalities, governments and utilities, focusing on clean energy projects and development.

“As a lifelong energy industry professional and clean energy enthusiast, I’m very excited to join the team at CanREA,” said Heuck. “I see a wealth and breadth of experience in the team, the board and the membership; and I’m looking forward to working with them in support of both Saskatchewan’s and Canada’s Net Zero Energy transition.”

Erwin Heuck is based in Regina.

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

Quotes

“We could not be more pleased that Erwin has joined CanREA’s Policy team.  There is a great opportunity for renewable energy in Saskatchewan as the province moves to decarbonize its grid, and CanREA aims to unlock this potential in the years to come. Erwin is well placed to lead these efforts on behalf of our members.” 

—Brandy Giannetta, Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs

“As a lifelong energy industry professional and clean energy enthusiast, I’m very excited to join the team at CanREA. I see a wealth and breadth of experience in the team, the board and the membership; and I’m looking forward to working with them in support of both Saskatchewan’s and Canada’s Net Zero Energy transition.”

—Erwin Heuck, CanREA’s new Director for Saskatchewan

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

Ottawa, December 19, 2022 — The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) acknowledges that the energy supplies that were provided for in calls for tender for 1,000 MW of wind energy and 1,300 MW of renewable energy will be covered in full by a new mechanism, to be established over the coming months, which will target the development of over 4,000 megawatts of wind energy in suitable areas.

“We are familiar with Quebec’s future energy needs, and we will work with the government and Hydro-Québec to kickstart the next round of procurement,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada. “We will collaborate with all stakeholders and reiterate the importance of predictability and flexibility in future procurements.”

CanREA’s 2050 vision, “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero,” outlines a scenario in which wind and solar energy will represent the majority of additional power needed to help the electricity system  reach net zero and to reduce GHG emissions in Canada’s industrial, transportation and building sectors. This vision implies a major increase of current installed capacity over the next three decades.  

Quotes

“We are familiar with Quebec’s future energy needs, and we will work with the government and Hydro-Québec to kickstart the next round of procurement. “We will collaborate with all stakeholders and reiterate the importance of predictability and flexibility in future procurements.”

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

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For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

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

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. 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 achieve its net-zero commitments by 2050, read Powering Canada’s journey to Net-Zero – CanREA’s 2050 Vision.   

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

Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator provides Pathways to Decarbonization report to Minister of Energy 

Ottawa, December 15, 2022—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) anticipates significant opportunities for our members in Ontario as the province considers scenarios to decarbonize its electricity system in the years to come.  

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) today released the Pathways to Decarbonization report, in response to Energy Minister Todd Smith’s request for the IESO to evaluate a moratorium on new natural gas generating stations in Ontario and to develop an achievable pathway to decarbonization in the electricity system.  

According to the IESO’s report, Ontario will need close to 70GW of new non-emitting electricity generation by 2050. CanREA members can expect a need for at least 25 GW of new wind, solar and energy storage to be procured to meet the 2050 scenario outlined.  

“CanREA recognizes this report will lead to a broader discussion on optimizing solutions to power Ontario’s energy transition,” said Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy and Government Affairs. “CanREA members are well positioned to invest in building the low cost, non-emitting infrastructure that Ontario needs”. 

CanREA works on behalf of its members to ensure that Ontario’s electricity system leverages—and unlocks additional value from—Ontario’s low cost and flexible wind, solar and energy storage resources. The Association will continue to advocate for fair and transparent competitive procurements to ensure Ontario ratepayers are receiving the best value as we continue to design and build the clean electricity grid of the future. 

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.” 

Quotes

“CanREA recognizes this report will lead to a broader discussion on optimizing solutions to power Ontario’s energy transition. CanREA members are well positioned to invest in building the low cost, non-emitting infrastructure that Ontario needs.” 

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

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: 

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