Category: News Release

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  

-30-  

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

Quebec will be able to rely on the wind and solar energy and energy storage sectors to meet its needs in terms of the greatly increased new capacity and energy required to achieve carbon neutrality.

Montreal, November 4, 2022 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) would like to indicate that Hydro-Québec’s Electricity Supply Plan 2023-2032, filed yesterday with the Régie de l’Énergie, is a step in the right direction and that the wind, solar and energy storage sectors will be able to supply a major portion of future energy needs.

Hydro-Québec’s Electricity Supply Plan 2023-2032 anticipates that Quebec’s electricity demand will increase by 25 terawatt hours (TWh), a 14% rise between 2022 and 2032, confirming that Quebec’s pattern of growing demand for electricity will continue.

According to Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, “As a result of efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, growth in electricity demand in Quebec will increase substantially in the next few years. Quebec will be able to rely on the solar and wind energy and energy storage sectors to supply a major portion of the new capacity and energy required.”

Members of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association stand ready to make further contributions to the decarbonization of the economy via the two upcoming requests for proposals for 1,000 MW of wind energy and 1,300 MW of renewable energy, both of which will be launched within the next few months.

Additional requests for proposals are planned for the next few years as part of Hydro-Québec’s commitment to meet all the needs forecasted in the Electricity Supply Plan 2023-2032. CanREA’s members have been calling strongly for such a step, and we recognize the clear signal that the new Electricity Supply Plan’s announcement sends. It will bring the industry greater predictability and consistency over the coming years.

In CanREA’s 2050 Vision – Powering Canada’s journey to Net-Zero, CanREA describes the scale and speed required to implement renewable energy production so that we can achieve our climate goals and help our partners decarbonize.

To achieve this, CanREA reiterates that we must innovate and diversify our approaches to supply so that we can meet growing consumer demand while optimizing infrastructure in order to reduce the impact of peak demand.

CanREA members are ready to continue working with Hydro-Québec, local communities and the government of Quebec so that we can create the conditions required for optimal development of our technology in Quebec.

Quotes

“As a result of efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, growth in electricity demand in Quebec will increase substantially in the next few years. Quebec will be able to rely on the solar and wind energy and energy storage sectors to supply a major portion of the new capacity and energy required.”

—Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada,

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. To find out how Canada can use wind, solar and energy storage to become carbon neutral, read Powering Canada’s journey to Net-Zero – CanREA’s 2050 Vision. For more information, visit our website at renewablesassociation.ca.

For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

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

CanREA is pleased to see the Federal Government commit to refundable investment tax credits for wind, solar and energy-storage technologies that will bolster the competitiveness of Canada’s renewable-energy industry.

Ottawa, November 3, 2022 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased to see our recommendations for renewable energy and green hydrogen investments strongly reflected in the Fall Economic Statement, presented today by Federal Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland.

Recognizing the need for a Canadian response to the Inflation Reduction Act passed in the United States this summer, CanREA has continued to advocate for refundable investment tax credits that would help bolster the competitiveness of Canada’s renewable energy industry.

“CanREA applauds the Federal Government’s commitment to accelerating investment in decarbonization in Canada,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO at CanREA.

The Fall Economic Statement included the following measures to ensure Canada can accelerate the deployment of wind, solar, energy storage and other clean energy technologies:

• A refundable 30% tax credit on capital cost of investments in wind, solar PV and energy storage technologies, which will begin with the implementation of Budget 2023 and remain steady through 2031 before winding down in 2035. All energy-storage technologies that don’t use fossil fuels are eligible.  
• A refundable investment tax credit on green hydrogen of at least 40%, starting in Budget 2023 and phased out after 2030.  
• The creation of a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre. 
• Commitment to carbon-price stability via new tools in the Canada Growth Fund 

“This is a positive sign that Canada’s government is taking bold action to decarbonize with investment certainty for solar energy, wind energy and energy storage,” said Brandy Giannetta, Vice-President of Policy and Government Affairs at CanREA.

Today’s announcements are a strong step toward stabilizing investment opportunities in Canada that will support the acceleration of our progress toward net zero.

“The choice to pursue investment tax credits for storage and green hydrogen makes CanREA confident that Canada can remain competitive as it continues to decarbonize the energy sector,” said Evan Wilson, Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs at CanREA.

“These new incentives will help create good clean-energy jobs and make Canada a leader in the net-zero transition.”

For more information on powering Canada’s journey to net-zero, see CanREA’s 2050 Vision.

Quotes

“CanREA applauds the Federal Government’s commitment to accelerating investment in decarbonization in Canada.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, CanREA

“This is a positive sign that Canada’s government is taking bold action to decarbonize with investment certainty for solar energy, wind energy and energy storage.”

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

“The choice to pursue investment tax credits for storage and green hydrogen makes CanREA confident that Canada can remain competitive as it continues to decarbonize the energy sector. These new incentives will help create good clean-energy jobs and make Canada a leader in the net-zero transition.”

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

-30- 

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.”  Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca  

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact: 

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

Renewable energy leaders flocked to Electricity Transformation Canada 2022 to learn, exhibit, network, check industry progress and discuss challenges on the pathway to net-zero.

More than 1,600 renewable energy industry leaders from across the country assembled in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from October 26 to 28 for Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC) conference and exhibition 2022, hosted by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), RE+ Events and Hannover Fairs. Here are a few highlights!

CanREA’s 2050 Vision: Signs of progress

This year, ETC kicked off with a progress report on “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision,” which had been introduced one year ago at ETC 2021.

“We are starting to see the first, tentative signs that the future envisioned in these models is actually playing out in the real world,” said CanREA President and CEO Robert Hornung, pointing to the nearly 1 GW of new wind and solar capacity installed in 2021, a figure that is projected to exceed 2 GW in 2022.
“This positive trend is expected to continue going forward,” said Hornung.

Speakers Mathieu Johnson of Hydro-Quebec, Binnu Jeyakumar of the Pembina Institute, Soren Halverson of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Andre Bernier of Natural Resources Canada, and CanREA Board Chair Jason Chee-Aloy addressed the positive progress Canada’s wind, solar and energy storage industries have made since our 2050 Vision was first launched – and what comes next on the path to net-zero.

CanREA CEO Robert Hornung passes torch to Vittoria Bellissimo

Following the opening plenary session, CanREA’s Board Chair, Jason Chee-Aloy, introduced and welcomed CanREA’s incoming President and CEO, Vittoria Bellissimo, who would take the reins on October 31.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this organization at a time when the reality of climate change means our work could not be more important,” said Bellissimo, “We have an important job to do, and I cannot wait to get started.”

After a few words reflecting on his retirement from CanREA, outgoing CanREA President and CEO, Robert Hornung, received a standing ovation from the crowd, thanking him for his decades of dedication to developing Canada’s wind, solar and energy storage industries.

More than 1,600 visit the Show Floor

Electricity Transformation Canada 2022 featured a popular exhibition hall, where CanREA member companies, and exhibitors from around the world, interacted with more than 1,600 attendees over three days. In addition to nearly 100 company booths, there were also more than a dozen informative sessions on the Show Floor, and plenty of networking opportunities for all.

The CanREA booth

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the CanREA booth to learn more from our regional policy experts and dedicated membership team.

Strengthening Ontario’s Clean Electricity Advantage

On day two, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs, Brandy Giannetta, led an important discussion about strengthening Ontario’s clean electricity advantage. The IESO presented its outlook for the Ontario electricity system, and CanREA members Enel and Essex Power Corporation encouraged CanREA to continue its advocacy work, acting as a united regulatory voice for Canada’s wind, solar and energy storage industries.

CanREA’s Markets and Policy Update

During the final morning plenary session of the conference, CanREA’s policy team took to the stage to discuss their advocacy priorities, while offering regional market updates and valuable intelligence on future opportunities across Canada.

Natural Resources Canada funding announcement

The last day of ETC 2022 featured an important funding announcement from Natural Resources Canada, investing nearly $1.6 million to launch CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub, a new entity that will help Canadian electricity utilities and system operators transition to a net-zero economy by 2050. Read the press release here.

See you in Calgary for ETC 2023!

Next year’s ETC conference will take place in Calgary on Oct 24 and 25, 2023. We hope to see you there! To stay informed, subscribe to our Watt’s On events enewsletter and visit our Upcoming Events webpage. https://renewablesassociation.ca/upcoming-events/

CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub will help Canadian electricity utilities and system operators transition to a net-zero economy by 2050.

Toronto, Ontario, October 28, 2022 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is thrilled to launch the CanREA Electricity Transition Hub, supported by nearly $1.6 million in funding, as announced today by Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Member of Parliament for Toronto—Danforth, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, at the Electricity Transformation Canada conference in Toronto.

“We are working with energy system operators and utilities from across the country to deliver a net-zero future,” said Minister Wilkinson. “Today’s investment of $1.6 Million in CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub will enable collaboration on clean energy deployment and grid modernization across the country. Congratulations to CanREA and all those involved in this important work.”

The CanREA Electricity Transition Hub (the Hub) is a knowledge-transfer tool helping electricity utilities and system operators accelerate their decarbonization efforts. The Hub will equip participants to integrate the larger amounts of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage needed to support electrification and Canada’s net-zero GHG-emission targets.

“During today’s Electricity Transformation Conference in Toronto, I was pleased to announce that the Government of Canada is supporting our utilities and systems operators to deliver the clean technologies we need to reach net-zero,” said Dabrusin. “This support for the Canadian Renewable Energy Association’s Electricity Transition Hub is an important step on the path to a prosperous net-zero future.”

Federal funding for this project is provided by Natural Resources Canada’s $1.56-billion Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREPs) program, which aims to significantly reduce GHG emissions by enabling increased renewable energy capacity that will provide essential grid services while contributing to Canada’s 2050 net-zero targets.

“We want to thank Natural Resources Canada for their generous support of CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub,” said Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO. “The renewable energy industry has a critical role to play in helping Canada meet its net-zero commitments.”

Through developing a curated resource library, as well as sharing relevant knowledge and skills through a quarterly report, quarterly meetings and an annual Hub Summit event, the Hub will help participants build capacity to increase the deployment of wind energy, solar energy, energy storage and grid-modernization technologies.

The Hub has 13 founding participants, including Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), BC Hydro, City of Medicine Hat, EPCOR, Essex Power Corporation, Fortis Inc., Manitoba Hydro, NB Power, Ontario Power Generation, Qulliq Energy Corporation, SaskPower, Toronto Hydro and Utilities Kingston.

“CanREA is very excited to launch the Electricity Transition Hub. It is a unique entity that supports electricity system participants and helps them build capacity to accelerate the energy transition,” said Phil McKay, CanREA’s Senior Director, Electricity Transition Hub. “CanREA is uniquely positioned to gather global knowledge on wind energy, solar energy and energy storage integration, and then to translate these resources effectively to be relevant in all of Canada’s different regions and electricity systems.” 

CanREA, utilities and system operators will also contribute to this project, bringing the total investment to over $1.9 million.

“We must build new wind energy, solar energy and energy storage projects at an unprecedented pace,” said Hornung. “Now is the right time to bring together Canada’s electricity utilities, system operators and renewable energy industry for capacity-building activities related to the deployment and integration of these technologies within electricity grids. There is not a moment to waste.”

For more information on CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub, visit the Hub page on the CanREA website.

Quotes

“We are working with energy system operators and utilities from across the country to deliver a net-zero future. Today’s investment of $1.6 Million in CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub will enable collaboration on clean energy deployment and grid modernization across the country. Congratulations to CanREA and all those involved in this important work.”

—The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources

“During today’s Electricity Transformation Conference in Toronto, I was pleased to announce that the Government of Canada is supporting our utilities and systems operators to deliver the clean technologies we need to reach net-zero. This support for the Canadian Renewable Energy Association’s Electricity Transition Hub is an important step on the path to a prosperous net-zero future.”

—Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Member of Parliament for Toronto—Danforth

“We want to thank Natural Resources Canada for their generous support of CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub. The renewable energy industry has a critical role to play in helping Canada meet its net-zero commitments. We must build new wind energy, solar energy and energy storage projects at an unprecedented pace. Now is the right time to bring together Canada’s electricity utilities, system operators and renewable energy industry for capacity-building activities related to the deployment and integration of these technologies within electricity grids.  There is not a moment to waste.”

—Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO

“CanREA is very excited to launch the Electricity Transition Hub. It is a unique entity that supports electricity system participants and helps them build capacity to accelerate the energy transition. CanREA is uniquely positioned to gather global knowledge on wind energy, solar energy and energy storage integration, and then to translate these resources effectively to be relevant in all of Canada’s different regions and electricity systems.” 

—Phil McKay, CanREA’s Senior Director, Electricity Transition Hub

Photos

Natural Resources Canada announces an investment of $1.6 Million to launch the CanREA Electricity Transition Hub. From L to R: Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO; Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Phil McKay, CanREA’s Senior Director, Electricity Transition Hub. (Photo courtesy CanREA)

Several participants of the new CanREA Electricity transition Hub were present at the October 2022 funding announcement with Natural Resources Canada. From L to R:Anthony Clavet of Essex Power Corporation; Mark Peters of SaskPower; Courtney Balkwill of SaskPower; Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s incoming President and CEO; Robert Hornung, CanREA’s outgoing President and CEO; Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Phil McKay, CanREA’s Senior Director, Electricity Transition Hub; Steve Ray of Essex Power Corporation; John Avdoulos of Essex Power Corporation; Jamie Hopkins of Manitoba Hydro;  Jim Zhao, Electricity Transition Hub Manager. (Photo courtesy CanREA)

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 for interview opportunities, please contact: 

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

On October 21, 2022, this open letter was sent to the Canadian Prime Minister and all Provincial and Territorial Premiers by 25 organizations representing a diverse range of interests across Canada. 

Dear Prime Minister and Provincial and Territorial Premiers: 

This letter is a call to action. Our 25 organizations, representing a diverse range of interests, are writing to express our serious concern that Canada is not acting with the urgency required to build the foundation required to meet our climate-change commitments—a decarbonized and much expanded electricity system.  

Canada has made commitments to a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, 100% Zero-Emission Light-Duty Vehicle sales by 2035, and net-zero greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions across the economy by 2050. This means we have only 28 years to decarbonize and then double the size of our electricity system to support GHG emission reductions in transportation, buildings, and heavy industry. We also must better integrate electricity with energy systems across the economy, while maintaining affordability and reliability. 

To successfully compete and prosper in the global net-zero economy, Canada must prioritize the transformation of our electricity system. The new US Inflation Reduction Act provides one recent illustration of how other countries are now investing significantly in their electricity systems to support the transition to a net-zero world. These investments are driven by both economics and the environment.  

Economically, countries are positioning themselves to produce and export the low-carbon technologies that will dominate global markets going forward. Increased use of electricity throughout the economy can also ultimately lower total energy costs for consumers – provided we act now to plan and implement the changes required in our electricity system.  

At the same time, Canadians are already experiencing significant economic, environmental and social impacts from a changing climate. These impacts are poised to become much more devastating in the years ahead—even more so if we fail to reach net-zero by 2050. 

While we appreciate that some of your governments have taken important and positive initial actions targeted at transforming the electricity sector, others are earlier in the process of meaningfully engaging this challenge. There is much more to be done. Canada will not succeed unless all governments make this a priority and work together on it. More concerted action will be required from all your governments if Canada is to move at the speed and scale needed to build the electricity system that will underpin Canada’s net-zero economy.  

We call upon your governments to act swiftly on the following four priorities:  

1. Develop comprehensive and integrated strategies to rapidly build the key elements of the decarbonized and expanded electricity system that will support the net-zero economy: 

• Dramatically improve energy efficiency in all sectors. 
• Pursue market and regulatory reform to enable deployment of energy storage, disruptive smart grid technologies, and distributed energy resources. 
• Competitively procure non-emitting electricity generation. 
• Increase the efficiency and speed, without diminishing the effectiveness, of permitting and approval processes.  
• Empower more corporations / consumers to purchase non-emitting energy. 

• Build out new transmission infrastructure. 
• Facilitate electrification of the economy. 
  

2. Significantly increase interjurisdictional collaboration and co-operation in the design and delivery of these strategies: 

– All governments (federal, provincial, municipal, Indigenous) must commit to, and contribute to, Canada’s 2035 and 2050 net-zero objectives. 

– Pursue increased interjurisdictional alignment on energy planning and provide clarity on roles and responsibilities in support of net-zero objectives, to enable deployment of complementary and synergistic policies. 

– The federal government must establish foundational policies, enable increased interjurisdictional dialogue and collaborative action, and provide funding support for capacity building and deployment of new electricity system infrastructure. 

– All governments, but particularly provincial and territorial governments, must take steps to modernize the market rules and regulatory frameworks that govern the electricity sector to prioritize climate considerations, encourage innovation, and facilitate the accelerated deployment of electricity sector investments.   

3. Ensure that these strategies work to provide benefits to all Canadians: 

– The transformation of our electricity system will create significant new job opportunities for Canadians. We must plan today to develop the workforce of tomorrow.  

– These efforts should support equity, diversity and inclusion, providing jobs and economic development opportunities for Indigenous communities, marginalized communities, and communities where a reduction in demand for fossil fuels will cause significant economic dislocation.  

– Recognition of the rights, land claims and Treaties with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities is integral to the process of national reconciliation, as is congruency with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Direct and substantive Indigenous participation and leadership in the evolution of Canada’s electricity sector is just, equitable, and a true reflection of sustainability.  

4. Dramatically strengthen the focus and intensity of your efforts to design and implement such strategies—starting now: 

– Investments in the electricity sector often take many years to come to fruition. Such investments are also long-lived—decisions taken today in the electricity sector will have implications for decades to come.  

– It is essential that all planning and actions pursued in the electricity sector today consider and support Canada’s net-zero targets for 2035 and 2050. 

Canada is starting from a position of strength—our electricity system is already 80% non-emitting, and we have massive, untapped renewable energy resources that represent an important part of a broader suite of low- or no-carbon electricity-generating solutions.  

But net-zero won’t just happen. Your governments must act now. You must provide the long-term policy clarity and certainty required for Canada to mobilize investment. This will empower the electricity sector to do its crucial part to support Canada’s 2035 and 2050 objectives.  

There is much to do and there is no time to waste. Further delay will only add cost to consumers and increase the risk that we will miss our targets. Canadians are counting on you to build the foundation needed to secure their future in the face of the challenges posed by climate change. 

Sincerely,  

Canadian Renewable Energy Association
Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada
Blue Green Canada
Business Renewables Centre Canada
Canada Green Building Council
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Nuclear Association
Canadian Steel Producers Association
Chemical Industry Association of Canada
Clean Energy Canada
David Suzuki Foundation
Electric Mobility Canada
Electricity Canada
Energy Storage Canada
First Nations Power Authority
Forest Products Association of Canada
Global Automakers of Canada
Indigenous Clean Energy
Marine Renewables Canada
Mining Association of Canada
Pembina Institute
QUEST Canada
Smart Grid Innovation Network
Student Energy
Waterpower Canada