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.
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:
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
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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.” Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
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!
“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
Photo: From left to right: Incoming CanREA President and CEO Vittoria Bellissimo, outgoing CanREA President and CEO Robert Hornung, and CanREA Board Chair Jason Chee-Aloy.
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.
Photo, from left to right: Brandy Giannetta, CanREA Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs; Katherine Sparkes, IESO Director of Innovation, Research & Development; Allison Miller, Enel North America Manager, Energy Markets; and John Avdoulos, Essex Power Corporation CEO & President.
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
From left to right: Brandy Giannetta, Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs; Evan Wilson, Senior Director for Western Canada; Nicholas Gall, Director for Ontario and Distributed Energy Resources; Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada; and Mathieu Côté, Director for the Operations Program.
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
From left to right: Robert Hornung, outgoing CanREA President and CEO, 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; and Phil McKay, Senior Director of the CanREA Electricity Transition Hub.
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.
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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:
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.
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
Vittoria Bellissimo will move into the role on October 31, 2022
Ottawa, October 13, 2022—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) today named Vittoria Bellissimo as its incoming President and CEO, effective October 31, 2022, replacing Robert Hornung who is retiring from the role.
“I am delighted to welcome Vittoria as the new President and CEO of CanREA,” said Jason Chee-Aloy, Chair of CanREA’s Board of Directors.
“Wind energy and solar energy are Canada’s lowest-cost sources of new electricity generation and, coupled with energy storage, will be critical to Canada’s efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We are pleased that Vittoria will continue CanREA’s work to enable Canada to capitalize on its massive untapped renewable energy potential.”
Vittoria comes to CanREA after more than 10 years of working with electricity customers as the Executive Director of the Industrial Power Consumers Association of Alberta and almost 20 years in the electricity sector. Previously, she worked in renewable energy procurement at both the Ontario Ministry of Energy and the Ontario Power Authority.
“I am excited to take on this role at a time when Canada must dramatically increase its use of wind, solar and energy storage to meet its climate change commitments,” said Bellissimo.
“CanREA’s 300+ members are leaders in Canada’s energy transition, and I look forward to advocating on their behalf for the policy, regulatory and market changes required to enable the responsible, sustainable, and accelerated deployment of these technologies.”
Net-zero pathway studies consistently conclude that wind and solar energy must be the primary sources of new electricity generation in Canada. These sources are vital as we move to decarbonize and expand our electricity production to support greenhouse gas emission reductions across the economy in sectors like transportation, buildings, and heavy industry. This is because wind and solar energy are the lowest-cost sources of new electricity generation, new developments are scalable and can be rapidly deployed, and Canada has massive untapped wind and solar energy resources.
“In my 19+ years with CanREA and the Canadian Wind Energy Association, wind and solar energy have moved from the margins to the mainstream,” said CanREA’s outgoing President and CEO, Robert Hornung.
“I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to play a role in this transformation and confident that Vittoria and the excellent CanREA team will successfully advocate for Canada to take the steps required to make CanREA’s 2050 Vision a reality.”
CanREA’s 2050 Vision, Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero, demonstrates that Canada will need to increase its installed wind and solar energy capacity ten-fold by 2050 to achieve its net-zero commitment.
“The CanREA Board would like to thank Robert Hornung for his many years of leadership and service to the industry and his role as the founding President and CEO of CanREA,” said Chee-Aloy. “We wish him the very best in his retirement and future endeavours.” CanREA members, and members of the media, can meet CanREA’s new CEO, Vittoria Bellissimo, at the Electricity Transformation Canada conference and exhibition in Toronto on October 26 to 28, 2022.
Quotes
“I am delighted to welcome Vittoria as the new President and CEO of CanREA. Wind energy and solar energy are Canada’s lowest cost sources of new electricity generation and, coupled with energy storage, will be critical to Canada’s efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We are pleased that Vittoria will continue CanREA’s work to enable Canada to capitalize on its massive untapped renewable energy potential.”
—Jason Chee-Aloy, Chair of CanREA’s Board of Directors
“I am excited to take on this role at a time when Canada must dramatically increase its use of wind, solar and energy storage to meet its climate change commitments. CanREA’s 300+ members are leaders in Canada’s energy transition, and I look forward to advocating on their behalf for the policy, regulatory and market changes required to enable the responsible, sustainable, and accelerated deployment of these technologies.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, incoming President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association
“In my 19+ years with CanREA and the Canadian Wind Energy Association, wind and solar energy have moved from the margins to the mainstream. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to play a role in this transformation and confident that Vittoria and the excellent CanREA team will successfully advocate for Canada to take the steps required to make CanREA’s 2050 Vision a reality.”
—Robert Hornung, outgoing President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association
“The CanREA Board would like to thank Robert Hornung for his many years of leadership and service to the industry and his role as the founding President and CEO of CanREA. We wish him the very best in his retirement and future endeavours.”
—Jason Chee-Aloy, Chair of CanREA’s Board of Directors
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:
CanREA applauds Ontario’s decision to leverage storage and non-emitting resources to meet the province’s rapidly growing energy system needs
Toronto, October 7, 2022— Ontario Minister of Energy Todd Smith has today directed the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to proceed with procuring up to 2,500 MW of new energy storage and other non-emitting resources to meet the province’s rapidly growing energy system needs.
“The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the decision to procure up to 2,500 MW of energy storage and other non-emitting resources by 2027 to meet Ontario’s urgent electricity system capacity needs,” said Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs.
“Energy storage will help to enable more effective integration of the province’s generation resources while enhancing energy system resiliency and flexibility, and it can be quickly and safely deployed exactly where it can offer the greatest locational value to the grid,” said Giannetta.
With the province’s abundant supply of critical minerals, a fast-growing battery manufacturing sector, and numerous companies and institutions at the forefront of energy storage research and innovation, Ontario is poised to be a leader in energy storage for many years to come.
“As Ontario’s electricity demand continues to grow over the coming decade, we must ensure that energy storage capacity is able to charge from low-cost, non-emitting electricity,” said Giannetta.
“As the lowest-cost generation technologies, new wind and solar generation will be key to meeting future supply needs affordably while protecting Ontario’s clean electricity advantage.”
Background
Ontario’s electricity demand is projected to increase by approximately 15% over the next decade, reaching 168 million MWh by 2032. This sustained increase is driven by strong economic and population growth, coupled with the rapid electrification of transportation and industry.
At the same time, the upcoming retirement of the Pickering nuclear plant (approximately 14% of the province’s electricity supply) means that after many years of sufficient supply and stable demand, Ontario will soon need a significant volume of new generation capacity to maintain a safe and reliable electricity system.
Today, the Ontario electricity supply is approximately 90% non-emitting, thanks to the contributions of hydro, nuclear, wind and solar power. Maintaining this clean electricity advantage into the future will be essential, both to achieve the province’s emissions reduction objectives and to ensure that Ontario businesses remain globally competitive, and that Ontario continues to attract new investment in key sectors.
In a 2022 survey of over 300 of Ontario’s largest energy consumers, 85% reported either having implemented or planning to implement corporate clean electricity targets.
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:
Mathieu Côté takes over leadership of CanREA’s National Operations Caucus, committees and working groups
Ottawa, September 19, 2022 – CanREA is thrilled to welcome our new Operations Program Director, Mathieu (Matt) Côté.
Matt leads the National Operations Caucus, as well as all related committees and working groups focused on business and technical issues, such as asset management, site operations, health and safety, workforce development, construction, installation and decommissioning.
“I am ecstatic to return to the Canadian renewables industry by joining the CanREA team,” he said. “Getting Canada to net-zero is the biggest issue of our lifetime, and to be able to move the needle on this challenge at a national level is incredibly fulfilling.”
Matt comes to CanREA with ten years of industry experience, having worked for a Wind/Solar/Hydrogen developer in France in a business development role, as well for a major OEM in Quebec, Nova Scotia and the UK in Customer Relations Manager, Commercial Manager and Managing Director roles. He started his career commissioning the MAPLE Nuclear reactors in Ontario, designed to produce medical isotopes. He holds a B.Sc. in Physics from Dalhousie University. Matt is a proudly bilingual Franco-Ontarian, originally from Northern Ontario and now based in Montreal.
He replaces Phil McKay, CanREA’s long-serving Senior Director of Operations, who has been promoted to a new role as Senior Director, CanREA Electricity Transition Hub. Our team is excited to see Phil drive this new initiative forward with his wealth of renewable energy operations expertise and the support of another new hire, Zhiming (Jim) Zhao, who comes to CanREA with 20-plus years of experience in the energy sector.
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association applauds the Province’s move to bolster its emerging green hydrogen sector, creating job opportunities and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.
“With its abundant wind resources and strong political commitment to increase renewable energy production, CanREA believes Nova Scotia is well-positioned to take a leadership role in the offshore wind energy industry in Canada,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
Offshore wind development leases will be granted through a competitive bidding process, managed by both the federal and Nova Scotia governments. The first call for bids is expected in 2025.
CanREA also looks forward to 2023, when the province is expected to release its green hydrogen action plan.
CanREA’s 2050 Vision has highlighted the important role green hydrogen must play in helping Canada, and the world, move toward net-zero GHG emissions in areas where electrification is more challenging, such as industrial processes and freight transportation.
“Our association is pleased to see the positive steps Nova Scotia is taking toward enacting policies that will attract renewable energy investment to Canada,” said Habel.
Quotes
“With its abundant wind resources and strong political commitment to increase renewable energy production, CanREA believes Nova Scotia is well-positioned to take a leadership role in the offshore wind energy industry in Canada.”
“Our association is pleased to see the positive steps Nova Scotia is taking toward enacting policies that will attract renewable energy investment to Canada.”
Jean Habel, CanREA Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada
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
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Ottawa, September 20, 2022 — RE+ Events, Hannover Fairs and the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) are proud to announce their new partnership for Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC), Canada’s premier renewable energy conference and exhibition.
This year’s ETC will take place October 26-28, at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, Toronto, Ontario.
“Canada has ambitious goals, to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 40% from 2005 levels by 2030, and to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This will mean radical, rapid transformation for our energy system. Luckily, the wind, solar and energy storage industries are up for the challenge,” said Robert Hornung, President and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association.
ETC will spotlight the necessity of rapidly expanding and accelerating the deployment of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage, and its integration into Canada’s electricity system, to support national greenhouse-gas emission-reduction objectives.
“ETC is a vital platform for the Canadian clean energy market. We are proud to support CanREA and ETC’s mission to create a sustainable, modern electricity system in Canada,” said Stephen Miner, President & CEO, RE+ Events.
This three-day event provides a platform for renewable energy leaders to network, collaborate and move the industry forward, showcasing the best wind, solar, and energy-storage solutions from distributors, engineers, financiers, installers and manufacturers.
“Wind and solar energy will play a key role in the energy transition. Our partnership with CanREA and RE+ Events will ensure ETC facilitates Canada’s goal to achieve net-zero by 2050,” said Bernd Rohde, Managing Director, Hannover Fairs México.
ETC was developed by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), in partnership with Hannover Fairs. The addition of RE+ Events to this existing partnership will contribute to even greater success in 2022 and beyond.
RE+ Events is a global event management organization with a focus on the clean energy industry. Our flagship event, RE+ 2022 (formerly SPI), is largest renewable energy event in North America. The RE+ Events portfolio also includes U.S. regional events with a focus on trends and policies in specific states or regions, as well as international events that bring together leaders in developing clean energy markets across the world. RE+ Events is co-owned by the Smart Electric Power Alliance and the Solar Energy Industries Association.
About 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.”
About Hannover Fairs
Hannover Fairs (Canada) Inc., a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe – one of the world’s largest and most active event organizers – will deliver this unique multi-technology event, addressing the needs of generators, utilities, governments, businesses, and consumers.
