Category: News Release

CanREA believes Canada’s vast untapped wind and solar energy resources position it to be a leader in this sector  

Ottawa, August 24, 2022 – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz have signed a joint Declaration of Intent to establish a Canada-Germany Hydrogen Alliance. The announcement was made on August 23rd in Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador.

The objective of the alliance is to enable Canada to begin exporting green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources to Germany starting in 2025. Canada, with its vast untapped wind and solar energy resources, is well-positioned to be a leading supplier and exporter of green hydrogen.

“The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased to see the Canadian and German governments’ desire to capitalize on Canada’s significant green hydrogen production potential,” said Robert Hornung, President and CEO at CanREA. “We welcome the steps that these governments, and the government of Newfoundland and Labrador, are taking to explore green hydrogen production from Newfoundland and Labrador’s abundant wind energy resources.”

While hydrogen can be produced from several different feedstocks, Germany has expressed a clear desire for green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources. CanREA believes international customers will express a growing preference for green hydrogen going forward, given international commitments to reduce carbon intensity in line with net-zero targets.

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 (for example, industrial processes and freight transportation). It also made it clear that getting to net-zero will require the deployment of new wind and solar energy resources in Canada at an unprecedented scale and speed.

“Building a net-zero world requires collaboration among all stakeholders and levels of government – including our international partners. This announcement between Germany and Canada is another example of how we can collectively work to meet our clean energy needs through international partnerships,” said Hornung.

“CanREA will continue to work with federal and provincial governments to advocate for increased and accelerated wind and solar energy deployment on the national and international stage.”

Background

• The alliance will see Canada and Germany collaborate to facilitate the production of green hydrogen in Canada, with initial exports to Germany expected to begin in 2025 
• As part of the alliance, the Government of Canada is tasked with strengthening collaboration with provinces, territories and the private sector.   
• The alliance will establish a Germany-Canada international trade corridor 
• The alliance commits Canada and Germany to advancing research and development to support hydrogen production, infrastructure, and supply chains.  
• The alliance commits both countries to enabling investment in hydrogen projects via policy  

Quotes

“The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased to see the Canadian and German governments’ desire to capitalize on Canada’s significant green hydrogen production potential.” 

“We welcome the steps that these governments, and the government of Newfoundland and Labrador, are taking to explore green hydrogen production from Newfoundland and Labrador’s abundant wind energy resources.”   

“Building a net-zero world requires collaboration among all stakeholders and levels of government – including our international partners. This announcement between Germany and Canada is another example of how we can collectively work to meet our clean energy needs through international partnerships.” 

“CanREA will continue to work with federal and provincial governments to advocate for increased and accelerated wind and solar energy deployment on the national and international stage.” 

– Robert Hornung, President and CEO at CanREA  

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About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association  

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vison.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca  

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact: 

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

Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) RFQ results recognize the role that renewable energy and energy-storage providers can play in supplying the provincial electricity grid

Toronto, August 23, 2022 – Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) provided a status update today on its ongoing efforts to maintain Ontario’s clean electricity advantage.

Following many years of robust electricity supply and stable demand, Ontario will soon need a significant volume of new generation capacity to maintain a safe and reliable electricity system. The IESO aims to secure more than 5,000 MW of capacity in the near term by leveraging existing gas facilities and building new forms of electricity generation and energy storage. Renewables and energy-storage technologies will also play a key role in meeting Ontario’s urgent energy supply needs.

Ontario’s electricity supply is approximately 94% non-emitting, thanks to the contributions of hydro, nuclear, wind and solar power.

“CanREA supports the IESO’s initiatives to qualify suppliers that will contribute to a clean, affordable and reliable grid. This effort will be essential to keep Ontario businesses globally competitive while attracting new investments in key sectors of the economy,” said Brandy Giannetta, Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs at CanREA.

“Tapping into Ontario’s clean energy potential will also enable the province to drive its greenhouse-gas emissions-reduction goals forward.”

After issuing a request for qualifications from potential developers for long-term supply projects, the IESO has qualified 55 applicants. Many of these applicants are CanREA members, who collectively demonstrate a broad international interest in investing in Ontario’s clean energy sector. The qualification process reinforces the value of competitive procurements to meet the province’s reliability needs in a cost-effective manner. Qualified applicants include a significant number of potential energy-storage projects from CanREA members, a resource that will be critical to long-term decarbonization goals.

A separate competitive procurement for existing generators has also concluded, and the IESO has offered new five-year commitments that secure these resources at a lower cost than their previous contracts, reducing the impact on ratepayers.

CanREA welcomes the IESO’s forthcoming initiatives, and our members stand ready to help Ontario meet its reliability needs at the lowest possible cost.

“CanREA remains optimistic that non-emitting resources will also continue to contribute to the reliable and affordable supply that Ontario needs to power a decarbonized economy,” said Giannetta.

Background

• Ontario’s electricity demand is projected to increase by approximately 15% over the next decade, reaching 168 million MWh by 2032.
• The IESO aims to secure more than 5,000 MW of capacity in the near term.
• Ontario’s electricity supply is approximately 94% non-emitting, thanks to the contributions of hydro, nuclear, wind and solar power.

Quotes

“CanREA supports the IESO’s initiatives to qualify suppliers that will contribute to a clean, affordable and reliable grid. This effort will be essential to keep Ontario businesses globally competitive while attracting new investments in key sectors of the economy.”

“Tapping into Ontario’s clean energy potential will also enable the province to drive its greenhouse-gas emissions-reduction goals forward.”

“CanREA remains optimistic that non-emitting resources will also continue to contribute to the reliable and affordable supply that Ontario needs to power a decarbonized economy.”

Brandy Giannetta, Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs at CanREA

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About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association  

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vison.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca  

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact: 

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

CanREA applauds the Government of Canada for lifting American tariffs on Canadian solar products   

Ottawa, July 7, 2022—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Government of Canada’s work to successfully lift United States tariffs on Canadian solar products, as announced in a statement from Global Affairs Canada today.

“The removal of these tariffs is wonderful news for Canada’s solar energy sector, and a major step forward for North American collaboration amid the ongoing clean energy transition,” said Robert Hornung, President and CEO of CanREA.  

“Empowering the renewable energy industry is integral to the fight against climate change,” Hornung said.  

Since the safeguard tariffs were introduced in early 2018 by former U.S. President Donald Trump, exports of solar products from Canada to the United States declined by as much as 82%. 

On Thursday, July 7, International Trade Minister Mary Ng announced that Canada had reached an agreement with the U.S. to remove the tariffs, which were found to be in violation of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) at a CUSMA dispute panel earlier this year.  

This agreement will bolster Canada’s renewable energy manufacturing sector, encouraging further investment and  strengthening Canada’s solar manufacturing capacity. 

“Through its years-long fight to successfully remove these tariffs, the federal government has shown it is willing to stand up for Canada’s solar sector and its workers,” said Nicholas Gall, Ontario Director at CanREA. 

“CanREA firmly believes that with the right trade policies in place, Canadian manufacturers can make an even greater contribution to serving the global supply chains that will power the clean energy transition,” Gall said. 

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.” 

Background 

• In 2018, the U.S. imposed a 30% tariff on solar cells, modules and panels from all countries, including Canada.   
• Over the last four years, the federal government has fought for Canada to be excluded from the tariffs, seeking to resolve the dispute under CUSMA and the former NAFTA.  
• Canada initiated the CUSMA dispute settlement process through a request for consultations on Dec. 22, 2020. A request for a panel was made on June 18, 2021. An in-person hearing was held before the panel in Washington, D.C., on November 10, 2021. 
• In February 2022, Canada won the solar safeguard dispute. A CUSMA panel found the U.S. violated the international trade agreement by failing to exclude imports from Canada from its solar safeguard measure and impermissibly increasing tariffs on imports of solar products from Canada. 

Quotes  

“The removal of these tariffs is wonderful news for Canada’s solar energy sector, and a major step forward for North American collaboration amid the ongoing clean energy transition. Empowering the renewable energy industry is integral to the fight against climate change.”  
—Robert Hornung, President and CEO, CanREA 

“Through its years-long fight to successfully remove these tariffs, the federal government has shown it is willing to stand up for Canada’s solar sector and its workers. CanREA firmly believes that with the right trade policies in place, Canadian manufacturers can make an even greater contribution to serving the global supply chains that will power the clean energy transition.” 
— Nicholas Gall, Ontario Director, 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 

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association commends the Alberta Electricity System Operator for its ‘Net-Zero Emissions Pathways’ report, underscoring the importance of expanding the province’s wind, solar and energy-storage capacity.  

Calgary, June 27, 2022—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) commends the Alberta Electricity System Operator (AESO) for today’s release of the “AESO Net-Zero Emissions Pathways Report.”

“We look forward to working with partners within the Government of Alberta, the AESO and the Federal government to ensure an effective, affordable and reliable path to net-zero in Alberta,” said Evan Wilson, CanREA’s Western Canada Director.  

This AESO report examines three possible scenarios for the evolution of the Alberta electricity grid between today and 2035, the date by which the Federal government has committed Canada to a net-zero electricity grid.  

Two of the AESO’s three scenarios, the “First-Mover Advantage” and the “Renewables and Storage Rush,” illustrate the critical role that wind energy, solar energy and energy storage will play in Alberta’s path to a net-zero grid. In these scenarios, the AESO projects that wind and solar will provide between 35 and 45% of Alberta’s total generation by 2035, and between 32 and 47% by 2041.  

“The energy-only market has sparked such growth in the renewables sector that this province accounted for 60% of all new Canadian wind and solar capacity installed in 2021,” said Wilson.  “Alberta is already leading the country in renewables investments, and the AESO report highlights just how much opportunity exists in the province. The Alberta grid can support significant emissions reductions, with solar, wind and energy storage leading the path to net-zero by 2035.”  

In addition to outlining the opportunities arising from a net-zero electricity grid, the report also provides some insight into the challenges Alberta will face as we approach 2035—many of which can be addressed, and successfully mitigated, via policy and regulatory changes. CanREA’s 2050 Vision outlines the key changes required.

• Task 1: Decarbonize Canada’s electricity production by 2035.
• Task 2: Modernize Canada’s electricity markets and regulatory structure to enable the lowest cost pathway to grid decarbonization and expansion.
• Task 3: Build new wind, solar and energy storage in Canada, ensuring cost-effective outcomes from procurement process for new decarbonized electricity generation
• Task 4: Rethink Canada’s electricity infrastructure investments and seek to minimize the cost of new transmission and distribution infrastructure needed to expand electricity production.
• Task 5. Use decarbonized electricity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Canada’s transportation, buildings and industry sectors.

“To get to a decarbonized grid by 2035, Canada must double its electricity capacity. All avenues will require investment; wind and solar energy offer the lowest-cost forms of new electricity generation available today,” said Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs.   

With Alberta’s positive track record, Canada needs this province to lead the charge toward decarbonization. Alberta entrepreneurs never shy away from a challenge. With expertise from renewable energy leaders, it is possible to decarbonize provincial electricity supply by 2035. And, as CanREA stressed in its 2050 Vision: We have no time to waste; we must start now. 

Background

• Alberta is home to Canada’s fastest-growing wind and solar energy sectors, with the province accounting for 60% of all new installed capacity across the country in 2021.  
• In 2021 alone, 250 MW of solar energy capacity and 358 MW of wind energy capacity were added to Alberta’s electricity grid.  
• The deregulated market in Alberta has fueled extraordinary renewable energy growth. Between 2019 and 2021, the market-based approach to renewables led to over 1,600 MW of contracted capacity and more than $3 billion in overall investments.  
• Canada’s largest solar project is the 465 MW Travers Solar project, situated in Vulcan County, Alberta.  
• The nation’s largest battery storage facility is the 20 MW Buffalo Creek Storage project, located near the town of Vermilion in Central Alberta. 

Quotes

“We look forward to working with partners within the Government of Alberta, the AESO and the Federal government to ensure an effective, affordable and reliable path to net-zero in Alberta.”  

“The energy-only market has sparked such growth in the renewables sector that this province accounted for 60% of all new Canadian wind and solar capacity installed in 2021.”  

“Alberta is already leading the country, and the AESO report highlights just how much opportunity exists in the province.”  

“The Alberta grid can support significant emissions reductions, with solar, wind and energy storage leading the path to net-zero by 2035.” 

 —Evan Wilson, Western Canada Director, CanREA 

“To get to a decarbonized grid by 2035, Canada must double its electricity capacity. All avenues will require investment; wind and solar energy offer the lowest-cost forms of new electricity generation available today.”   

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

Newly launched federal grant program will make rooftop solar panels, battery storage and a wide range of other low-carbon technologies more accessible, which is great news for Canada’s renewable energy industry and Canadian homeowners.

Ottawa, June 17, 2022—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Government of Canada for investing in the first phase of the new Canada Greener Homes Loan program, announced today.  

The $4.4-billion program, part of the Canada Greener Homes Initiatives, will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 per household, making energy-efficient upgrades—such as solar panels and energy storage technologies—more affordable for Canadian homeowners. 

The program will also help make national decarbonization goals more attainable, said Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO, at the June 17 announcement in Ottawa.  

“Rooftop solar panels and residential battery storage are two game-changing technologies that will play an important role in helping Canada to achieve net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050,” Hornung said.  

These technologies will also help Canadian families reduce their energy bills and make their homes more resilient to the extreme-weather events that are become increasingly common as a result of climate change. 

Significant upfront costs can be a barrier for Canadian families to access these proven technological solutions against the climate crisis. That’s why the Government of Canada’s Greener Homes Loan initiative is so important.   

“This program makes rooftop solar panels, battery storage, and a wide range of other low-carbon technologies more accessible for Canadian families. This will help to create jobs, drive investment, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and make our communities more resilient, which is great news for the renewable energy industry and Canadian homeowners,” said Hornung. 

As of Friday, the first phase will be open to eligible homeowners who are applying or have an open application (pre-retrofit stage) to the Canada Greener Homes Grant. The second phase, starting in September 2022, will include homeowners with closed applications (those who have requested their post-retrofit evaluation or grant) but have other eligible retrofits they are hoping to pursue. 

Photo

Background

• CanREA has been vocal in its support for the Canada Greener Homes Grant program since its launch in May 2021, as it greatly increases the accessibility of energy-efficiency retrofits and the deployment of solar energy and energy storage for Canadian homeowners.
• Since its launch in May 2021, the Canada Greener Homes Grant has helped homeowners across the country retrofit their homes while creating good jobs for Canadians.
• As of June 8, over 171,000 applications have been received through the national portal and $38 million in grants have been sent to over 10,000 Canadians.

Quotes

“Rooftop solar panels and residential battery storage are two game-changing technologies that will play an important role in helping Canada to achieve net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050.”

“This program makes rooftop solar panels, battery storage, and a wide range of other low-carbon technologies more accessible for Canadian families. This will help to create jobs, drive investment, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and make our communities more resilient, which is great news for the renewable-energy industry and Canadian homeowners.”

—Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO

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About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association  

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vison.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca  

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact: 

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

Proposals are due July 11, 2022

Ottawa, June 16, 2022 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) today issued a request for proposals for the management and development of its website. Proposals are due by July 11, 2022.

All details are available in the RFP document, found here on the CanREA website.

CanREA looks forward to working with its new website development partner starting in August this year.

For more information, please contact: 

Bridget Wayland
Director of Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
bwayland@renewablesassociation.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 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  

CanREA launches a series of PSA videos showing why Canada will need 10x more wind and solar energy to reach net-zero by 2050. 

We need to increase our wind and solar capacity ten-fold, argues the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), who launched a series of PSA videos in June, 2022, on social media, YouTube, and as part of a national awareness campaign on CBC and Radio-Canada.  

Canada is on a transformative journey to reach net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050. And it’s clear that wind and solar energy, supported by energy storage, will power much of this journey.  

That’s because wind and solar are the lowest-cost sources of new decarbonized electricity.  

“Wind and solar energy are affordable and abundant and will provide much of the new electricity Canada needs as it doubles electricity production in support of its efforts to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” said Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO.  

“Energy-storage technologies are a critical tool in supporting the reliability of the future electricity grid,” Hornung added, “as we work to maximize the contribution of low-cost wind and solar energy production.”  

As Hornung states in CanREA’s videos: We need to act now, and we need to act together. 

Click here to learn more about CanREA’s 2050 Vision. On this webpage, you can also download the full document for CanREA’s 2050 Vision, and a short brochure that is ideal for sharing.

View CanREA’s PSA videos: 

View our full 2-minute video, “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero,” on CanREA’s YouTube channel. 

You can also view our 30-second PSA on CanREA’s YouTube channel. 

Canada’s wind, solar and energy-storage professionals gather for CanREA’s first in-person Operations Summit since the pandemic

Toronto, June 1, 2022— Nearly 150 renewable energy operations leaders from across Canada gathered at the Canadian Renewable Energy Association’s 2022 Operations Summit, the country’s largest wind, solar and energy-storage operations event.

This was the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that the CanREA Operations Summit has been held in-person. In 2021, the conference was held virtually.

“It has been more than two years since we met in this forum and there is not enough time to unpack what we have all been through in the time since we were last together,” said Phil McKay, CanREA’s Senior Operations Director, during his opening remarks on May 31. “I want to personally thank you for keeping Canada’s wind, solar, and energy storage fleet operating during this time.”

Experienced operations staff—who are spearheading the innovation, manufacturing, construction, installation and on-site performance of renewable energy technologies—are essential to Canada’s energy transition.

“While we meet just over 8% of electricity demand in the country, we have demonstrated that our technologies can be operated reliably in extreme circumstances and are ready to take on a larger proportion of Canada’s energy needs. We must continue to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy in every area of this country regardless of what lies ahead,” McKay told the crowd.

As the lowest-cost options for new electricity in Canada, wind and solar are expected to become the fastest growing sources going forward. However, in order to meet Canada’s net-zero targets, we must expand at an unprecedented scale: About 3,800 MW of new wind-energy capacity and 1,600 MW of new solar-energy capacity every year from now until mid-century, CanREA’s 2050 Vision states. This represents a 10-fold expansion by 2050.

CanREA’s 2050 Vision is an ambitious but necessary framework in the fight against climate change. During the conference’s opening panel discussion, commercial-scale project owners and equipment and service providers discussed how the industry can realize this Vision.

Over the course of two days, attendees were given abundant opportunities to network with colleagues and learn about wind and solar O&M tools, human factors, burnout prevention, growing the industry and workforce development.

“What we can do today with solar, wind, and energy-storage equipment far surpasses what our electricity system has seen in the past century, and we are limited only by our creativity to think beyond the mere replication of the status quo and to form a new system, using the experiences we have gained at the leading edge,” said McKay.

CanREA thanks all presenters, attendees, exhibitors and sponsors for making the Operations Summit a success. 

A special thank you to Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Ltd. for supporting the event as a Presenting Sponsor, as well as to Goldwind Americas as the event’s Networking Reception Sponsor, to Enbridge as the Health and Safety Sponsor, to Liftwerx as the Innovation Sponsor, to Hwy H2O as the Mobile App Sponsor, and to Team-1 Academy and Pattern Canada as the conference’s Event Sponsors. CanREA would also like to thank our Media Partner, PvBuzz.

For more information about the program, visit the 2022 Operations Summit webpage.

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Quotes

“It has been more than two years since we met in this forum and there is not enough time to unpack what we have all been through in the time since we were last together. I want to personally thank you for keeping Canada’s wind, solar, and energy storage fleet operating during this time.”    

“While we meet just over 8% of electricity demand in the country, we have demonstrated that our technologies can be operated reliably in extreme circumstances and are ready to take on a larger proportion of Canada’s energy needs. We must continue to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy in every area of this country regardless of what lies ahead.” 

“What we can do today with solar, wind, and energy-storage equipment far surpasses what our electricity system has seen in the past century, and we are limited only by our creativity to think beyond the mere replication of the status quo and to form a new system, using the experiences we have gained at the leading edge.” 

—Phil McKay, CanREA’s Senior Director of Operations 

Photos

“What we can do today with solar, wind, and energy-storage equipment far surpasses what our electricity system has seen in the past century,” said Phil McKay (Senior Director, Operations, Canadian Renewable Energy Association) in his opening remarks for the CanREA Operations Summit 2022. 

“We will need wind and solar to provide two-thirds of the electricity required to decarbonize the Canadian economy by 2050,” said Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs, who welcomed everyone to the CanREA Operations Summit 2022 by stressing the importance of the operations sector, which will play a critical role in the success of this endeavour.  

Networking was king at the CanREA Operations Summit 2022. Here, Phil McKay (Senior Director, Operations, Canadian Renewable Energy Association) participates in an informal roundtable discussion with approximately 150 attendees. 

One of the key sessions at the CanREA Operations Summit 2022 explored the important topic of workforce development, including the launch of CanREA’s new Human Factors workplan. The panelists, from L to R, were: Mike Doherty (President, Blue Arc Electrical Safety Technologies Inc.); Conor Tosh (Masters Student, University of Lethbridge); Mary MacLean (EHS Project Coordinator, CanREA); Michael Baker (Safety & Reliability Supervisor, Enbridge Power); Phil McKay (Senior Director, Operations, CanREA).  

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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 (CanREA) 

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vison.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca  

Wind energy, solar energy and energy storage will be key for Canada to achieve a net-zero electricity system by 2035 and net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050. 

Ottawa, May 4, 2022 — The Canadian Renewable Energy Association supports the Canadian Climate Institute’s call for accelerated action and increased collaboration by federal and provincial governments in the transition to bigger, cleaner and smarter electricity systems.  

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes today’s release of the Canadian Climate Institute (CCI)’s new report, “The Big Switch,” which calls for a dramatic acceleration in the deployment of wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage.  

“Wind and solar energy are now the most cost-competitive forms of new electricity generation in Canada, and Canada has massive, untapped wind and solar energy resources,” said Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO. “It’s clear that getting to net-zero will require us to dramatically accelerate the deployment of these technologies.”  

The CCI report suggests that 63% to 96% of all new capacity additions to electricity systems in Canada, between now and 2030, will need to come from wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage.  

“We need to install somewhere between four and eight times more new wind and solar energy by 2030 than we did in the preceding decade,” said Hornung. “There is no time to waste. The time for action is now.” 

Informed by studies published in 2021 and 2022 on Canadian pathways to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, “The Big Switch” concludes that Canada will need to produce between 1.6 and 2.1 times as much electricity in 2050 as it does today.  

It projects that wind and solar energy will be the dominant source of new generation in Canada, as the share of wind and solar energy in Canada’s electricity supply will need to increase from 6% today to somewhere between 31% and 75% of total generation in the much bigger electricity system of 2050.  

“We are pleased that many of the Canadian Climate Institute’s policy recommendations are consistent with the recommendations CanREA made in its 2050 Vision last year,” said Hornung.  

“The Big Switch” makes it clear that acting now to deploy “safe bets,” like wind and solar energy, in our efforts to address climate change, will reduce overall costs, unlock clean growth opportunities and provide opportunities to support Indigenous self-determination and reconciliation. 

“We need to deploy wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage at an unprecedented scale and speed if Canada is to meet its commitment to a net-zero electricity system by 2035 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the economy by 2050,” Hornung said. 

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Quotes  

“Wind and solar energy are now the most cost-competitive forms of new electricity generation in Canada, and Canada has massive, untapped wind and solar energy resources.”  

“It’s clear that getting to net-zero will require us to dramatically accelerate the deployment of these technologies.”  

“We need to install somewhere between four and eight times more new wind and solar energy by 2030 than we did in the preceding decade. There is no time to waste. The time for action is now.” 

“We are pleased that many of the Canadian Climate Institute’s policy recommendations are consistent with the recommendations CanREA made in its 2050 Vision last year,” 

“We need to deploy wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage at an unprecedented scale and speed if Canada is to meet its commitment to a net-zero electricity system by 2035 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the economy by 2050.” 

—Robert Hornung, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association 

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 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 

CanREA applauds the Government of Ontario for new regulatory change to enable third-party net-metering arrangements  

Ottawa, April 21, 2022—The Ontario Government today announced amendments to the province’s net metering regulation to enable third-party ownership arrangements, such as leasing, financing and power purchase agreements (PPAs), providing electricity customers in Ontario more options to participate in net metering.  

“The Canadian Renewable Energy Association applauds the Government of Ontario for taking this important step to improve the accessibility of solar net metering,” said Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO.  

“This regulatory clarity will enable our industry to move forward in providing Ontario consumers with more options to lower their energy costs and to reduce GHG emissions, while helping to drive job creation and growth in the province’s renewable energy sector.” 

These changes will dramatically reduce the up-front cost barrier to the adoption of solar net metering. They signify a major step forward for consumer choice and improved accessibility of renewable energy.  

“This will open up new market opportunities for solar developers in Ontario,” said Nicholas Gall, CanREA’s Director of Distributed Energy Resources and Director for Ontario, “while at the same time contributing to achieving the GHG emissions reduction goals set out in the Province’s Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan and helping consumers to reduce their energy costs.” 

Going forward, Ontario homeowners or businesses will have the right to enter into one of two third-party financing arrangements for rooftop solar PV: 

• Solar lease: A customer pays a third-party developer for the use of an on-site solar PV system over a specified period of time, rather than paying for the power generated –pay per month (e.g., 15-year term); 
• PPA: A third-party developer sells the power generated by an on-site solar PV system to the customer for a fixed period of time (e.g., 15-year term) and at a fixed per-kWh rate (less than what is charged by the LDC). PPAs inherently afford greater consumer protection as consumers only pay for power produced. 

Background 

As described in a previous CanREA statement on this issue, the advantages of third-party financing of net metering include: 

• Enhanced consumer protection: Maintenance and replacement costs would be included in the service agreement. The lessee or PPA purchaser is protected in the event that the solar PV equipment underperforms or malfunctions. Solar companies offering PPAs would be covered under OEB Retailer Licensing obligations, thus further enhancing consumer protection. 
• Levelling the playing field for consumer choice: Access to third-party financing opportunities reduce the gap between haves and have-nots; more consumers are able to access net metering. 
• Avoided opportunity cost: All consumers, both businesses and households, are able to keep more cash on hand while benefitting immediately from electricity bill savings. 
• Easier budgeting and cashflow management; preservation of lines of credit. 
• Tax planning for business consumers: Leasing/PPA arrangements may be preferable for businesses in that they can offer income tax planning advantages (leased equipment treated as an expense rather than depreciating purchased equipment as a capital cost). 

Third-party ownership models are proven and very well established in other provinces (e.g., Alberta, Nova Scotia) and in the United States, where the US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports that as of 2017, 57% of all installed non-residential solar PV capacity was third-party owned. 

Quotes 

“The Canadian Renewable Energy Association applauds the Government of Ontario for taking this important step to improve the accessibility of solar net metering. This regulatory clarity will enable our industry to move forward in providing Ontario consumers with more options to lower their energy costs and to reduce GHG emissions, while helping to drive job creation and growth in the province’s renewable energy sector.”  

—Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO  

“These changes will open up new market opportunities for solar developers in Ontario, while at the same time contributing to achieving the GHG emissions reduction goals set out in the Province’s Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan, and helping consumers to reduce their energy costs.” 

—Nicholas Gall, CanREA’s Director of Distributed Energy Resources and Director for Ontario 

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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 (CanREA) 

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vison.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca