Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change announces $8 million for the SolarHomes program, providing incentives for single-family homes to install solar PV systems.
Ottawa, January 17, 2022 — The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Government of Nova Scotia for an investment of $8 million in the SolarHomes incentive program for single-family homes to install solar PV systems, as announced today by Environment and Climate Change Minister Tim Halman.
“This investment will help to ensure that even more Nova Scotia families are able to benefit from solar net metering over the coming years,” said Nicholas Gall, CanREA’s Director, Ontario and Distributed Energy Resources.
There are now over 4,000 solar homes across Nova Scotia, and the industry supports hundreds of jobs in communities throughout the province.
“Solar power is poised to make an important contribution to achieving the Province’s target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030 while helping Nova Scotia households to manage their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprints,” said Gall.
This funding is part of a $37.3 million Green Fund investment, intended to help Nova Scotia reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and support the goals of its Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act.
“CanREA will continue to work closely with the Government of Nova Scotia to further these goals using wind energy, solar energy and energy storage,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
“This investment will help to ensure that even more Nova Scotia families are able to benefit from solar net metering over the coming years. Solar power is poised to make an important contribution to achieving the Province’s target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030 while helping Nova Scotia households to manage their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprints.”
—Nicholas Gall, CanREA’s Director, Ontario and Distributed Energy Resources.
“CanREA will continue to work closely with the Government of Nova Scotia to further these goals using wind energy, solar energy and energy storage.”
—Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. 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. Our aim is to ensure wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix
CanREA continues its positive work with the federal government to further evolve climate-centred policies, advance renewable energy and achieve positive outcomes for Canadians.
Ottawa, December 17, 2021—CanREA is pleased to note the “whole-of-government effort to reduce emissions, create clean jobs and address the climate-related challenges” in all the new ministerial mandate letters, issued by the Government of Canada on December 16.
“This government is on the right track by prioritizing climate action for all Ministerial mandates,” said Brandy Giannetta, Vice President Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs. “This is the priority that we want to see from this government.”
This is another clear signal of this government’s willingness to take action that will enable low-cost renewables. Wind energy, solar energy and energy storage will play a key role in collaborative solutions for decarbonizing the Canadian economy while bringing strong environmental and economic benefits for communities.
“We look forward to continuing our work with the Federal Government to further evolve these climate-centred policies, advance renewable energy and achieve positive outcomes for Canadians,” said Giannetta.
“This government is on the right track by prioritizing climate action for all Ministerial mandates. This is the priority that we want to see from this government. We look forward to continuing our work with the federal government to further evolve these climate-centred policies, advance renewable energy and achieve positive outcomes for Canadians.”
—Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President, Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs
For more information or interview opportunities, please contact:
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. Our aim is to ensure wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here.
Industry movers and shakers flocked to the inaugural Electricity Transformation Canada conference, held in Toronto Nov. 17 to 19, to strategize on shifting Canada toward a greener grid by 2050.
Nearly 1,150 participants gathered in person at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from November 17 to 19 for the first-ever Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC), this country’s leading renewable energy conference.
The event featured three days of welcome networking opportunities and educational sessions, covering everything from Indigenous energy partnerships to green hydrogen and the launch of CanREA’s 2050 Vision. Please view our photo album, below, to see only a few of the many highlights from this year’s ETC.
CanREA issues an urgent call to action
“Getting to net-zero by 2050 will require Canada to build out wind energy, solar energy and energy storage at an unprecedented scale and speed,” said Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) President and CEO Robert Hornung (pictured above) during the opening session, as CanREA unveiled its 2050 Vision to a receptive crowd.
CanREA’s 2050 Vision is a call to action, urging stakeholders to work together on a tenfold expansion of wind and solar energy across the country over the next 29 years.
In the association’s ambitious, but realistic scenario, 3,800 megawatts of wind energy and 1,600 megawatts of solar energy would be built out every year, from now until 2050. That’s three times faster than Canada’s biggest five-year period to date, illustrating how quickly the industry must pivot.
“Our industries are up for the challenge, and ready to play a critical role,” said Hornung. “We need to act now and we need to act together. We have no time to waste”
For more information on the Vision, and what CanREA proposes as Canada’s To-Do List, visit this webpage.
Following Hornung’s remarks, representatives of diverse sectors echoed CanREA’s call for greater innovation and collaboration to transform the country’s energy grid.
From left to right: Robert Hornung, CanREA President and CEO; Michelle Chislett, CanREA Board Chair and Managing Director of Canada and U.S. Development at Northland Power; Dan Balaban, CEO of Greengate Power; Brendan Costigan, Director of Power & Utilities Investment Banking at National Bank of Canada; Patrick Taylor, Principal Program Manager at Microsoft; Tonja Leach, Executive Director at QUEST; Isabelle Turcotte, Director of Federal Policy at Pembina Institute.
A video of the Vision launch event is available on CanREa’s YouTube channel, here.
The road to net zero by 2050: Opportunities for electrification in Canada
With hard work, Canada’s net-zero target is within reach, said Anna Kanduth, research associate with the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices, during a session about opportunities for electrification on Nov. 17. “Net-zero is achievable for Canada by 2050,” Kanduth (far right) said.
From left to right: CanREA VP of Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs Brandy Giannetta; Daniel Breton, President and CEO of Electric Mobility Canada; Mark Zacharias, Special Advisor at Clean Energy Canada; Catherine Cobden, President and CEO of Canadian Steel Producers Association; Anna Kanduth, Research Associate at the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices.
A visit from Ontario’s Minister of Energy
On Nov. 18, CanREA staff and board members welcomed Ontario Minister of Energy Todd Smith to ETC and spoke with him about the critical role wind energy, solar energy and energy storage must play if Canada is to pursue lowest-cost pathways to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. From left to right: Ontario Minister of Energy Todd Smith; CanREA Board Chair Michelle Chislett; President and CEO Robert Hornung; Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs Brandy Giannetta; and DER Director Nicholas Gall.
100% Clean Electricity by 2035: The Clean Power Pathways project preview
On Nov. 18, policy experts Tom Green (left) and Stephen Thomas (centre) from the David Suzuki Foundation presented a preview of the Clean Power Pathways final report, alongside collaborator Prof. Mark Jaccard of Simon Fraser University (right). The report explores policy solutions at municipal, provincial and national levels to achieve 100 per cent clean electricity across Canada by 2035, with important roles for solar, wind and energy storage solutions.
The future of market-based renewables: Lessons learned from Alberta
In 2021, over 1,200 MW of new wind and solar energy projects have been announced in Alberta, which will result in billions of dollars of investments. That momentum could move the nation as a whole toward greener grids, said industry leaders in the province’s market.
“Alberta has seen a remarkable burst of growth in renewable energy projects,” said Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity Dale Nally in a video message during this session on Alberta’s unique deregulated system.
From left to right: CanREA Senior Director for Western Canada Evan Wilson; Jordan Balaban, President of Greengate Power; Roslyn McMann, Director of Market Development at BluEarth Renewables; Jason Chee-Aloy, Managing Director at Power Advisory.
Check-in with CanREA’s policy team
On the final day of ETC, CanREA staff from across the country offered attendees a glimpse into the association’s past, present and future work – from policy challenges to provincial market differences and the DER landscape.
“We need to decarbonize the grid, and we need to do it now,” said Brandy Giannetta, Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs (far left).
The session also included insights from Senior Director for Western Canada Evan Wilson (second from left), Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada Jean Habel (centre left), DER Director Nicholas Gall (centre right), Energy Storage Director Leonard Olien (second from right), and Senior Director of Operations Phil McKay (far right).
Taking advantage of the tradeshow floor
Over the three days of the conference, attendees networked with exhibitors, sponsors and CanREA members at 100 exhibitor booths on the tradeshow floor, a much-appreciated opportunity after missing out on industry conferences during the pandemic. At the CanREA booth (pictured above), staff also offered education sessions covering provincial markets, operations, renewable energy tech and, of course, our many membership perks.
What are electricity system decision makers doing today to prepare Ontario for the electricity system of 2050?
The closing plenary luncheon, moderated by Brandy Giannetta, examined how major electricity system stakeholders in Ontario are preparing to meet Canada’s net-zero goals by 2050.
“The system we all depend on must be able to respond to the increasing demand for electricity,” said Independent Electricity System Operator President and CEO Lesley Gallinger (centre). “There’s a lot to be done.”
From left to right: CanREA VP of Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs Brandy Giannetta; Lesley Gallinger, President and CEO of IESO; Teresa Sarkesian, President and CEO of Electricity Distributors Association.
See you next year!
Next year’s ETC conference will be on Oct. 26-28, 2022, in Toronto. We hope to see you there! To stay informed, subscribe to our Watt’s On events enewsletter and visit our Upcoming Events webpage.
Toronto, November 17, 2021 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) today issued an urgent call to Canada’s governments, utilities, regulators and electricity system operators, recommending five priority actions to dramatically accelerate the deployment of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage technologies in Canada.
“As Canada sets out on a transformative journey to reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, we need a powerful boost from wind energy, solar energy and energy storage,” said CanREA President and CEO Robert Hornung in his opening remarks at the Electricity Transformation Canada conference today. “These technologies will play a central role in driving the rapid decarbonization and massive expansion of electricity production required to make net-zero a reality.”
Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision presents an illustrative, but realistic, scenario to support this net-zero target by relying on Canada’s abundant and low-cost wind and solar energy resources to supply two-thirds of the new electricity required by 2050. This requires an almost ten-fold expansion in this country’s wind and solar energy capacity in the next 29 years.
“We have no time to waste. Getting to net-zero by 2050 will require Canada to build out wind energy, solar energy and energy storage at an unprecedented scale and speed,” said Hornung. “Our industries are up to the challenge, but require clear signals from governments, increased collaboration among electricity sector decision-makers, and immediate actions to address existing barriers to this urgent deployment.”
CanREA’s 2050 Vision outlines 5 key tasks and 15 immediate actions required from governments, utilities, regulators and system operators to enable this pathway to net-zero. The key tasks on Canada’s to-do list include:
Decarbonization of the electricity system by 2035,
Modernization of electricity markets and regulatory structures,
Diversification and expansion of procurement opportunities,
Prioritization of efficient use and regional approaches to transmission infrastructure,
Implementation of comprehensive strategies to support increased use of decarbonized electricity and green hydrogen.
“We need to rapidly build new capacity throughout Canada. Our industries recognize that ensuringcommunity support and customer satisfaction, creating economic advantages for Canada and its communities, and contributing to sustainability and environmental protection are critical elements for success,” said Hornung.
“We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Canada fully capitalizes on its wind, solar and energy storage potential in its pursuit ofthe least-cost, reliable and sustainable pathway to Canada’s net-zero objective.”
Following Hornung’s presentation, a panel made up of Dan Balaban (Chief Executive Officer, Greengate Power), Isabelle Turcotte (Director of Federal Policy, Pembina Institute), Brendan Costigan (Director, Power & Utilities Investment Banking, National Bank of Canada), Tonja Leach (Executive Director, QUEST Canada), and Patrick Taylor (Principal Program Manager, Microsoft) presented their thoughts on CanREA’s new 2050 Vision.
The accelerated deployment of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage is supported by a diversity of stakeholders, as illustrated in CanREA’s 2050 Vision by statements from organizations like Bell Canada, Canada Green Building Council, Clean Energy Canada, Electric Mobility Canada, Indigenous Clean Energy, Marsh, National Bank of Canada, Quest Canada, Pembina Institute and Swiss Re.
“As Canada sets out on a transformative journey to reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, we need a powerful boost from wind energy, solar energy and energy storage. These technologies will play a central role in driving the rapid decarbonization and massive expansion of electricity production required to make net-zero a reality.”
“We have no time to waste. Getting to net-zero by 2050 will require Canada to build out wind energy, solar energy and energy storage at an unprecedented scale and speed. Our industries are up to the challenge but require clear signals from governments, increased collaboration among electricity sector decision-makers and immediate actions to address existing barriers to this urgent deployment.”
“We need to rapidly build new capacity throughout Canada. Our industries recognize that ensuring community support and customer satisfaction, creating economic advantages for Canada and its communities, and contributing to sustainability and environmental protection are critical elements for success.”
“We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Canada fully capitalizes on its wind, solar and energy storage potential in its pursuit of the least-cost, reliable and sustainable pathway to Canada’s net-zero objective.”
—Robert Hornung, CanREA President and CEO
Supportive statements
“National Bank of Canada supports CanREA’s 2050 Vision and is keen to play an active role in Canada’s net-zero objective. Just recently, we announced our pledge to join the Net-Zero Banking Alliance as part of a global initiative to accelerate efforts to address climate change. We continue our long history of partnering with our clients, financing Canadian renewable energy projects and supporting innovative solutions that will drive the significant growth in sustainable energy that Canada needs.”
—Iain Watson, Managing Director, National Bank Financial
“While there are many uncertainties involved in the energy transition, we have absolute clarity on the need to significantly increase and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and energy storage in Canada. In addition to the emissions reduction benefit, QUEST sees the integration of renewable energy and storage opportunities as a pathway to sustained and sustainable local economic prosperity and enhanced local energy resilience. Renewables and energy storage implementation enable local action on a global problem.”
—Tonja Leach, Executive Director, QUEST
“Canada must decarbonize its electricity sector by 2035 and increase electrification in order to help keep global temperature rise within 1.5C and enable a net-zero economy by 2050. The Pembina Institute supports the rapid deployment of clean energy solutions including renewables, storage, demand response, efficiency, and transmission in a manner that takes advantage of their low costs and reliability services, and enables equitable transition for impacted communities. These measures can help attract jobs, investments and businesses with sustainability goals to Canada.”
—Linda Coady, Executive Director, Pembina Institute
“The global energy system is transitioning from molecules to clean electrons as our primary source of energy. Our ambitious net-zero goals and the electrification of transportation create massive need for new renewables and energy storage capacity. This is an opportunity to fundamentally re-invent energy and its relationship to society. Renewables projects, like the ones developed by Greengate, represent a rare alignment of environmental, financial, and social interests, which I am confident will help lead us to a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.”
—Dan Balaban, CEO, Greengate Power Corporation
About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association 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. Our vision is to ensure wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here.
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
CanREA presented its new 2050 Vision at a special launch event in Toronto today, after which a panel of diverse stakeholders shared their thoughts. From L to R: Dan Balaban (Chief Executive Officer, Greengate Power), Isabelle Turcotte (Director of Federal Policy, Pembina Institute), Brendan Costigan (Director, Power & Utilities Investment Banking, National Bank of Canada), Robert Hornung (CanREA President and CEO), Michelle Chislett (CanREA Board Chair and Managing Director of Canada and US Development, Northland Power), Tonja Leach (Executive Director, QUEST Canada), and Patrick Taylor (Principal Program Manager, Microsoft).
CanREA offers greater value and new benefits in 2022
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is excited to present a new membership offering for 2022. This year, we will introduce several key initiatives to provide a higher level of service to CanREA members as we help grow the market and develop business opportunities for wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage companies in Canada.
2022 membership highlights:
New national Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Caucus, for companies currently developing innovative solutions at the distribution level, companies that own existing DERs and are seeking to maximize the value of these assets, and for anyone who wants to learn more about this exciting frontier of Canada’s energy transition. Learn more here.
New Nova Scotia Caucus, to better support advocacy efforts in Nova Scotia. Learn more here.
Launch of CanREA’s 2050 Vision in November, a call to action for electricity decision makers to leverage our sector’s capacity to power the journey to net-zero by 2050. Learn more here.
CanREA now offers industry webinar speaking opportunities, to help eligible member companies promote their industry and market expertise and thought leadership, while delivering insightful, relevant content.
Upcoming: CanREA is developing a utility & system operator program, to increase collaboration, capacity building and knowledge-sharing with key stakeholders and to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and energy storage in Canada.
Upcoming: CanREA will release a new whitepaper on energy storage in 2022, outlining the priority actions for enabling energy storage in Canada.
Upcoming: CanREA will establish a tailored and issues-based program for solar installers.
New hires to expand capacity: CanREA has hired a new Quebec and Atlantic Canada Policy Director, is currently (at press time) in the process of hiring a Policy Manager to support the core Policy and Advocacy Team, and will hire a full-time BTM Solar Program Coordinator to manage the solar installer program and engage with members.
In 2022, CanREA will reintroduce a full calendar of live, in-person events, to enable learning, networking, and business development. View the full calendar here.
What is CanREA?
CanREA is the voice for the wind energy, solar energy and energy storage industries in Canada. Through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement, CanREA works to create the conditions for a modern energy system, in which clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix.
Who are CanREA’s members?
CanREA represents more than 320 companies active in these industries across the country, including manufacturers, installers, developers, service providers and supply-chain partners. Consult the member directory here.
Why do companies join CanREA?
Our members tell us they joined CanREA to connect & collaborate with more than 320 companies in Canada’s renewable energy & energy storage industry, to stay informed on the latest industry, market and policy developments, to help lead and shape policy development and amplify our industry’s voice, and to be part of a community, to network, engage and raise their profile.
Click here to learn more about CanREA’s full list of membership benefits.
Already a member? Time to renew!
At press time (November), your organization should have received a CanREA email with information about membership renewal and exciting upgrade opportunities. Thanks for your support!
Not a member, but interested in joining?
CanREA offers memberships with varying levels of engagement: your company chooses how involved you wish to be. There is a membership level suited to every company’s and budget and goals.
For more information on CanREA membership levels, benefits and opportunities, please contact:
CanREA looks forward to working with new Cabinet members to support more ambitious climate action, a green economy and long-term economic growth as the country strives for net-zero by 2050.
Ottawa, November 10, 2021—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes the appointment of the new Federal Cabinet on October 26, following the 2021 federal election.
There were significant changes in portfolios particularly relevant to CanREA, with the Hon. Steven Guilbeault being named Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson becoming Minister of Natural Resources.
“We look forward to working with many of the new Cabinet members in support of our shared objectives,” said Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President, Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs.
“We intend to support the Government in its pursuit of more ambitious climate action, seize the opportunities of the green economy, and position Canada for long-term economic growth as it strives for net-zero by 2050.”
Specifically, CanREA will continue to advocate for the following measures that are critical to make progress on the deployment and integration of new wind, solar, and energy storage, in keeping with the stated priorities of this Government:
Introduce a Clean Electricity Standard: this will set Canada on a path to cut more emissions by 2030 and to achieve a 100% net-zero emitting electricity system by 2035.
Carbon Price Exposure: Ensure that existing natural gas-fired generation faces steadily increasing exposure to the carbon price, within federal and provincial carbon pricing frameworks, and is fully exposed to the carbon price by 2030.
Create a Pan-Canadian Grid Council: with an increased focus on electrification, this will promote infrastructure investments, smart grids, grid integration, and electricity sector innovation with the goal of making Canada the most reliable, cost effective, and carbon-free electricity producer in the world.
CanREA has been pleased, to date, with Canada’s efforts to set more ambitious 2030 climate targets, as well as with its commitments to a net-zero electricity system by 2035 and to net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions across the economy by 2050.
To succeed, however, Canada will need to decarbonize and significantly expand electricity production, to help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in sectors like transportation, buildings and industry. Considering the scale of the efforts required, swift action will be needed on all these fronts.
While Canada will need many different technologies to decarbonize and expand electricity production, the cost competitiveness of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage ensures these technologies must be at the core of Canada’s efforts to meet its climate-change objectives.
Canada is starting from a strong position with an electricity supply that is already almost 70% from renewable energy resources. There are countless more potential projects in Canada. The development, construction and operation of these projects will require significant investment, and a very large, skilled workforce. It will provide significant opportunities for Indigenous and remote communities across the country.
Quotes
“We look forward to working with the new Cabinet members in support of our shared objectives. We intend to support the Government in its pursuit of more ambitious climate action, seize the opportunities of the green economy, and position Canada for long-term economic growth as it strives for net-zero by 2050.”
—Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President, Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. Our vision is to ensure wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here.
The week after COP26, let’s turn the spotlight on Canada and the central role wind energy, solar energy and energy storage must play to get us to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
Who: Media are invited to attend an exclusive launch event organized by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA). Hear CanREA’s President and CEO, Robert Hornung, present a new vision for the role of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage in achieving net-zero. A panel of stakeholders, representing Microsoft, National Bank of Canada, QUEST Canada, Greengate Power and the Pembina Institute, will then discuss the relevance of this vision from their perspectives. For more information on the panellists, click here.
What: This launch event will open Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC), Canada’s largest renewable energy and energy storage industry conference and exhibition. We are expecting close to 1,000 attendees, with more than 100 exhibitors and 14 educational sessions over the three-day program. For more information on ETC, click here.
When: November 17, from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Why: As Canada sets out on a transformative journey to reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, we need a powerful boost from wind energy, solar energy and energy-storage technologies. But what does this mean? How will it work? What must change to make it possible? And is the industry ready? Find out exactly how the Canadian Renewable Energy Association sees things in “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.”
How: Space is limited for this exclusive launch event. Journalists must register for media accreditation in advance (deadline: November 12). Accredited journalists can pick up their media access badge from the registration counter, then proceed down to the ETC media room (room 801B) for an information kit. Please allow extra time for public health screening protocols (described here).
Interview requests: A small number of interview slots with Robert Hornung will be available on-site, immediately following the presentation (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) on November 17. Alternatively, you can schedule a telephone or video interview in the days following the event.
Contact: For media accreditation, interviews, or to receive the press release and photos, please email a detailed request, identifying your media outlet and primary area of interest, to: Bridget Wayland, Communications Director, CanREA, communications@renewablesassociation.ca C: 613-227-5378
About CanREA: The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. CanREA’s diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. Our vision is to ensure wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here.
Reducing soft costs will have a significant impact on improving the affordability and accessibility of solar PV in Nova Scotia
Halifax, November 5, 2021— The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is proud to release the new Nova Scotia Solar-Friendly Communities study, pinpointing ways to improve the affordability and accessibility of solar PV across the province.
“The Solar Friendly Communities study found that there are significant soft costs and red tape associated with installing a residential solar PV system in Nova Scotia,” said Nicholas Gall, Director of Distributed Energy Resources at CanREA, “and that reducing these barriers could help increase solar PV uptake and create more jobs in the solar sector.”
CanREA commissioned HES PV, a leading Canadian solar PV system consultant, designer and equipment supplier, to undertake the Nova Scotia Solar-Friendly Communities project. It encompassed detailed surveys and interviews with solar installers from across Nova Scotia, as well as cost analysis, cost-reduction modelling for various scenarios, and identification of best practices.
The results indicate that solar hardware represents only 55% of the total cost in Nova Scotia, while the soft costs (related to business processes and administration around permits, inspections and financing) account for the remaining 45% of the costs for consumers.
Based on the results of this study, CanREA recommends the following actions to reduce the cost and red tape associated with installing a residential solar PV system in Nova Scotia:
Reduce the cost and barriers to building and electrical permits and grid interconnection related to solar installations;
Improve solar financing programs through lower interest rates and longer payback periods;
Improve solar education and awareness among homeowners and municipal staff (to reduce the time and effort required by installers to explain solar PV technology and net metering);
Identify municipal solar PV strategies through planning, zoning, land-use policies and public education.
The Nova Scotia Solar-Friendly Communities study was funded from a grant by the Government of Nova Scotia’s Low-Carbon Communities initiative, a program aimed at supporting community-led, innovative solutions to create long-lasting greenhouse gas reductions in the areas of building efficiency, clean electricity and clean transportation.
Quotes
“The Solar-Friendly Communities study found that there are significant soft costs and red tape associated with installing a residential solar PV system in Nova Scotia, and that reducing these barriers could help increase solar PV uptake and create more jobs in the solar sector.”
—Nicholas Gall, CanREA’s Director of Distributed Energy Resources
Images
Infographic: The Solar Process (Nova Scotia Solar-Friendly Communities study, CanREA and HES PV, September 2021)
Figure 1. Hard costs versus soft costs of residential solar in NS (Nova Scotia Solar-Friendly Communities study, CanREA and HES PV, September 2021)
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. Our vision is to ensure wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here.
Ottawa, Ontario, November 1, 2021—CanREA is pleased to announce a new Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Jean Habel.
“Jean brings a wealth of experience in policy and government affairs and is well positioned to serve as CanREA’s key representative and spokesperson in Quebec and Atlantic Canada,” said Robert Hornung, President and CEO.
Habel will hit the ground running as the head of the association’s Quebec and Nova Scotia Caucuses, where he will work to grow CanREA’s presence in these provinces and advocate for the advancement of the wind energy, solar energy and energy-storage industries.
He comes to CanREA from the Association québécoise des pharmaciens propriétaires (AQPP), a membership-based organization representing all owner pharmacists in Quebec where he has been working as Senior Advisor, Public & Government Affairs since 2019.
Prior to this, Habel was the MNA for Sainte-Rose (in Laval) from 2014 to 2018, serving as the Vice-chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, Energy and Natural Resources, and as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, among other roles. He is also Co-founder of the circle of young parliamentarians of Quebec.
He was motivated to join CanREA by a strong interest and belief in our mission. “I am looking forward to advocating for the wind energy, solar energy and energy storage industries because renewable electricity and energy storage are clean, low-cost and reliable. These industries will play a prominent role in reducing Canada’s greenhouse-gas emissions.”
Habel is based in the Montreal area and is bilingual.
For more information, consult the Team page, here.
Quotes
“Jean brings a wealth of experience in policy and government affairs and is well positioned to serve as CanREA’s key representative and spokesperson in Quebec and Atlantic Canada.”
—Robert Hornung, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association
“I am looking forward to advocating for the wind energy, solar energy and energy storage industries because renewable electricity and energy storage are clean, low-cost and reliable. These industries will play a prominent role in reducing Canada’s greenhouse-gas emissions.”
—Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association.
Ontario Energy Board confirms that third-party ownership of net-metered generation is allowed within scope of existing regulation
Ottawa, Ontario, October 25, 2021—In response to a request for regulatory clarification filed by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) today published a Bulletin confirming that third-party ownership of net-metered generation is in fact allowed within the scope of the current regulation, O. Reg. 541/05: NET METERING.
CanREA’s request was submitted earlier this year via the OEB Innovation Sandbox Information Service, through which OEB staff may assist stakeholders by clarifying the regulatory framework, discussing any regulatory requirements that may be preventing a project from moving forward, or discussing the development of a pilot project.
The OEB’s response reads in part: “It is OEB staff’s view that an electricity distribution customer can qualify as an ‘eligible generator’ for net metering purposes where the customer operates but does not own a renewable energy generation facility.”
This clarification clearly establishes that an Ontario homeowner or business owner has the right to enter into either one of the following two third-party financing arrangements for on-site solar PV:
Solar lease: 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);
Power purchase agreement (PPA): 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.
At the end of either the lease or PPA period, the customer would own the solar PV equipment outright, and would continue to benefit from reduced demand for grid electricity for as long as the equipment remains operational (i.e., 20+ years).
Advantages of third-party financing for net metering:
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.
For more information:
Nicholas Gall Director, Distributed Energy Resources Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) ngall@renewablesassociation.ca
