Category: News Release

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.

Top 5 Benefits of your CanREA membership

1. Industry knowledge
2. Profile & branding
3. Policy development & advocacy
4. Influence & governance
5. Cost-saving & affinity programs

Other benefits include:

• Discounts for CanREA events 
• Sponsorship opportunities
• Discounted advertising

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:

Julie Mair
Director of Membership & Business Development
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
Mobile: (613) 880-4501
jmair@renewablesassociation.ca or members@renewablesassociation.ca

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:

Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
613-875-2483
communications@renewablesassociation.ca

About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. 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.

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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:

Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
613-875-2483
communications@renewablesassociation.ca

About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. 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.

CanREA welcomes Jean Habel to the Policy team

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.

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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).

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

OTTAWA – October 13, 2021 – Six associations representing the leading suppliers of electricity to consumers and markets in Canada announced today the creation of Electricity Alliance Canada (EAC), a coalition promoting the power of electrification to lead the way to a sustainable energy future.

The founding members are the Canadian Electricity Association, the Canadian Nuclear Association, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, Electricity Human Resources Canada, Marine Renewables Canada, and WaterPower Canada.

Electricity Alliance Canada’s mandate is to enable, promote and advocate for the increased use of electricity throughout the Canadian economy to help achieve Canada’s net-zero emissions target.

Canada has committed to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by 40% to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050. The new commitment to achieving a 100% net-zero emissions electricity sector by 2035 will be critical to our success.

Canada already has a clean electricity system; more than 80% of our power supply comes from non-emitting hydroelectric, nuclear, wind, solar, and marine renewable generation. Our remaining coal-fired power plants are being phased out by 2030.

But even more non-emitting electricity will be needed to support the electrification of transportation and buildings, the production of hydrogen, and the decarbonization of industrial processes and resource extraction.
Numerous studies envision Canada’s demand for electricity doubling or tripling as we move to net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions across the economy by 2050.

Canada must prioritize using our abundant, established and emerging, non-emitting electricity resources to accelerate our climate progress and decarbonize our country.

Comprehensive strategies and collaboration among governments will be required to facilitate the increased use of electricity to power transportation, buildings and industry at the scale and speed required to ensure Canada’s net-zero targets can be achieved.

Canada must rapidly deploy existing technologies, train the workforce for the required skilled jobs, advance nascent technologies, and connect all the components in a more integrated manner across our national grid.

With the right policies and support, electricity can be Canada’s leading climate solution. As an energetic new coalition, Electricity Alliance Canada aims to make it happen.

To learn more about EAC, please visit our website.

Joint statement

“Electricity will power Canada’s energy transition and create many new well-paying jobs. We are pleased to announce this enhanced collaboration to advance discussion and implement strategies that promote greater electrification in a way that is sustainable, reliable and affordable. Electricity Alliance Canada looks forward to working with governments and energy users to capture the full potential of electricity to contribute to Canada’s net-zero target.”

Francis Bradley, President and CEO of the Canadian Electricity Association
John Gorman, President and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association
Robert Hornung, President and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association
Michelle Branigan, CEO of Electricity Human Resources Canada
Elisa Obermann, Executive Director of Marine Renewables Canada
Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin, President and CEO, WaterPower Canada

About the Electricity Alliance of Canada members

Canadian Electricity Association
Founded in 1891, CEA is the national forum and voice of the evolving electricity business in Canada. CEA members generate, transmit, and distribute electrical energy to industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional customers across Canada. Members include integrated electric utilities, independent power producers, transmission and distribution companies, power marketers, manufacturers and suppliers of materials, technology, and services that keep the industry running smoothly.

Canadian Nuclear Association
Since 1960, the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) has been the national voice of the Canadian nuclear industry. Working alongside our members and all communities of interest, the CNA promotes the industry nationally and internationally, works with governments on policies affecting the sector and works to increase awareness and understanding of the value nuclear technology brings to the environment, economy, and daily lives of Canadians.

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.

Electricity Human Resources Canada
Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) is Canada’s most trusted source for objective human resource and labour market information, with the tools to guide business planning and skills development for the Canadian electricity industry. Our mission is to strengthen the ability of industry to meet current and future needs for a workforce that is safety-focused, highly-skilled, diverse and productive.

Marine Renewables Canada
Marine Renewables Canada is the country’s tidal, offshore wind, wave and river current energy association representing technology and project developers, utilities, researchers, and the energy and marine supply chain. Since 2004, the organization has worked to identify and foster collaborative opportunities, provide information and education, and represent the best interests of the sector to advance the development of a marine renewable energy industry in Canada that can be globally competitive.

WaterPower Canada
Founded in 1998, WaterPower Canada (WPC) is the national, not-for-profit trade association dedicated to representing the waterpower industry. Its many members span the breadth of the sector and include hydropower producers, manufacturers, developers, engineering firms and other organizations. WaterPower Canada members represent the waterpower installed capacity in Canada, advocating for the responsible development and use of waterpower to meet our present and future electricity needs in a sustainable manner.

Contact
Julia Muggeridge, spokesperson, Electricity Alliance Canada T 613.719.9323

According to a new study, installing more rooftop solar can help meet electricity demand while saving ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

Toronto, Ontario, August 12, 2021 — Homeowners already know that rooftop solar panels will save them money on their electricity bills. But a new study from the Canadian Renewable Energy Association confirms that solar can benefit all ratepayers whether or not they themselves put solar on their roofs.

In fact, doubling Ontario’s solar-generation capacity would help reduce costs for the whole energy system by up to $250 million per year by 2030.

The “Impact of Behind-the-Meter Solar in Ontario” study was conducted by Power Advisory LLC, a leading North American consultancy specializing in the electricity sector. CanREA asked Power Advisory to model different scenarios for the adoption of rooftop solar PV on homes and businesses across Ontario by 2030, including a high-ambition scenario that envisioned adding 3,000 MW of new solar capacity (double the current total) over the next decade.

The study used a systemwide dispatch model to assess how additional solar would affect Ontario’s wholesale electricity market. It showed that increasing the deployment of rooftop solar would achieve significant cost savings for the electricity system. This would be accomplished by reducing its reliance on costly, polluting natural-gas generation to meet daytime summer peak electricity demand, and by reducing the need for additional, expensive power procurements in the future.

“Solar electricity generation peaks on hot summer days, when Ontario’s electricity demand is at its highest due to the demand from air conditioning. Our Impact of Behind-the-Meter Solar in Ontario study shows that, by meeting that peak with solar power, we can significantly reduce the cost of the Ontario electricity system,” said Nicholas Gall, CanREA’s Director of Distributed Energy Resources.

The study showed that by enabling more electricity to be generated locally, solar could also help Ontario avoid the need to invest in new electricity grid infrastructure to accommodate rising demand in many regions of the province, which could translate into further cost savings.

Globally, the cost of solar electricity has fallen by approximately 90% since 2010. This extraordinary cost decrease has put rooftop solar within reach for more Ontario households and businesses than ever before.

“However, regulatory red tape is holding solar back in Ontario,” said Gall. “By making a few key changes, Ontario could take advantage of the fantastic cost savings described in our study.”

Doubling Ontario’s rooftop solar capacity in the next decade is eminently doable.

“Ontario currently has approximately 3,000 MW of solar PV. Doubling it by 2030, as per the study, would mean installing rooftop solar on 19,000 homes and 175 big-box stores each year for the next decade,” said Gall. “For the sake of comparison, the Netherlands, which is approximately the size of Ontario both in terms of population and electricity demand, installed nearly 3,000 MW of solar just in 2020 alone.”

It is clear that solar power can play an important role in meeting Ontario’s future electricity needs, while providing cost savings and environmental benefits to all Ontarians. CanREA continues to advocate for doubling Ontario’s rooftop solar PV capacity by 2030, which would allow consumers to take full advantage of a massive, systemwide savings of up to $250M per year by 2030.

The study is available here.

Quotes

“Solar electricity generation peaks on hot summer days, when Ontario’s electricity demand is at its highest due to the demand from air conditioning. Our Impact of Behind-the-Meter Solar in Ontario study shows that, by meeting that peak with solar power, we can significantly reduce the cost of the Ontario electricity system.”

“However, regulatory red tape is holding solar back in Ontario. By making a few key changes, Ontario could take advantage of the fantastic cost savings described in our study.”  

“Ontario currently has approximately 3,000 MW of solar PV. Doubling it by 2030, as per the study, would mean installing rooftop solar on 19,000 homes and 175 big-box stores each year for the next decade. For the sake of comparison, the Netherlands, which is approximately the size of Ontario both in terms of population and electricity demand, installed nearly 3,000 MW of solar just in 2020 alone.”

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

Background

The results of this study inform CanREA’s priority actions in Ontario, encouraging solar to deliver real savings for households and businesses. For example:

• CanREA advocates for access to a Time-of-Use rate option for consumers who install rooftop solar PV. For these consumers, access to summer-peak electricity rates would improve the return, on surplus solar electricity exported during these periods, by over 70%
• CanREA also advocates for Third-Party Ownership of net-metered rooftop solar. Third-party financing arrangements enable businesses and homeowners to lease a net-metered rooftop solar PV system, reducing their risk and making solar electricity more accessible if they lack the upfront capital to purchase the system outright.
• CanREA supports Virtual Net Metering, also known as Community Solar, which enables customers who cannot generate solar energy on their own roof (including renters and condominium owners) to do so at a different, suitable site nearby. Virtual Net Metering frameworks are already in place in more than 20 US states, and Nova Scotia is currently leading the development of the first such framework in 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. Our vision is to ensure wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix.

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

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Katherine Picard, Communications Manager
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
613-875-2483
communications@renewablesassociation.ca

Selected highlights from CanREA’s first year of existence

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) launched on July 1, 2020. The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) and the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) united to create one voice for this country’s wind energy, solar energy and energy storage industries. It has been a stellar first year for CanREA. And to mark our one-year anniversary, we are looking back. Here are the top 21 highlights from the past 12 months. Thank you to all CanREA’s members, partners, allies and supporters, who work with us to provide solutions for Canada’s energy transition, blazing the path forward to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Highlight No. 1
July 2020

As our founding President and CEO, Robert Hornung, said in our press release one year ago: “CanREA will be advocating for investment in wind energy, solar energy and energy storage projects that can deliver both jobs and economic benefits today, as well as the infrastructure that will provide a foundation for significantly more investment in the jobs, economic activity and energy solutions of tomorrow.” Read the press release here.

Highlight No. 2
August 2020

Launched in our second month of operations, CanREA’s newsletter, “Power Together” is an excellent way to stay informed about new developments in Canada’s wind-energy, solar-energy and energy-storage industry.

CanREA also offers an exclusive, members-only newsletter, called “Moving the Needle,” and “Watt’s On,” our events e-blast. CanREA’s newsletters inform subscribers about new developments and key opportunities in the Canadian markets for renewable energy. Subscribe securely here.

Highlight No. 3.
September 2020

Corporate Knights magazine publishes “Electrification is key to jumpstarting Canada’s slumping economy,” a joint Op-ed with CanREA and our friends at WaterPower Canada, Marine Renewables Canada, Canadian Electricity Association, Canadian Nuclear Association and Electricity Human Resources Canada. Read it here.

Highlight No. 4
October 2020

Following extensive advocacy led by CanREA, the Ontario Ministry of Energy announces the launch of a community net-metering pilot project. CanREA applauds this initiative as it envisions the creation of a regulatory framework that would provide Ontarians with an opportunity to support economic recovery through the deployment of distributed solar-energy projects in their communities. Read more here.

Highlight No. 5
November 2020

CanREA holds its first virtual event, the Renewable Energy Forum. More than 400 participants and leading experts in wind energy, solar energy and energy storage come together for Canada’s premier renewable energy event, including a virtual chat with the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. Learn more here.

Highlight No. 6
Also in November 2020

At a virtual AGM, CanREA announces its first Board of Directors, elected by CanREA members. As leaders of the industry, Board members offer their expertise and knowledge and serve as advocates to promote and harness wind energy, solar energy and energy storage in Canada. The complete list is available on our website, here.

Highlight No. 7
December 2020

CanREA launches its first membership drive, with a blog post by Wes Johnston, VP of Business Development. CanREA has so far welcomed 103 new members since it launched in July 2020, ending its first year with 303 members and 24 supporters. Read the blog here.

Highlight No. 8
January 2021

CanREA releases its year-end data, showing that, despite significant challenges posed by the global pandemic, Canada’s wind-energy, solar-energy and energy-storage sectors ended 2020 in a strong position, with a total wind capacity of 13,588 MW, a total solar capacity of approximately 3,000 MW and significant growth in energy storage. These sectors are ready to expand significantly in 2021. Learn more here.

Highlight No. 9
Also in January 2021

CanREA holds the Operations Summit in a virtual format, the largest event in Canada fully dedicated to the operations of wind, solar and energy-storage sites. More than 250 industry movers and shakers attended the two-day cutting-edge event providing information on operating Canada’s innovative renewable-energy sites. Read the recap here.

Highlight No. 10
February 2021

CanREA hosts a popular webinar on what can be done to enhance opportunities for corporate power purchase agreements for renewable energy throughout Canada, with speakers from Microsoft, RES Canada, BluEarth Renewables and Power Advisory. It was one of 5 unique webinars offered by CanREA this year. Learn more here.

Highlight No. 11
Also in February 2021

CanREA congratulates the Government of Quebec for two initiatives: One, the 200 MW Apuiat wind power project, a partnership with the Innu community of Uashat mak Mani-utenam, le Conseil des Innus Essipit, Hydro-Québec and Boralex (read here); and two, a commitment announced by Hydro-Quebec to launch an RFP for 200 to 500 MW of wind power in 2021 (read here).

Highlight No. 12
March 2021

CanREA’s President and CEO, Robert Hornung, publishes a blog exploring our vision for 2050, in anticipation of a full CanREA Vision, to be launched in Nov 2021. The series explores how wind energy, solar energy and energy storage, working together, will be at the core of Canada’s energy transition. Read the series here.

Highlight No. 13
April 2021

CanREA holds the Spring Forward event, bringing together 175 renewable-energy experts from across Canada for a special event focused on recharging Canada’s economy with renewables. Check out the recap, here.

Highlight No. 14
Also in April 2021

Following extensive advocacy led by CanREA, the Government of Nova Scotia introduces legislation lifting the province’s 100 kW net metering cap, committing the province to develop Canada’s first framework for community ownership of net-metered solar PV generation. Read it here.

Highlight No. 15
Also in April 2021

CanREA’s Alberta Caucus celebrates a decision by the Alberta Utilities Commission to update its Rule 007, which governs the application process for power plants, substations, transmission lines, industrial system designations and hydro development. CanREA had advocated for changes that would make the Rule better reflect the reality of rapid technological change within our industry. Read our blog here.

Highlight No. 16
Also in April 2021

CanREA reacts to the new federal budget (read here) and subsequent Earth Day announcement of more aggressive climate targets (read here), stating that Canada’s wind-energy, solar-energy and energy-storage industries are eager to get to work implementing these new commitments.

Highlight No. 17
May 2021

The Government of Canada announces the launch of the Greener Homes Grant program, a commitment of $2.6 billion over seven years to provide homeowners with grants of up to $5,000 for energy efficiency upgrades, including installing solar PV and battery storage. CanREA led advocacy for the inclusion of solar and storage in this program. Read our statement here.

Highlight No. 18
Also in May 2021

CanREA appoints a new Vice-President, Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs. Brandy Giannetta will lead CanREA’s policy team in its effort to create new market opportunities in priority jurisdictions. Giannetta has been in a senior policy role with CanWEA (and CanREA) for the past eight years, most recently as senior director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Read the news here.

Highlight No. 19
June 2021

SaskPower announces results of 2021 Wind Energy Procurement. The 200 MW Bekevar Wind Energy Project was awarded to Renewable Energy Systems (RES), a CanREA Champion member, and the Awasis Nehiyawewini Energy Development company, owned by the Cowessess First Nation. Read more here.

Highlight No. 20
Also in June 2021

CanREA welcomes the release of the North American Renewable Integration Study (NARIS), the most comprehensive long-term analysis of power system evolution to date on the North American grid, which concluded that, between now and 2050, solar energy and wind energy are poised to contribute 90-95% of new electricity generation to the grid in both Canada and the United States. Read our statement here.

Highlight No. 21
Also in June 2021

CanREA caps off its first year by releasing a teaser of the Association’s plan for energy storage, the third pillar of CanREA’s work as the voice of Canada’s wind-energy, solar-energy and energy-storage industry. The full Story of Storage will be released in mid-September 2021. Read the blog here.

Renewable energy industry commends the government for taking decisive action

Montreal, July 14, 2021—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) and the members of CanREA’s Quebec Caucus applaud the Quebec government’s decision to launch two renewable-energy procurement processes, including an RFP for 300 MW of wind energy.

Today’s announcement, delivered by the Premier and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, is an important step in driving new investment and strengthening Quebec’s leadership in the wind-energy sector.

“CanREA is pleased with the government’s decision to move forward with these procurements,” said Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs. “Wind energy will help optimize the energy mix available to Quebecers, an important step toward achieving the province’s ambitious electrification objectives.”

This announcement clearly demonstrates the importance of renewable energy in achieving net zero in Quebec. The renewable energy industry will play a key role in meeting Quebec’s energy needs both this year and for many years to come.

“CanREA’s members are looking forward to responding to these RFPs, which will leverage Quebec’s expertise within a very competitive global context,” said Giannetta.

Diversifying the energy supply will benefit consumers

This is Quebec’s second significant announcement around wind power this year. A 200 MW project was announced in February, to be joined by this new, 300 MW RFP.

The government is demonstrating, through these wind projects and RFPs, that it has confidence in the wind industry to meet the province’s growing energy needs while also helping Quebec become the “battery of northeastern North America.” While Quebec already has a strong hydroelectricity supply, there are many advantages to using different types of renewable energy to ensure both reliability and low prices.

Long-term development of the sector

The new RFPs will help advance electrification in Quebec, in alignment with the Plan for a Green Economy. The wind energy, solar energy and energy storage industries are prepared to collaborate fully to support the Government’s objectives.

CanREA and our members will continue to engage with the Government to ensure that the procurement offers advantages for all, promotes competitive prices, and promotes sustainable development in this sector.

“With these initiatives, the Quebec government is demonstrating that it’s time to take decisive action if we are to achieve net zero. We commend them on doing the right thing,” said Giannetta.

Quotes

“CanREA is pleased with the government’s decision to move forward with these procurements. Wind energy will help optimize the energy mix available to Quebecers, an important step toward achieving the province’s ambitious electrification objectives. CanREA’s members are looking forward to responding to these RFPs, which will leverage Quebec’s expertise within a very competitive global context. With these initiatives, the Quebec government is demonstrating that it’s time to take decisive action if we are to achieve net-zero. We commend them on doing the right thing.”

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

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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.

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For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Katherine Picard, Communications Manager
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
613 875-2483
communications@renewablesassociation.ca