Category: News Release

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.

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

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

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

Nova Scotia’s new RFP signals the positive role that renewable energy will play in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions in the province.

Ottawa, July 12, 2021—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) fully supports Nova Scotia’s July 10 announcement of a new Request For Proposals, indicating a bold new step toward embracing renewable energy in the province.

“CanREA very much welcomes Nova Scotia’s new commitment to having renewable energy power 80% of its electricity grid by 2030,” said Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs.

“The Government of Nova Scotia is demonstrating great leadership in accelerating the decarbonization process with this new target and procurement.”

The procurement aims to attract low-cost and innovative solutions to procure 350 MW of electricity for Nova Scotia.

“CanREA has actively engaged with the government to promote the benefits of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage over the past year, and our members are eager to help make this procurement a success,” said Giannetta.

When it comes to combatting climate change, CanREA is calling for immediate, decisive actions that will achieve meaningful, concrete results in reducing Canada’s greenhouse-gas emissions. Nova Scotia’s new procurement is a perfect example of such an action, as this new renewable energy will reduce the province’s greenhouse-gas emissions by more than one million tonnes each year.

This is very positive news for the renewable energy industry, showcasing the important role that can be played by wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy generation in reaching Nova Scotia’s climate goals.

“We are confident that renewables will enable Nova Scotia to reach their climate-change goals sooner, and we are looking forward to supporting this transition,” said Giannetta.

“We will remain actively engaged to help the province’s procurement administrator design this RFP and will continue to advocate for the roll-out of additional procurements under the Green Choice Program.”

Quotes

“CanREA very much welcomes Nova Scotia’s new commitment to having renewable energy power 80% of its electricity grid by 2030. The Government of Nova Scotia is demonstrating great leadership in accelerating the decarbonization process with this new target and procurement.”

“CanREA has actively engaged with the government to promote the benefits of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage over the past year, and our members are eager to help make this procurement a success.”

“We are confident that renewables will enable Nova Scotia to reach their climate-change goals sooner, and we are looking forward to supporting this transition. We will remain actively engaged to help the province’s procurement administrator design this RFP and will continue to advocate for the roll-out of additional procurements under the Green Choice Program.”

—Brandy Giannetta, Vice-President, Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs, Canadian Renewable Energy Association

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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. 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:

Bridget Wayland, Communications Director
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
613-227-5378
bwayland@renewablesassociation.ca

The largest study (of its kind) ever conducted on the planet concludes 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.

Ottawa, June 28, 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.

Representing some of the best intelligence available today, NARIS shows that, between now and 2050, solar energy and wind energy are poised to contribute the greatest proportion of new electricity generation to the grid—a full 90 to 95%—in both Canada and the United States.

NARIS concludes that this represents the lowest-cost pathway to the significant decarbonization and expansion of the electricity grid, while maintaining grid reliability.

As a partnership between Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and Secretaría de Energía de México (SENER), NARIS aims to inform grid planners, utilities, industry, policymakers, and other stakeholders throughout North America about the possible renewable energy grid-integration scenarios on a continental basis, as well as national perspectives.

NARIS (available here) consists of a suite of models for dozens of continent-wide planning scenarios, presenting multiple pathways for grid evolution through 2050.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) used a supercomputer to study four possible scenarios and 38 additional sensitivity scenarios for transitioning to a low-carbon grid, defined as reaching 80% carbon reductions from the continental electric power system. For Canada, this included 80-92% reductions by 2050, compared to 2005 levels.

For each scenario, NREL modelled the transmission, demand and contribution of energy generation technologies, including the potential impacts on costs, emissions and system adequacy, taking into account variables around policy, economics and public adoption rates.

The study determined which combination of variables yielded the best possible results, with the least amount of carbon emissions by 2050 at the lowest cost. In some of these scenarios, it was assumed that electricity production would need to double to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in transportation and heating.

NARIS also focused on potential cooperation between regions, and among the nations of Canada, Mexico and the US, where transmission can support the sharing of supply and the diversity of demand. There, it found that greater coordination between regions in Canada—new transmission lines—can significantly lower emissions at the lowest possible cost.

Key findings for Canada

• 90-95% of Canada’s NEW electricity generation, between now and 2050, comes from wind and solar energy.
• Renewables (hydro, wind, solar) contribute 90 to 95% of TOTAL electricity to the system annually in all scenarios, with higher integration levels driven by greater constraints on emissions and increased electrification. 
• 93% decarbonization. Decarbonization in excess of 93% of Canadian generation can be achieved by 2050, through multiple pathways.
• Reliability: The future low-carbon system can balance supply and demand in a wide range of future conditions, with wind and solar contributing to planning reserves. Modeled on a 5-minute time resolution, operational flexibility is achieved through the flexible operation of all generator types. 
• 78 to 150 GW of installed capacity of wind energy in 2050. Wind energy capacity is projected to range from 78 GW (in the low-cost variable generation scenario) to 150 GW (in the electrification scenario). This requires a five-to-ten-fold increase in wind energy capacity from the approximately 15 GW that was estimated by 2024 – a number we now know will be exceeded in 2022.  
• 34 to 51 GW of installed capacity of solar energy in 2050. Solar energy capacity is projected to grow from an assumed value of 2 GW (a number that has already been exceeded) to 34 or 51 GW in 2050, based on the low-cost variable generation and electrification scenarios, respectively. This requires a ten-to-18 fold increase in solar energy capacity over this period.
• Of this, 7 to 32 GW of rooftop solar contributions, depending on cost and payback assumptions under the various scenarios.
• 14 GW of storage could be deployed in Canada by 2050 thanks to technology innovation in wind, solar and storage cost trajectories.
• $200 Billion USD. Regional and international cooperation can provide $200 Billion USD in net system benefits through 2050.

More may be possible

It is important to note that the base data used in this immense modelling exercise were determined at the end of 2018, when the study was commissioned, and that there have been important changes since then.

• For example, both Canada and the U.S. have now set significantly more ambitious emissions-reductions targets than what was used in the NARIS calculations, as detailed in our statement, here. Both countries have now made commitments to net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050. The US has indicated it wants to decarbonize the electricity grid by 2035 and Canada has said it wants to do the same before 2050. These new commitments exceed the “carbon-constrained” scenario that was aiming for a 92% reduction in GHG emissions from the electricity sector by 2050.
• Furthermore, in the years since 2018, the costs of wind, solar and energy storage have dropped further, as detailed in our blog post, here.
• The study also took a conservative approach to electrification, which is generally recognized as being a key component of any strategy for Canada to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050.  

Nevertheless, NARIS remains a groundbreaking, comprehensive and foundational study whose results provide many critical insights for the electricity sector to build on.

Next steps for CanREA

While NARIS’ modeling did not include or propose changes to electricity market and regulatory frameworks, CanREA’s position is that significant reforms will be needed to enable the best-case scenarios modelled by NARIS. Specifically:

1. If Canada is to achieve net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050, it must fully decarbonize, and significantly expand, its electricity production.
2. The NARIS study clearly shows that the most cost-effective way to decarbonize and expand Canada’s electricity system, while maintaining grid reliability, is to massively expand the production of wind and solar energy while investing in new transmission infrastructure that enables us to use these resources in the most efficient manner possible.
3. Canada’s federal and provincial governments must work together to decarbonize our electricity grid by 2035, while recognizing the potential need for some limited flexibility mechanisms to enable the implementation of such an objective. They must also develop comprehensive electrification strategies, and enable investment in new infrastructure for transmission, distribution, energy storage and smart grid technologies, to make it possible to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Going forward, CanREA will continue to advocate for these changes in key regions of Canada, and will advocate for the policy, regulatory and market reforms needed to achieve an expanded and decarbonized electricity grid.

CanREA member companies eager to invest significantly in renewable-energy projects benefitting Saskatchewan communities

Ottawa, June 17, 2021—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) commends SaskPower for awarding its latest wind-energy procurement contract to generate non-greenhouse-gas-emitting power at competitive prices for ratepayers across the province. 

“We are excited by the results of SaskPower’s most recent competition,” said CanREA’s President and CEO, Robert Hornung. “Our members are eager to make significant investments in Saskatchewan under the provincial ‘Prairie Resilience’ climate plan. The strong interest in this recent RFP makes it clear that wind energy is well positioned to contribute much more to Saskatchewan’s future need for low-cost, non-greenhouse-gas-emitting generation.” 

As announced today, SaskPower has awarded the 200 MW Bekevar Wind Energy Project to Renewable Energy Systems (RES), a CanREA Champion member, and the Awasis Nehiyawewini Energy Development company, owned by the Cowessess First Nation.  

It will be located in southeastern Saskatchewan, across the RM of Hazelwood, the RM of Kingsley and the Cowessess First Nation.  

The facility will come online in 2023. This is a 25-year contract to provide clean, non-emitting electricity to SaskPower at the lowest-ever price for renewable electricity in Saskatchewan history.  

“SaskPower’s competitive approach has once again allowed Saskatchewan to succeed in attracting significant investments in low-cost electricity that will provide significant economic benefits to host communities and the province as a whole,” said Hornung. 

This new wind-energy project will provide annual revenues to host communities, lease revenues to landowners, contracting opportunities to local business, as well as construction and operational job opportunities, including commitments to Indigenous employment and subcontracting opportunities.  

Earlier this year, SaskPower announced plans to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 50 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, with renewable energy as a cornerstone of this plan.  

“CanREA is eager to see further growth in renewables in Saskatchewan, as the government and SaskPower seek to achieve these ambitious goals,” said Evan Wilson, CanREA’s Senior Director for Western Canada.  

“The transition to a non-emitting grid is critical in the fight against climate change. Saskatchewan has vast, world-class wind and solar resources which, combined with recent technological improvements and price reductions, give SaskPower the tools required to accelerate their progress on this goal,” said Wilson.  

More investment in wind energy, solar energy and energy-storage technologies will be a key tool in meeting these GHG emissions-reduction targets, and CanREA looks forward to many more such announcements to come. 

Quotes  

“CanREA is excited by the results of SaskPower’s most recent competition. Our members are eager to make significant investments in Saskatchewan under the provincial ‘Prairie Resilience’ climate plan.”  

—Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO 

“The strong interest in SaskPower’s recent RFP makes it clear that wind energy is well positioned to contribute much more to Saskatchewan’s future need for low-cost, non-greenhouse-gas-emitting generation.” 

—Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO 

“SaskPower’s competitive approach has once again allowed Saskatchewan to succeed in attracting significant investments in low-cost electricity that will provide significant economic benefits to host communities and the province as a whole.” 

—Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO 

“CanREA is eager to see further growth in renewables in Saskatchewan, as the government and SaskPower seek to achieve ambitious goals.” 

—Evan Wilson, CanREA’s Senior Director for Western Canada  

“The transition to a non-emitting grid is critical in the fight against climate change. Saskatchewan has vast, world-class wind and solar resources which, combined with recent technological improvements and price reductions, give SaskPower the tools required to accelerate their progress on this goal.” 

—Evan Wilson, CanREA’s Senior Director for Western Canada  

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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. 

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: 

Bridget Wayland, Communications Director 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association 
613-227-5378 
bwayland@renewablesassociation.ca 

New Government of Canada program will increase deployment of residential solar energy and energy storage, generating multiple benefits.

Ottawa, May 28, 2021 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Government of Canada for its launch of the Canada Greener Homes Grant program to support energy-efficiency retrofits and the deployment of solar energy and energy storage in Canadian homes.

“The Greener Homes program will make rooftop solar and battery storage more accessible and affordable to more Canadians, helping them to save money while reducing their carbon footprints, and creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs across Canada,” said Robert Hornung, CanREA President and CEO.

“Residential solar power and energy storage are well positioned to make an important contribution to Canada’s commitment to move to net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050.”

Up to 700,000 Canadian homeowners will be eligible for grants of up to $5,000 for energy-efficiency upgrades, including solar panels and battery storage, retroactive to December 1, 2020, and up to an additional $600 to support the cost of an EnerGuide home-energy evaluation.

Homeowners will be eligible for grants of:

• $1000 per kW up to a maximum of $5000 for solar PV systems on single-family homes
• Up to $20,000 per building for solar PV systems on multi-unit residential buildings of three or fewer storeys in height with a building area not exceeding 600 m2
• $1000 for batteries connected to PV systems to provide standby power for the home

Canada has made a commitment to reduce GHG emissions by 40 to 45 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. As of 2019, Canada’s GHG emissions had only fallen 1.1% below 2005 levels.

“Canada’s path to net-zero GHG emissions will rely on the accelerated deployment of wind energy and solar energy to fully decarbonize—and then significantly expand—the electricity grid, to support reduced use of fossil fuels in transportation, buildings and industry,” said Hornung.

“Canadians can directly contribute to this effort by investing in residential solar power and energy storage.”

For more information on residential solar in Canada, read CanREA’s recent blog post on the role of rooftop solar in reaching net-zero emissions.

Quotes

“The Greener Homes program will make rooftop solar and battery storage more accessible and affordable to more Canadians, helping them to save money while reducing their carbon footprints, and creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs across Canada. Residential solar power and energy storage are well positioned to make an important contribution to Canada’s commitment to move to net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050.”

“Canada’s path to net-zero GHG emissions will rely on the accelerated deployment of wind energy and solar energy to fully decarbonize and then significantly expand the electricity grid to support reduced use of fossil fuels in transportation, buildings and industry. Canadians can directly contribute to this effort by investing in residential solar power and energy storage.”

—Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO

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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.

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

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Bridget Wayland, Communications Director
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
613-227-5378
bwayland@renewablesassociation.ca

CanREA’s Spring Forward event explored how wind energy, solar energy and energy storage will play a key role in boosting economic growth and job creation post-pandemic, while supporting critical 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

Ottawa, April 29, 2021 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) brought together 175 renewable-energy experts from across Canada this week for a special event focused on recharging Canada’s economy with renewables.

“We called this event Spring Forward because that is exactly what Canada needs to do right now,” said Robert Hornung, CanREA President and CEO. “Canada has only reduced its GHG emissions by 1.1% in the last 14 years and our country just set a target to reduce emissions by a minimum of 40% in the next nine years. We need to spring into action and accelerate the deployment of clean, renewable electricity if we are to succeed in beating the climate crisis.”

The two-day program explored how wind, solar and energy storage will play a critical role in boosting economic growth and job creation post-pandemic, while also positioning Canada for sustained success at home and on the global stage.

Selected highlights:

• Opening keynote address by Peter Fraser (International Energy Agency, former Vice President of the Ontario Energy Board), spoke about Net-Zero 2050 and the implications for global renewables development.
• Closing keynote session by Linda Coady (Pembina Institute) and Janet Brown (Opinion Research) discussing polling indicating that Albertans are ready for a net-zero economy.
• The Globe and Mail’s Adam Radwanski moderated a discussion on “Navigating the Energy Transition Across Canada and the U.S.” with Melina Bartels from BloombergNEF and Sashen Guneratna of the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• Annette Verschuren (Chair and CEO of NRStor Inc) led a fireside chat with Peter Gregg, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power Inc., exploring how the NS grid is moving toward 80% renewable electricity by 2030, and what’s next for wind, solar and energy storage in the province.
• The CEO of the American Clean Power Association, Heather Zichal, sat down with CanREA’s President and CEO, Robert Hornung, to discuss the Biden administration’s climate change objectives and its goal to achieve a 100% clean electricity grid by 2035.

There were also stimulating sessions dedicated to topics such as green hydrogen, distributed energy resources, interconnection, energy storage and Canada’s carbon pricing framework.

“We had important discussions over the last two days that I hope will help to galvanize our thinking, as individuals and as an industry, on the work we need to do to make net-zero a reality,” said Hornung.

As Spring Forward made clear, wind energy, solar energy and energy-storage technologies offer a very positive route to recovery, as the world begins to heal from a global pandemic and gears up to tackle the climate crisis. Now more than ever, these technologies are poised to enable the transformation needed. It’s time to make it happen.

Quotes

“We called this event Spring Forward because that is exactly what Canada needs to do right now. Canada has only reduced its GHG emissions by 1.1% in the last 14 years, yet our country just set a target to reduce emissions by a minimum of 40% in the next nine years. We need to spring into action and accelerate the deployment of clean, renewable electricity if we are to succeed in beating the climate crisis.”

“We had important discussions over the last two days that I hope will help to galvanize our thinking, as individuals and as an industry, on the work we need to do to make net-zero a reality.” 

—Robert Hornung, CanREA President and CEO

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. Become a member here.

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Bridget Wayland, Communications Director
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
613-227-5378
bwayland@renewablesassociation.ca

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