Category: News Release

Canada’s wind energy, solar energy and energy-storage industries eager to get to work implementing Earth Day commitment

Ottawa, April 23, 2021 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased the Government of Canada has announced a new and more aggressive target to reduce our nation’s greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions, as part of the virtual Leaders Summit on Climate organized by US President Joe Biden yesterday.

“Canada needed to adopt a more aggressive 2030 GHG-emission reduction target,” said Robert Hornung, CanREA President and CEO. “We need urgent and accelerated action to address the climate crisis and put us on a path to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, and today’s announcement does that.”

“To really celebrate Earth Day, however, Canada’s new commitment must deliver absolute GHG emissions reductions,” Hornung said.

Canada’s new commitment is to reduce GHG emissions by 40-45% from 2005 levels by 2030. As of 2019, Canada’s GHG emissions had only fallen 1.1% below 2005 levels.

“The Federal Government has made commitments to a number of important measures in recent months that hold significant promise to reduce GHG emissions,” said Hornung. “If Canada is to meet its new 2030 target, these measures must be implemented quickly, to ensure that good intentions are translated into concrete actions.”

Canada’s path to net-zero GHG emissions will rely on the accelerated deployment of wind energy and solar energy, because these technologies represent Canada’s lowest cost sources of non-emitting electricity. Canada must work to fully decarbonize and then expand the electricity grid to support reduced use of fossil fuels in transportation, buildings and industry.

“If Canada is to meet its commitment to net-zero GHG emissions, it will need to fully decarbonize the electricity grid well before 2050. In fact, CanREA believes Canada should match the United States and commit to decarbonizing the electricity grid by 2035,” said Hornung, “and we look forward to working with the Federal Government on measures that will enable this to happen.”

Quotes

“Canada needed to adopt a more aggressive 2030 GHG-emission reduction target. We need urgent and accelerated action to address the climate crisis and put us on a path to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, and today’s announcement does that. To really celebrate Earth Day, however, Canada’s new commitment must deliver absolute GHG emissions reductions.”

“The Federal Government has made commitments to a number of important measures in recent months that hold significant promise to reduce GHG emissions. If Canada is to meet its new 2030 target, these measures must be implemented quickly, to ensure that good intentions are translated into concrete actions.”

“If Canada is to meet its commitment to net-zero GHG emissions, it will need to fully decarbonize the electricity grid well before 2050. In fact, CanREA believes Canada should match the United States and commit to decarbonizing the electricity grid by 2035, and we look forward to working with the Federal Government on measures that will enable this to happen.”

—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

Green stimulus measures an important contributor to restarting the economy

Ottawa, April 20, 2021 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) commends the Government of Canada for including a number of important green stimulus measures in the latest federal budget, “A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth and Resilience,” released April 19, 2021.

“The 2021 budget recognizes that renewable energy and other green technologies have an important role to play in recharging Canada’s economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic while at the same time supporting concrete action to mitigate the climate crisis,” said Robert Hornung, President and CEO of CanREA.

“We are pleased to see the budget clearly reconfirm this government’s priority on actions to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and transition Canada to a net-zero energy future.”

CanREA was particularly pleased to see the budget include commitments to the following measures:

• $4.4 billion in funding for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to provide zero-interest loans, of up to $40,000 each, for deep green energy-efficiency retrofits, including on-site renewable energy generation, such as rooftop solar. Investments in retrofits of existing buildings will stimulate significant job creation and economic activity while also reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

• A strengthened financial commitment to the Federal Clean Electricity Fund, which will allow all federal buildings to be powered with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2022 and stimulate new renewable-energy development, particularly in Alberta.  

• Increased incentives for domestic manufacturing through a commitment to cut income tax rates in half for corporations and small businesses that manufacture zero-emission technologies, including those related to wind energy, solar energy, energy storage and green hydrogen.

“CanREA notes the budget’s commitment to greenhouse-gas emission reductions and looks forward to the Federal Government announcing a more ambitious target for 2030 in the coming days,” said Hornung.

“We are confident that wind energy, solar energy and energy storage will play a critical role in meeting the 2030 target,” Hornung continued.  “CanREA will work with the Government on further measures to significantly accelerate Canada’s transition to the expanded non-emitting electricity grid that will be required for net-zero to become a reality.”

Quotes

“The 2021 budget recognizes that renewable energy and other green technologies have an important role to play in recharging Canada’s economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic while at the same time supporting concrete action to mitigate the climate crisis. We are pleased to see the budget clearly reconfirm this government’s priority on actions to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and transition Canada to a net-zero energy future.”

“CanREA notes the budget’s commitment to greenhouse-gas emission reductions and looks forward to the Federal Government announcing a more ambitious target for 2030 in the coming days. We are confident that wind energy, solar energy and energy storage will play a critical role in meeting the 2030 target.”

“CanREA will work with the Government on further measures to significantly accelerate Canada’s transition to the expanded non-emitting electricity grid that will be required for net-zero to become a reality.”

—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

Ottawa, April 8, 2021 —The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Government of Nova Scotia for introducing amendments to the Province’s Electricity Act that will expand access to renewable energy, including by opening the door to Canada’s first provincial regulatory framework for shared community ownership of net-metered solar PV generation.

Nova Scotia’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Chuck Porter, announced the amendments on April 7.

“This announcement clearly signals that the Government of Nova Scotia is committed to enhancing opportunities for solar energy to help reach its targets for renewable energy and Net Zero GHG emissions,” said CanREA President and CEO, Robert Hornung.

The changes will enable more businesses and households, including apartment tenants, to adopt solar energy through a shared ownership or subscription model.

Amendments will also allow non-residential customers to scale up their solar installations, with a new cap on system size to be determined through stakeholder consultation.

“While many details remain to be determined, this announcement signals a major step forward for community solar and we look forward to working with our members and community stakeholders over the coming months to help design an inclusive and equitable Shared Solar Program for the benefit of all Nova Scotians,” said Hornung.

CanREA has long advocated for expanding access to net-metered solar in Nova Scotia. In 2019, CanREA (operating at the time as the Canadian Solar Industries Association) published the Nova Scotia Market Outlook and Labour Force Study, which found that the residential solar market in Nova Scotia could support up to 1,170 full-time jobs throughout the Province, while reducing Nova Scotia’s GHG emissions by 32,000 tonnes per year by 2030.

Quotes

“This announcement clearly signals that the Government of Nova Scotia is committed to enhancing opportunities for solar energy to help reach its targets for renewable energy and Net Zero GHG emissions. While many details remain to be determined, this will be a major step forward for community solar and we look forward to working with our members and community stakeholders over the coming months to help design an inclusive and equitable Shared Solar Program for the benefit of all Nova Scotians.”

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

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

Ottawa, March 25, 2021 — The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased that the Supreme Court of Canada today confirmed the constitutionality of the Federal Carbon Pricing Law.

“A price on carbon pollution must be the cornerstone of any serious plan to meet Canada’s commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” said Robert Hornung, CanREA President and CEO.

The Federal Government can now proceed with its plans to transparently and steadily increase the carbon price to $170 per tonne by 2030, Hornung noted. This will provide flexibility to provinces with respect to implementation, while also providing certainty to investors, and sending a market signal that will inform investment decisions in the electricity sector and throughout the economy.

“Meeting Canada’s net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions target will require us to accelerate our transition to a non-emitting electricity grid, while expanding electricity production to assist in the decarbonization of Canada’s transportation, buildings and industry,” said Hornung.

“To support this objective,” Hornung continued, “the implementation of the Federal Carbon Price must ensure that all existing, and new, fossil-fuel-fired electricity generation will face increasing, and ultimately full, exposure to the carbon price over time.”

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association will continue to work with federal and provincial governments to ensure that wind energy, solar energy and energy storage deliver on their potential to play a key role in Canada’s transition to a net-zero economy by 2050.

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Quotes

“A price on carbon pollution must be the cornerstone of any serious plan to meet Canada’s commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,”

“Meeting Canada’s net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions target will require Canada to accelerate its transition to a non-emitting electricity grid while expanding electricity production to assist in the decarbonization of Canada’s transportation, buildings and industry.”

“The implementation of the Federal Carbon Price must ensure that all existing, and new, fossil-fuel-fired electricity generation will face increasing, and ultimately full, exposure to the carbon price over time.”

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

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
communications@renewablesassociation.ca

Leading experts assembled in January for cutting-edge information on operating Canada’s innovative wind, solar and energy-storage sites.

Ottawa, January 27, 2021 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) today concluded its inaugural Operations Summit, 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 over the two days, January 26 and 27, 2021. A deep dive into the innovative and practical work happening on the ground to deliver on Canada’s 2050 climate commitments, it was also a unique occasion for leading experts from around the world to assemble virtually and gain cutting-edge information on operating sites in Canada.

“Operations professionals are the people who project developers come to when they want to know if a dream concept is both possible and practical,” said Phil McKay, CanREA’s Senior Director, Operations. “This is the conference that answers the question: what is possible? And not just right now, but five to ten years from now: what is coming down the pipeline for the engineering marvel that is our industry?”

Speakers shared a look back at 2020 while focusing on the path ahead, sharing unique stories of how they navigated this challenging year and presenting important insights on the most significant operations and maintenance (O&M) trends developing in Canada.

“Over the next five years, we will see massive innovation in the O&M space in Canada. It will be unlike anything we’ve seen before,” said Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO. “Our members are already pushing the boundaries of what technology can do, but as wind, solar and storage come together to accelerate a decarbonized grid, we will seize the opportunity to bring it to the next level.”

All the while, CanREA will be there to ensure Canada represents the apex of best practices, standards and innovations for health and safety, workforce development, grid integration, supply chain logistics, data management, decommissioning, climate responsibility and more, not just in North America but to the global standard.

For instance, CanREA is already collaborating with the Canadian government to develop sophisticated security practices, some of which were explored in the session on “Critical Infrastructure Protection,” in which Natural Resources Canada’s Assistant Deputy Minister for the Low Carbon Energy Sector, Mollie Johnson, addressed specific threats and opportunities affecting the security of Canada’s electricity-system infrastructure, and outlined how Canada is responding to them. 

Conference highlights also included “A Conversation About Emerging Clean Tech Innovation,” in which Tyler Hamilton (Director, Ecosystem Development, MaRS Discovery District) and Tom Rand (Co-Founder & Managing Partner, ArcTern Ventures) shared insights on climate action and what inspires them to champion new ideas.

“Continuous improvement in the operations and maintenance of renewable energy assets is vital to the long-term success of this industry,” said Paul van der Weg, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy’s Managing Director, Canada. “As a proud supporter of the CanREA Operations Summit, we appreciate the opportunity to showcase our commitment to driving innovation with solutions that extend the lifetime of our customers’ renewable-energy projects. The Summit is a great way to engage with industry partners and share best practices to the benefit of all Canadians.”

A special thank you to Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Ltd. for supporting the event as a Presenting Partner, as well as to Goldwind Americas as the event’s Program Stream Partner, and to Hwy H₂O as the Event Partner.

CanREA thanks all presenters, attendees, exhibitors and sponsors for making the Operations Summit a success. In addition to attending a full roster of virtual presentations, attendees were also able to connect with one another in various networking sessions supported by the event’s Networking Sponsor, Electricity Human Resources Canada.

For more information on the program, visit the Operations Summit webpage. https://renewablesassociation.ca/event/canrea-operations-summit/  

Quotes

 “Over the next five years, we will see massive innovation in the O&M space in Canada. It will be unlike anything we’ve seen before. Our members are already pushing the boundaries of what technology can do, but as wind, solar and storage come together to accelerate a decarbonized grid, we will seize the opportunity to bring it to the next level.” 

—Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO

 “Operations professionals are the people who project developers come to when they want to know if a dream concept is both possible and practical. This is the conference that answers the question: what is possible? And not just right now, but five to ten years from now: what is coming down the pipeline for the engineering marvel that is our industry?” 

—Phil McKay, CanREA’s Senior Director, Operations

“Continuous improvement in the operations and maintenance of renewable energy assets is vital to the long-term success of this industry. As a proud supporter of the CanREA Operations Summit, we appreciate the opportunity to showcase our commitment to driving innovation with solutions that extend the lifetime of our customers’ renewable energy projects. The Summit is a great way to engage with industry partners and share best practices to the benefit of all Canadians.”

—Paul van der Weg, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy’s Managing Director, Canada

Photos

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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, Director of Communications

Canadian Renewable Energy Association

613-227-5378

bwayland@renewablesassociation.ca

2020 provided a solid foundation for growth in 2021.

Ottawa, January 19, 2021—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased to announce that Canada’s wind energy, solar energy and energy storage sectors ended 2020 in a strong position, ready to expand significantly in 2021.

“Despite considerable challenges posed by the global pandemic, Canada ended 2020 with a total wind capacity of 13,588 MW, a total solar capacity of approximately 3,000 MW, significant growth in energy storage, and a positive forecast for 2021,” said Robert Hornung, President and CEO, CanREA. “In addition, growing corporate demand, coupled with policy commitments made by governments at all levels in 2020, promise strong and accelerating growth for our technologies in 2021 and beyond.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic caused supply-chain disruptions, energy-demand fluctuations and workforce health concerns, all of which temporarily delayed many renewable-energy projects from coming online in 2020, Canada continued to see activity in both large-scale solar and wind-energy construction this year. At least 70 MW of solar PV capacity was installed in 2020, along with an additional 166 MW of wind-power generation.

Wind and solar generation now meet 40 percent of electricity demand in Prince Edward Island and 18 percent in Nova Scotia, with the contribution now approaching 10 percent in other Canadian provinces. 

With 240 MW of large-scale solar projects and 745 MW of wind projects already under construction across Canada, we anticipate significant expansion over the next year. Overall, we expect close to two gigawatts of wind and solar projects to be installed or to begin construction in 2021.

Wind and solar energy have contributed more to Canada’s installed electricity-generating capacity than any other technologies over the last decade. Much of this growth is attributable to significant cost reductions (see our blog on the subject, here), a product of game-changing technological improvements.

The field of energy storage is also growing rapidly: Canada currently has a total utility-scale energy-storage capacity of more than 130 MW / 250 MWh, 10 percent of which came online in 2020 alone.

With continued cost decreases, and emerging regulatory and market frameworks that will enable more energy-storage deployment, both utility-scale and smaller-scale (residential and commercial) energy-storage options are likely to see continued expansion in 2021.

For example, electricity-system operators and regulators are actively working on options for integrating storage on the grid, including a review of market rules in Ontario and Alberta, and pilot projects in Quebec and Saskatchewan.

Despite its challenges, 2020 also promised significant new opportunities from all three levels of government. The Province of Saskatchewan and the City of Edmonton launched procurement processes, with Saskatchewan also seeking feedback on interest in battery storage projects in the province, while the Federal Government and the Province of Quebec each announced their intention to procure low-cost, non-emitting electricity in future.

The year ended on a positive note with the Federal Government announcing a new climate plan in December, and Quebec presenting its new electrification strategy in November. Wind, solar and storage are expected to play a central role in both in order to meet commitments for the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions. 

Throughout 2020, renewable energy also continued to deliver for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprints. Some examples include RBC signing a contract to procure green energy directly from BluEarth Renewables and Bullfrog Power, and Capital Power announcing new wind and solar projects intended to reduce their own overall emissions.

Numerous CanREA members continue to work with other corporate buyers interested in purchasing electricity and environmental attributes from projects under development in Alberta.

“Customer interest in wind and solar energy is increasing and there is a lot of optimism within the industry,” said Hornung. “We are ready to deliver the renewable-energy solutions that will be central to Canada’s energy transition, with benefits for all Canadians.”

Facts at a Glance

• Total Canadian wind capacity: 13,588 MW  
• New wind power generation installed in 2020: 166 MW  
• Total Canadian solar capacity: 3,000 MW (approx., sites with greater than 1 MW capacity) 
• New solar power generation installed in 2020:  70 MW  
• Total Canadian energy storage capacity: 130 MW/ 250 MWh 
• New energy storage capacity installed in 2020: 12 MW
• Capacity of solar energy projects currently under construction, for commissioning in 2021: 240 MW  
• Capacity of wind energy projects currently under construction, for commissioning in 2021: 745 MW

For more data, see our By the Numbers page.

Quotes

“Despite considerable challenges posed by the global pandemic, Canada ended 2020 with a total wind capacity of 13,588 MW, a total solar capacity of approximately 3,000 MW, significant growth in energy storage, and a positive forecast for 2021.”

“In addition, growing corporate demand, coupled with policy commitments made by governments at all levels in 2020, promise strong and accelerating growth for our technologies in 2021 and beyond.”

“Customer interest in wind and solar energy is increasing and there is a lot of optimism within the industry. We are ready to deliver the renewable-energy solutions that will be central to Canada’s energy transition, with benefits for all Canadians.”

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

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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, Director of Communications

Canadian Renewable Energy Association

613-227-5378

bwayland@renewablesassociation.ca

What: The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) presents its inaugural Operations Summit, the largest event in Canada fully dedicated to the operation and maintenance of wind, solar and energy storage sites. #CanREAOpSummit

When: January 26-27, 2021

Where: Virtual (connection details available to media upon request)

Who:  More than 250 industry movers and shakers are expected to attend this event organized by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, Canada’s voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage. Speakers include leading industry experts and Mollie Johnson (Assistant Deputy Minister, Low Carbon Energy Sector, Natural Resources Canada).

Selected highlights:

Tales from 2020: The Year in Review: Wind and solar operators will share unique stories on how they navigated 2020.

Operations Outlook: What’s in Store for the Rest of the 2020s: Industry experts will provide up-to-date analysis on O&M trends in Canada over the coming years, in light of 2020’s impacts.

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Mollie Johnson (Assistant Deputy Minister, Low Carbon Energy Sector, Natural Resources Canada) will speak to specific threats, actors and opportunities, and how Canada is responding to support our national electricity-system infrastructure.

A Conversation About Emerging Clean Tech Innovation: Tyler Hamilton (Director, Ecosystem Development, MaRS Discovery District) and Tom Rand (Co-Founder & Managing Partner, ArcTern Ventures) will share insights on climate action and what inspires them to champion new ideas.

And much more! The full program is available here: https://renewablesassociation.ca/event/canrea-operations-summit/

Media: For a media accreditation pass and connection instructions, please send a request identifying your media outlet and primary area of interest. For advance interviews with Phil McKay (Sr Director, Operations), please contact Anastasia Smolentseva, Communications Manager, at asmolentseva@renewablesassociation.ca.

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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, Director of Communications

Canadian Renewable Energy Association

613-227-5378

bwayland@renewablesassociation.ca

New carbon pricing framework provides a clear signal that the time is now to invest in Canada’s renewable energy sector.

Ottawa, December 11, 2020 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) congratulates the Federal Government on the release today of an enhanced plan to address climate change, “A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy.” CanREA views this plan as a major step forward on the path to net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050.

“By making a long-term commitment to regular and transparent increases in Canada’s carbon price, Canada is sending a clear signal to investors in the electricity sector, and across the economy, that the time to invest in low- and no-carbon solutions is now—and that the rate of investment needs to be accelerated,” said Robert Hornung, President and CEO of CanREA.

This plan will advance Canada’s efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, while also helping Canada compete for the significant economic investment and benefits associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy. It also makes it clear that the pathway to net-zero must be built upon a non-emitting electricity grid that can supply an increased need for electricity to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions caused by transportation, buildings and industry.

“We support the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that Canada’s electricity system produces net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and we believe a clean-electricity performance standard can be an important tool in enabling this transition,” Hornung said.

Wind energy and solar energy are the most cost-competitive sources of new electricity generation available in Canada today. Energy-storage technologies are well positioned to enable Canada to maximize its deployment of these renewable energy sources. Together, these technologies must play a critical role in Canada’s efforts to reach net-zero.

“CanREA is pleased to see a commitment of $964 million over four years to support renewable power generation and grid modernization. We look forward to working with the Federal Government to flesh out the details of these initiatives in the weeks ahead,” said Hornung. “We were also pleased to see a commitment of $300 million to support remote communities in moving away from polluting and expensive diesel generation, believing as we do that wind, solar and energy storage technologies can play an important role in meeting that objective.”

Quotes

“By making a long-term commitment to regular and transparent increases in Canada’s carbon price, Canada is sending a clear signal to investors in the electricity sector, and across the economy, that the time to invest in low- and no-carbon solutions is now—and that the rate of investment needs to be accelerated.”

“We support the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that Canada’s electricity system produces net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and we believe a clean-electricity performance standard can be an important tool in enabling this transition.”

“CanREA is pleased to see a commitment of $964 million over four years to support renewable power generation and grid modernization. We look forward to working with the Federal Government to flesh out the details of these initiatives in the weeks ahead.”

“We were also pleased to see a commitment of $300 million to support remote communities in moving away from polluting and expensive diesel generation, believing as we do that wind, solar and energy storage technologies can play an important role in meeting that objective.”

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

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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, Director of Communications

Canadian Renewable Energy Association

613-227-5378

bwayland@renewablesassociation.ca