Category: News Release

May 19, 2020

A new national voice for the wind, solar and energy storage industries

Ottawa, Ontario, May 19, 2020 – Today the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) and the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) are pleased to announce the name and leader of the new multi-technology association that will provide a unified voice for solar energy, wind energy, and energy storage in Canada. Effective July 1, 2020, the members of CanSIA and CanWEA will unite within the Canadian Renewable Energy Association under the trusted leadership of Robert Hornung, the long-standing president of CanWEA.

As the founding President and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, Mr. Hornung will lead the member-based association in stakeholder advocacy and public engagement focused on ensuring that renewable energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix during this period of historical global transformation.

With a corporate office in Ottawa, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association will have national influence as well as a regional presence in jurisdictions across the country. The association will work to create conditions for a modern energy system that makes significant and positive contributions to Canada’s economy and clean energy future. It will provide forums devoted to dialogue, collaboration and stewardship, and growth of the industry.

The formation of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association reflects the growing importance of innovative energy solutions that integrate multiple renewable energy technologies. The members of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs.

Wind and solar generation meet an already significant and growing proportion of Canadian electricity demand, with a combined grid-connected installed capacity of more than 16,500 megawatts (MW). Recent power purchase contracts have confirmed that wind and solar energy are cost-competitive with conventional generation, with wind now being the lowest-cost source of new electricity generation in Canada. There is also rapid deployment of these technologies at both residential and commercial scales in Canada. Solar PV has been deployed in every province and territory across Canada. As Canada’s leader in residential and commercial solar installations, Ontario reported a total of 2,673 MW in solar PV installations at the end of 2019. Diverse energy storage projects are playing a growing role in maximizing the contributions of clean generation to grid flexibility and reliability, with more than 20 storage facilities under contract by Ontario’s grid operator alone.

Quotes

“The launch of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association is a major step forward toward the realization of more comprehensive energy solutions encompassing wind, solar and energy storage in Canada. It needs a leader with a clear vision of the modern energy system we’re building in Canada, and an understanding of our membership’s unique role in that effort. Robert Hornung brings that to the table, and we look forward to his leadership as our industries join forces in this very exciting new endeavour.”

– Michelle Chislett, Interim Board Chair, Canadian Renewable Energy Association; and Managing Director, Canada & U.S. Development, Northland Power

“We’re launching a new association not only during an ongoing energy transition, but also during the massive challenge of managing through a pandemic and ensuring recovery from its economic impacts. More than ever, Canada’s policy focus must remain on a transition to a clean economy powered by renewable energy. A unified voice for solar energy, wind energy and energy storage will help navigate the way to Canada’s emission reduction targets while creating good jobs and economic opportunity in urban centres, rural areas and Indigenous communities across the country.”

– Jason Chee-Aloy, Interim Board Vice Chair, Canadian Renewable Energy Association; and Managing Director, Power Advisory LLC

“I’m honoured and excited to be leading a new association with a mandate unlike any other. There is a clear public desire to see advancement of the technologies we represent to capture the full promise of a renewable energy future. The Canadian Renewable Energy Association is the right vehicle to help make that promise a reality, while delivering great business value to each and every member.”

– Robert Hornung, President & CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association

Robert Hornung Biography

Robert Hornung has been President of the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) for nearly 17 years. During his time as President, he represented the interests of CanWEA members who are Canada’s wind energy leaders – wind farm owners, operators, project developers, consultants, manufacturers and service providers. Together with members and stakeholders, Robert helped facilitate wind energy growth in Canada from under 300 megawatts to over 13,000 megawatts of installed capacity through advocacy and engagement efforts. Prior to joining CanWEA, Robert worked on climate change issues with the Pembina Institute, Environment Canada, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and Friends of the Earth Canada. Robert is currently on the Advisory Council of Positive Energy, a University of Ottawa research project that seeks to strengthen public confidence in Canadian energy policy.

Background

• Bloomberg NEF has forecasted global investment of US$5.3 trillion in wind power generation assets, US$4.2 trillion in solar power generation assets, and US$843 billion in batteries in the period 2018-2050. It further forecasts that wind and solar will supply almost 50 per cent of the world’s electricity by 2050.
• CanWEA and CanSIA currently share head office space in Ottawa and have a long history of collaboration on matters of mutual interest. Most recently they were among a number of signatories from Canada’s clean energy sector to an open letter to Prime Minister Trudeau on the need for clean-energy-focused stimulus in order to build a better, more resilient economy in the wake of COVID-19. Learn more about the campaign and share your support for a better, more resilient Canada.
• The amalgamation of CanSIA and CanWEA was approved through separate membership votes on special resolutions on November 28, 2019.
• The Canadian Renewable Energy Association will open its doors on July 1, and hold its first AGM concurrent with its Energy Transformation Canada conference and tradeshow, scheduled for November 10-12 in Toronto.

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About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. Our association works 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.

May 13, 2020

CANADA – COVID-19 has disrupted our way of life, and immediate relief has been the priority of governments. But what will recovery look like? And how do we ensure recovery measures aren’t just shovel-ready but shovel-worthy?

A new public letter asking Canadian governments to pursue a “resilient recovery” has attracted the signatures of companies and industry associations across Canada. As of Tuesday, over 200 signatories representing over 2,000 Canadian companies had joined the campaign asking federal and provincial governments to commit to a three-part recovery and resilience plan that would:

• invest stimulus into Canada’s fast-growing clean energy and cleantech sectors and the local production and export of world-leading low- and zero-carbon commodities;
• act quickly to support clean energy and cleantech solutions and businesses by expanding existing initiatives and programs; and
• signal clearly that Canada will continue and expand on its climate and environmental policies.

The letter also emphasizes regional equity and “training and retraining for Canadians whose past jobs may not return, in programs that can and should start now while unemployed workers are sitting at home.”

Ultimately, the signatories say, government stimulus and recovery efforts can do more than just create jobs: they’re an opportunity to encourage economic diversification and innovation, cut both carbon pollution and illness-causing air pollution, and make Canada a more resilient country.

Visit resilientrecovery.ca for more.

Key Facts

• Current signatories of the letter include Clean Energy Canada, the Canadian Wind Energy Association, the Canadian Solar Industries Association, MaRS, Innergex Renewable Energy, Ballard, Canada Cleantech, Efficiency Canada, Advanced Biofuels Canada, Electric Mobility Canada, Waterpower Canada, Energy Storage Canada, the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, the Vancouver Economic Commission, ChargePoint, Corvus Energy, Lion Electric, Carbon Engineering, Stantec, Enercon, ecobee and many more. To see the full list of signatories, go to www.resilientrecovery.ca.
• The clean energy sector employs 298,000 Canadians in a wide range of jobs: insulating homes, developing clean technologies, manufacturing electric vehicles and deploying charging infrastructure, building and maintaining wind, solar and hydro projects, producing renewable fuels and more.
• Climate action also supports competitiveness and new opportunities in other sectors of the economy. These include jobs in low-carbon concrete, steel and aluminum, the auto sector, sustainably produced mass timber, agriculture, and mining the metals and minerals used in many clean technologies.
• A recent study from U.S. and U.K. economists found that clean stimulus would “create more jobs, deliver higher short-term returns per dollar spend and lead to increased long-term cost savings, by comparison with traditional fiscal stimulus.”
• After the 2008 financial crisis, President Obama’s recovery spending in clean energy supported 900,000 job-years between 2009 and 2015.

Quotes

“A number of countries around the world, the EU, the International Energy Agency, the International Monetary Fund: what do they all have in common? Each is calling for clean stimulus, for a recovery that supports—not hinders—our crucial climate efforts. The idea of a resilient recovery is now mainstream, it’s good business, and it’s how Canada stays competitive.”

—Merran Smith, Executive Director, Clean Energy Canada

“There are an estimated 1,300 pure play clean technology companies across Canada, most of them small- and medium-sized businesses with massive potential for global growth. Throughout the stimulus and recovery process, Canada has a chance to support these Canadian innovators, create thousands of new, highly skilled jobs, and showcase home-grown technologies that can be exported around the world, all while helping meet our own climate targets. Let’s not let the opportunity slip through the cracks.”

—Jon Dogterom, Senior Vice-President, Venture Services, MaRS

“Canada is home to innovative, renewable energy companies like Innergex, whose mission is to build a better world with renewable energy. As we come through the COVID-19 crisis, Canada has the opportunity to rebuild the country to ensure we are positioned to address the climate crisis. At Innergex, we are ready to collaborate with governments and communities across the country to build economy-stimulating projects and provide family-supporting jobs through reliable and affordable renewable energy and infrastructure solutions for a resilient economic recovery.”

—Michel Letellier, President and CEO, Innergex Renewable Energy

“Supporting clean energy companies will not only create jobs in the short term but it will also help Canada to meet its emission reduction targets. We need to accelerate investments in the development, production and deployment of technology for zero-emission vehicles in order to be carbon neutral by 2050.”

—Randy MacEwen, President and CEO, Ballard Power Systems

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April 8, 2020

OTTAWA — As the conversation in Canada shifts from immediate relief to economic recovery, new questions will arise: what does recovery look like, and how do we design stimulus that delivers secure jobs in a cleaner, innovative and diverse economy?

Done right, the federal government’s stimulus and recovery efforts can create jobs, spur cleantech innovation, encourage economic diversification, cut both carbon pollution and illness-causing air pollution, and ultimately make Canada a more resilient country.

On Friday, April 3, industry and non-profit leaders representing Canada’s clean energy sector—including renewable power, energy efficiency, cleantech, advanced biofuels and electric transportation—submitted an open letter to Prime Minister Trudeau on the need for clean-energy-focused stimulus in order to build a better, more resilient economy.

You can read the letter here. It emphasizes three overarching recommendations:

1. To signal climate policy continuity and enhancement.
2. To invest in sufficient, sustained and sustainable stimulus.
3. And to move quickly to support clean energy solutions, Canadian cleantech innovation and businesses by expanding existing initiatives and programs.

In particular, the letter says, “investment in economic diversification must place special attention on the regions that need it most and that have seen record layoffs.”

The clean energy sector employs 298,000 Canadians in a wide range of jobs: insulating homes, developing clean technologies, manufacturing electric vehicles, building and maintaining wind, solar and hydro projects, producing renewable fuels—these are just a few examples. Independent modelling has found that, by 2030, Canada’s clean energy sector will employ 559,400 Canadians, thanks in part to climate policies and programs spurring a clean energy growth rate four times the Canadian average.

The energy transition is also enhancing competitiveness and creating new opportunities in other sectors of the economy. These include jobs in low-carbon concrete, steel and aluminum, sustainably produced mass timber, and mining the metals and minerals used in many clean technologies.

In short, a clean recovery creates winners across the country and across the economy. Organizations that support the letter are listed below. Read the letter here.

See contact information below for media interview requests.

Signatories

Merran Smith, Executive Director, Clean Energy Canada, Simon Fraser University

Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin, President & CEO, WaterPower Canada

Robert Hornung, President, Canadian Wind Energy Association

Wesley Johnston, President and CEO, Canadian Solar Industries Association

Daniel Breton, President and CEO, Electric Mobility Canada

Corey Diamond, Executive Director, Efficiency Canada

Ian Thomson, President, Advanced Biofuels Canada

Julia Langer, CEO, The Atmospheric Fund

Jacob Malthouse, Canada Cleantech Alliance

Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Cleantech Accelerator

Denis Leclerc, President and CEO, Écotech Québec

Maike Althaus, Executive Director, Ontario Clean Technology Industry Association

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April 2, 2020

The industry is looking forward to deepening its relationship with Hydro-Québec

Montreal, Quebec, April 2, 2020 – Members of the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) congratulate Sophie Brochu on her appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydro-Québec. A seasoned leader who led the transformation of a major player in the wind and solar industry in Quebec, Ms. Brochu brings extensive experience in the energy field, both in Quebec and in neighboring markets, to the Crown Corporation.

“The next steps in the energy transition in Quebec will require increased collaboration between various renewable energy players”, said Jean-François Nolet, Vice-President – Policy, Government and Public Affairs at CanWEA. “The arrival of Ms. Brochu sends a positive signal to members of the Quebec renewable energy industry who count on Hydro-Québec to facilitate the deployment of innovative solutions and thus increase the collaboration between hydroelectricity and other sectors.”

The majority of companies that make up the wind industry in Quebec are active in other renewable energy sectors and in other markets outside Quebec. Ms. Brochu and Hydro-Québec can count on their collaboration to maximize the opportunities for electrification, energy substitution and export of electricity.

“These objectives were clearly expressed by the Government of Quebec in its last budget and will no doubt be at the heart of economic recovery efforts. The industry is eager to work with Ms. Brochu to achieve them,” Mr. Nolet concluded.

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January 30, 2020

Wind energy industry achievements in health & safety and innovation were celebrated at the O&M Summit Awards breakfast

Toronto, Ontario, January 30, 2020 – Wind energy operations and maintenance (O&M) leaders from across Canada and the U.S. wrapped up Canada’s largest wind energy O&M event today. The two-day Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) O&M Summit, held January 29 and 30 at the Hilton, Mississauga, attracted more than 300 wind energy professionals for a solutions-focused program that addressed both the global and regional issues facing this rapidly growing sector.

A critical meeting ground for wind energy stakeholders, the CanWEA O&M Summit highlighted in-depth expertise and actionable solutions, alongside an exhibition featuring 20 leading companies in the sector. Industry professionals kicked off the Summit with a look at what it takes to drive growth in the wind energy industry, while a handpicked panel of innovators provided insight into the reality of developing new wind energy solutions in Canada. Over 40 speakers provided cutting-edge technological insights and led interactive knowledge-sharing discussions on a range of topics, including cyber security, end of financed life, use of multiple technologies, advanced inspections, climate change and the future of wind energy in Canada and around the world. Health and safety were integrated throughout the two days, culminating in a special session on the development of robust health and safety programs.

The industry also celebrated achievements in health and safety and innovation at the O&M Awards breakfast. ENERCON was recognized with the Outstanding Achievement Award for significantly contributing to innovation in wind power facility operations and maintenance. Its newly-implemented suite of advances is lengthy, but one stands out the most. With over 960 wind turbines in Canada, the technical experts in Montreal have implemented a “data lake” to contain all the information streaming in on a continuous basis. Using this data, ENERCON has been able to propose life-extension and reliability actions case by case without becoming overwhelmed by the sheer size of the data. Beyond this, additional data points have been identified for collection, intensive validation efforts executed, and advanced algorithms designed and implemented. This has led to fault prevention, reduced workload for technicians, and avoidance of major component reworking.

The Health and Safety Excellence Award was presented to Siemens Gamesa for its progressive approach to its health & safety program. Siemens Gamesa has developed a workflow tool and repository for “stop work” events where technicians can proactively identify procedural issues, possible training gaps, technical issues with safety implications or other types of risk. The wide-reaching and immediate actions that have been accomplished through the tool are impressive, making safety a priority for every department and level of the organization. It simply and effectively puts safety at the core of the business.

Quotes

“There are tremendous opportunities for future wind energy development and operation that will depend on sustained efforts and new strategies. These efforts will be crucial to our industry’s ongoing competitiveness, coupled with continued high safety and environmental standards. And as an industry, we also need to become even more focused on our customers – utilities, system operators and others – and on the products and solutions they need. Increasingly, those solutions will extend beyond energy alone, and encompass a range of ancillary services that wind energy is in fact very well-positioned to provide. Customer-focused solutions will also increasingly encompass not just wind energy alone, but other forms of renewable generation, plus energy storage. Wind developers and operators will remain key players in that future.”

– Robert Hornung, President, Canadian Wind Energy Association

“As Canada’s wind fleets expand and age, the O&M sector’s knowledge base advances and strengthens. As a result, O&M professionals are identifying increasingly targeted solutions to their unique circumstances. At this year’s event we saw Canadian innovations like a laser-based foundation health assessment tool as well as imported solutions like a commercially ready bat deterrent system. These technologies are adding to a global toolbox that is increasingly specialized and affordable. The O&M Summit provides a unique opportunity for the sector to come together and share those solutions and support our collective effort to build a sustainable electricity system.”

– Phil McKay, Operations and Maintenance Program Director, Canadian Wind Energy Association

“Pattern Canada is pleased to sponsor CanWEA’s 2020 O&M Summit as the largest meeting ground for wind energy operations and maintenance leaders. As the country’s largest operator of wind power, annually our facilities generate more than $16 million for local economies through property taxes and landowner royalties and contribute over $3.5 million to communities through our Community Benefit Programs. Pattern Canada is proud of the commitments and investments we have made and we look forward to supporting communities and economies for many years to come.”

– Lauge Nielsen, Director Field Operations, Pattern Canada

“Team-1 Academy was delighted to exhibit at the CanWEA O&M Summit. With more than 300 attendees, the Summit provided an unmatched opportunity for us to share our wind energy safety training services with key decision-makers. It’s a must-attend for anyone in the O&M sector.”

– Scott Connor, Chief of Training, Team-1 Academy

Background

• CanWEA’s O&M Summit is part of a broader CanWEA Operations and Maintenance Program that allows the wind energy industry to collaborate on areas such as health and safety best practices, improved networking, innovation and research, and information sharing on critical issues such as technician training and retention.
• The newly-released Best Practices for Mobile Crane Safety in Wind Energy Operations was developed by stakeholders from across disciplines to provide wind farm site staff with a set of guidelines for safe execution of mobile crane operations in Canada.
• CanWEA’s Wind Turbine Technician Core Competencies was recently updated, following feedback from users.
• The publications Best Practices for Wind Power Facility Electrical Safety and Best Practices for Wind Farm Icing and Cold Climate Health and Safety were developed by CanWEA’s O&M Caucus to assist with the safe operation and maintenance of wind farms.
• Learn more about CanWEA’s suite of eight annual Awards that recognize wind energy leaders making outstanding contributions to Canada’s wind energy industry.

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January 21, 2020

Who: The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) proudly welcomes more than 250 wind energy experts from across Canada and the United States, as well as accredited media to gather at CanWEA’s 6^th Annual Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Summit at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale, January 29-30.

What: The CanWEA O&M Summit is a critical meeting ground for key stakeholders from across wind energy’s O&M sector. The two-day event will offer a comprehensive series of sessions that include cutting-edge, technological insights and interactive, knowledge-sharing discussions, alongside an exhibition featuring leading companies in the sector. This year’s Summit presents a solutions-focused program with topics that include driving wind energy growth, cyber security, end of financed life, multiple technologies, advanced inspections, climate change and the future of wind energy in Canada and around the world. A new special session, Health and Safety Spotlight, will highlight the development of robust health and safety programs, while an Elevator Pitches session will have five speakers pitch a product or service in just five minutes each. Please see our program for more details. Two annual O&M Awards will be presented in recognition of excellence in Canada’s wind energy industry: the O&M Outstanding Achievement Award and the Health and Safety Excellence Award.

Where: Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale, 6750 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 2L3

Why: As wind fleets expand and age, the sector’s knowledge base advances and strengthens. The CanWEA O&M Summit has proven to be the best place to get up to speed on the latest technologies, innovations and services. Gathering O&M professionals and stakeholders from across the industry, the Summit will address both the global and regional issues facing a mature industry that seeks in-depth expertise and actionable solutions.

December 12, 2019

CanWEA O&M Summit to discuss targeted solutions for regional and global landscapes and celebrate industry excellence at Awards Breakfast

Toronto, Ontario, December 12, 2019 – The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) will host its 2020 Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Summit in Toronto, Ontario, January 29-30. Now in its sixth year, the newly released O&M Summit program addresses both the global and regional issues facing a mature industry that seeks in-depth expertise and actionable solutions. The O&M Summit is the largest annual wind operations event in Canada and gathers more than 250 wind energy professionals from across Canada and the United States.

The two-day event will offer a comprehensive series of sessions that include cutting-edge, technological insights and interactive, knowledge-sharing discussions. The Solutions Focused opening plenary will set the stage for the event and dig into the details right away. Attendees will hear from industry professionals at the forefront of the O&M sector. Reflecting on the past 12 months, the speakers will reveal the specific solutions they developed or advanced, the challenges they maneuvered through, and the most important file on their desk right now. Day two will open with Behind the Scenes of Canadian Wind Energy Innovation – a plenary of handpicked innovators, who will provide insight into the reality of developing new wind energy solutions in Canada. This session will reflect on recent, specific solutions and then panelists will turn their gaze to the technology and techniques on the horizon. Concurrent sessions and discussion streams will focus on cyber security, end of financed life, multiple technologies, advanced inspections, and other pressing topics.

Health and safety continue to underpin all aspects of the operations and maintenance sector and this will be clearly reflected at the O&M Summit, with its incorporation into every session and discussion. This year will see a new special session, Health and Safety Spotlight, where representatives from two companies will discuss their individual pathways – and roadblocks – toward robust health and safety programs. Also, one of the most engaging and rewarding sessions is back by popular demand, the Elevator Pitches session, which will have five speakers pitch a product or service in just five minutes each – and receive valuable feedback from the audience.

The O&M Summit is also the place to recognize excellence in Canada’s wind energy industry. Two prestigious awards will be presented at the O&M Awards Breakfast: the O&M Outstanding Achievement Award and the Health and Safety Excellence Award. Last year, TECHÉOL and Vestas were honoured with the CanWEA awards, respectively.

The O&M Summit’s hustling and bustling exhibition space will provide attendees the opportunity to learn about the latest technologies, innovations and services, and to connect with wind energy professionals and decision makers from across the industry. With booths located in and around the plenary room, attendees and exhibitors will benefit from easy access to deepen existing connections with their sector colleagues as well as to establish new connections for the future.

Learn more about the CanWEA O&M Summit and register today!

Want to reach wind energy leaders and decision makers directly? Take advantage of our limited exhibiting opportunities.

Showcase your organization’s commitment and leadership in the Canadian wind energy sector by becoming a sponsor. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Kathryn Boire at Kathryn@canwea.ca or by phone at 613-614-8501.

Background

• CanWEA’s O&M Summit is part of a broader CanWEA Operations and Maintenance Program that allows the wind energy industry to collaborate on areas such as health and safety best practices, improved networking, innovation and research, and information sharing on critical issues such as technician training and retention.
• CanWEA’s O&M Caucus has developed two publications to assist with the safe operation and maintenance of wind farms: Best Practices for Wind Power Facility Electrical Safety and Best Practices for Wind Farm Icing and Cold Climate Health and Safety.
• By the end of 2018, Canada had 6,596 wind turbines totaling more than 12,816 MW of installed capacity in operation; the eighth largest wind generating fleet in the world.

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December 10, 2019

A decline in investor confidence will add costs to Ontario’s electricity system in the future

Toronto, Ontario, December 10, 2019 – The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) issued the following statement in response to the December 4, 2019 decision by the Ontario government to revoke the Renewable Energy Approval (REA) for the Nation Rise wind farm currently under construction in North Stormont, Ontario:

“This decision is shocking and unprecedented and is one of a series of decisions taken by this government with respect to renewable energy that have dramatically reduced the confidence of the electricity industry and its investors in the Ontario market. The decision of the Minister to revoke his own Director’s Renewable Energy Approval, and to overturn the decision of the Environmental Review Tribunal, is disturbing considering the due diligence and rigorous processes that were followed according to the scientific and technical framework set out under the Renewable Energy Approvals process in Ontario.

“Ontario has long been considered an attractive place for businesses to invest because of its rules-based economy and low investor risk. Maintaining investor confidence is important for Ontario’s short- and long-term economic prosperity and a decline in investor confidence will add costs to Ontario’s electricity system and the broader economy as new investors incorporate increased risk into their investments. This decision does little to signal to investors that Ontario is “Open for Business”.

“This project was competitively procured under the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) Large Renewable Procurement and also represents a significant investment for the local and provincial economy. In fact, wind energy projects in Ontario have already resulted in billions of dollars of local investment and job creation. These projects provide an important source of sustained revenue for municipal and Indigenous equity partners as well as for pension plans, farmers and community initiatives throughout Ontario while also producing greenhouse gas emissions-free electricity.

“Looking ahead, Ontario will have a need for new electricity generation in the 2020s. Ontario’s future electricity grid will need to be reliable and cost-competitive while also promoting economic development and protecting the environment. No other source of potential new electricity generation in Ontario can better meet these multiple priorities than wind energy. Securing such investment at the lowest cost for Ontarians will require a more positive and stable investment climate.”

– Robert Hornung, President, Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA)

Background

• Economic benefits of Ontario’s wind energy industry – Executive Summary
• Wind energy in Ontario – Market Profile
• Wind energy is the lowest cost option for new electricity supply, without subsidies – Lazard 13.0
• Why wind energy is Ontario’s best option for new electricity supply – An Overview
• Wind energy in Canada: A Wind Energy Vision

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November 28, 2019

New multi-technology association will focus on wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage effective July 1, 2020

Toronto, Ontario, November 28, 2019 – Today, in Toronto, votes were counted on special resolutions proposed to the members of both the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) and the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA). At separate Special Meetings of Members, the voting delegates for all members in every category of membership within each association were asked to vote on the amalgamation of the two organizations into a new multi-technology association focused on wind energy, solar energy and energy storage.

The votes in support of amalgamation within both associations exceeded the required two-thirds threshold in every membership class. Therefore, the amalgamation will proceed.

The effective date for the new multi-technology association is July 1, 2020 and the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in conjunction with the inaugural Electricity Transformation Canada event in Toronto in November 2020.

Quotes

“Canada’s electricity system will need significantly increased amounts of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage in a more flexible electricity grid if Canada’s supply is to be affordable, reliable, flexible and climate-friendly. That will require increased deployment both in front of the meter and behind the meter – putting this new collaborative framework in place will allow us to fully leverage this tremendous opportunity for our industries.”

– Robert Hornung, President, Canadian Wind Energy Association

“On behalf of the Boards of Directors for both organizations, I would like to reiterate our shared belief that amalgamation will deliver a significantly strengthened value proposition to the members of both associations as we work together to bring forward comprehensive solutions and advocate with a stronger voice to increase the deployment of solar energy, wind energy and energy storage technologies across Canada.”

– Wes Johnston, President & CEO, Canadian Solar Industries Association

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