Category: News Release

Newly announced Mauricie Project is good news for wind and solar deployment in Quebec.

Montreal, November 14, 2023— CanREA congratulates TES Canada H2 Inc. for its announcement last week of a $4B green Hydrogen project in the La Mauricie region of Quebec.  

When it becomes operational in 2028, the Mauricie Project will produce 70,000 tonnes of green Hydrogen annually to help decarbonize fossil-fuel-intensive sectors of the Quebec economy.  

Green Hydrogen requires a vast supply of clean, renewable energy generation, which will mean scaling up the deployment of wind and solar in the region. To that end, TES Canada will build an 800 MW wind farm and a 200 MW solar farm to provide the energy for electrolysis.  

The 800 MW wind farm will be one of the largest in Canada, two times larger than the largest wind farm currently operating in Quebec. TES Canada predicts the project will create 1000 construction jobs for three to four years, followed by approximately 200 permanent jobs in Mauricie.  

“This is good news for the wind and solar deployment in Quebec,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada. “This project represents significant opportunities for CanREA members active in Quebec, in terms of construction, OEMs, maintenance and more. CanREA members are ready and able to build our clean energy future.” 

CanREA supports the deployment of green hydrogen, as a broad, integrative solution for decarbonizing Canada’s heavy industries where electrification is difficult. The Mauricie Project supports the use of green hydrogen for heavy transportation, which alone accounts for nearly 10% of Quebec’s emissions. The remainder will be purchased by CanREA member Énergir for third generation (e-gas) renewable natural gas, a renewable fuel used to decarbonize the heavy industrial sector. 

TES Canada claims this project will reduce CO2 emissions by 800,000 tonnes annually, making it one of the largest decarbonation projects in Quebec announced to date. 

 “This project aligns well with CanREA’s 2050 Vision. It will use wind and solar energy produced on site, optimize the use of the electricity grid, and help decarbonize key sectors of the Quebec economy.” 

The announcement took place in Shawinigan, Quebec, at a press conference featuring Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain, François-Philippe Champagne, Quebec’s Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, the mayor of Shawinigan, Michel Angers, and the executive director of TES Canada, Éric Gauthier. TES Canada H2 Inc is a Montreal-based unit of Belgium’s Tree Energy Solutions.  

TES Canada is running local public consultations on this project until November 21. For more information, see the press release here.

Photos

Quotes

“This is good news for wind and solar deployment in Quebec. This project represents significant opportunities for CanREA members active in Quebec, in terms of construction, OEMs, maintenance and more. CanREA members are ready and able to build our clean-energy future.”   

“This project aligns well with CanREA’s 2050 Vision. It will use wind and solar energy produced on site, optimize the use of the electricity grid, and help decarbonize key sectors of the Quebec economy.”   

—Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada 

About CanREA

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Bridget Wayland
Senior Director of Communications 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
613 227-5378
communications@renewablesassociation.ca   

CanREA members will be key partners in the success of Hydro-Québec’s 2035 Action Plan, which will enhance Quebec’s energy mix by tripling wind generation and increasing the deployment of solar and energy storage.

Montreal, November 2, 2023 — The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased to see that Hydro-Québec’s “Action Plan 2035: Towards a Decarbonized and Prosperous Quebec,” which was released today, plans to significantly increase the deployment of renewable energy to decarbonize Quebec’s economy in the coming years.

Hydro-Québec plans to develop 60 TWh of renewable energy by 2035, plus an additional 150 to 200 TWh, to meet Quebec’s electricity demand by 2050, which means doubling the province’s current electricity supply.

“We would like to highlight the scale and speed of Hydro-Québec’s planned deployment of renewable energy, as announced today. This 2035 action plan provides important long-term predictability for CanREA members, who will be key partners in the success of these plans,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

An increasingly diverse energy mix in Quebec

Hydro-Québec’s 2035 action plan will enhance Quebec’s energy portfolio with more wind and solar energy, in addition to energy storage.

“Wind will make a significant contribution to future energy deployment in Quebec, with Hydro-Quebec’s plans to triple wind generation to over 10,000 MW by 2035,” said Habel.

Quebec’s energy mix will also incorporate solar and battery storage.

“CanREA is pleased to see that solar and energy storage will play a larger role in Quebec’s energy mix over the coming years and decades,” said Habel. “This includes household and industrial solar PV, paired with energy storage, for more than 125,000 customers, as well as the connection of small solar farms to the distribution grid. This could total up to 300 MW.”

Net-Zero Emissions by 2050

This new action plan reflects a broader discussion on net-zero emissions and a formal consultation on the framework and development of clean energy in Quebec. Several of CanREA’s recommendations, both those made as part of this consultation, as well as those contained in CanREA’s 2050 Vision “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net Zero,” were reflected in Hydro-Québec’s new action plan.

For CanREA, Hydro-Quebec’s 2035 Action Plan is not only a step in the right direction towards meeting GHG-reduction targets by 2050, it also clearly positions Quebec to become a major player in the production of renewable energy in Canada over the next decade.

CanREA also stresses the importance of working together to optimize future energy deployment. As a result, CanREA plans to continue working with Hydro-Québec and with all the relevant stakeholders in Quebec, including Indigenous communities and municipalities, to ensure that the deployment of renewable energy projects is well aligned with host communities. “The renewable energy sector is ready to meet this challenge,” said Habel. “Quebec needs to increase renewable energy deployment to meet its climate objectives between now and 2034, and Hydro-Québec is seizing a window of opportunity offered by the new investment tax credits for renewable energy production that were announced in the 2023 federal budget.”

Quotes

“We would like to highlight the scale and speed of Hydro-Québec’s planned deployment of renewable energy, as announced today. This 2035 action plan provides important long-term predictability for CanREA members, who will be key partners in the success of these plans.”

“Wind will make a significant contribution to future energy deployment in Quebec, with Hydro- Québec’s plans to triple wind generation to over 10,000 MW by 2035.”

“CanREA is pleased to see that solar and energy storage will play a larger role in Quebec’s energy mix over the coming years and decades. This includes household and industrial solar PV, paired with energy storage, for more than 125,000 customers as well as the connection of small solar farms to the distribution grid. This could total up to 300 MW.”

“The renewable energy sector is ready to meet this challenge. Quebec needs to increase renewable energy deployment to meet its climate objectives between now and 2034, and Hydro-Québec is seizing a window of opportunity offered by the new investment tax credits for renewable energy production that were announced in the 2023 federal budget.”

—Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada

About CanREA

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Virginie Aubé Pelletier 
Advisor, TACT 
514-243-0329 
vapelletier@tactconseil.ca  

Bridget Wayland
Senior Director of Communications 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
613 227-5378
communications@renewablesassociation.ca   

CanREA launches new careers website for Canada’s wind, solar and energy-storage industries.

Calgary, Alberta, October 25, 2023—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is proud to launch a new initiative, Clean Energy Jobs Canada | Emplois Énergie Propre Canada, at CanREA’s annual conference (Electricity Transformation Canada) today. 

Clean Energy Jobs Canada aims to help accelerate the recruitment of more skilled workers into the growing renewables and energy storage industries. There are nearly 1 million vacant jobs in Canada right now. And across this nation, wind, solar and energy-storage companies need skilled workers—many today, and even more tomorrow—as the renewables industry expands operations to help achieve Canada’s 2035 and 2050 net-zero goals. 

“Our new Clean Energy Jobs Canada site is a crucial part of CanREA’s mission to grow this country’s wind, solar and energy-storage industries. As part of our national workforce strategy, we aim to build the clean energy workforce of the future,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.

CanREA’s new careers website connects employers and job seekers, showcasing exciting career opportunities to help accelerate the recruitment of more skilled workers into the growing renewables and energy storage industries.  

Job seekers can post their CVs, search for current openings across Canada, apply for jobs, create personal job alerts and more. Employers can post job openings and search a database of qualified candidates, targeting their recruitment efforts to Canada’s go-to clean energy careers site. 

CanREA member companies get complimentary job postings in 2023 and discounted posts in 2024 (members should contact CanREA to learn more) 

“We know that the number of people interested in renewables is higher than it’s ever been, and we have heard from our member companies that there is a crying need for workers, so CanREA has built this website to try to connect those dots,” said Mathieu Côté, Director of CanREA’s Operations Program. “Clean Energy Jobs Canada aims to move people from ‘interested’ to ‘employed’ in this industry.” 

As part of the initiative, CanREA is also launching a series of Clean Energy Career Profiles, showcasing a day in the life of individual Canadian wind turbine technicians, solar farm electricians, energy storage workers and other professionals working in the clean energy sector. These profiles describe what they do, how they got into this line of work, and what advice they have for others looking to work in the sector.   

For example, Dan McSween, an Operations Supervisor at TriSummit Utilities Inc. in British Columbia, says: “Renewables are the future! It is a very malleable industry and skills from all different backgrounds can become an asset to a lot of organizations.” Check out the career profiles series here.

Visit Clean Energy Jobs Canada | Emplois Énergie Propre Canada at cleanenergyjobs.ca.

Quotes

“Our new Clean Energy Jobs Canada site is a crucial part of CanREA’s mission to grow this country’s wind, solar and energy-storage industries. As part of our national workforce strategy, we aim to build the clean energy workforce of the future.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) 

“We know that the number of people interested in renewables is higher than it’s ever been, and we have heard from our member companies that there is a crying need for workers, so CanREA has built this website to try to connect those dots. Clean Energy Jobs Canada aims to move people from ‘interested’ to ‘employed’ in this industry.”  

—Mathieu Côté, Director of CanREA’s Operations Program   

“Renewables are the future! It is a very malleable industry and skills from all different backgrounds can become an asset to a lot of organizations. Set goals based on your passions and your job no longer feels like work.” 

—Dan McSween, Operations Supervisor, TriSummit Utilities Inc.

Photos

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact: 

Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
communications@renewablesassociation.ca

About CanREA

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.

CanREA and RESCo Energy held an insurance workshop with a tour of a rooftop solar/storage system.

On August 29, 2023, CanREA and RESCo Energy held a special “Insurance Day” event in Mississauga, Ontario, offering 16 insurance professionals a workshop on insurance for the renewable energy and energy storage industry, complete with an exclusive tour of RESCo’s rooftop solar system.

The workshop aimed to provide Canada’s leading insurers and underwriters with in-depth information to better understand clean-energy technologies and make informed decisions regarding the insurance solutions they provide to the renewables and energy-storage sector. 

The participating firms included four CanREA members—Renewable Risk Consulting, FM Global, Aviva and McLarens Canada—as well as AIG Canada, Allianz Commercial, CNA Insurance, Intact Insurance, Northbridge Financial and Solphi Engineering. Thanks to these 10 insurance companies for their interest in learning more.  

A very special thanks to CanREA member RESCo Energy Inc. for hosting the rooftop tour and the workshop at their facility. 

CanREA looks forward to facilitating more education-related discussions between the insurance and clean energy sectors, to help advance Canada’s clean energy transition cost-effectively and reliably. The association also aims to present similar opportunities for CanREA members in the finance sector, as well as other service-provider sectors, in the future.  

For further information or to get involved, contact CanREA’s membership team at members@renewablesassociation.ca.

As Ontario Director, Eric Muller will represent CanREA members and conduct advocacy to advance policy outcomes in Ontario.

Toronto, October 18, 2023—CanREA is thrilled to welcome Eric Muller as our new Director, Ontario.  

He will represent CanREA members in Ontario and lead the Ontario Network, conducting advocacy to advance policy outcomes in the province.  

“I am very excited to join CanREA as the Director for Ontario,” said Muller. “I look forward to representing CanREA members to advance clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable energy solutions in Ontario—and across Canada.” 

Prior to joining CanREA, Eric worked in a variety of functions at Ontario Power Generation, QUEST Canada and the Independent Electricity System Operator. He holds a bilingual Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from York University. 

Eric is based in the Greater Toronto Area. 

To see CanREA’s growing roster of professionals serving Canada’s renewable energy industry, visit the “Our team” webpage.

As Events Director, Carole Brault will be responsible for the development, planning and implementation of CanREA’s conferences and events.

Ottawa, September 25, 2023—CanREA is pleased to welcome Carole Brault as CanREA’s new Director of Events. She will be responsible for the development, planning and implementation of CanREA’s conferences and events, leading our events team and fostering the growth of our events program.

Carole is a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) who previously worked as the Manager of Events at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

“I am thrilled to be joining CanREA as the Director of Events,” she said. “I am looking forward to working alongside passionate colleagues and stakeholders to build on the success of CanREA’s past events, providing stellar opportunities that foster education, dialogue, collaboration, networking and growth for the renewable energy sector.”

Carole is based in Ottawa. To see CanREA’s growing roster of professionals serving Canada’s renewable energy industry, visit the “Our team” webpage.

CanREA congratulates CanREA members and Indigenous partners for new project funding from Natural Resources Canada’s SREPs Program.

Calgary, Alberta, September 18, 2023—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) celebrates the announcement today of more than $175M in federal support for 12 wind energy, solar energy and microgrid projects in Alberta, via Natural Resources Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs).

CanREA’s President and CEO, Vittoria Bellissimo, joined The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Labour and Seniors, Capstone Infrastructure’s Senior Project Manager, Sohail Aslam, Councillor Bradley Rabbit of the Montana First Nation, as well as media and invited guests, for a press conference in Calgary today.

“CanREA welcomes this federal investment in Indigenous-led clean energy projects, which will create jobs and opportunities for Albertans while also helping the province deliver on its decarbonization goals,” Bellissimo said in her remarks.

The funding will be allocated to the following new projects:

• CanREA Industry Leader Member, Pattern Energy Group LP. The Lanfine Wind 1 project, an onshore wind project in eastern Alberta, will be supported by a federal investment of over $20 million. The 150-MW facility is expected to generate clean energy for up to 45,000 homes.
• CanREA Terawatt Member, Capstone Infrastructure Corporation, in partnership with Sawridge First Nation. The Buffalo Atlee project includes four wind farm sites near Jenner, Alberta. These four projects are supported by a combined $60-million federal investment. They are expected to produce over 200,000 megawatt-hours per year, enough to supply electricity for about 26,200 Albertan homes annually.
• CanREA Terawatt Member, Renewable Energy Systems Canada. The Hilda Wind Power Project in Cypress County, Alberta, will be supported by a federal investment of over $17.5 million. The project is expected to add 105.4 MW of wind energy, enough to power 32,000 households.
• CanREA Terawatt Member, ATCO. A federal investment of over $62 million will support work to modernize assets, upgrade systems and deploy advanced metering infrastructure across rural, remote and urban Alberta communities to optimize electricity grid management and operations. This will improve outage responses and enable customer options such as time-of-use pricing through multiple projects.
• Along with the Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nations, ATCO will also deploy the largest solar installation in an urban centre in Western Canada, supported by a federal investment of over $13 million. Located in southeast Calgary, the Barlow and Deerfoot solar facilities are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 50,000 tonnes annually and to generate economic returns for the First Nations’ communities. This is in addition to $78.8 million in support from the Canada Infrastructure Bank to enable the majority equity ownership of the project by both First Nations.
• Akamihk Energy, a 100-percent Montana First Nation-owned company, will receive a federal investment of $1 million to investigate the potential to integrate all electricity distribution infrastructure and service on Montana First Nation’s lands into a consolidated microgrid, manage energy flows within that grid, and meter exchange to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System.

“I want to congratulate these CanREA member companies and wish them success with their upcoming projects,” said Bellissimo.

These projects will help create good jobs and economic opportunities in Alberta communities, including First Nations communities, and will provide Alberta with affordable, clean power for years to come

Quotes

“CanREA welcomes this federal investment in Indigenous-led clean energy projects, which will create jobs and opportunities for Albertans while also helping the province deliver on its decarbonization goals. I want to congratulate these CanREA member companies and wish them success with their upcoming projects.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

“The Government of Canada is investing to deliver more affordable, reliable and clean power in every region of Canada. Today’s federal investment in Indigenous and industry-led projects will create jobs delivering power to communities across Alberta as we seize the economic opportunities of a low-carbon future.”

—The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“The clean energy future is here. It’s creating good jobs and more prosperity in Alberta and across Canada.”

—The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Labour and Seniors

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:

Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
613-227-5378
communications@renewablesassociation.ca

About CanREA

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.

Canada announces foundational measures to enable the decarbonization of electricity production by 2035.

Toronto, Ontario, August 10, 2023—CanREA joined Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada Steven Guilbeault for the announcement of the Federal Government’s new draft Clean Electricity Regulations today.

“In 2021, CanREA’s 2050 Vision, Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero, defined a “to-do list” that will enable Canada to get to net-zero. Task #1 called on Canada to put in place foundational measures to enable the decarbonization of electricity production by 2035. And that’s why I am so pleased to be here today for the announcement of the Federal Government’s draft Clean Electricity Regulations,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO, in her remarks.

“As a pan-Canadian member association, CanREA is happy to see that these Regulations are drafted in such a way as to set the destination, which is net-zero, but to let provinces and companies pick their path to get there,” said Bellissimo. 

CanREA has long been calling for a massive increase in the deployment of new wind energy, solar energy and energy storage. These technologies will need to provide two-thirds of the electricity required to decarbonize the economy in the coming decades. In fact, getting to net-zero will require Canada to install more than 5,000 MW of new wind and solar annually between now and 2050.

Why are they the solution? Because they work, because they are ready today, and because they are the most affordable way to meet Canada’s net-zero targets. 

To achieve these goals, we need to remove barriers to the development of a thriving, sustainable renewable energy and energy storage industry in Canada.

The Clean Electricity Regulations create a clear market signal for the further deployment of renewable electricity from coast-to-coast-to-coast that will spur significant new investments in Canada.

“This is an exciting moment for our industry in Canada, as there are massive opportunities on the horizon for renewable energy and energy storage,” said Bellissimo.

They will also translate into increased economic opportunity for Indigenous communities and companies, something that many CanREA members support, as their business models are increasingly based on partnerships with Indigenous Peoples.

CanREA represents Canada’s leading wind, solar and energy storage companies, working to build a more reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity system across Canada. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vison.”

Photos

Quotes

“In 2021, CanREA’s 2050 Vision, Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero, defined a “to-do list” that will enable Canada to get to net-zero. Task #1 called on Canada to put in place foundational measures to enable the decarbonization of electricity production by 2035. And that’s why I am so pleased to be here today for the announcement of the Federal Government’s draft Clean Electricity Regulations.

“As a pan-Canadian member association, CanREA is happy to see that these Regulations are drafted in such a way as to set the destination, which is net-zero, but to let provinces and companies pick their path to get there.”

“This is an exciting moment for our industry in Canada, as there are massive opportunities on the horizon for renewable energy and energy storage.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
647-268-3382
communications@renewablesassociation.ca

About CanREA

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.

CanREA to work with provincial government and municipalities to re-open Alberta market ASAP

Edmonton, Alberta, August 3, 2023—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) met with Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities today and expressed strong concern about the announcement of a seven-month pause on renewable energy project approvals in the province.

CanREA will continue to meet with the Minister and his staff, as well as the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), with the aim of minimizing the duration of the moratorium and creating clarity on its consequences.

“This is a mistake. The Alberta Government, Alberta Utilities Commission and Alberta Electric System Operator need to move quickly to sort out this situation for all Alberta ratepayers, investors and municipalities,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.

CanREA is concerned that this decision will have negative consequences for investor confidence in Alberta and undermine “the Alberta Advantage”—Alberta has led Canada in new renewable energy development, representing 75% of Canada’s growth last year alone.

CanREA also stressed that renewable energy development represents a fast-moving global marketplace, characterized by labour mobility and an international supply chain for these technologies. International investors can and will target their capital to other provinces and countries that allow for revenue stability and investor certainty.

“Alberta has benefitted from market advantages that have allowed the industry to thrive here, which has benefitted our communities, consumers and landowners. We must not lose this competitive advantage,” said Bellissimo.

The pause is intended to review policies and procedures for the development of renewable electricity generation, primarily focused on land-use issues.

CanREA has already been working constructively with stakeholders in many rural communities and will continue to present clear facts and positive solutions to resolve any concerns around reclamation and co-location with agriculture in its discussions with Alberta’s regulatory authorities.

As noted in this piece by CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy for Western Canada, Evan Wilson, Alberta’s renewable energy industry is already well regulated and rooted in strong policies and robust community engagement practices.

Wind and solar are the most affordable forms of new electricity generation available on the market today. Policy changes that reduce opportunities for renewables in Alberta will not lower prices for consumers. In fact, a pause will negatively impact ratepayers and limit consumer choice, which will be especially impactful for Alberta communities who are expecting revenue from new renewable energy development.

Further, corporate Power Purchase Agreements in Alberta have clearly indicated the desire of large customers for clean energy solutions, and this moratorium derails the pathway to achieve their objectives.

Moreover, a pause on renewable energy project approvals harms Alberta’s ability to negotiate with the federal government for support to advance Alberta’s own net-zero goals, such as the new Investment Tax Credits for Clean Energy which will be rolled out this year.

“There has never been a better time or more support available to develop renewable energy resources. CanREA will continue to work closely with the provincial government and municipalities to re-open the Alberta market ASAP,” said Bellissimo.

Quotes

“This is a mistake. The Alberta Government, Alberta Utilities Commission and Alberta Electric System Operator need to move quickly to sort out this situation for all Alberta ratepayers, investors and municipalities. Alberta has benefitted from market advantages that have allowed the industry to thrive here, which has benefitted our communities and consumers. We must not lose this competitive advantage. There has never been a better time or more support available to develop renewable energy resources. CanREA will continue to work closely with the provincial government and municipalities to re-open the Alberta market ASAP.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact: 

Communications 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association 
647-268-3382 
communications@renewablesassociation.ca 

About CanREA 

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.  

SaskPower will add a combined 600 MW of renewable-energy opportunities of interest to CanREA members in Saskatchewan.

Regina, Saskatchewan, July 21, 2023—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes SaskPower’s new request for supplier qualifications (RFSQ) for two 200-MW wind-energy projects in south-central Saskatchewan, launched on July 17.

This request came just days before the closing of SaskPower’s recent RSFQ for two 100-MW solar-energy projects in the same region, first launched on June 22.

These two requests represent a combined 600 MW of renewable-energy opportunities of interest to CanREA members in Saskatchewan. 

“I’m excited to see SaskPower procuring an additional 600 MW of wind and solar energy for the provincial electricity grid,” said Erwin Heuck, Director for Saskatchewan at CanREA. “This move reaffirms their commitment to adding 3 GW of renewable generation to the grid by 2035.”

This announcement is an impressive boost to Saskatchewan’s rapidly growing renewables sector. In 2022, the province added 377 MW of installed wind capacity and 10 MW of installed solar capacity, according to CanREA’s most recent data report. The new announcements indicate a commitment to significant growth, far surpassing last year’s totals.

“This is a powerful boost for Saskatchewan’s renewables sector and CanREA members are well-positioned to continue advancing wind and solar energy in the province,” said Heuck.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit before the closing date on August 24, 2023. More information about the RSFQ and other bid opportunities can be found at MERX.com.

Quotes

“I’m excited to see SaskPower procuring an additional 600 MW of wind and solar energy for the provincial electricity grid. This move reaffirms their commitment to adding 3 GW of renewable generation to the grid by 2035.”

“This is a powerful boost for Saskatchewan’s renewables sector and CanREA members are well-positioned to continue advancing wind and solar energy in the province.”

—Erwin Heuck, Director for Saskatchewan at CanREA

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
647-268-3382
communications@renewablesassociation.ca

About CanREA

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.