News Release Archives - Page 9 of 20 - Canadian Renewable Energy Association

CanREA welcomes New Brunswick’s new energy strategy

Posted on December 14, 2023December 14, 2023 by Melissa McDougall

Wind, solar and energy storage will be pivotal to New Brunswick’s plan to increase renewables five-fold by 2035.

Ottawa, December 14, 2023—CanREA welcomes New Brunswick’s new energy strategy, published this week, which will increase the province’s supply of renewable energy five-fold by 2035.

The plan, entitled “Powering our Economy and the World with Clean Energy – Our Path Forward to 2035,” includes a 12-year road map and supporting strategies for the province to meet national and international clean-energy transition targets.

Notably, New Brunswick’s energy strategy now includes the development of 1400 MW of new wind power, 200 MW of grid-scale solar power, an additional 100 MW of energy storage, and 300 MW of onsite (behind-the-meter) solar.

“CanREA is glad to see that wind, solar and energy storage are pivotal in New Brunswick’s new energy vision,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada. “In order to reach a net-zero economy, the scale and speed of clean energy deployment is going to be unprecedented. CanREA would like to congratulate the government of New Brunswick for their commitment to defining an energy transition roadmap for this province.”

This roadmap includes predictable wind procurement every two years starting in 2027, that will lead to 1400 MW of new wind in the province. It also includes an annual procurement of 25 MW of grid scale solar, starting in 2028 and reaching a total of 200 MW of new, grid-scale solar power.

In this way, the renewables industry in New Brunswick will be able to seize the opportunities and advantages offered by Canada’s new investment tax credits for renewable energy production that were announced in the 2023 federal budget.

“New Brunswick’s energy strategy now provides an important long-term predictability for the industry,” said Habel, “and CanREA members will be keen to ensure the success of that deployment in the upcoming years.”

CanREA was pleased to participate in many important consultations to shape the future of energy in New Brunswick, such as NB Power’s Integrated Resource Plan and the New Brunswick Climate Action Plan, and looks forward to continued engagement with the Government of New Brunswick regarding the deployment of this new energy vision.

CanREA will also continue working with all the relevant stakeholders and rights-holders in New Brunswick, including Indigenous communities and municipalities, to ensure that the deployment of renewable energy projects is well aligned with host communities’ needs.

This new energy strategy reflects many elements of CanREA’s 2050 Vision: “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net Zero,” which highlights the importance of adding incremental amounts of renewables each year.

Quotes

“CanREA is glad to see that wind, solar and energy storage are pivotal in New Brunswick’s new energy vision. In order to reach a net-zero economy, the scale and speed of clean energy deployment is going to be unprecedented. CanREA would like to congratulate the government of New Brunswick for their commitment to defining an energy transition roadmap for this province.”

“New Brunswick’s energy strategy now provides an important long-term predictability for the industry and CanREA members will be keen to ensure the success of that deployment in the upcoming years.”
—Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

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.

Dunsky report defines potential for onsite solar to help Canada achieve net-zero

Posted on December 14, 2023December 14, 2023 by Judy Mitri

First comprehensive national market outlook for behind-the-meter solar calls for 20-40 times more rooftop and onsite solar in Canada by 2050.

Ottawa, December 14, 2023— The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes the first comprehensive national market outlook for rooftop and on-site solar—also known as behind-the meter (BTM) solar—which calls for scaling up rooftop solar by 20-40 times to help Canada achieve net-zero targets.

The groundbreaking report from Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, “BTM Solar: Canadian Market Outlook: How Behind-the-Meter (BTM) solar can contribute to Canada’s net-zero future,” outlines the current status of this industry in Canada and models its growth potential under different scenarios, within the context of reaching net-zero by 2050.

“CanREA commissioned this independent report to investigate the progress to date and potential market outlook for BTM solar in Canada,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “BTM solar is an important part of Canada’s renewable energy sector and it has tremendous growth potential. Canadian homeowners want it, municipalities want it, local businesses want it, and Canada needs it: all affordable clean energy solutions have a part to play in getting us to net-zero.”

Some of the report’s findings were originally presented at Electricity Transformation Canada in October 2023, by Erwin Heuck (CanREA’s DER Director) and Ahmed Hanafy (Director, Dunsky); more of the report is being made public today.

“This is the first study to quantify the potential for BTM solar deployment in Canada and its contribution to net-zero targets,” said Hanafy. “The study also describes the benefits to consumers, to the economy, and to electricity systems, and defines the actions stakeholders need to take to unlock and leverage BTM solar’s potential in this country.”

The report states that, if Canada is to achieve net-zero, we need BTM solar to meet 2-4% of our total annual electricity demand, providing 24-48 TWh per year. The current adoption rate for BTM solar in Canada is just 0.2%: residential and commercial onsite (rooftop and ground-mount) solar produce 1.5 TWh per year.

The study assesses three scenarios for the future of BTM solar, reflecting three different levels of support: A market transformation model, a scenario featuring expanded financial supports, and a business-as-usual (BAU) case.

Under the current policy environment (the BAU scenario), BTM solar uptake will fall short of the needed 2% to 4% of electricity generation needed to meet Canada’s net-zero targets.

For BTM solar to do its part for net-zero, then capacity must be scaled up by 20-40 times today’s levels by 2050. On the residential front, this means one home in three needs to become solar-equipped, compared to one in 200 homes currently.

In order to realize that potential, it is CanREA’s intention to use this study to drive further action.

“CanREA will continue to advocate for policy measures that will accelerate the adoption of BTM solar across Canada,” said Heuck. “In the short term, it is critical to refinance the Greener Homes program and to ensure a swift rollout of the Clean Technology ITC which will have a beneficial impact on the expansion of commercial rooftop solar in Canada.”

The report also states that the most impactful way to accelerate the adoption curve is to revise building codes to mandate solar in new single-family homes. This would result in an estimated 13 GW of new capacity.

In addition, putting solar on existing homes in Canada could generate an additional 11 GW, with an additional 12 GW generated by solar systems on commercial buildings. Together, this growth would account for 36 GW by 2050.

The study identifies the province of Ontario as the biggest growth potential and largest market for BTM solar, followed in order by Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and then the rest of Canada.

Read the Executive Summary for: BTM Solar Outlook: Canadian Market Outlook

The full report is available exclusively to CanREA members at the Megawatt level and up, as part of the new Solar Installers Program. If you are part of this program, contact your DER Director, Erwin Heuck, to obtain your copy. If not, please contact CanREA’s Membership team to discuss your eligibility.

Note: Behind the Meter (BTM) solar can be defined as rooftop or ground-mount solar PV systems that provide power on site for all types of buildings, including both residential and commercial.

To learn more about putting solar on your house, click here.
To learn more about solar energy technologies, click here.

Quotes

“CanREA commissioned this independent report to investigate the progress to date and potential market outlook for BTM solar in Canada. BTM solar is an important part of Canada’s renewable energy sector and it has tremendous growth potential. Canadian homeowners want it, municipalities want it, local businesses want it, and Canada needs it: all affordable clean energy solutions have a part to play in getting us to net-zero.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

“This is the first study to quantify the potential for BTM solar deployment in Canada and its contribution to net-zero targets. The study also describes the benefits to consumers, to the economy, and to electricity systems, and defines the actions stakeholders need to take to unlock and leverage BTM solar’s potential in this country.”
—Ahmed Hanafy, Director, Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors

“CanREA will continue to advocate for policy measures that will accelerate the adoption of BTM solar across Canada. In the short term, it is critical to refinance the Greener Homes program and to ensure a swift rollout of the Clean Technology ITC which will have a beneficial impact on the expansion of commercial rooftop solar in Canada.”
—Erwin Heuck, DER Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:

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

About CanREA

About Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors

Dunsky supports leading governments, utilities, corporations and others across North America in their efforts to accelerate the clean energy transition, effectively and responsibly. With deep expertise across the Buildings, Mobility, Industry and Energy supply sectors, our team of 50+ professionals supports clients in two ways: through rigorous Analysis (of technical, economic and market opportunities) and by designing or assessing leading Strategies (plans, programs and policies).

Ontario announces first major renewables procurement in seven years

Posted on December 13, 2023December 13, 2023 by Judy Mitri

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for announcing plans to procure 5,000 MW of new wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy.

Toronto, December 13, 2023—CanREA applauds Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for announcing its first major renewables procurement since March, 2016.

On December 11, the IESO provided a resource adequacy update to Ontario’s Minister of Energy, entitled “Evaluating Procurement Options for Supply Adequacy,” and announced it is making plans to procure a total of 5,000 MW of new energy-producing resources (wind, hydro, biomass and solar).

“This announcement provides a clear signal to our members that Ontario is ready for new renewable projects, said Eric Muller, CanREA’s Director for Ontario. “This procurement will be a significant opportunity for our members to develop low-cost wind, solar and energy storage in Ontario to meet the province’s growing needs.”

CanREA has consistently advocated with the Ministry of Energy and the IESO for clear and timely procurement targets and longer-term procurement certainty for the market. This is now being addressed by the IESO’s five-year (2024-2028), cadenced approach for upcoming procurements, including 2,000 MW of new non-emitting electricity generation by 2030 as part of the “Long-Term 2 Request for Proposals” (LT2 RFP), as well as 1,500 MW for 2032 and an additional 1,500 MW for 2034.

The IESO notes that these procurements will complement the energy-storage projects currently in operation or being developed, which could represent as much as 3,000 MW on the grid by 2028.

“Provinces across the country are investing in renewable energy and energy storage projects—Ontario will now be investing in both,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “Ontario ratepayers will be well served with this additional, affordable, clean renewable energy on the grid.”

While this announcement is an encouraging signal, there are still many challenges to address before actually getting this new clean energy connected to Ontario’s grid. CanREA will continue advocating for clear processes for Crown land access with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), for clear permitting requirements in support of upcoming energy procurements with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), and for transmission expansion, particularly as it pertains to northern development, with the Ministry of Energy (MoE).

“On behalf of our members, CanREA is committed to working collaboratively with the government, the IESO and key decision-makers to address these challenges constructively,” said Muller. “There is a lot more to do in Ontario, and we are looking forward to getting it done.”

Quotes

“This announcement provides a clear signal to our members that Ontario is ready for new renewable projects. This procurement will be a significant opportunity for our members to develop low-cost wind, solar and energy storage in Ontario to meet the province’s growing needs.”

—Eric Muller, Ontario Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) 

“Provinces across the country are investing in renewable energy and energy storage projects—Ontario will now be investing in both. Ontario ratepayers will be well served with this additional, affordable, clean renewable energy on the grid.”

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

“On behalf of our members, CanREA is committed to working collaboratively with the government, the IESO and key decision-makers to address these challenges constructively. There is a lot more to do in Ontario, and we are looking forward to getting it done.” 

—Eric Muller, Ontario Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) 

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:

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

About CanREA

CanREA celebrates launch of Nova Scotia Green Choice Program RFP

Posted on December 1, 2023December 1, 2023 by Melissa McDougall

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association welcomes the launch of the Nova Scotia Green Choice Program with an RFP for 350 MW of wind and solar.

Ottawa, December 1, 2023—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased to welcome the launch of the Nova Scotia Green Choice Program, as announced by the Government of Nova Scotia today. The Green Choice Program Request for Proposals will be open to wind and solar energy projects, aiming to generate 350 megawatts of renewable electricity by 2028.

“The Green Choice Program will be key in helping Nova Scotia achieve its objective of 80% renewable energy by 2030,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada. “Today’s RFP is an important signal for the renewable energy industry in Nova Scotia; CanREA members will play a decisive role in ensuring a responsible and sustainable energy transition.”

The Green Choice Program is a unique program that will allow participating customers to purchase up to 100% of the electricity they use from local renewable energy sources. It is part of Nova Scotia’s 2030 Clean Power Plan, aiming to reach 80% renewable energy by 2030 by adding a substantial amount of wind, solar and energy storage into the Nova Scotia’s grid.

The launch of the Green Choice Program is the culmination of a process involving collaborative discussions between the Province, suppliers, the procurement administrator, the utility and large energy buyers in Nova Scotia.

“This RFP will result in the deployment of wind and solar energy projects that will contribute to sustainable development in Nova Scotia: it will create economic opportunities in communities while also ensuring the protection of the environment. What’s more, it will significantly reduce greenhouse gases by adding 10 percent more renewable energy to the provincial grid,” said Habel.

CanREA members are collaborating with local municipalities, Indigenous Peoples and diverse stakeholders, promptly and consistently, to make sure that each project aligns with community priorities.

“CanREA’s Atlantic Network is eager to continue working with the Government and all stakeholders to ensure the success of this unique program,” concluded Habel.

Quotes

“The Green Choice Program will be key in helping Nova Scotia achieve its objective of 80% renewable energy by 2030.”

“Today’s RFP is an important signal for the renewable energy industry in Nova Scotia; CanREA members will play a decisive role in ensuring a responsible and sustainable energy transition.”

“This RFP will result in the deployment of wind and solar energy projects that will contribute to sustainable development in Nova Scotia: it will create economic opportunities in communities while also ensuring the protection of the environment. What’s more, it will significantly reduce greenhouse gases by adding 10 percent more renewable energy to the provincial grid.”

“CanREA’s Atlantic Network is eager to continue working with the Government and all stakeholders to ensure the success of this unique program.”
—Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:

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

About CanREA

Statement: Federal Fall Economic Statement puts renewable energy and energy storage on a track for growth.

Posted on November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 by Melissa McDougall

CanREA welcomes new economic Reconciliation measures and clear timelines related to the refundable Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) for wind, solar and energy-storage technologies.

Ottawa, November 21, 2023 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes the announcement of a timeline for tabling the Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) legislation, as well as a new commitment to economic Reconciliation, as announced today in the Fall Economic Statement by the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

“CanREA is pleased to see the Federal Government deliver on its promise of clear timelines, necessary tax measures and financing mechanisms that will help Canada remain competitive as we build the clean-energy projects that will power our economy,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.

The ITCs were first announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2022 and in Budget 2023—for details, see CanREA’s statement.

“CanREA’s members are excited to put these ITCs into action. When they are rolled out, these tax credits will create the investment certainty we need to accelerate wind, solar and energy storage deployment across the country, which will then provide economic benefits, including tax dollars and landowner supports in communities,” said Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy for Western Canada and National Affairs, at CanREA.

The 2023 Fall Economic Statement included the following measures to accelerate Canada’s deployment of wind energy, solar energy, energy storage and other clean-energy technologies:

Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit: Consultations have already been held; the legislation will be presented to Parliament this fall and put in place before Budget 2024. This is a refundable 30% tax credit on the capital cost of investments made by taxable entities in wind, solar PV and energy-storage technologies. It will be available to all project spending starting March 28, 2023, though to 2034.
Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit: As announced today, the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit will be split in two categories: large crown corporations, and other non-taxable entities like Indigenous Communities and municipalities. This distinction will be clarified in a forthcoming consultation and subsequent legislation. This ITC is a refundable 15% tax credit on the capital costs of investments made by non-taxable entities, such as Indigenous communities, municipally owned utilities and Crown corporations that make investments in renewable energy, energy storage and inter-provincial transmission and other non-emitting electricity infrastructure.
For both these ITCs, eligibility will extend to all investments made after Budget 2023 and remain steady through 2031 before winding down in 2035. All energy-storage technologies that do not use fossil fuels are eligible.
Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program: CanREA and other organizations called for this measure in order to help Indigenous entities participate in Canada’s renewable energy and energy storage sector. The details of this program will be available in Budget 2024.
Canadian Infrastructure Bank concessional loans: CanREA has successfully advocated for changes to the way the Government of Canada provides renewable energy financing, to encourage deployment: Canada Infrastructure Bank loans and other sources of financing will no longer limit the ITC claim and work in concert with other sources of renewable energy financing

Today’s commitments—to legislate the Clean Technology ITCs and to create the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program—will help deliver on the goals of governments, companies, and CanREA members, ensuring the deployment of renewable energy and energy storage projects with meaningful economic benefits for Indigenous peoples.

The new measures and increased clarity will help the industry accelerate the deployment of wind energy, solar energy, energy storage and other clean technologies, aiming to reduce the cost of electricity to consumers.

“CanREA has been engaged on the ITCs issue since Day One, working hard to push these important policies forward. As a next step, we look forward to working with all parties to ensure that these important new policies create and sustain good jobs from coast-to-coast-to-coast—and do so as soon as possible,” said Fernando Melo, Federal Director at CanREA, who was on site for the presentation of the Fall Economic Statement today.

For more information on powering Canada’s journey to net-zero, see CanREA’s 2050 Vision.

Quotes

“CanREA is excited to see the Federal Government deliver on its promise of clear timelines for necessary tax measures and financing mechanisms that will help Canada remain competitive as we build the clean-energy projects that will power our economy.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, CanREA

“CanREA’s members are excited to put these ITCs into action. When they are rolled out, these tax credits will create the investment certainty we need to accelerate wind, solar and energy storage deployment across the country, which will then provide economic benefits, including tax dollars and landowner supports in communities.”
— Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy for Western Canada and National Affairs, CanREA

“CanREA has been engaged on the ITCs issue since Day One, working hard to push these important policies forward. As a next step, we look forward to working with all parties to ensure that these important new policies create and sustain good jobs from coast-to-coast-to-coast—and do so as soon as possible.”
— Fernando Melo, Federal Director, CanREA

About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association 

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

For interview opportunities, please contact:

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

STATEMENT: CanREA welcomes TES Canada’s green hydrogen project in Quebec

Posted on November 14, 2023November 15, 2023 by Judy Mitri

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

PHOTO: From L to R: Jean-François Jaimes (Énergir), Jean Habel (CanREA), Éric Gauthier (TES Canada H2 Inc.) and Renault-François Lortie (Énergir), at the announcement of Projet Mauricie in Shawinigan, Quebec, on November 10, 2023.

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

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

News release: CanREA welcomes Hydro-Québec’s plan to double renewable energy by 2050.

Posted on November 2, 2023November 2, 2023 by Judy Mitri

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

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

Announcing Clean Energy Jobs Canada | Emplois Énergie Propre Canada

Posted on October 25, 2023October 25, 2023 by Judy Mitri

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

*PHOTO: CanREA’s Mary MacLean and Mathieu Côté present CanREA’s new careers website at Electricity Transition Canada in Calgary on October 25.*

As part of the new series of Clean Energy Career Profiles, CanREA spoke with Dan McSween, Operations Supervisor, TriSummit Utilities Inc, to find out more about his occupational journey and what it is like to work as a wind turbine technician in Canada.

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

“Insurance Day” for rooftop solar & energy storage

Posted on October 18, 2023October 19, 2023 by Melissa McDougall

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.

*PHOTO: As part of the CanREA Insurance Day, 16 insurance professionals had an exclusive tour of RESCo’s solar rooftop system (Flynn Construction). Photo: CanREA.*

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.

*PHOTO: At the workshop portion of CanREA’s Insurance Day, RESCo Energy presented important information on providing insurance to the renewable energy industry. Photo: CanREA*

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.

Meet our new Director for Ontario!

Posted on October 18, 2023July 19, 2024 by Melissa McDougall

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.