A CanREA Summit and networking reception 

April 16, 2026
Fairmont Palliser
133 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2M3

Delivering reliability in a new market design

The third annual Energy Storage Alberta Summit returns at a defining moment for Alberta’s electricity market. Alberta’s power system is under pressure. Electricity demand is growing rapidly as electrification accelerates and data centres expand. Market structures are shifting, and expectations for reliability are rising fast. This full-day summit brings together leaders from across the energy ecosystem to deliver clarity on what’s ahead.  

This full-day summit is designed for decision-makers who need practical, Alberta-specific insight grounded in data, market realities and system needs. The program draws on practical experience from across Canada and the U.S., while remaining grounded in Alberta’s electricity system and market realities.

The Summit is followed by CanREA Connects—Alberta, offering additional opportunities to strengthen relationships and build connections.

Why attend Energy Storage Alberta?

Organizations send their teams because this summit delivers direct market and policy value:

Understand Alberta’s evolving market design
Gain clarity on how reliability requirements, planning signals and market reforms will shape storage development and investment decisions.

Navigate uncertainty with better information
Make more confident decisions with realistic insight into timelines, constraints, cost drivers and deployment risks.

Learn from systems under pressure
Examine what has worked and what hasn’t in jurisdictions facing similar reliability and demand challenges.

Anticipate supply-chain and trade impacts
Understand how tariffs, global supply dynamics and procurement constraints could affect project economics in Alberta.

Support credible, durable project development
Explore practical considerations around siting, permitting and community engagement in a changing policy environment.

What to expect in 2026

A reliability-first focus
A tightly curated agenda centered on delivering reliability in Alberta’s new market design.

Alberta-specific insight
Content tailored to Alberta’s system needs, policy context and near-term decision points.

Balanced, evidence-driven discussion
A neutral forum that bridges developers, operators, government and system stakeholders.

Global context, local application
Insights on trade, supply chains and technology innovation grounded in Alberta’s market realities.

High-value networking
Structured and informal opportunities throughout the day, concluding with a CanREA Connects Alberta networking reception.

Sponsorship opportunities

Sponsoring Energy Storage Alberta positions your organization at the centre of Alberta’s most credible, storage-focused market conversation.

Sponsorship opportunities are designed to support visibility with decision-makers, alignment with CanREA’s trusted convening role and meaningful engagement. Sponsors are recognized as contributors to informed, data-driven discussion on reliability, market design and system planning in Alberta.

Who attends Energy Storage Alberta?

Energy Storage Alberta brings together the ecosystem responsible for planning, financing and delivering storage in Alberta:

Developers and project proponents
Energy storage developers, IPPs and renewable developers integrating storage into portfolios.

System, policy and regulatory stakeholders
Organizations shaping reliability standards, market rules and electricity system planning.

Investors and market analysts
Capital providers, financial analysts and consultants tracking Alberta’s next phase of growth.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), integrators and grid-service providers
Technology providers, engineering firms and service partners supporting system reliability and integration.

This mix makes Energy Storage Alberta the most targeted forum for serious, Alberta-focused discussion on storage and reliability.

Join professionals focused on delivering reliable, affordable power in a changing market.

Subscribe to our Watt’s On newsletter for the latest event updates.

April 16, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m.
Fairmont Palliser
133 9th Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 2M3

Held immediately following Energy Storage Alberta 2026, CanREA Connects—Alberta is a focused networking reception for professionals working at the centre of Alberta’s evolving electricity market. The reception is hosted at the Fairmont Palliser, one of Canada’s historic grand railway hotels in downtown Calgary.

As market rules change and reliability requirements grow, this reception provides space for meaningful, in-person conversations about the role of energy storage in Alberta’s power system. Attendees will connect with senior leaders, developers, operators, investors, policymakers and service providers shaping the next phase of storage deployment and grid planning in the province.

Designed for relationship-building and business development, CanREA Connects brings together decision-makers who need a clear understanding of what’s coming, what it means for the market and how the sector can respond.

Enjoy complimentary appetizers and drinks throughout the reception.

CanREA 2026 calendar of events at a glance

CanREA is thrilled to announce our 2026 calendar of national and regional events, ranging from specialized conferences to popular networking receptions, a golf tournament and more. We hope you will join us to connect with many of the country’s top innovators, business leaders and industry influencers with an interest in growing the wind energy, solar and energy-storage sectors across Canada. Mark your calendar today!

Registration for each event will launch periodically through the year. Subscribe to “Watt’s On,” CanREA’s monthly events newsletter, to stay informed. 

Calendar of events:

FEBRUARY: 

• CanREA Operators Summit: Toronto, February 11-12

APRIL: 

• Energy Storage Alberta—CanREA Summit: Calgary, April 16
• CanREA Connects—Alberta: Calgary, April 16

MAY: 

• Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit: Toronto, May 5
• CanREA Connects—Ontario: Toronto, May 5
• CanREA Connects—British Columbia: Vancouver, May 14
• Renewable Energy Quebec—A CanREA Summit : Montréal, May 21 (event presented in French. Simultaneous interpretation available.)
• CanREA Connects—Quebec: Montréal, May 21

JUNE:

• CanREA Connects—Atlantic Canada: Halifax, June 15

JULY: 

• CanREA Golf Tournament—Alberta: Calgary, July 15

OCTOBER: 

• Electricity Transition Canada: Toronto, October 19-21

NOVEMBER (dates to be confirmed) : 

• CanREA Connects—Alberta: Calgary
• CanREA Connects—Quebec: Montréal
• CanREA Connects—Atlantic Canada: Halifax
• CanREA Connects—British Columbia: Vancouver
• CanREA Connects—Manitoba: Winnipeg

Sponsorship opportunities

Stand out from the crowd! Sponsorship opportunities are available for various CanREA events. Please contact Julie Mair, CanREA’s Director of Membership and Business Development, to discuss your options.

February 11 & 12, 2026
Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto, Airport & Conference Centre
655 Dixon Rd., Toronto, ON (M9W 1J3)

Canada’s largest national event for renewable energy operations and maintenance 

CanREA’s Operators Summit returns for its sixth edition, bringing together operators, engineers, asset managers, technical service providers and decision-makers from across the country. As Canada’s largest national event dedicated exclusively to the operations and maintenance (O&M) of wind, solar and energy storage assets, the Summit offers a high-value, technical program grounded in real operational challenges and opportunities. 

As Canada’s renewable fleet matures and thousands of megawatts of new projects advance, the Summit focuses on what operators need most: practical insights, technical training, hands-on demonstrations and trusted industry connections.  The 2026 theme, “Coming of age,” reflects a pivotal shift in Canada’s renewable energy landscape. With projects now entering full lifecycle maturity, operators must manage aging infrastructure, integrate new technologies and adapt to evolving workforce and reliability expectations.

The Operators Summit is where Canada’s O&M community comes together to learn, troubleshoot and strengthen the performance of the country’s renewable fleet. 

Why attend CanREA’s Operators Summit?

Companies send their teams to the Operators Summit because it delivers direct operational value: 

Solve technical challenges 
Learn from panels, case studies and the new lessons learned track covering blade failures, tracker performance, DER protection, AI diagnostics, solar O&M models and more. 

Prevent failures and optimize performance 
Gain insights that reduce downtime, extend component life and strengthen safety practices across sites. 

Compare tools and technologies 
The exhibition floor features equipment, monitoring solutions, testing tools, service partners and practical demonstrations operators can evaluate firsthand. 

Strengthen your workforce 
Sessions on leadership, safety culture, knowledge transfer and training help build skilled, resilient operational teams. 

Understand emerging trends 
Program themes align with CanREA’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook, connecting operational experience with market forecasts, workforce needs and infrastructure planning. 

What to expect in 2026:

Exhibition

The exhibition is a major feature of the Summit, giving operators and asset managers direct access to: 

• Component and equipment suppliers 
• Tooling and safety manufacturers 
• Engineering and inspection firms 
• Repair and field service providers 
• Monitoring and data solutions 
• Workforce and training organizations 

It’s a practical, operator-focused environment designed to support real procurement decisions, vendor comparisons and technology evaluation. 

Who attends?

The Summit draws the full ecosystem responsible for keeping renewable assets online, safe and profitable: 

Operations & technical or service professionals 
Operators, site supervisors, technicians, SCADA specialists, reliability engineers and asset managers as well as equipment suppliers, repair teams, engineering firms, inspection partners and technology providers. 

Commercial & professional services 
Asset management, finance, insurance, permitting, environmental and advisory professionals. 

Education, workforce & research 
Universities, training centers, HR teams and research institutes supporting workforce growth and innovation. 

Government & system operators 
Representatives shaping grid reliability, safety standards, workforce policy and energy planning. 

This mix makes the Summit the most complete national gathering of Canada’s renewable operations community. 

Join more than 300 professionals focused on strengthening the performance, safety and reliability of Canada’s renewable energy fleet. 

 Subscribe to our Watts On newsletter for the latest event updates.

December 1, 2025
Halifax, Nova Scotia

With more than 140 attendees, CanREA’s Fall Connects event in Halifax marked our largest regional meeting yet, bringing together a broad cross-section of Atlantic Canada’s renewable energy and energy storage community for high-impact networking and forward-looking market discussion.

Hosted at Stewart McKelvey, the reception brought together developers, suppliers, utilities, policy leaders, municipal representatives, Indigenous organizations, community advocates and emerging professionals at a pivotal moment for the region’s electricity future.

Highlights from special speakers

The evening’s speakers painted a clear picture of both the momentum and the responsibility facing Atlantic Canada as the region accelerates its renewable energy transition.

Johnny Johnston, President and CEO of the new IESO Nova Scotia, provided an in-depth look at how the organization is rapidly building capacity to guide the province’s future electricity system. He emphasized that despite ongoing volatility in broader North American markets, Nova Scotia is entering a period defined by renewed focus, ambition and long-term purpose in energy planning.

Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Senior Business Advisor at Stewart McKelvey, highlighted that the long-anticipated shift in the electricity market is now fully underway. He noted that Atlantic Canada is entering a defining window for scaling renewable energy, advancing innovative project models and strengthening community-centered development. Years of preparation are translating into concrete momentum, and stakeholders across the region are well-positioned to act.

Honourable Tim Halman, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, reinforced this sense of urgency. He underscored that the conditions for growth are aligned and that Atlantic Canada is uniquely positioned to move quickly on renewable deployment, transmission planning and regional collaboration. He stressed that the region’s potential will only be realized through coordinated, timely action.

Michelle Robichaud, President of the Atlantica Centre for Energy, added an important perspective grounded in regional system realities. She emphasized that Atlantic Canada’s path forward must balance affordability, reliability and climate objectives, three priorities that reinforce one another rather than compete. Robichaud highlighted that regional collaboration, supported by thoughtful planning and a modest amount of firm, flexible capacity, will be essential to ensuring the region can meet its climate goals while maintaining public confidence.

Together, their perspectives underscored several shared themes:

• Nova Scotia’s transition is accelerating as new institutions take shape.
• Maritime provinces face capacity shortfalls beginning in 2026, making coordinated action essential.
• Indigenous participation and equity ownership remain central to responsible development.
• A balanced mix of wind, community and behind-the-meter solar, energy storage and flexible, dispatchable resources will be required to maintain reliability and affordability.
• Regional collaboration is critical to advancing net-zero objectives while keeping public confidence strong.

These insights helped set the tone for a forward-looking and solutions-focused conversation throughout the evening.

A strong community conversation

Over light refreshments, attendees reconnected with colleagues and met new partners, discussing upcoming procurement opportunities, regional transmission priorities, workforce needs, community engagement and the growing role of energy storage across Atlantic Canada.

Atlantic member network meetings

Earlier in the day, CanREA convened its Atlantic member network for a dedicated meeting focused on key developments across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. Members received updates on provincial policy, anticipated procurement timelines, emerging supply chain considerations and upcoming work led by CanREA’s policy team.

Working together for Atlantic Canada’s energy future

CanREA extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended CanREA Connects—Atlantic Canada and contributed to the day’s discussions. The event demonstrated the region’s momentum and the commitment of local, national and international partners working to accelerate wind, solar and energy storage deployment.

We invite all attendees, and those who could not join us, to explore our events calendar for upcoming CanREA events across the country.

Thank you to our sponsors:

December 4, 2025
Vancouver, British Columbia

More than 100 leaders from British Columbia’s renewable energy and energy storage sector gathered in Vancouver at the Deloitte office for an evening of networking, sector dialogue and timely market updates. Participants included CanREA members, developers, suppliers, municipal representatives, Indigenous partners and community leaders working to advance clean-power development across the province.

The BC reception featured the launch of Wind & Solar BC, a new public-engagement initiative led by CanREA, in partnership with the Community Energy Association and Relay Education, and with support from Innergex Renewable Energy, RES Canada, BluEarth Renewables and EDF Power Solutions.

Event highlights

Opening remarks

The evening began with remarks from Samira Dadgar, Partner, Global Investment and Innovation Incentives at Deloitte, who welcomed participants and helped situate the importance of transparent, evidence-based dialogue as British Columbia’s energy landscape continues to evolve.

Introduction to Wind & Solar BC

Following Samira’s welcome, Patricia Lightburn (CanREA) provided background on Wind & Solar BC, outlining its purpose: to deliver clear, credible information about clean-power projects and to support constructive conversations with residents, communities and decision-makers across the province.

Guest speaker and launch

The event’s featured remarks came from Mike de Jong, Ambassador for Wind & Solar BC, who officially launched the initiative.

Mike spoke about British Columbia’s historic new chapter of renewable energy development, the opportunity for clean-power projects to bring thousands of new jobs to communities across BC, and the need for accessible, trustworthy information to support meaningful public engagement.

Mike de Jong is one of British Columbia’s longest-serving MLAs. Over his 30-year tenure, he held multiple senior cabinet roles—including Attorney General and Minister of Finance, Health, Forests, Labour, Multiculturalism, and Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation—bringing deep experience in governance, policy and public administration. 

Networking and sector engagement

Over light refreshments, participants exchanged insights on provincial procurement needs, community engagement, technology deployment and the increasingly important role of wind, solar and energy storage in BC’s electricity future.

Member and Network Meetings

Earlier in the day, CanREA convened BC member network meetings, bringing together companies and stakeholders from across the province. These sessions offered updates on policy developments, market conditions and future opportunities, further strengthening the provincial network ahead of the evening reception.

A collective effort for British Columbia’s energy future

CanREA extends its sincere thanks to all participants for their active engagement. The event provided a valuable space to advance conversations on BC’s renewable energy opportunities, strengthen relationships and build momentum, particularly through the newly launched Wind & Solar BC initiative.

We encourage all attendees to consult our events calendar for details on upcoming CanREA events nationwide and www.windandsolar.bc.ca for more information on this exciting new initiative.

Thank you to our partners and supporters

Wind & Solar BC is delivered in partnership with:

• Relay Education
• Community Energy Association

With project support from:

• EDF Power Solutions
• BluEarth Renewables
• RES Canada
• Innergex Renewable Energy

Thank you to our sponsors:

November 13, 2025

More than 150 leaders from Quebec’s renewable energy and energy storage sector gathered in Montreal for an evening of networking, sector dialogue and business meetings with influential industry players. 

Highlights from special speakers included:

• Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, who emphasised that the federal budget includes structural measures for the entire renewable energy ecosystem, including municipalities and Indigenous communities. These investments represent a major step forward for energy deployment in the coming years and for the Canadian economy.
• Mr. Louis-Charles Thouin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, reaffirmed the Quebec government’s commitment to significantly increase renewable energy production. He also highlighted the importance of improving flexibility, efficiency, and productivity in project delivery, while maintaining rigorous processes.

Over light refreshments, participants mingled with CanREA members, developers, suppliers, municipal representatives, community leaders and industry experts. CanREA was also pleased to welcome William Shemie, a new member of the CanREA Board of Directors.

Quebec Member Network Meeting

Earlier in the day, CanREA held a meeting with its Quebec member network, bringing together committed companies from across the province. At this meeting, CanREA announced the new 2025-2026 Quebec steering committee, composed of Stéphane Desdunes, William Shemie, Sabrina Harbec, Simon Bélanger, Samuel Gervais, Denis Legallais and Marie-Pierre Morel.

This committee reflects the strength, commitment and dynamism of a network that is essential to advancing political discussions and developing the market in Quebec.

A collective effort for Quebec’s energy future

CanREA warmly thanks everyone who attended for their active and constructive participation. The evening provided an opportunity to advance discussions on the future of wind, solar and energy storage in Quebec, while strengthening ties between the organizations shaping the province’s energy development.

We invite everyone to consult our events calendar to find out about upcoming CanREA events.

Thank you to our sponsors:

November 6, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m.  
Hyatt Regency Calgary 
700 Centre Street SE, Calgary, Alberta (T2G 5P6)

The CanREA Connects—Alberta fall networking reception brought together more than 100 professionals driving the province’s renewable energy future.

The event fostered meaningful dialogue on the evolving policy landscape, market opportunities and challenges shaping Alberta’s energy transition. Attendees connected directly with industry leaders, CanREA members and key stakeholders working to advance wind, solar and energy storage across the province.

It was an engaging and insightful evening that showcased the strength of CanREA’s member network and CanREA’s active role in shaping Alberta’s renewable energy and energy storage future.

Thank you to our sponsors: