The CanREA Connects—Ontario “Summer Solstice” networking reception, held after the Clean Power Finance Canada–CanREA Summit, offered a prime opportunity for nearly 300 professionals driving Ontario’s renewable energy future to connect in Toronto. This event was an ideal setting for networking with those dedicated to advancing clean energy in Ontario while discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Thank you to CIBC for hosting the reception.
CanREA Golf Tournament—Ontario
May 29, 2025 Royal Woodbine Golf and Country Club (195 Galaxy Blvd, Toronto, ON M9W 6R7)
CanREA hosted another successful installment of its Golf Tournament Series on May 29, 2025, at the prestigious Royal Woodbine Golf and Country Club in Toronto. This event highlighted CanREA’s efforts to foster collaboration and networking within Ontario’s renewable energy sector.
Nearly 100 industry leaders, professionals and enthusiasts from across Ontario’s renewable energy and energy storage landscape, and beyond, converged at the Royal Woodbine Golf and Country Club for a day filled with camaraderie (and a little competition).
Representatives from CanREA member companies, as well as key stakeholders in the renewable energy industry, seized the opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and forge new partnerships amidst the greenery of the golf course.
The day began bright and early as participants arrived for registration at 7:30 a.m., greeted by warm smiles and a sense of excitement in the air. By 8 a.m., teams hit the course with a shotgun start, embracing the scramble format and working together to navigate the fairways with skill and camaraderie. After a spirited morning of play, everyone gathered for a well-earned BBQ lunch, where tournament prizes were awarded by CanREA’s Ontario Director Eric Muller and the CanREA Ontario team, and participants reconnected over shared stories and the latest developments in renewable energy.
A special word of appreciation to our Sponsors—Volthium, PCL Construction, AWG and Phoventus—for their support and for elevating the fun on the green with creative and engaging challenges.
Photo: Volthium energized the green with a challenge that tested both skill and focus.Photo: PCL Construction sparked friendly competition.Photo: Phoventus kept golfers on their toes.Photo: Thanks to AWG for sponsoring Hole #16.
Congrats to all of our day’s award-winning individuals and teams for their outstanding performances and memorable moments on the course.
Like all CanREA events, this tournament strengthened relationships, fostered new ideas and emphasized our industry’s shared commitment to advancing renewable energy in Canada.
CanREA wishes to thank all our sponsors, participants and everyone who contributed to making this event a success.
Interested in joining a future CanREA event? On July 16, 2025, join the movers and shakers of Alberta’s renewable energy industry for a golf tournament happening in Calgary, Alberta. Register here.
CanREA Connects—Atlantic Canada spring networking reception
May 21, 2025 Stewart McKelvey (600-1741 Lower Water St, Halifax)
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the CanREA Connects—Atlantic Canada spring networking reception at the Stewart McKelvey offices in Halifax!
It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with key players in Atlantic Canada’s renewable energy sector in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.
We’re grateful for the meaningful conversations and new connections made among like-minded professionals.
Take a look at future CanREA events for more information on upcoming networking opportunities.
Photo, from left to right: Jean Habel (CanREA), Douglas Reid (NS IESO), Martin Rovers (NS Power), Troy Kearns (NB Power) and Eddie Oldfield (CanREA).Photo: MLA Melissa Sheehy-Richard, representing Nova Scotia’s Minister of Energy, the Hon. Trevor Boudreau, with CanREA’s Jean Habel (left) and Eddie Oldfield (right).Photo: Presenting Sponsor Stewart McKelvey’s Brianne Rudderham (second from left) and Nancy Rubin (second from right), with CanREA’s Jean Habel (left) and Eddie Oldfield (right).Photo: CanREA’s Atlantic Canada Policy Team, from left to right: Wesley Johnston, Leonard Kula, Jean Habel and Eddie Oldfield.
Energy Storage Alberta – CanREA Summit
June 3, 2025 Calgary, Alberta
On June 3, 2025, the second annual Energy Storage Alberta—CanREA Summit was held in downtown Calgary, bringing together more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers and experts to discuss the pivotal role of energy storage in Alberta’s evolving energy landscape.
Caption: More than 200 people attended the Energy Storage Alberta—CanREA Summit and reception on June 3, 2025.
The Summit provided in-depth insights into how energy-storage solutions can support Alberta’s electricity grid, from meeting growing demand to integrating more renewable energy.
Caption: Attendees at Energy Storage Alberta networked and exchanged ideas about the transformative potential of energy storage solutions within Alberta’s energy ecosystem.
Against the backdrop of sweeping policy reforms and market dynamics in Alberta, attendees were privy to invaluable insights on energy storage from expert speakers during the full-day industry conference.
Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO of CanREA, kicked off the summit with a warm welcome, setting the stage for the day’s discussions and emphasizing the importance of energy storage in Alberta’s future energy strategy.
Caption: CanREA President and CEO Vittoria Bellissimo delivering her opening remarks at Energy Storage Alberta.
Nathan Neudorf, Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the provincial government’s ongoing exploration of energy storage solutions. This was followed by an update from President & CEO Aaron Engen of the AESO, who shared why energy storage has a key role to play in Alberta’s evolving electricity market.
Caption: Minister Nathan Neudorf addresses the role of energy storage in Alberta’s energy market.Caption: Aaron Engen provides a series of brief updates from the AESO.
The Summit also presented valuable networking opportunities for attendees, who were able to discuss the future of energy storage in Alberta while making valuable new connections.
Caption: Attendees networked and built new business connections.
The opening plenary session was moderated by Allison Sears (Fasken). She was joined by Elias Soto (Similan Consulting) and Nicole Spears (Alberta Affordability and Utilities). Together, they explored the future of Alberta’s electricity and transmission policies in Alberta and the critical need for energy storage.
From left to right: Moderator Allison Sears (Fasken) with panelists Elias Soto (Similan Consulting) and Nicole Spears (Alberta Affordability and Utilities) during the opening plenary session, exploring the future of Alberta’s electricity and transmission policies—and the critical role of energy storage.
In the first session, titled “Meeting the need: How energy storage can help Alberta supply its industries, new AI data centres and growing population,” the panel explored how rising needs—from industrial growth to AI data centres and population increases—could soon challenge the grid. Speakers examined whether Alberta’s system is ready to deliver both reliability and increased supply, highlighting the critical role of energy storage and the potential for data centers to offer innovative reliability solutions.
From left to right: Moderator Larissa Lees (Bennett Jones) with panelists Robert Davidson (AESO), Jason Beblow (URICA) and Dan Chapman (Augur Energy AI Fund), discussing the reliability solutions that energy storage can provide for Alberta’s electricity grid.
Next was a session on “Revolutionizing the Grid: The Potential of Energy Storage for Wires in Alberta,” explored how energy storage can serve as a non-wires alternative for transmission and distribution, improve reliability and ancillary services, optimize assets through co-location and enable market arbitrage. Panelists examined why, despite these benefits, significant barriers still exist in Alberta.
From left to right: Moderator Hazel Saffery (Dentons Canada) with panelists Mike Schoenenberger (Enfinite), Shaun Andrews (TERIC Power), Sascha D’Souza (FortisAlberta) and Ruth Donald (Northland Power), discussing barriers to implementing energy storage solutions in Alberta.
The third panel, on “Speaking from experience: Global perspectives on energy storage,” convened industry leaders who shared valuable global perspectives and lessons learned, offering insights into how Alberta can incorporate more renewable energy and unlock the full range of benefits energy storage can provide in delivering affordable, reliable and clean electricity.
From left to right: Moderator Rosa Twyman (Regulatory Law Chambers) with panelists Kathleen Spees (The Brattle Group), Doug Moorehead (ENGIE), Ran Long (DNV) and Austin Zacharko (Sungrow), discussed international perspectives on energy storage and what Alberta can learn to accelerate adoption and market integration.
The final session of the Summit, “Charging ahead: Innovation in energy storage” panelists shared valuable perspectives on where energy storage is going, including how industry pioneers are pushing boundaries and how innovative organizations are supporting breakthroughs in energy storage.
From left to right: Moderator Amanda Mitchell (Alberta Innovates) with panelists Andrew Haughian (Pangaea Ventures), Jan Poetsch (Arder Energy), Jordan Costley (Cache Power Corp.) and Heather Stephens (Emissions Reductions Canada) presenting on the latest advancements and innovative solutions in energy storage technologies.
Overall, the Energy Storage Alberta—CanREA Summit provided valuable insights into the future of energy storage in Alberta. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the market changes, opportunities and technological advancements that will drive Alberta towards a more reliable energy future as well as the growing need for energy storage to support Alberta’s industries, AI data centers and rising electricity demand.
Caption: The summit stimulated lively discussions throughout the day, as well as time for focused reflection.Caption:Minister Nathan Neudorf, Vittoria Bellissimo (CanREA), Radha Rajagopalan (CanREA), Aaron Engen (AESO) and Evan Wilson (CanREA).Caption: Evan Wilson (CanREA), Nagwan Al-Guneid (Alberta NDP MLA), Radha Rajagopalan (CanREA)and Vittoria Bellissimo(CanREA).Caption: Radha Rajagopalan (CanREA) with Jason Beblow from URICA Energy Management Corporation and Nasreddine, Guerfala from Edgecom.
Thank you
Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support in making CanREA’s event a resounding success.
Caption: Radha Rajagopalan (CanREA) with Larissa Lees and Erin Allison from Bennet Jones.Caption: Jason White and Katie Ewanchuk from Enfinite with Radha Rajagopalan (CanREA)and Evan Wilson(CanREA).Caption: Rosa Twyman from Regulatory Law Chambers with Radha Rajagopalan (CanREA).Caption for Image: Radha Rajagopalan (CanREA) with Austin Zacharko from Sungrow.Caption: Luz Mendez and Ruth Donald from Northland Power with Radha Rajagopalan(CanREA).Caption: Enfinite team with Vittoria Bellissimo (CanREA).
Looking to attend a future CanREA event? Check out our full calendar of upcoming events here.
CanREA Connects—Alberta
June 3, 2025 Fairmont Palliser
The CanREA Connects—Alberta spring networking reception, held right after the Energy Storage Alberta Summit, offers a prime opportunity to connect with professionals driving Alberta’s renewable energy future. As the province navigates its energy transition, this event is the perfect place to engage with industry leaders, exchange insights and explore solutions in wind, solar and energy storage. It’s an ideal setting for networking with those dedicated to advancing clean energy in Alberta while discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Event Highlights:
Strategic networking in Alberta: Engage with new CanREA members, senior executives, industry experts and decision-makers. Forge new partnerships, explore potential collaborations and strengthen your business network within the local renewable energy community in Alberta.
Insight into CanREA’s mission and work: Learn how CanREA is advancing Canada’s energy future through advocacy and public engagement. Our mission focuses on creating conditions for a modern energy system by harnessing wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage potential. Discover how our members are positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, and scalable energy solutions in Alberta.
Business development opportunities: Discuss the latest projects and investment opportunities specific to Alberta. With the likely attendance of local political figures and other key stakeholders, this event is an invaluable platform for gaining insights into the local energy market and regulatory landscape.
Showcase your brand: Explore sponsorship opportunities to enhance your company’s visibility and support the growth of renewable energy. These events provide excellent photo opportunities to showcase your brand’s presence and commitment to clean energy solutions.
CanREA Connects—Quebec spring networking reception
May 15, 2025 Montréal, Quebec
The CanREA Connects—Quebec spring networking reception in Montreal is your chance to connect with the key players in Quebec’s renewable energy scene. Whether you’re passionate about wind, solar, or energy storage, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet industry leaders, share ideas and enjoy a lively atmosphere with fellow professionals.
Event Highlights:
Strategic networking in Montreal: Engage with fellow CanREA members, senior executives, industry experts and decision-makers. Forge new partnerships, explore potential collaborations, and strengthen your business network within the local renewable energy community in Quebec.
Insight into CanREA’s mission and work: Learn how CanREA is advancing Canada’s energy future through advocacy and public engagement. Our mission focuses on creating conditions for a modern energy system by harnessing wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage potential. Discover how our members are positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, and scalable energy solutions in Quebec.
Business development opportunities: Discuss the latest projects and investment opportunities specific to Quebec. With the likely attendance of local political figures and other key stakeholders, this event is an invaluable platform for gaining insights into the local energy market and regulatory landscape.
Showcase your brand: Explore sponsorship opportunities to enhance your company’s visibility and support the growth of renewable energy. These events provide excellent photo opportunities to showcase your brand’s presence and commitment to clean energy solutions.
Net-Zero Quebec—CanREA Summit
May 15, 2025, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Montréal, Quebec
On May 15, 2025, more than 220 participants gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn Midtown in Montreal for the second edition of the Net-Zero Quebec—CanREA Summit. This annual event has become a must for professionals in Quebec’s renewable energy and energy storage sectors. Conferences, panels, discussions and networking opportunities punctuated a full day of essential discussions on Quebec’s energy future and the energy transition.
Panel 1: Indigenous communities: Essential actors in the energy transition
The opening panel highlighted the fundamental role of Indigenous communities in the development of renewable energy projects in Quebec. Discussions highlighted the importance of adopting an inclusive approach that respects community priorities to ensure a fair and sustainable energy transition.
Photo: Moderated by Émilie Sénéchal of Hydro-Québec, the “Indigenous communities: Essential actors in the energy transition” panel featured Grand Chief Jacques Tremblay, Chief Paul Rice and Jean Roy of Kruger Energy, who shared their perspectives on the best ways to collaborate and build strong partnerships to advance energy projects together in a perspective of reconciliation and sustainable development.
Panel 2: The economic impact of the energy transition
This panel explored the major economic challenges influencing the development of renewable energy and storage projects in Quebec, including pressure on supply chains, international competition and the costs associated with decarbonization. In a rapidly changing North American context, the panelists presented concrete avenues for accelerating the energy transition despite these constraints.
Photo: Moderated by Daniel Giguère of Innergex, the “Economic impact of the energy transition” panel featured Olivier Lacaille of Desjardins, Alex Potier of Nordex USA, Pierre-Olivier Charlebois of Fasken and Marie Lapointe of the AIEQ, offering insightful analysis of the economic issues shaping Quebec’s energy future.
Panel 3: Accelerating acceptability: Optimizing the rollout of renewable energy projects in Québec
This panel examined growing challenges linked to the acceptability of renewable energy projects, in the context of the energy transition and achieving net-zero by 2050. Panelists discussed best practices for meeting regulatory, social and environmental requirements, while taking into account new climate realities and logistical challenges.
Photo: Moderated by Louis Robert of Invenergy, the “Accelerating acceptability: Optimizing the rollout of renewable energy projects in Québec” panel featured Gilles Gaudreault of EDF Renewables, Adina-Cristina Georgescu of Miller Thompson, Michel Lagacé of the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est and Sébastien Simard of Borea Construction, offering an insightful look at the conditions for successful, responsible deployment of energy projects in Quebec.
Discussions
Throughout the day, targeted discussions complemented the panels, offering in-depth perspectives on key issues in Quebec’s energy transition. These exchanges explored themes complementary to the main panels, highlighting long-term vision, regulatory considerations, territorial realities and technological opportunities.
The “Update on the Public Utilities Tax (PST)” discussion offered essential insight into the tax changes proposed in Quebec’s 2025-2026 budget. Jean Habel (CanREA) and Luis Calzado (AQPER) addressed the potential impacts of this reform on energy companies, both financially and strategically. The conversation led to a better understanding of the adjustments needed to ensure that fiscal policy supports the sector’s growth while respecting the province’s climate objectives.
A discussion with Hydro-Québec, on “the development of solar energy in Quebec,” highlighted new technological avenues for electrification. Dave Rhéaume of Hydro-Québec led a discussion on the challenges of integrating solar power into the Quebec context, focusing on infrastructure, cost and public acceptability. The session was moderated by Jean-Hugues Lapointe of CIMA+. Solar energy was presented as an essential component of a diversified energy mix, capable of strengthening the resilience and agility of the grid in the face of future energy needs.
In the discussion “The CPTAQ’s key role in agricultural zones,” participants explored the crucial role played by the Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ) in the development of energy projects in agricultural zones. Stéphane Labrie, President of the CPTAQ, explained how the organization navigates between the imperatives of energy development and the need to protect a precious agricultural resource for Quebec. Moderated by Étienne Chabot of the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie, this discussion provided a better understanding of the evaluation processes, the decision-making criteria, and the tensions between sustainable development and farmland preservation.
Finally, in the discussion “Quebec’s Energy Advantage: A Vision for the Future,” Philippe Dunsky (President of Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors) shared his analysis of Quebec’s strategic strengths in renewable energy. In dialogue with moderator Eva Lotta Schmidt (ENERCON), he presented an ambitious vision focused on the responsible exploitation of Quebec’s own resources, while highlighting the challenges of competitiveness and innovation in a constantly evolving global market. The exchange also highlighted Quebec’s potential to become a world leader in sustainability, thanks to intelligent planning and structuring investments.
CanREA Connects – Quebec
The day concluded on a convivial note with the CanREA Connects—Québec networking cocktail, strengthening ties between industry players and paving the way for future collaborations. Participants enjoyed great weather on the terrace, savoring bites and beverages while exchanging ideas in a relaxed and upbeat setting.
Overall, Net-Zero Quebec 2025 marked an important milestone in the mobilization of key players around a common goal: Quebec’s successful energy transition to reach net-zero by 2050.
To find out more about CanREA’s upcoming events in Quebec and across Canada, consult our 2025 events calendar.
Thank you to our sponsors
CanREA Connects—British Columbia
May 1, 2025 Vancouver, B.C.
CanREA’s first-ever CanREA Connects—British Columbia networking event in Vancouver was a resounding success, bringing together more than 100 key players from the wind, solar and energy storage sector in BC.
Facilitated by Evan Wilson, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs, and Patricia Lightburn, CanREA’s new BC Director, this newest edition of the popular CanREA Connects series of cross-Canada networking events provided a vibrant platform for networking, learning and collaboration for our members and friends in British Columbia.
The event welcomed a diverse group of industry professionals, senior executives and decision-makers, fostering valuable connections within BC’s clean-energy sector.
Guests gained a deeper understanding of how CanREA is advocating for wind, solar and energy storage solutions to deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy in British Columbia, and across the country, as part of CanREA’s mission of advancing Canada’s energy future through advocacy and public engagement.
The event also fostered discussions about emerging projectsand investment opportunities within BC’s unique energy market and regulatory landscape.
Caption: CanREA’s Evan Wilson, Patricia Lightburn and Kelly Hall with Jack Magnus from Clean Energy BC.Caption: Patricia Lightburn (CanREA), Cheyanne Quinn, Elise Vlasak and Drew Stewart (Metis Nation British Columbia) and Kell Hall (CanREA).Caption: Gordan Zhang and Randy Sun (Bcon Energy) with CanREA’s Patricia Lightburn.Caption: CanREA’s Patricia Lightburn with Rob Drummond, Lyle Thompson and Carolyn Prentice (Hatfield Consultants).Caption: CanREA’s Patricia Lightburn and CanREA’s Board Member, Isabelle Deguise (RES Group).Caption: CanREA Board Chair Colleen Giroux-Schmidt (Innergex) with CanREA’s Patricia Lightburn, and Ina Gjoka and Julia Mancinelli (both from Innergex).
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to event sponsor EDF Renewables, special guests and all attendees who made this event a success. Your collaboration is vital in shaping the future of renewable energy in British Columbia and beyond.
Caption: CanREA’s new BC Policy Director, Patricia Lightburn.
Stay tuned for more events and future opportunities to connect with the CanREA community, including our Energy Storage Alberta Summit in Calgary on June 3rd, 2025.
Webinar—Maximizing your Clean Economy ITC Claim: 2025 Update
April 24, 2025 Webinar presented by Deloitte and LCAB
CanREA hosted a valuable webinar with industry experts Etienne Lecompte (LCAB) and Louis Boivin (Deloitte Canada), where they share insights and lessons learned from the first year of Investment Tax Credit (ITC) claims in the renewable energy sector. This session was tailored to professionals involved in renewable energy project development, financing and tax planning.
Webinar highlights:
The state of ITCs: Current trends, updates and market insights
Legislative update: Key changes (or lack thereof) under a new government
Lessons learned from first ITC projects: Best practices from initial filings and audits
Audit-ready documentation: How to document your claim to prepare for audits
Q&A session
Speakers
Etienne Lecompte (Founder, LCAB)
Etienne is a recognized cleantech entrepreneur who’s been in the renewable energy, software development and regulatory compliance space for about 15 years. During those years he has created and grown several companies. He believes strongly that renewable energy projects are part of the solution and that there’s a strong need to manage regulatory programs pragmatically and proactively. Etienne & LCAB are working on over 30 projects claiming ITCs in Canada and has been involved at all stages of the projects. Etienne is a graduate from McGill University and holds an MBA from INSEAD.
Louis Boivin (Partner, Deloitte Canada)
Louis Boivin leads Deloitte’s Gi3 team (Government Investment and Innovation Incentives) for Quebec, comprising over 60 professionals across the province. He also leads Deloitte’s national Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits practice, which includes more than 25 tax specialists, engineers, and computer scientists nationwide. Louis has coordinated several initiatives to enhance Quebec and Canadian tax incentive regimes. A member of the Québec Bar, he holds law degrees in civil and common law from McGill University and a Master’s in Tax Law from the University of Montreal/HÉC. Louis joined Deloitte in 2001, became partner in 2011, and specializes in government incentives (tax incentives and grants) for the renewables, mining, and manufacturing sectors. His clients include multinationals and private organizations with operations across Canada.
Webinar—Best practices in risk management for renewable energy projects
March 20, 2025 Webinar presented by Marsh Canada
On March 20, CanREA hosted an insightful webinar focused on enhancing bankability and best practices in risk management for renewable energy and energy storage projects, presented by Marsh Canada.
The webinar was designed for professionals involved in renewable energy and energy storage project development, financing, construction, operation or market analysis. It provided valuable insights and practical knowledge, offering actionable takeaways to enhance project success.
Our expert speakers delved into the key risks associated with these projects, discussing effective strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate them. Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of industry best practices, including risk-assessment methodologies, risk-allocation strategies and risk-mitigation techniques.
Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making this event a success. Stay tuned for future events.
Speakers
Moderator Nidhi Abbi (Vice President, Energy & Power, Marsh Specialty)
With more than 20 years of experience in commercial insurance, Nidhi specializes in implementing risk management programs for renewable energy clients. She collaborates with teams across Canada and internationally to provide tailored insurance solutions.
Jonathan Butts (Senior Vice President, Energy & Power, Renewable Energy Broker, Marsh Specialty)
Jonathan brings 17 years of experience in risk management for the power and utility sector. He has worked with major Canadian power companies and has expertise in renewable energy projects, M&A due diligence and risk-management strategies.
Jeremy Jagt, CPA (President, Potentia Renewables)
With more than 24 years of experience, Jeremy is a seasoned finance and operations professional, specializing in renewables, technology, manufacturing and mining. A passionate leader, he has developed high-performing teams in the renewable energy sector.
Shaz brings more than 13 years of experience in Capital Markets Research and Energy Policy. He has previously worked with global oil and gas producers and now leads energy policy initiatives at RBC.
Richard Ortner (Vice President, Senior Executive Underwriter—Energy, Renewables, Construction, Liberty Mutual Canada)
Richard is a property underwriter with 35 years of experience in underwriting energy risks, including power generation and renewable energy. He oversees Liberty Mutual’s Energy Property portfolio and holds a degree in Statistics from the University of Toronto.
