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.
Operators Summit 2025
April 16-17, 2025 Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Centre
Caption: Opening remarks made by CanREA’s Director of the Operators Program, Mathieu Côté.
More than 325 professionals from across Canada’s renewable energy landscape gathered at the Delta Hotel in the heart of Toronto for CanREA’s fifth annual Operators Summit. This year’s edition was the largest conference and exhibition devoted to the operations and maintenance of renewable energy and energy storage sites in Canada.
The event gathered top leaders, innovators and experts for two days of networking and sharing the latest advances in wind, solar and energy storage.
The theme of the 2025 summit, “Engaging Our Communities”, focused on the vital importance of community engagement in renewable energy projects. The summit highlighted real-world examples and best practices for fostering stronger, more inclusive partnerships with host municipalities, First Nations communities and local stakeholders. Discussions centered around how collaboration with communities can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future and ensure sustainable energy solutions.
The program featured in-depth technical sessions on wind, solar and energy storage technologies, as well as discussions on health and safety best practices and workforce development. Attendees also had access to targeted networking events with industry leaders and innovators.
A series of plenary sessions explored best practices for working with local stakeholders, municipalities, and First Nations to develop strong partnerships that foster community support and enhance the sustainability of renewable energy projects.
Over the course of two days, professionals from across the renewable energy sector attended specialized sessions covering the latest advancements in wind, solar and energy storage technologies. Networking events facilitated key connections for those seeking collaboration or insights on upcoming projects.
Caption: CanREA’s President and CEO Vittoria Bellissimo and Manager, Operators Program, Mary MacLean sign and accept the EHRC’s Leadership Accord on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with Mark Chapeskie, Vice President of Program Development and Yoana Turnin, Program Manager of Careers and Education from EHRC.
In a unique session, Electricity Human Resources Canada launched their new report, “Winds of Change: Labour Market Dynamics in Renewable Energy.” The discussion focused on addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector as well as strategies for training and retaining talent.
A dynamic exhibition area featured leading companies showcasing the newest products and services for the renewable energy sector, providing a space for operators to explore cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
Health and safety experts led discussions on safe operational practices, particularly in renewable energy sites. Operators gained valuable insights into maintaining a safe and sustainable working environment amidst evolving challenges in the industry.
To wrap up the summit, an insightful plenary explored how operators play a critical role in advancing the energy transition in Ontario with the government set to launch the largest expansion of non-emitting generation in a decade.
Thank you to our sponsors:
CanREA extends its gratitude to all the attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors who contributed to making the 2025 Operators Summit a success.
Health & Safety Sponsor (EDF)
Caption: Nick Spratt, Andrew Kingstone, Elisabeth Miclo and Dan Barker from EDF.
Hospitality Sponsor – Day 1 (PANDELL)
Caption: Joshua Kong, Kathy Dodds, John Pongo and Jennifer Phone from Pandell.
Reception Sponsor (Clearlight Energy)
Caption: Ian MacRobbie, Artem Bogachuck and Mark Eagle from Clearlight Energy.
Event Sponsors
Caption: Lindsay Mackay, Will Peterson and Richard Sutherland from Aviva.Caption: Jeremi Michaud, Yamile Fino Martinez and Antony Glover from Enercon.Caption: Austin Zacharko and Tyler Peng from Sungrow.
To stay informed on future events, subscribe to Watt’s On, CanREA’s events newsletter, or see the upcoming list of other 2025 events.
Electricity Transition Hub Summit 2025
February 4 & 5, 2025 Toronto, Ontario
More than 60 people met in Toronto for the third annual Electricity Transition Hub Summit, a unique, two-day event exclusively for Canadian utilities and system operators who participate in the Electricity Transition Hub.
The Hub Summit aims to examine challenges and opportunities around the integration of renewable-energy technologies into the grid and the decarbonization of Canada’s electricity systems—the electricity transition.
This year’s Hub Summit utilized a range of formats:
Discussions focused on the most relevant topics for Canadian electricity utilities and system operators, stemming from CanREA’s work with Hub participants throughout the year.
Large group sessions leveraged the Hub’s network of international experts with leading-edge knowledge and experience that can be adapted for relevance to the Canadian grid.
Guest speakers hosted small group sessions with Hub Summit attendees, placing a priority on dialogue and the efficient exchange of information.
Workshops provided ample time for discussion and collaboration on selected themes.
View our photo album below:
Photo: More than 60 people representing Canadian utilities and system operators met in Toronto, Ontario, for the third annual Electricity Transition Hub Summit, in January 2025. Photo: CanREA’s President and CEO, Vittoria Bellissimo, welcomed Canadian utilities and system operators to the 2025 Electricity Transition Hub Summit in Toronto, Ontario.Photo: The director of the Electricity Transition Hub, Phil McKay, kicking off the event.Photo: Electrifying discussions were held throughout the two days for attendees to collaborate and share ideas across various topics. The breakout discussions focused on themes such as Power Generation at the Meter, Distribution Network Visibility and Control, Integrating RE and Storage and more.Photo: The Hub was pleased to have a diverse group of subject matter experts as session speakers. Photo: A great time was had by all at the various networking breaks, where attendees connected and shared insights.
What is the Electricity Transition Hub?
The Electricity Transition Hub (“the Hub”) is a new entity bringing together electricity utilities and system operators for capacity-building activities related to renewable energy and grid modernization projects in Canada. It aims to share relevant knowledge and skills through a curated resource library known as the Electricity Transition Hub Electronic Resource (ETHER) Library, as well as reporting resources, quarterly meetings and an annual Hub Summit. The Hub is led by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) and funded by the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREPs) program at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
The Hub Summit is an exclusive event for participants of CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub.
Non-participating utilities and system operators who would like more information about joining CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub and attending the Hub Summit are invited to view the Electricity Transition Hub webpage or contact CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub.
Upcoming CanREA 2025 Events
CanREA 2025 calendar of events at a glance
CanREA is thrilled to announce our 2025 calendar of national and regional events, ranging from specialized conferences to popular networking receptions, golf tournaments 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.
CanREA Connects—Atlantic Canada: Halifax, December 1
CanREA Connects—British Columbia: Vancouver, December 4
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.
Webinar— Building-integrated photovoltaics: Producing electricity through the building envelope
November 13, 2024 Webinar presented by Natural Resources Canada
On November 13, attendees explored the cutting-edge world of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) during their informative webinar, hosted by industry experts Véronique Delisle and Erin Gaucher-Loksts.
This webinar offered a deep dive into BIPV’s potential, showcased Canadian examples, reviewed international R&D efforts under the IEA PVPS Task 15 and highlighted the growing interest in BIPV as a key component in the renewable energy mix.
Missed this webinar or interested in other webinars hosted by CanREA? Members can watch recorded presentations in the member-only portal here. For other webinars, see the upcoming events calendars here.
Speakers:
Véronique Delisle Véronique Delisle is a project manager in the Renewable Energy Integration Program at the CanmetENERGY research centre of Natural Resources Canada. She manages projects related to building integrated photovoltaics, the potential and control of flexible loads, smart cities and bulk power system modelling pathways for net-zero regional and national grids. Véronique holds Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and Polytechnique Montréal, respectively.
Erin Gaucher-Loksts Erin Gaucher-Loksts is a research officer in the Renewable Energy Integration Program at the CanmetENERGY research centre of Natural Resources Canada. She works on projects related to building integrated photovoltaics, photovoltaic potential in the built environment, and developing a platform for tracking smart grid and renewable energy standards. She is also one of the Canadian experts participating in the IEA PVPS Task 15 on building-integrated photovoltaics. Erin holds a Master’s degree in Building Engineering from Concordia University.
