February 11 & 12, 2026

The sixth edition of Canada’s top wind, solar and energy storage operations conference reflected the sector’s maturity and future growth potential 

More than 350 people gathered in Toronto this week for the sixth annual and largest-ever CanREA Operators Summit, Canada’s premier conference and exhibition devoted to the operation and maintenance of renewable energy and energy storage sites. The event brought together operators, asset managers, technicians and service providers who manage the country’s growing fleet of wind, solar and energy storage facilities.

“As Canada’s renewable energy sector comes of age, we need highly skilled operators to maintain existing assets at peak efficiency while preparing for the build-out ahead,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “With the total installed capacity of wind, solar and energy storage in Canada now at roughly 25 gigawatts—a 56% increase since 2020—our operators have evolved from newcomers to trusted professionals with deep expertise operating assets in Canada’s diverse environments. They can be counted on to deliver the electricity Canada needs to power the economy of the future.”

This year’s theme, “Coming of Age,” reflects a pivotal shift in the industry. Approximately 15% of Canada’s large wind and solar energy assets were built in 2009 or earlier and are nearing the end of their original contracts. Operators must now manage this established infrastructure while integrating new regulations and technologies—including AI, agrivoltaics, drones and real-time monitoring—and maintaining a steadfast commitment to safety, workforce readiness, reliability and community engagement. These experienced professionals are also front and centre in decisions about whether to decommission, repower or extend the lifetime of this first wave of Canadian renewable energy facilities.

“We designed this year’s program to address the practical challenges operators face today, equip them for the decisions they must help make and prepare them for robust growth ahead,” said Phil McKay, CanREA’s Senior Director of Member Programs. “Energy demand is expected to rise significantly across Canada over the next 25 years, so every megawatt of existing capacity counts. With an expanded technical program and more targeted networking opportunities, this Summit gave O&M professionals the best forum in Canada to connect and learn from each other as companies get ready to scale up.”

View the full photo album here.

The two-day program featured sessions addressing current operational priorities. The opening panel, “Coming of Age: The Renewables Industry Today,” explored how wind, solar and storage have become essential tools in the grid operator’s toolbox. Technical sessions covered topics including troubleshooting complex electrical systems, assessing turbine component wear, solar operations in adverse weather conditions, AI applications in renewable operations, and new agrivoltaics regulations in Alberta.

New features this year included hands-on demonstrations on the exhibition floor, replacing traditional elevator pitches with interactive equipment showcases. A lessons learned track provided fast-paced fireside sessions where presenters shared practical examples and best practices. An educational poster session allowed operators, technicians and engineers to present operations-focused case studies and engage in one-on-one conversations.

This enriched program aimed to meet the evolving needs of operators on the cusp of a future increasingly powered by renewable energy.

“Canada’s wind, solar and energy storage manufacturers, operators and service providers are stepping into a new chapter of sophistication and opportunity,” explained McKay. “Attendees of the Operators Summit are part of the core workforce that will inform how new sites are built and existing sites are enhanced to form an increasingly critical part of Canada’s economy.”

CanREA wishes to thank all attendees, exhibitors and sponsors for helping to make this year’s Operators Summit a success.

Sponsors:

Exhibitors:

Don’t miss Operators Summit 2027! To stay informed, subscribe to Watt’s On, CanREA’s events newsletter or visit our upcoming events page.

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:

July 16, 2025
Blue Devil Golf Course
Calgary, AB

CanREA hosted another successful installment of its Golf Tournament Series on July 16, 2025, at the Blue Devil Golf Course in Alberta. This event highlighted CanREA’s efforts to foster collaboration and networking within Alberta’s renewable energy sector. 

Nearly 140 industry leaders, professionals and enthusiasts from across Alberta’s renewable energy and energy storage landscape, and beyond, converged on the course 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.

A special word of appreciation to our Sponsors—Goldwind, NES Fircroft, Panedell, Firefly, PCL, MLT Aikins, Spark Power, Recon Metal, Prairie Sky.

Congrats to all of our day’s award-winning individuals and teams for their outstanding performances and memorable moments on the course.   

CanREA wishes to thank all our sponsors, participants and everyone who contributed to making this event a success.  

June 25, 2025
Toronto, Ontario

The second annual Clean Power Finance Canada–CanREA Summit, held in downtown Toronto in June 2025, brought together more than 200 clean power professionals, investors and policymakers for a full day of high-level discussions on financing the energy transition in Canada.

Hosted by Presenting Sponsor CIBC, this exclusive, one-day event is the only Canadian conference dedicated to bridging the gap between the clean power sector and the finance and investment community. Attendees explored the emerging opportunities—and growing complexities—of financing clean energy projects across the country.

Clean energy developers, asset owners, investors and finance professionals gathered in Toronto to share insights on project financing and Canada’s evolving energy market.

Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO of CanREA, and Roman Dubczak, Deputy Chair of CIBC Capital Markets, opened the day with welcoming remarks that set the tone for the Summit’s finance-forward discussions.

The keynote address, “Powering Canada’s Future: Financing the next generation of renewable energy,” was delivered by Sashen Guneratna (CIB), who spoke about emerging investment pathways and overcoming barriers in clean energy finance.

The opening plenary, “Global trends, local impacts: How will international trade and energy policies affect Canada’s clean energy markets?,” moderated by Michelle Chislett (Northland Power), explored how global trade and energy policies are shaping Canadian markets. Panelists James Brooks (CIBC), Elizabeth Kaiga (DNV) and Ryan Lax (Torys LLP) provided macroeconomic insights with local implications.

The program then split into two parallel sessions. The “Cutting edge: Financing emerging clean power technologies” panel, moderated by Eric Visser (Vancity Community Investment Bank), examined financing strategies for emerging clean technologies like green hydrogen and long-duration storage. Speakers included Jeff Messner (Novus Earth), Scott Keating (Trillium Power Wind Corp.), Frank Davis (Pattern Energy) and Sonal Shah (Hydrostar Inc.).

Meanwhile, “Mapping the political landscape: Policy insights for Canada’s clean power industry,” moderated by Ahmed Irfan (RBC), brought together political experts Sandra Aubé (Tact Conseil), Chris Benedetti (Sussex Strategy Group), David Herle (Rubicon Strategy) and Mark Cameron (Glenfinnan Consulting) to assess Canada’s shifting policy terrain and its implications for clean energy development.

After lunch, the panel on “Indigenous equity financing: Funding opportunities for clean energy partnerships,” moderated by Cherie Brant (Borden Ladner Gervais), addressed the persistent barriers Indigenous communities face in accessing capital for clean energy projects. Panelists Sashen Guneratna (Canada Infrastructure Bank), Shaun Fantauzzo (First Nations Major Projects Coalition), Crystal Nicholas (Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency) and Andrew Kennedy (Capstone Infrastructure Corporation) explored financing tools, investment models and strategies to support equitable Indigenous participation in the energy transition.

In parallel, the panel “Seeing green: The future of the ITCs, financing tools & optimizing claims,” moderated by David Warner (EDF Renewables), offered practical insights into Canada’s evolving Investment Tax Credit landscape. Panelists Jennifer Majid (LCAB), Rayna Narayansingh (National Bank of Canada), Brony Fong (KPMG Canada) and Dan Jankovic (Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP) discussed how developers and investors can optimize claims, leverage new financial instruments, and avoid common pitfalls in clean energy project financing.

In the late afternoon, the panel “Charge forward: Financing energy storage,” moderated by Niru Thambirajah (CIBC Capital Markets), examined the financial and regulatory landscape for energy storage across Canada. Panelists Michael Kaufman (Aypa Power), Rob Lydan (Phoventus) and Jake Sadikman (Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP) shared insights into investment models, market structures and the policy frameworks needed to unlock the full potential of energy storage solutions.

At the same time, the “Big Tech: Power-hungry and driving clean electricity investment” panel, moderated by Thomas Timmins (Gowling WLG), explored how the rapid growth of AI and data centres is reshaping electricity demand in Canada. Panelists Patrick Lo (Microsoft), Ray Fakhoury (Amazon Web Services), Strahan McCarten (eStruxture Data Centers) and David Devereaux (IESO) discussed the implications for power procurement, infrastructure planning, and clean energy investment.

The final set of panels addressed both risk management and market outlook. In “Risk and return: Innovative insurance solutions for clean energy projects,” moderator Jen Aitchison (Hub International) led a dynamic discussion on how insurance is evolving to meet the needs of the clean energy sector. Panelists Paul Turner (Hub International), George Schulz (New Energy Risk), Fraser Roberts (INTECH Risk Management) and Kapil Kalra, CFA (Vancity Community Investment Bank) shared innovative approaches to mitigating capital risk, protecting revenue streams, and unlocking more affordable financing.

Simultaneously, CanREA and Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors offered an exclusive preview of their upcoming report, Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook 2025. Moderated by Jackie Forrest (ARC Energy Research Institute), the session featured insights from Ahmed Hanafy (Dunsky), Leonard Kula (CanREA) and Evan Wilson (CanREA). Together, they provided an early look at key market forecasts, provincial procurement plans, technology cost trends, and other critical data shaping the future of wind, solar and energy storage in Canada. The full report will be officially launched during a CanREA-hosted webinar in September 2025.

The day concluded with a closing keynote from Ontario Minister Sam Oosterhoff, who shared insights on the province’s evolving role in Canada’s clean energy transition.

Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO, then returned to the stage to deliver closing remarks, thanking attendees and reinforcing the critical role of collaboration between the finance and clean power sectors.

Attendees then transitioned to CanREA Connects – Ontario, the highly anticipated Summer Solstice networking reception.

Thank you

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support in making CanREA’s event a resounding success.