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. 

Calendar of events:

FEBRUARY: 

MARCH

APRIL: 

MAY: 

JUNE: 

JULY: 

SEPTEMBER:

OCTOBER: 

NOVEMBER: 

 DECEMBER:

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.  

CanREA Connects—Atlantic Canada fall networking reception

November 12, 2024
Stewart McKelvey office

CanREA’s Atlantic Canada fall networking reception was a resounding success, bringing together almost 70 key players from the renewable energy sector in Halifax.  

Hosted by our presenting sponsor, Stewart McKelvey, and facilitated by Jean Habel, our Senior Director, Québec and Atlantic Canada, this CanREA Connects event provided a vibrant platform for networking, learning and collaboration. 

PHOTO: Participants engaging in discussions at the Stewart McKelvey office.

The event welcomed a diverse group of industry professionals, senior executives and decision-makers, fostering valuable connections within Atlantic Canada’s renewable energy sector.  

Special guest: Steve Parsons

A key moment of the evening was the insightful presentation by Steve Parsons, CEO of Eskasoni Corporate Services and representative of the Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency (WMA). Parsons shared his perspective on the role of strategic partnerships in empowering economic development and sustainable energy solutions in Atlantic Canada. His remarks highlighted the importance of community-driven initiatives and collaboration in advancing clean energy in the region. 

PHOTO: Steve Parsons, CEO of Eskasoni Corporate Services, sharing his insights at CanREA Connects.

Advancing Atlantic Canada’s clean-energy future

CanREA’s mission to lead the transition to a modern, clean energy system was highlighted throughout the event. Guests gained a deeper understanding of how CanREA is advocating for wind, solar and energy storage solutions to deliver clean, reliable and low-cost energy across Atlantic Canada, and across the country.  

The event also fostered discussions about emerging local projects and investment opportunities, offering valuable insights into the local energy market and regulatory landscape in Atlantic Canada.

Thank you to our sponsors

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Stewart McKelvey for their generous sponsorship, and to all attendees who made this event a success. Your participation is vital in shaping the future of renewable energy in Atlantic Canada and beyond. 

PHOTO: The Stewart McKelvey team, proud presenting sponsor of the CanREA Connects – Atlantic Canada fall networking reception. Pictured: Speaking, Dave Randell; Group L to R: Daniel Mowat-Rose, Steve Parsons, Dave Randell, Sadira Jan, James Gamblin, Kimberly MacLachlan.
PHOTO: VIP guests and speakers at the event, including Jean Habel (Senior Director, Québec and Atlantic Canada, CanREA) and guests engaging in discussions around renewable energy development.

Stay tuned for more events and future opportunities to connect with the CanREA community. 

Pictured: CanREA staff Jean Habel, Alana Ingraham, Wesley Johnston and Leonard Kula. 

Sponsorship opportunities are available

Position your brand as a networking sponsor at CanREA Connects and engage with top industry leaders driving wind, solar and energy storage innovations across Canada.

CanREA Connects—Quebec fall networking reception

November 21, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Fasken Offices (800, rue du Square-Victoria, office 3500, Montréal, QC, H3C 0B4)

CanREA’s Quebec Canada fall networking reception was a resounding success, bringing together more than 120 key players from the renewable energy sector in Montreal.  

Hosted at the offices of our event sponsor, Fasken, and facilitated by Jean Habel, our Senior Director, Québec and Atlantic Canada, this CanREA Connects event provided a vibrant platform for networking, learning and collaboration. 

Participants engaging in discussions at the Fasken office.

The event welcomed a diverse group of industry professionals, senior executives and decision-makers, fostering valuable connections within Quebec’s renewable energy sector.

Advancing Quebec’s renewable energy future

CanREA’s mission to lead the transition to a modern, clean energy system was highlighted throughout the event. Guests gained a deeper understanding of how CanREA is advocating for wind, solar and energy storage solutions to deliver clean, reliable and low-cost energy across Quebec, and across the country.  

The event also fostered discussions about emerging local projects and investment opportunities, offering valuable insights into the local energy market and regulatory landscape. 

Jean Habel giving insightful remarks to guests. 

Thank you to our sponsor and attendees 

We would like to extend our sincere thanks EDF Renewables (Presenting Sponsor), Amazon Web Services, Nordex (Networking Sponsors), Blu Earth Renewables, Fasken, and Enercon (Event Sponsors), and to all attendees who made this event a success. Your participation is vital in shaping the future of renewable energy in Quebec and beyond. 

EDF Renewables – From left to right: Mo Senay, Stephane Desdunes, Lilit Gevorkyan, Jon Burke, and CanREA’s Leonard Kula. 
Nordex – Eric Avila, Ross Merten, and CanREA’s Leonard Kula 
Enercon – Mark van Dijk, Oliver Cohen, Adam Sirignano, Mathieu Cote (CanREA), Yamile Fino Martinez, and Anthony Glover. 

VIP guests and speakers at the event, including Jean Habel (Senior Director, Québec and Atlantic Canada, CanREA) and guests engaging in discussions around renewable energy development.

Pictured: CanREA staff Leonard Kula, Carole Brault, Brittany Borden, Katherine Belisle, Mathieu Cote, and Jean Habel.   

Stay tuned for more events and future opportunities to connect with the CanREA community, including our Net Zero CanREA Summit, happening in Montreal on May 15, 2025. 

CanREA Connects—Ontario fall networking reception

November 27, 2024
Radisson Blu Toronto

CanREA’s Ontario fall networking reception was a resounding success, bringing together 140 key players from the renewable energy sector in Toronto.  

This Connects event, facilitated by Eric Muller, Director of Ontario at CanREA, offered a dynamic platform for networking, learning, and collaboration, with support from Networking Sponsors EDF Renewables, LCAB, and CIBC, and Health and Safety Sponsor Enbridge.

Participants engaging in discussions at the Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown. 

The event welcomed a diverse group of industry professionals, senior executives and decision-makers, fostering valuable connections within Ontario’s renewable energy sector.  

Advancing Ontario’s clean-energy future

CanREA’s mission to lead the transition to a modern, clean energy system was highlighted throughout the event. Guests gained a deeper understanding of how CanREA is advocating for wind, solar and energy storage solutions to deliver clean, reliable and low-cost energy across Ontario, and across the country.  

The event also fostered discussions about emerging local projects and investment opportunities, offering valuable insights into the local energy market and regulatory landscape in Ontario. 

Thank you to our sponsors and attendees

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to LCAB, CIBC, and EDF Renewables for their generous sponsorships, as well as to Enbridge for their support as the Health and Safety Sponsor. Your involvement and dedication were key to the success of this event, and your participation is crucial in shaping the future of renewable energy in Ontario and beyond. 

From L to R: The LCAB team, Stuart Hurst and Etienne Lecompte, alongside Vittoria Bellissimo (CEO and President, CanREA), Eric Muller (Director of Ontario, CanREA) and Wesley Johnston (VP of Business Development, Finance and Operations, CanREA).
From L to Right: Darrell Swan from EDF Renewables team, delighted to contribute as a networking sponsor, Vittoria Bellissimo (CEO and President, CanREA), Toby Shepherd (EDF Renewables) and Wesley Johnston (VP of Business Development, Finance and Operations, CanREA).
From L to R: Vittoria Bellissimo (CEO and President, CanREA), Paul Luukkonen from the Enbridge team, proud Health and Safety Sponsor of the event, and Wesley Johnston (VP of Business Development, Finance and Operations, CanREA). 
Eric Muller (Director, Ontario, CanREA) and guests engaging in discussions around renewable energy development.

Stay tuned for more events and future opportunities to connect with the CanREA community. 

The CanREA team at the Connects Ontario event, united in advancing Ontario’s renewable energy future.

Electricity Transformation Canada 2024

Oct 21-23, 2024 
Calgary, Alberta 

Thank you to all CanREA members, partners and supporters who helped make Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC) 2024 a success in Calgary, Alberta.  

Canada’s largest and most influential renewable energy and clean technology event attracted more than 2,600 attendees from across North America, with 125 expert speakers delivering plenaries and educational sessions, more than 150 cutting-edge exhibitors populating in the expo hall, and multiple networking events allowing everyone to connect in person, making it the largest edition yet. 

ETC 2024 showcased technology solutions from distributors, engineers, investors, installers and manufacturers, while also presenting policy progress, success stories and challenges on the pathway to net-zero. The event aimed to inspire attendees and allow renewable-energy and energy-storage leaders to network, collaborate and move the industry forward. 

Grand Opening

Electricity Transformation Canada kicked off with impactful opening remarks from Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO of CanREA, and CanREA Board Chair Jason Chee-Aloy (Power Advisory LLC), as well as an infuential keynote address by Guy Lonechild of the First Nations Power Authority.

The opening plenary, “Word to the Wise: Insights from Canada’s Clean Energy Leaders,” was expertly moderated by Emma Graney from The Globe and Mail, with valuable insights from speakers Matthew Akman of Enbridge, Ben Greenhouse from Potentia Renewables and Tristan Grimbert of EDF Renewables North America.  

The evening concluded with a lively Welcome Reception, where over 600 attendees gathered to network, share insights and build connections in the clean energy sector.

US election outlook and manufacturing

One of the highlights of Electricity Transformation Canada this year was the insightful Day Two Keynote remarks delivered by Stacy J. Ettinger from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), focusing on the U.S. election outlook and its implications for renewable energy and storage.  

Following the keynote, attendees engaged in a compelling plenary session titled “Small World: Leading Manufacturers on the Challenges of Supplying the Canadian Market.” This session provided valuable perspectives on the complexities and opportunities facing manufacturers in the Canadian renewable energy sector.  

Exhibit Hall

The pulse point of Electricity Transformation Canada was the Exhibit Hall, featuring more than 150 exhibitors and fascinating presentations in the show floor theatres. 

ETC’s exhibitors included distributors, engineers, investors, installers and manufacturers, who showcased innovative technology solutions for renewable energy and clean tech.

CanREA Booth

CanREA’s full team was on hand at ETC. Team members engaged with ETC attendees at the CanREA booth, stressing the importance of member participation in shaping the future of the organization, serving as a voting station for the Board of Directors election, and sharing information about upcoming CanREA events, designed to foster networking and knowledge sharing among industry professionals.

Keynote Insights and Utility Perspectives

The third day of Electricity Transformation Canada commenced with impactful keynote remarks from Philippe Dunsky, President of Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, focusing on “Electricity: Canada’s Growth Agenda.”

This keynote was followed by an engaging plenary session titled “Power Players: Insights from Canada’s Top Utilities and System Operators.” Attendees gained valuable insights from prominent speakers, including Lesley Gallinger and Aaron Engen from the AESO, and Jana Mosley from Toronto Hydro. The session highlighted the critical roles utilities and system operators play in advancing Canada’s clean energy transition. 

Meet the Policy Team

As per ETC tradition, CanREA’s policy experts took the stage to share insights into their advocacy priorities, focusing on the acceleration of wind, solar and energy storage deployment across Canada.

Procurement Calendar

Also, at ETC CanREA unveiled a new clean-energy procurement calendar, a central resource for wind, solar and energy storage procurement opportunities across Canada. The beta version of this calendar, launched in mid-October 2024, contains more than 10,000 MW of procurements, currently either underway, being procured, or being planned. This represents more than $20B in investment. 

See you next year!

All told, Electricity Transformation Canada 2024 was more than just a conference; it was a platform for change, a commitment to collaboration and a celebration of a common commitment.  

As the conference came to an end, it left speakers, exhibitors, attendees and partners inspired to keep building a cleaner, more sustainable energy system across Canada.  

Don’t miss out next year, when ETC 2025 will be held October 6 to 8 at the Enercare Center in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit the ETC website.

CanREA Connects—Alberta

June 5, 2024
Calgary Marriott Downtown

A very successful CanREA Connects—Alberta was held on June 5, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta.

The spring networking reception, hosted by CanREA member and Event Sponsor Prairie Sky, brought together more than 160 of the province’s leading minds, business leaders and influencers, focused on progressing the wind energy, solar energy and energy-storage sector in Alberta.

PHOTO: Attendees had the opportunity to network and engage with key figures in Alberta’s renewable energy and energy storage field.
PHOTO: Attendees engage in lively discussions at the CanREA Connects networking reception on the Marriott rooftop.

Thanks to all who lent their passion, expertise, and support to make the spring 2024 edition of CanREA Connects—Alberta an unforgettable success!

Our next CanREA Connects event in the spring 2024 series is in Toronto on June 19. Register now!

View the entire year of CanREA events here.

Thank you to our sponsor

A special thanks to our event sponsor, Prairie Sky, for their support and contribution.

PHOTO: From left to right: Jeff Sterzuk (President, Prairie Sky), Vittoria Bellissimo (President & CEO, CanREA), Wesley Johnston (VP of Business Development, Finance and Operations, CanREA) and Whitney Issik (Senior Strategy Advisor, Prairie Sky).

Sponsorship opportunities – stand out from the crowd

Sponsorship opportunities are available for CanREA Networking events. Please contact Julie Mair, CanREA’s Director, Membership and Business Development, to discuss interesting ways you can stand out from the crowd as a sponsor and showcase your company as a leader in the industry.

CanREA Connects—Ontario

June 19, 2024
Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown

On June 19, 2024, leaders from Ontario’s renewable energy and energy storage industry gathered on the rooftop patio at the Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown for CanREA Connects—Ontario, our highly anticipated annual “Summer Solstice” networking reception. 

The event provided a vibrant platform for nearly 250 movers and shakers in Ontario’s renewable energy and energy storage sector to connect, collaborate and discuss future opportunities.  

Many of the attendees used this occasion to foster connections made at the Clean Power Finance Canada Summit held earlier that day. For details on that event, see the recap photo album here.

Attendees engaged in lively discussions, fostering relationships that drive innovation and growth within Canada’s renewable energy and energy storage landscape.  

Thank you to all who joined us in supporting CanREA’s mission and making this year’s “Summer Solstice” networking reception a resounding success. See you next year! 

View the entire year of CanREA events here.

Thank you to our sponsors

A special thanks to our event sponsors Goldwind and Renewable Risk Consulting, whose support was instrumental in ensuring the success of this event. 

PHOTO:  Representatives of Event Sponsor Goldwind alongside CanREA staff. From left to right: Wesley Johnston (CanREA), Grant Qualley and Lauren La Marche (Goldwind).
PHOTO: Representatives of Event Sponsor Renewable Risk Consulting alongside CanREA staff. From left to right: Jen Aitchison (Renewable Risk Consulting) and Wesley Johnston (CanREA).

Sponsorship opportunities – stand out from the crowd

Sponsorship opportunities are available for other CanREA events. Please contact Julie Mair, CanREA’s Director, Membership and Business Development, to discuss interesting ways you can stand out from the crowd as a sponsor and showcase your company as a leader in the industry.