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CanREA Connects—Atlantic Canada

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.

Caption: From left to right: Imran Noorani, Vice President of Policy; Wesley Johnston, Vice President of Business Development, Finance and Operations; Melissa Sheehy-Richard, MLA (Hants West); Hon. Tim Halman, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Johnny Johnston, President & CEO, IESO Nova Scotia; Hon. Seamus O’Regan, Senior Business Advisor at Stewart McKelvey; Jean Habel, Senior Director of Policy for Québec and Atlantic Canada; and Eddie Oldfield, Manager of Policy for Atlantic Canada.

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:

CanREA Connects—British Columbia

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.

Caption: Wes Johnston (CanREA), Patricia Lightburn (CanREA), Mike de Jong, and Imran (CanREA), pictured at CanREA Connects—British Columbia.

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
Caption: Patricia Lightburn, Director for BC at CanREA; Mike de Jong, Ambassador for Wind & Solar BC; Megan Lohmann, Acting CEO of the Community Energy Association; and Ryan Gander, BC Workshop Facilitator with Relay Education.

With project support from:

  • EDF Power Solutions
  • BluEarth Renewables
  • RES Canada
  • Innergex Renewable Energy
Caption: Violaine Delorme (EDF), Matt Schuett (BluEarth Renewables), Patricia (CanREA), Mike de Jong (Ambassador, Wine & Solar BC), Isabelle Deguise (RES), and Ina Gjoka (Innergex Renewable Energy).

Thank you to our sponsors:

CanREA Connects—Quebec

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.
Caption: From left to right: Imran Noorani (CanREA); Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; Louis-Charles Thouin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy; Jean Habel (CanREA); and Martin Robitaille (National Bank).

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:

CanREA Connects—Alberta

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:

Launch—Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook 2025: Wind. Solar. Storage.

Webinar presented by CanREA and Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors
September 16, 2025, 1-2 p.m. ET

Canadian Renewable Energy Association and Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors presented a free, one-hour webinar previewing the new, now available, report, Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook 2025: Wind. Solar. Storage. This report provides essential, Canada-specific intelligence on wind, solar and energy storage, covering the latest deployment and policy updates, cost forecasts (CAPEX, OPEX, LCOE and PPA pricing), projected market growth, economic and environmental impacts, and national as well as regional insights across BC, Alberta, Ontario, Québec and Atlantic Canada. With electricity demand rising and policy frameworks evolving, this analysis is a critical resource for industry, investors, utilities and policymakers.

Purchase the report

Speakers

Leonard Kula
Vice President of Policy—Eastern Canada and Utility Affairs, CanREA

As CanREA’s Vice President of Policy—Eastern Canada and Utility Affairs, Leonard Kula leads CanREA’s policy development and government relations team in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, as well as oversees the Operators Program, the Behind-the-Meter (BTM) Program and CanREA’s Utility GRID Program. Leonard was previously the Chief Operating Officer at Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator where he was responsible for real-time market and system operations, power system engineering functions, generation resource procurement, transmission and resource planning, and market development. Leonard holds an MBA (York University), as well as a MASc (University of Waterloo) and a BSc (University of Calgary) in Mechanical Engineering. He is based near Toronto. 

Ahmed Hanafy
Partner, Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors

Ahmed Hanafy is a Partner at Dunsky where he supports utilities, power producers, governments and other actors across North America with their efforts to accelerate and navigate the energy transition. Combining deep technical knowledge with strategic foresight, Ahmed has guided numerous clients through the critical intersections of technical, policy, regulatory and strategic issues within the evolving electricity sector. Drawing on expertise in renewable energy, energy storage, Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and other emerging technologies, his work informs and shapes clients’ corporate strategy, system planning, project development and policy/regulatory initiatives. In addition to leading and contributing hundreds of mandates at Dunsky, his expertise is built on prior experiences working on emerging utility business models, renewable energy policy, energy markets and other related issues. Ahmed holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and an MBA from McGill University (Canada) as well as a master’s degree in energy science from ETH Zurich (Switzerland).

CanREA Golf Tournament—Alberta

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.  

Electricity Transformation Canada 2025

A record-breaking year for clean energy collaboration

October 6-8, 2025
Toronto, Ontario

Thank you to all CanREA members, partners and supporters who helped make Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC) 2025 a record-breaking success in Toronto.

This year’s edition was the largest ETC to date, bringing together 2,900 clean energy professionals from across Canada and around the world. The event featured more than 120 expert speakers and 180 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in renewable energy, energy storage and electrification technologies.

From the moment the doors opened, the excitement was palpable. Across the show floor, exhibitors demonstrated how solar, wind, storage, hydrogen and microgrid solutions—enhanced by AI, digital tools and new manufacturing breakthroughs—are accelerating the clean energy transition and reshaping Canada’s electricity future.

Attendees experienced a dynamic, three-day event built for collaboration and learning: educational sessions led by industry leaders and policymakers, workshops, forward-looking plenaries and countless opportunities to connect—from the welcome reception to lively meetups across the exhibition hall.

Opening night: Celebrating Canada’s clean energy leadership

The evening began with a powerful address from Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO of CanREA, who spoke about Canada’s leadership in renewable energy and the importance of collaboration to achieve a reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity system.

She was joined by Chief Claire Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, who delivered an Indigenous welcome, emphasizing the values of partnership, respect and stewardship at the heart of Canada’s clean energy transition.

Additional remarks came from CanREA Board Chair Colleen Giroux-Schmidt (Innergex) and Chinyere Eni (RBC Origins), who both highlighted the critical roles of private sector innovation and reconciliation in advancing a clean energy future that benefits all Canadians.

Keynote address

Ontario’s Minister of Energy, Stephen Lecce, delivered the evening keynote, outlining the province’s vision for affordable, reliable and innovative electricity. He highlighted the role of renewable energy, energy storage and infrastructure modernization in supporting Ontario’s economy and climate goals while strengthening collaboration across provinces and Indigenous communities.

Opening plenary

Harnessing Canada’s Clean Energy: A Strategic Advantage for Global Competitiveness

Caption: Panellists: JP Gladu (Mokwateh), Ehren Cory (Canada Infrastructure Bank), Heather Chalmers (GE Vernova Canada), Patrick Decostre (Boralex) and Tracy Antoine (RBC) shared their insights on how Canada can harness its clean energy advantage to drive competitiveness, energy security and sustainable growth.

Canada is standing at the crossroads of geopolitics, energy security and economic development. The opening plenary examined how the country can leverage its clean energy advantage to strengthen global competitiveness and long-term prosperity. Moderated by Emma Graney (The Globe and Mail), the panel discussed ways that Canada can capitalize on its renewable energy resources to create robust, affordable and reliable electricity systems that attract investment and accelerate sustainable economic growth.

Recognizing leadership and excellence: WiRE and CanREA Awards

Following the plenary, ETC 2025 celebrated outstanding contributions to Canada’s clean energy sector with the 2025 Women of Distinction Awards, presented to Michelle Chislett (middle) and Tanna M. Pirie-Wilson (right).

Chislett, former Executive Vice President of Onshore Renewables at Northland Power Inc., was honoured for her leadership in wind, solar and storage development—most notably, Canada’s first grid-scale battery energy storage project, Oneida Energy Storage.

Pirie-Wilson is a Wolastoqiyik from the Nekutkuk Maliseet Nation (Tobique First Nation) in New Brunswick. She was the first woman to serve as both Senior Band Administrator and CEO of band-owned enterprises for Tobique First Nation. In this role, she led the development of wind energy projects in her community. Pirie-Wilson also served on the Board of Directors for Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE), and she continues to work with the organization as a youth mentor.

The evening continued with the first-ever CanREA Awards, introduced by Vittoria Bellissimo, recognizing innovation, leadership and excellence in renewable energy and energy storage. Twenty projects were nominated this year, and CanREA looks forward to an even bigger crop of entries in 2026!

Winners included:

  • Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park – Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation and Boralex (Innovative Canadian Clean Power Project of the Year)
  • Glooscap Energy (Indigenous Clean Energy Company of the Year)
  • Jayman BUILT – “Solar is Not an Option” (Canadian On-Site Project of the Year)

These inaugural awards highlighted the collaboration and ingenuity driving Canada’s renewable energy future. Congratulations to all nominees and winners!

Welcome reception

Caption: Colleen Giroux-Schmidt (Innergex Renewable Energy) and Lisa Asbreuk (Cunningham Swan LLP) — CanREA Board Chair and Board Secretary.

The evening concluded with a lively welcome reception, where attendees networked and celebrated the start of ETC 2025.

Spotlight on innovation, policy and market transformation

The ETC 2025 conference program featured four education streams:

  • Policy and Market Insights
  • Getting Projects Built
  • Unlocking Energy Storage
  • Utilities and Grid Modernization

Across these streams, sessions explored the most pressing issues in Canada’s clean energy landscape—from Distribution System Operator (DSO) models and supply chain resilience to energy storage deployment and labour market competitiveness.

A highlight was the standing-room-only session “Cross-Canada Check-Up on Policy, Markets and Procurements,” featuring CanREA’s regional policy directors sharing timely updates on procurement opportunities and policy developments across all regions.

Delegates also gained exclusive insights from the Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook 2025 report, which forecasts that over the next decade, the Canadian energy sector will deploy:

  • 30–51 GW of new wind power
  • 17–26 GW of new solar power
  • 12–16 GW of new energy storage

Together, these additions could increase renewables from 10% of supply today to as much as 33% of Canada’s electricity mix by 2050.

Exhibit Hall: The hub of innovation

The ETC 2025 Exhibit Hall was the heart of the event, featuring 180 exhibitors presenting cutting-edge technologies—from next-generation turbines and inverters to AI-driven grid management and advanced storage systems.

A key feature this year was the expanded Indigenous Clean Energy Pavilion, spotlighting projects and partnerships led by Indigenous communities and businesses across Canada.

Three show floor theatres hosted continuous technical talks, product demonstrations and educational sessions throughout the event, creating an interactive hub of knowledge and innovation.

Looking ahead to 2026

As Canada continues to accelerate its clean energy ambitions, Electricity Transformation Canada remains the country’s most important platform for collaboration, innovation and market growth.

Join us next year, from October 19 to 21, 2026, at the Enercare Centre in Toronto, Ontario.

Learn more at electricity-transformation.ca

Clean Power Finance Canada– CanREA Summit

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.

Caption: CanREA’s Vittoria Bellissimo and CIBC’s Roman Dubczak kicked off the Clean Power Finance Canada–CanREA Summit with opening remarks.

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.

Caption: Sashen Guneratna (CIB) delivered the morning keynote address, emphasizing the need to unlock capital for Canada’s energy transition.

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.

Caption: The opening plenary panel explored how international finance and policy trends are shaping clean energy opportunities in Canada.

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.

Caption: Leading political strategists discussed federal and provincial policy landscapes and what’s next for clean energy infrastructure in Canada.

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.

Caption: Finance experts unpacked how ITCs and other tools can unlock billions in clean energy investment.

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.

Caption: Speakers shared how big tech’s growing electricity demands are accelerating clean power investment across Canada.

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.

Caption: CanREA and Dunsky previewed their 2025 market outlook for wind, solar and storage in Canada.

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.

Caption: Minister Sam Oosterhoff offered closing remarks on Ontario’s clean energy strategy.

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.

Caption: Wesley Johnston from CanREA with James Brooks from CIBC.
Caption: Wesley Johnston from CanREA with Robert Lydan and Tatiana de Souzza Lima from Phoventus.
Caption: Anna Moser, Timothy Burke, Elizabeth Kaiga, Benjamin Zanetti from DNV, with CanREA’s Wesley Johnston.
Caption: Isabel Taylor, Wesley Johnston (CanREA) Alex Newhook, and Ahmed Hanafy form Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors.
Caption: (From left to right) Dan Schwartz, Tyler Ferguson, Pirannavan Logeswaran, Kapil Kalra, Eric Visser, Wesley Johnston (CanREA) and Alfred Lee from Vancity Community Investment Bank.
Caption: Radha and Jean Habel from CanREA with Joel Veenstra and Arthur Arnold- PCL Construction.
Caption: CanREA’s Jean Habel, Kevin Linnane from Goldwind and Theo Peters from Vensys Energy Inc.
Caption: Rim Assaad, Rachelle Lynne-Davies and Scott Gerylo from Compass Energy Consulting.

CanREA Connects—Ontario

June 25, 2025
Toronto, Ontario

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.