July 19, 2023, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Blue Devil Golf Course (Calgary)
Fore! On July 19, the Canadian Renewable Association (CanREA) hosted 165 movers and shakers of the Canadian renewable-energy industry for an exclusive golf tournament in Calgary, Alberta.
PHOTO: A great time was had by all at the CanREA Alberta golf tournament 2023! Clockwise from top: Renee Hjorth (Capital Power), Heinz Inabnit (Sancon Commissioning), Janice Redmond, Craig Dyck (PCL).
This unique opportunity connected other CanREA member companies while entertaining important clients on the fairway—and in the club afterwards.
A BBQ lunch prior to the tee-off time was followed by a networking reception, dinner and a presentation for prizes, including a $10,000 hole-in-one prize!
Event Sponsors
PHOTO: Thank you to our Golf Cart Sponsor, EDF Renewables.
PHOTO: Thank you to our On-course Beverage and Snack Sponsor, Winergy Moventas.
PHOTO: Thank you to our BBQ Lunch Sponsor, Pattern Energy Canada.
PHOTO: Thank you to our Golf Ball Sponsor, Goldwind.
PHOTO: Thank you to our “Closest to the pin” competition Sponsor, Myshak Group.
PHOTO: Thank you to our “Putting” competition Sponsor, Northland Power.
PHOTO: Thank you to our “Marshmallow Long Drive” competition Sponsor, Pandell.
PHOTO: Thank you to our Regular Hole Sponsors; Altus Group, ATCO, Prairie Sky Strategy, and Wanzek Construction.
Sponsorship opportunities – stand out from the crowd
CanREA has many exciting sponsorship opportunities! Please check out the Sponsorship Prospectus and contact Julie Mair, CanREA’s Membership and Business Development Manager, 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 concerned about punitive market and transmission changes in Alberta
STATEMENT—December 10, 2024: CanREA is concerned that the latest round of changes to Alberta’s electricity sector are punitive to renewable energy and energy storage. They will add undue costs for existing assets, putting them at risk. CanREA breaks down several issues with the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities letter to the AESO.
STATEMENT: Climate Action Plan a big advantage for Edmontonians
STATEMENT (October 2024): CanREA welcomes the City of Edmonton’s Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan, which will help ensure energy resilience, encourage onsite solar and storage, and support electrification as a key part of the energy transition. Read our full statement here.
Webinar— Alberta Power Outlook by Similan Consulting
May 30, 2023, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (MT)
CanREA was pleased to host a special webinar on May 30, in which Similan Consulting presented their Alberta Power Outlook report. These findings are of interest to renewable energy companies who currently operate in Alberta or are exploring opportunities in this province.
Similan Consulting Inc. is an Alberta-based consulting firm providing long-term power price forecasts, electricity portfolio advice, optimization and analytics services to load and generation clients. Similan’s Alberta power price forecasts are based on 40+ years of real-world experience in the Alberta market.
This webinar presentation includes both short-term market dynamics (how recent changes in market dynamics are impacting renewable-energy revenues) and a long-term price outlook (Similan’s view of the evolving supply mix and its impact on future renewables capture prices), as well as an examination of carbon policy in Alberta (the price impact of recent amendments to TIER and proposed Clean Electricity Regulations).
Similan’s Alberta forecasting report is available to CanREA members on the member-only website at 40% off (normally $10,000), as part of CanREA’s new Affinity Program.
There was also a 15-minute Q&A opportunity during the webinar.
Cliff Monar, MBA (Principal, Similan Consulting) Cliff has more than 30 years of experience in the Alberta electricity market. He focuses on providing policy, strategy, market, commercial and business development advice to generation and load customers, investors and new entrants in the Alberta electricity sector.
Elias Soto, MBA (Analytics Principal, Similan Consulting) Elias has more than 10 years of experience in the Alberta electricity market. In addition to providing electricity and carbon policy advice, he focuses on conceptual design, economics, financial modelling of power generation projects, and fundamentals-based forecasting of power prices.
June 1, 2023, 5 to 7 p.m. Social Beer Haus 220 8 Ave Sw, Calgary, Alberta
The Alberta advantage is clear for all to see! Alberta accounted for 75% of Canada’s growth in wind, solar and energy-storage installed capacity in 2022, and continues to grow at an unprecedented rate.
We celebrated this momentum at CanREA’s networking reception in Calgary on June 1, 2023.
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association would like to thank all 200 attendees who came out to our event.
It was great to connect face-to-face with all the movers and shakers of Alberta’s renewable energy & energy storage industries!
Prior to the networking reception, CanREA held a special meeting of the Alberta Caucus. Thank you to CanREA Champion member DNV for hosting this meeting. For information on joining the Alberta Caucus or other working groups, please contact CanREA’s Membership and Business Development Manager, Julie Mair, at members@renewablesassociation.ca.
Thank you to our event sponsors:
PHOTO: Networking Sponsor, EDF attendee John Olsen (left).
PHOTO: Event Sponsor, ATCO attendee Mike Nissen (centre).
PHOTO: Event sponsor, MyShak attendee, Chris Neurauter (left).
PHOTO: Event sponsor, Goldbeck Solar, Rina Cornelius (left), Haseeb Zarrar (centre), and from EnergeiaWorks, Victoria Waye (right).
PHOTO: Event sponsor, Enfinite attendees, Jason White (far left), Mike Schoenenberger(second from left), Katie Ewanchuk (third from left), Kelly Palmer (centre), Taylor Smith (second from right), Sarah Elder (far right) and CanREA’s Vittoria Bellissimo (third from right).
PHOTO: Event sponsor, Prairie Sky attendees, Richard Truscott (centre), and CanREA’s Evan Wilson (right).
June 8, 2023, 5 to 7 p.m. Vandale par Le Speakeasy 120 rue McGill, Montréal, Quebec
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association would like to thank the 130 individuals who came out to celebrate successes and share excitement with other industry leaders, while also making new connections and growing business in Quebec.
This is an exciting time for wind, solar, and energy storage in Quebec, with significant announcements and changes taking place. CanREA is working hard to expand opportunities for our members in Quebec’s wind, solar and energy storage industries.
Prior to the networking reception, CanREA held a special meeting of the Quebec Caucus, featuring presentations by Deloitte on the federal Budget’s implications in Québec, and by Fasken on the “Consultation sur l’énergie” to define Quebec’s energy future.
PHOTO: Presenting company Deloitte attendee, Louis Boivin (second from left), Stefan Karkulik of SWEB Development (second from right), and Suzanne Dicaire of FCCQ (far right).
PHOTO: Attendees from left to right; Marie Lapointe of AIEQ, Jean Habel of CanREA, Hélène Fillion of Nergica, Fabiola Oribe of Hydro-Québec, Victor Henriquez of AQPER, Jocelyn B. Allard of AQCIE, and Jean-Philippe Rousseau of Hydro-Québec.
Thank you to CanREA member Enercon for hosting this meeting.
PHOTO: Quebec Caucus meeting host, Enercon, attendee, Michael Wiedemann (centre), Borea’s Marc Richard (right) and CanREA’s Mathieu Côté (left).
PHOTO: CanREA board members, Cory Basil of EDF Renewables (second from right) and Eva Lotta Schmidt of ENERCON (second from left), with CanREA’s Wesley Johnston (far right) and Jean Habel (far left).
Thank you to our event sponsors:
PHOTO: Networking Sponsor, EDF Renewables, attendee Dan Barker (second from right) with CanREA’s Wesley Johnston (far right), Mathieu Côté (second from left) and Enercon’s Oliver Cohen (far left).
PHOTO: Networking Sponsor, BayWa r.e., attendee Angela Young (centre), CanREA’s Jean Habel (left) and Adam Sirignano of ENERCON (right).
June 22, 2023, 5 to 7 p.m. Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown 249 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto, Ontario
The Canadian Renewable Association (CanREA) held our annual “Summer Solstice” networking event in downtown Toronto on June 22nd, 2023!
Did you know that CanREA is committed to securing an additional 8 to 12 GW of new wind, solar and energy-storage capacity in Ontario by 2030, representing about a $20 billion investment opportunity?
Thank you to all 215 attendees who came out to support CanREA’s work while connecting with industry leaders excited about future growth in Ontario.
Event sponsors
PHOTO: Presenting Sponsor, Enfinite, attendees Kelly Palmer (far right), Sarah Elder (second from right) and Jason White (third from right) with CanREA’s Vittoria Bellissimo (centre) and Wesley Johnston (third from left).
PHOTO: Health and Safety Sponsor, Avetta, attendees Mikhael Monge (second from right), Nicole Brackett(third from right) and Brian Freel (far left) with CanREA’s Vittoria Bellissimo (second from left) and Wesley Johnston (far right).
PHOTO: Networking Sponsor, Northland Power, attendees Michael Zajmalowski (far left), Ruth Donald (second from right) and Nick Zsofcsin (far right) with CanREA’s Vittoria Bellissimo (centre) and Wesley Johnston (second from left).
PHOTO: Networking Sponsor, EDF Renewables, attendees Darrell Swan (far left), Cory Basil (second from left), Frances Halen (third from left), Susan Jin (fourth from left), Ana Carolina De Araujo (third from right), Stephanie Sun (second from right) and Milind Jain (far right) with CanREA’s Julie Mair (centre).
PHOTO: Event Sponsor, BayWa r.e., attendees Edward Hutchinson (third from right), Geoff Renaud (second from right) and Réal Bouchard (far right) with CanREA’s Vittoria Bellissimo (second from left) and Wesley Johnston (far left).
Sponsorship opportunities – stand out from the crowd
Please contact Julie Mair, CanREA’s Membership and Business Development Manager, to discuss interesting ways you can stand out from the crowd through other sponsorship opportunities and showcase your company as a leader in the industry.
May 17, 2023, 5 to 7 p.m. The Rooftop Bar and Grill 1845 Victoria Ave, Regina, Saskatchewan
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association would like to thank everyone who came out to the most recent in-person “CanREA Connects” networking reception in Regina on May 17.
The networking event brought together more than 60 energy-sector innovators, business leaders and influencers with an interest in growing the wind energy, solar and energy-storage sectors in Saskatchewan.
It was a remarkable evening, filled with lively discussion around the exciting new growth and opportunities for renewable energy in Western Canada.
PHOTO: SaskPower attendees Jenna Bedel (second from left), Mark Peters (fourth from left), Dan Irvine (third from right) and Tim Eckel(far right) with CanREA’s Vittoria Bellissimo (far right), Erwin Heuck (third from left), Evan Wilson (fourth from the right) and Kelly Hall (second from right).
Did you know that Western Canada accounted for 98% of Canada’s total renewable energy (wind and solar) growth of 1.8 GW in 2022? Saskatchewan has seen significant growth in renewables and has an ambitious goal of 3GW by 2035!
Sponsorship opportunities – stand out from the crowd
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for upcoming CanREA Networking Events this spring. Please contact Julie Mair, CanREA’s Membership and Business Development Manager, to discuss interesting ways you can stand out from the crowd as a sponsor and showcase your company as a leader in the industry.
Event sponsors
PHOTO: Networking Sponsor, ATCO attendee Mike Nissen (left) with CanREA’s Vittoria Bellissimo (right).
PHOTO: Networking Sponsor, Enfinite attendee Taylor Smith (right) with CanREA’s Evan Wilson (left).
PHOTO: Networking Sponsor, BayWa r.e. attendee Jermey Baumung (right) with CanREA’s Evan Wilson (left).
May 10, 2023, 5 to 7 p.m. East of Grafton Tavern 1580 Argyle St, Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association would like to thank everyone who came out to our “CanREA Connects” networking reception in Halifax on May 10!
About 85 people mixed and mingled at this special, indoor/outdoor networking reception that attracted energy innovators, business leaders and influencers with an interest in growing the wind energy, solar and energy-storage sectors in the region.
It was a wonderful evening, filled with lively discussion around the exciting new opportunities for renewable energy in Atlantic Canada.
Sponsorship opportunities – stand out from the crowd
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for upcoming CanREA Networking Events this spring. Please contact Julie Mair, CanREA’s Membership and Business Development Manager, to discuss interesting ways you can stand out from the crowd as a sponsor and showcase your company as a leader in the industry.
Event sponsors
PHOTO: Networking Sponsor, Northland Power, with CanREA staff members Wes Johnston, Vice-President, Business Development, Finance and Operations (far left) and Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada (far right).
PHOTO: Networking Sponsor, Enfinite, with CanREA staff members Mary MacLean Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) and Workforce Development Coordinator (far left), Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada (second from the left) and Wes Johnston, Vice-President, Business Development, Finance and Operations (far right).
PHOTO: Event Sponsor, Angela Young (right) of BayWa r.e., with CanREA staff member Wes Johnston, Vice-President, Business Development, Finance and Operations (left).
PHOTO: Event Sponsor, Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Canada Inc. with CanREA staff members Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada (far left) and Wes Johnston, Vice-President, Business Development, Finance and Operations (second from right).
Electricity Transformation Canada 2023
October 23-25, 2023 Calgary, Alberta
Thank you to all CanREA members, partners and supporters who helped make Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC) 2023 a success in Calgary, Alberta.
Canada’s largest and most influential renewable energy and clean technology event attracted more than 2,500 attendees from across North America, with 80 expert speakers delivering plenaries and educational sessions, more than 160 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 2023 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.
Read on for a few selected highlights and photos from ETC 2023.
Grand Opening
Electricity Transformation Canada kicked off with insightful and intriguing opening remarks by CanREA Board Chair Jason Chee-Aloy, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek (shown here), CanREA’s President and CEO Vittoria Bellissimo, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, followed by a grand networking reception, where nearly 1,000 people gathered to meet other ETC attendees.
Utilities and ISOs
One of ETC’s highlights was the Day Two Plenary, where industry experts discussed “Today’s Utilities and ISOs at the Forefront of the Electricity Transition.” This session delved into systemic solutions for incorporating renewables and addressing the future needs of electricity generation. Attendees heard from key figures such as Mark Sidebottom (Nova Scotia Power), Troy King (SaskPower), Diana Stephenson (BC Hydro), moderated by Emma Graney (The Globe and Mail) and emceed by Evan Wilson (CanREA).
Exhibit Hall
The pulse point of Electricity Transformation Canada was the Exhibit Hall, featuring more than 160 exhibitors and fascinating presentations in the show floor theatres.
Technology Solutions
ETC exhibitors were 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, at Canadian Renewable Energy Association’s booth. Shown here, from L to R: Andrew McCormack (Data Analyst), Mary MacLean (Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) and Workforce Development Coordinator), Fernando Melo (Federal Director of Policy) and Alana Ingraham (Manager, CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub).
Clean Electricity Future
The third day of ETC began with a final Plenary session, “Building Canada’s Clean Electricity Future,” emphasizing the collaborative efforts required to shape the future of clean energy in Canada. Featuring, from left to right: moderator Vittoria Bellissimo (CanREA), emcee Jean Habel (CanREA), speaker Jean-Denis Charlebois (Canada Energy Regulator), co-presenter Mathieu Côté (CanREA), co-presenter Mary MacLean (CanREA), and speaker Philippe Dunsky (Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors).
Clean Energy Jobs Canada
The conference was not only about discussions but action, as CanREA launched a new careers website to connect job seekers and employers. “Clean Energy Jobs Canada | Emplois Énergie Propre Canada” aims to build the renewable energy and clean tech workforce of the future. Read the press release here.
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. Clockwise from L to R: Evan Wilson (VP Policy West and National Affairs), Leonard Kula (VP Policy East), Mathieu Côté (Director Operations Program), Erwin Heuck (Director Saskatchewan and DERs), Fernando Melo (Federal Director), Jean Habel (Director Quebec and Atlantic Canada).
All told, Electricity Transformation Canada 2023 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.
See you at ETC 2024!
CanREA Operations Summit 2024
April 10 and 11, 2024 Hyatt Regency Calgary Calgary, Alberta
Photo: Nearly 300 people attended CanREA’s Operations Summit in Calgary on April 10-11, 2024, a unique conference devoted to the operation of renewable energy and energy storage sites across Canada.
Canada’s Operators community gathered to talk shop, network and discover the latest innovations in the industry at CanREA’s Ops Summit.
The fourth annual edition of CanREA’s Operations Summit, the largest conference and exhibition was devoted to the operations and maintenance of renewable energy and energy storage sites in Canada.
In response to the extreme weather issues facing Canadian Operators in 2023, such as forest fires, air quality, flooding and hurricanes, the theme of the 2024 event was “Operating in a changing climate.” Operators learned best practices in dealing with difficult conditions, shared lessons learned from past experiences, and discussed the various ways in which they are planning for the future, to continue successfully operating renewable energy and energy-storage sites in Canada’s changing climate.
The program offered unmatched learning opportunities, including well balanced wind and solar technical tracks with specialized and highly technical concurrent sessions, as well as H&S, workforce development and, of course, operations-focused sessions relevant to every operator and across all technologies.
A particular highlight was the National Solar Operators Roundtable and the National Wind Operators Roundtable, where Operators from coast to coast shared their experiences, gave advice, brainstormed solutions to common problems, and forged valuable connections. These important sessions built on the excellent work done by CanREA’s Regional Operators groups throughout the year.
The two-day event included great networking opportunities for connecting face-to-face with others in Canada’s Operators community, as well as an exciting exhibition floor showcasing innovative products and interesting services for this industry.
Photo: CanREA’s Mathieu Côté and Mary MacLean welcomed attendees for the CanREA Operations Summit 2024 in Calgary, Alberta.Photo:The Operations Summit opened with an important panel discussion on “Operating in a changing climate,” which discussed tools and strategies operators can use to adjust to changing wind and solar regimes while maximizing climatic resiliency for their assets, infrastructure and the grid. Moderated by CanREA Board member Jackie Forrest (Arc Energy), the panel included Charles Godreau (Nergica), David Smith (Wood PLC), George Fan (Marsh Canada) and Anna Lafoyiannis (Electric Power Research Institute). Photo:The Operations Summit always pays special attention to workforce development for the renewable energy industry. This year, CanREA’s Mary MacLean moderated a plenary on “CanREA’s National Workforce Strategy in Action.” This session showcased of all the work CanREA’s Operations program has done over the past two years with the goal of supporting people across their employment journey and allowing both industry and non-profits to support people’s career paths. Thank you to panelists Kathryn Wagner (Inside Education), Brodie Yyelland (Emerging Leaders for Clean Energy), Patty Charlton (Nova Scotia Community College), and Nketti Johnston-Taylor (Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council). Photo: A great time was had by all at the networking reception concluding day one of CanREA’s Operations Summit in Calgary. Operators from across Canada gathered to learn, listen and share experiences at the conference, and to talk shop and connect at the networking reception, held in the conference’s bustling Exhibition Hall.Photo:CanREA’s Operations Summit 2024 featured not one, but two National Operators Roundtables, one for wind operators and one for solar operators. Mathieu Côté led the discussion as attendees compared experiences from across the country, shared best practices, near misses and ‘good to know’ elements, brainstormed solutions to common problems, and provided feedback that will shape the future of CanREA’s Operators program. Photo: The day two plenary session focused on “Natural Disasters from a Health and Safety Perspective,” with a presentation of lessons learned, followed by a broader discussion regarding what tools or strategies could be used to prepare for such events, and what tactics to employ when recovering from them. Thank you to moderator Jen Aitchison (Renewable Risk Consulting) and panelists Jordan Heavenor (Capital Power), Patrick Norris (Irth Solutions) and Luz Mendez (Northland Power).Photo: CanREA’s Operations Summit 2024 wrapped up with a special kind of Closing Remarks: “Ask us Anything about the Alberta Market.” Thanks to CanREA’s resident Alberta policy experts, Vittoria Bellissimo (President & CEO) and Evan Wilson (Vice President of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs), for giving attendees a real-time look at the changes affecting the Alberta market and how they could affect existing projects on the ground. Moderated by Matt Côté, Director of CanREA’s Operators Program.
Thank you to our Sponsors
CanREA wishes to thank all attendees, exhibitors and event sponsors for helping to make this year’s Operations Summit a success. A special thank you to:
Health and Safety Sponsor Liberty PowerLunch Sponsor PandellLunch Sponsor GoldwindMobile App Sponsor Energy Safety CanadaHospitality Sponsor EDF RenewablesHospitality Sponsor SparkPowerSession Sponsor Irth
Don’t miss the Operations Summit 2025! To stay informed, subscribe to Watt’s On, CanREA’s events newsletter.
CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub Summit 2023
January 24 to 25, 2023 Toronto, Ontario
The first annual Hub Summit, exclusively for Canadian utilities and system operators, was part of CanREA’s recently launched Electricity Transition Hub. This was a unique, two-day event focused on the challenges and opportunities presented by innovative renewable-energy technologies.
Topics stemmed from CanREA’s work with Electricity Transition Hub participants throughout the year to provide the most relevant conversations for Canadian electricity utilities and system operators.
Large group sessions leveraged the Hub’s network of international experts, adapting leading-edge knowledge and experiences for relevance to the Canadian grid.
Guest speakers hosted small group sessions, placing a priority on dialogue and the efficient exchange of information.
Using a workshop format, the Hub Summit provided ample time for discussion and collaboration on specially selected themes.
The Hub Summit was an exclusive event for CanREA’s Electricity Transition Hub. Tickets were free for Hub participants, granting access to all the sessions and workshops, as well as meals for the full two days of the Summit.
The CanREA 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.
