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.

Energy Storage Alberta – CanREA Summit

June 5, 2024,
Calgary Marriott Downtown

On June 5, 2024, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) hosted its inaugural Energy Storage Alberta—CanREA Summit in downtown Calgary, bringing together nearly 200 industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the pivotal role of energy storage in Alberta’s evolving energy landscape.  

PHOTO: Nearly 200 people attended the sold-out “Energy Storage Alberta—CanREA Summit” on June 5, 2024. 

The Summit provided in-depth insights into Alberta’s Restructured Energy Market (RES) and showcased innovative solutions and opportunities for energy storage in the region. 

PHOTO: Attendees networked and exchanged ideas at Energy Storage Alberta. At the heart of the discussions lay a recognition of the transformative potential of energy storage solutions within Alberta’s energy ecosystem.  

Against the backdrop of sweeping policy reforms and market dynamics in Alberta, attendees were privy to invaluable insights on energy storage from expert speakers during the full-day industry conference. 

PHOTO: It was standing room only at the CanREA’s Energy Storage Alberta Summit. 

Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO of CanREA, kicked off the summit with a warm welcome, setting the stage for the day’s discussions and emphasizing the importance of energy storage in Alberta’s future energy strategy. 

PHOTO: CanREA President and CEO Vittoria Bellissimo delivering her opening remarks at Energy Storage Alberta. 

Nathan Neudorf, Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the provincial government’s ongoing exploration of energy storage solutions. 

PHOTO: Minister Nathan Neudorf addresses the role of energy storage in Alberta’s energy market. 

The Summit also presented valuable networking opportunities for attendees, who were able to discuss the future of energy storage in Alberta while making valuable new connections.  

PHOTO: Attendees networked while enjoying the sunny patio at Energy Storage Alberta—CanREA Summit. 

The opening plenary session was moderated by Emma Graney. She was joined by Elias Soto and Nicole LeBlanc. Together, they explored the future of Alberta’s electricity market and the critical need for energy storage, discussing market reforms, regulatory changes, and the strategic importance of storage solutions. 

PHOTO: From left to right: Moderator Emma Graney (The Globe and Mail) and panelists Nicole LeBlanc (AESO) and Elias Soto (Similan Consulting) discuss the future of Alberta’s electricity market. 

In the first session, titled “Recipe for Reliability: Energy Storage in Alberta,” the discussion focused on how energy storage can enhance the reliability of Alberta’s grid, addressing challenges identified in the AESO’s 2023 Reliability Requirements Roadmap. Panelists shared insights into the various reliability solutions that energy storage can provide, such as ancillary services, frequency regulation, ramping support, voltage support, and black start capabilities. 

PHOTO: From left to right: Panelists Ata Rehman (AESO), Benoit Pinot de Villechenon (Neoen), Jeremy Barretto (Cassels), Megan Gill (Alberta Direct Connect Consumer Association), and Mike Schoenenberger (Enfinite) discussing the reliability solutions provided by energy storage in Alberta. 

Next was a session on “Revolutionizing the Grid: The Potential of Energy Storage for Wires in Alberta,” which outlined the new rules and potential benefits of energy storage for distribution and transmission utilities following the proclamation of The Electricity Statutes Amendment Act, 2022 (formerly Bill 22). The panelists provided examples of successful implementations and discussed how utilities can leverage storage to reduce wires costs for customers. 

PHOTO: From left to right: Jessica Kennedy (Bennett Jones LLP), Nicole Spears (Alberta Ministry of Affordability and Utilities), Cayla Saby (AltaLink, L.P.), and Sascha D’Souza (FortisAlberta) discussing the new rules and benefits of energy storage for Alberta’s utilities.

The third panel, on “Arbitraging the Market: Energy Storage Market Opportunities in Alberta,” convened industry leaders who explored the transformative potential of energy storage solutions within Alberta’s energy sector. Led by Carissa Browning, the session provided a comprehensive overview of the Demand Opportunity Service (DOS) tariff and its implications for energy storage facilities. Esteemed panelists, including Akira Yamamoto, Tory Whiteside, Colette Chekerda, and Nizar Yousef, shared invaluable insights on leveraging energy storage to mitigate market volatility and optimize renewable resources.  

PHOTO: From left to right: Carissa Browning (EnerNext Partners), Colette Chekerda (Carmal Energy Advisors Inc.), Akira Yamamoto (TransAlta Corporation), Tory Whiteside (ATCOenergy), and Nizar Yousef (Northland Power) discussing market opportunities and the DOS tariff for energy storage in Alberta.

The final session of the Summit, “Beyond the Battery: Innovative Energy Storage Technologies,” showcased the evolution of energy storage beyond conventional lithium-ion batteries. Moderator, Sara Hastings-Simon from the University of Calgary, and panelists Sarah Griffiths, Chris Owttrim, and Shaun Andrews, presented their pioneering energy storage solutions. Attendees were treated to an exclusive glimpse into the future of energy storage development, from long-duration storage to novel battery chemistries. 

PHOTO: From left to right: Sara Hastings-Simon (University of Calgary), Chris Owttrim (Emissions Reductions Alberta), Sarah Griffiths (HydroStor), and Shaun Andrews (TERIC Power) presenting innovative energy storage technologies.

The Energy Storage Alberta—CanREA Summit provided valuable insights into the future of energy storage in Alberta. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the market changes, opportunities, and technological advancements that will drive Alberta towards a more reliable energy future. 

The Summit also showcased a diverse array of case studies, illuminating the real-world impact of energy storage projects across Alberta. From enhancing grid reliability to unlocking new revenue streams, these success stories underscored the pivotal role of energy storage in driving tangible outcomes within Alberta’s energy transition. 

The Alberta Energy Storage Summit was also the perfect prelude to CanREA’s networking reception, CanREA Connects—Alberta. See the event recap and photo album here

Looking to attend a future CanREA event? Check out our full calendar of upcoming events here

Thank you to our sponsors

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for their generous support in making CanREA’s event a resounding success: Silver Sponsors Enfinite and Northland Power, and Bronze Sponsors ATCOenergy and Bennett Jones.  

PHOTO: Representatives from Silver Sponsor, Enfinite, alongside CanREA staff.
PHOTO: From left to right: Carlos Sabillon from Silver Sponsor Northland Power, CanREA’s Kelly Hall, Membership Sales Manager, and Rahim Rawji, Northland Power.
PHOTO: Representatives from bronze sponsor, ATCOEnergy, alongide CanREA staff. 
PHOTO: Caption: From left to right: Ashlee Pallotta and Kelly Hall, representing CanREA, alongside Jessica Kennedy from Bennett Jones and Wesley Johnston, CanREA. 

Sponsorship opportunities

Sponsorship opportunities are available for CanREA events. Please view the sponsorship webpage here and 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. 

Clean Power Finance Canada– CanREA Summit

June 19, 2024
CIBC Square, Toronto, Ontario

On June 19, 2024, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) hosted the Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit at the CIBC Square in downtown Toronto. The event brought together nearly 140 people interested in hearing from clean power industry leaders and investment experts on the financial side of Canada’s renewable energy and energy storage industry. 

PHOTO: Nearly 140 people attended the Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit in Toronto on June 19, 2024. 

This CanREA Summit provided comprehensive insights into the financial landscape of Canada’s clean energy market, featuring discussions on investment opportunities, risk management, revenue streams, and innovative technologies. Attendees gained valuable knowledge on how to navigate the evolving clean energy sector. 

PHOTO: Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit was a prime networking opportunity bringing together people from both the clean power and investment industries.

To set the stage for the day’s discussions, Vittoria Bellissimo (President and CEO of CanREA) and James Brooks (Managing Director & Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure & Transition Investment Banking at CIBC Capital Markets) opened the Summit with a warm welcome and insightful remarks that emphasized the importance of financial strategies in advancing Canada’s clean energy future.  

PHOTO: CanREA’s Vittoria Bellissimo and CIBC’s James Brooks delivered insightful opening remarks at Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit.

The keynote address was delivered by the Hon. Lisa Raitt, the Vice-Chair of Global Investment Banking at CIBC, and a former federal Minister of Transport, of Labour, and of Natural Resources. Raitt highlighted the critical role of strategic investments and policy support in accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition. 

PHOTO: Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit’s keynote speaker, the Hon. Lisa Raitt.  

The opening plenary session, “State of the Industry: Clean Power in Canada,” provided a finance-focused overview of the clean energy investment landscape in Canada. Panelists explored the latest industry trends, long-term forecasts, upcoming procurements, and the corporate PPA environment across Canada, emphasizing the political headwinds and tailwinds affecting project development and execution. 

PHOTO: From left to right: Moderator Tyler Hume (CIBC Capital Markets), Greg Lyle (Innovative Research Group Inc.), John Penner (StrategyCorp Inc.), Evan Wilson (CanREA), and Leonard Kula (CanREA), discussing the state of the clean power industry in Canada.

In a session on “Revenues & Reporting: Understanding Clean Power Value Streams,” panelists delved into the various revenue streams and market pricing available across Canada, including competitive procurement contracts, corporate power purchase agreements, investment tax credits, ancillary services for energy storage, government funding, and carbon offset markets. The panel also explored how ESG reporting and Green Taxonomy are evolving.

PHOTO: From left to right: Carly Shier (Evolugen by Brookfield Renewable), Jonathan McGillivray (Resilient LLP), Jake Sadikman (Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP), Craig Sundstrom (Amazon Web Services) and Moderator Robert Nicholson (RBC Capital Markets), discussing revenue streams and reporting in the clean power sector.

In “The Game of Risk: Identifying & Mitigating Risk Profiles for Clean-Power Projects” session, panelists discussed the new and evolving risks faced by clean power projects, including supply-chain management, project siting and permitting, transmission access, political carbon pricing risk, and workforce development. The panel provided strategies on how the industry manages these factors and how investors and financiers view and calculate risk. 

PHOTO: From left to right: Jeremy Jagt (Potentia Renewables Inc.), Rob Lydan (Phoventus Inc.), Marion Hill (DNV), Martin Delaney (Gallagher) and Moderator Brendan Costigan (National Bank Financial), discussing risk management in clean power projects. 

In the session “Indigenous Equity Financing: Exploring Funding Avenues for Indigenous Partnerships,” panelists discussed the barriers faced by Indigenous communities in securing financing for equity partnerships in clean energy projects. They also explored the available and forthcoming solutions to these challenges, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to financing. 

PHOTO: From left to right: (On screen) Sandy Roberts (Ontario Financing Authority), Matt Jamieson (Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation), Stephen Scott (Canadian Infrastructure Bank), Ricky Fontaine (RGL Fontaine) and Moderator Tiffany Murray (BLG) discussing Indigenous equity financing in clean energy projects. 

The closing session, “Financing the Innovators: Emerging Clean-Power Technologies,” moderated by Iain Watson of Marathon Capital, showcased the innovative technologies poised to transform the clean energy landscape. Panelists presented emerging technologies such as green hydrogen, long-duration energy storage, and offshore wind. They also discussed the financing and revenue challenges and opportunities associated with these innovations. 

PHOTO: From left to right: Jon Norman (Hydrostor), Jean-François Nolet (TES Canada), Frank Davis (Pattern Energy), Adam Beaumont (Northland Power) and Moderator Iain Watson (Marathon Capital) presenting on emerging clean-power technologies.

Over one full day, the Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit provided attendees with critical insights into the financial mechanisms driving Canada’s clean energy future, featuring a diverse array of case studies showcasing the practical impacts and financial successes of clean power projects across the country, and successfully brought together the finance and clean energy sectors for mutual learning and networking opportunities

View the entire year of CanREA events here.

PHOTO: Attendees engaging in discussions during the Summit. 

Thank you to our sponsors

A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors for their generous support. As the Presenting Sponsor, CIBC played a pivotal role in the event’s success, providing key support and insights. We also extend our gratitude to our Bronze Sponsors: Compass Energy Consulting, DNV, Evolugen, Osler, Phoventus Canada, and Gallagher. Their contributions were essential in making the inaugural edition of Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit an outstanding event. 

PHOTO: Representatives of Presenting Sponsor CIBC alongside CanREA staff. From left to right: Rahul Rahul (CIBC), Vittoria Bellissimo (CanREA), & Peter Mastromarini (CIBC)
PHOTO: Representatives of Bronze Sponsor, Compass Energy Consulting, alongside CanREA staff. From left to right: Cameron Mccullough, Jonathan Cheszes, and Rachelle Lynne-Davies from Compass & Vittoria Bellissimo (CanREA)
PHOTO: Representatives of Bronze Sponsor, DNV, alongside CanREA staff. From left to right: Marion Hill (DNV), Anna Moser (DNV), Wesley Johnston (CanREA).
PHOTO: Representatives of Bronze Sponsor, Evolugen, alongside CanREA staff. From left to right: Lisa Fulford (Evolugen), Carly Shier (Evolugen), and Vittoria Bellissimo (CanREA)
PHOTO: Representatives of Bronze Sponsor, Phoventus Canada, alongside CanREA staff. From left to right: Wesley Johnston (CanREA), Rob Lydan (Phoventus) & Vittoria Bellissimo (CanREA)
PHOTO: Representatives of Bronze Sponsor, Gallagher, alongside CanREA staff. From left to right: Wesley Johnston (CanREA), Martin Delaney (Gallagher), Vittoria Bellissimo (CanREA)

Sponsorship opportunities

Sponsorship opportunities are available for other CanREA events. Please view the sponsorship webpage here and 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.