“When the Levee Breaks,” be sure your company is well-positioned.
As a young drummer twenty years ago, one of my favourite songs was “When the Levee Breaks” by Led Zeppelin. Although my best playing days may be behind me, I still play that song today as part of a new band—and it has a whole new level of significance for me now.
In my new role as CanREA’s Vice President (Business Development, Finance and Operations), I see that classic Led Zep song as a positive metaphor for the continuing work we are doing to remove the policy, regulatory and market barriers that prevent renewable energy from reaching its full potential across Canada. Every time we make a breakthrough, there is a rush of opportunities that enable the market to grow.
CanREA is like a newly formed super-group. On July 1, 2020, the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) amalgamated with the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) to create the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA). Combined, we are now one powerful voice supporting the deployment and sustainable operation of wind energy, solar energy, and energy-storage solutions to power Canada’s energy future.
Those familiar with CanREA’s tune will know that there is tremendous potential for solar energy, wind energy and energy storage in Canada, especially given our abundant natural renewable resources from coast to coast to coast.
On the global song sheet, new harmonies are already happening. In 2020, almost 90% of new global electricity generation will come from renewables, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). More major growth is predicted around the world by 2050, as CanREA’s President and CEO explained in his November blog, “Massive expansion of wind and solar energy critical to ensuring the affordability of Canada’s future electricity system.”
What is driving all this growth? It’s partly the fact that solar and wind energy are now the lowest-cost forms of new electricity generation, and that energy storage is quickly becoming cost-effective in many jurisdictions.
It’s also because energy consumers, from homeowners to large global corporations like Apple and Amazon, are now demanding clean energy from renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
Tremendous forces are building globally, pushing for the expansion of the renewables market.
In Canada, however, there is a levee of sorts that is slowing the development of these technologies. There remain numerous policy, regulatory and market barriers in Canada that make it either difficult or impossible for electricity consumers to purchase renewable energy or build their own solar energy, wind energy and energy-storage facilities.
This is where CanREA comes into play.
CanREA’s mission is to advocate on behalf of the wind energy, solar energy and energy-storage industries. Our members include companies that are either active in these sectors or interested in supplying or servicing the growing number of companies involved.
We work hard to ensure these technologies play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix. We aim to grow the market for our technologies and to increase stakeholders’ understanding of these clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible, and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs.
CanREA keeps on beating that drum every day and making our industry’s voice heard.
If you like the tune we are singing, please check out CanREA’s value-based membership offerings. CanREA members get numerous opportunities to:
- Stay informed on the latest market intelligence and industry news.
- Help lead and shape policy and regulatory development, to amplify our industry’s voice.
- Be part of a network where you can engage and raise your company’s profile.
Join CanREA today and, every time “the levee breaks,” your company will be well-positioned to benefit from each expansion of Canada’s wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage markets.
