Life Cycle

The Life Cycle of our Three Technologies

While renewable energy is a natural, infinite resource, it takes specialized technologies to harness the power of the sun and the wind. CanREA’s member companies utilize state-of-the-art technology to deliver wind energy, solar energy and energy-storage solutions to Canadians. 

New innovations are constantly being developed, installed and operated in this rapidly evolving field. 

How does a new technological or engineering breakthrough make its way from the drawing board to a real-world site, powering anything from a streetlight to an entire city? What type of local jobs are needed to keep these sites in good working order? And what happens to the machinery once it is replaced by a newer, more efficient model? 

The life cycle of wind energy, solar energy and energy-storage technologies can be broken down into four phases:

  • Phase 1. Development
  • Phase 2. Construction and Installation
  • Phase 3. Operations and Maintenance
  • Phase 4. Repowering and Decommissioning

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association is committed to ensuring that the wind, solar and energy-storage industry operates safely and sustainably at every step of this life cycle. 

CanREA is proud to have a diverse membership that is actively engaged in every aspect of the life cycle of projects in Canada.

To that end, CanREA works on behalf of project developers and installers to establish a strong policy, regulatory, environmental and commercial playing-field across the country, making Canada an attractive destination for global investment in our technologies. 

The ultimate goal, of course, is to produce affordable, reliable, emissions-free electricity that helps individuals and companies power their homes and businesses sustainably, while supporting larger climate commitments by all levels of government. 

Explore all the content in the “Life Cycle” section of the website to learn more about the four phases of the life cycle of our technologies: Phase 1: Development. Phase 2: Construction and Installation. Phase 3: Operations and Maintenance. Phase 4: Repowering and Decommissioning.