Independent panel recognizes that wind, solar and storage can help B.C. achieve climate goals and clean economic growth
Vancouver, November 26, 2025—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) commends the Government of British Columbia for announcing the results of the CleanBC climate plan review earlier today. CanREA is especially pleased that the very first recommendation in the review report is to “accelerate clean energy production and electrification as the foundation of energy security and economic growth.”
“The report recognizes that clean electricity is powering B.C.’s economy, bringing jobs and investment to regions across the province, while helping to keep rates affordable and predictable for British Columbians,” said Patricia Lightburn, CanREA’s Policy Director for British Columbia. “It provides a clear pathway for the Government of British Columbia to guide the next iteration of the CleanBC plan and continue to position B.C. as a climate leader across Canada and the world.”
The review panel was led by independent climate policy experts Merran Smith and Dan Woynillowicz. They assessed how well existing programs and policies are working, examined B.C.’s climate targets and recommended improvements. As part of their work, they solicited feedback from people and communities throughout the province, including Indigenous partners, local governments, industry, non-profits and the Climate Solutions Council.
The review points to the need for the widespread electrification of homes, transportation and industry and the need for more wind, solar and storage to power this energy transition. Wind and solar electricity generation is non-emitting and cost-effective, making these technologies good for the climate and for ratepayers. Along with energy storage, they pair well with B.C.’s predominantly hydroelectric power supply, improving grid diversity and resilience and helping the province adapt to a changing climate.
The renewable energy industry in B.C. has a deep pipeline of projects ready to go to meet the province’s growing electricity demand and support its climate goals. CanREA welcomes the CleanBC review report’s recommendation to align the scale and cadence of additional clean electricity procurements, as well as capital planning in transmission, storage and distribution over the next decade, with the goal to achieve net zero by 2050. CanREA had expressed some concern earlier this month that BC Hydro’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan did not capture the full breadth of expected growth in electricity demand in the coming decades, so the Association will be closely watching developments on that front in light of this new report.
The report also recommends leveraging B.C’s clean energy advantage to create more jobs in the energy transition. With $5–6 billion in investments and 800–1,500 new jobs forecasted for 2024 Call for Power projects and a similar scale expected for the 2025 call, the renewable energy industry is poised to be a key driver of economic growth across British Columbia. The provincial government needs to ensure its domestic workforce is trained and ready to build out B.C.’s clean economy future.
CanREA supports the recommendation to “deepen partnerships with First Nations and local governments”. First Nations partnerships are an integral part of renewable energy development in B.C., with projects announced to date having 49–51% equity participation by First Nations communities. CanREA expects future projects to achieve the same high bar.
The report also includes a welcome recommendation for an analysis of the potential future role of new technologies in B.C.’s electricity system, including batteries (short and long duration) and offshore wind, as well as a distributed energy resource (DER) potential study by the end of 2026, followed by a roadmap and implementation plan. DERs can play a powerful role in increasing the resilience of the electricity system while reducing costs for ratepayers.
The B.C. government will now review the recommendations as it considers next steps that continue to build a strong economy, cut emissions and prioritize affordability.
CanREA provided a detailed submission to the review panel in July, with 11 recommended actions across three subject areas, in collaboration with Clean Energy BC. The Association will continue to provide feedback to the B.C. government on renewable energy policies and programs that contribute to meeting BC’s climate goals and will work with its members to deliver low-cost, emissions-free electrons to power B.C.’s energy transition.
Quotes
“The report recognizes that clean electricity is powering B.C.’s economy, bringing jobs and investment to regions across the province, while helping to keep rates affordable and predictable for British Columbians. It provides a clear pathway for the Government of British Columbia to guide the next iteration of the CleanBC plan and continue to position B.C. as a climate leader across Canada and the world.”
“The renewable energy industry in B.C. has a deep pipeline of projects ready to go to meet the province’s growing electricity demand and support its climate goals. CanREA welcomes the CleanBC review report’s recommendation to align the scale and cadence of additional clean electricity procurements, as well as capital planning in transmission, storage and distribution over the next decade, with the goal to achieve net zero by 2050.”
—Patricia Lightburn, Director of Policy for British Columbia, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
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Canadian Renewable Energy Association
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About CanREA
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision. Follow us on Bluesky and LinkedIn here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.