Alberta’s bid to attract artificial intelligence data centres could be sabotaged by its own energy policies, says RMI co-founder and world renowned energy analyst Amory Lovins.
A ‘Challenging Climate for Renewables’
As the province favours data centres that bring their own power, its policy is making investments in renewable generation increasingly difficult. A new industrial carbon pricing framework announced this week will further undermine Alberta’s ability to attract clean energy capital, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) said in a release.
Proposed changes to the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program, often referred to as the “industrial carbon tax,” offer companies flexibility by recognizing “onsite emissions reduction investments” as a way to comply with the program. Currently, companies are required to pay into the TIER fund or buy carbon credits. The speed and scale of the expected changes is “surprising and troublesome,” said Radha Rajagopalan, CanREA’s director of policy for Alberta.
“With so many changes already under way in Alberta, in the electricity market and with government policy, these fundamental changes to TIER are adding to an already challenging climate for renewables.” Read more here.
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association and Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors launch the first, comprehensive, Canada-specific market outlook report for renewable energy and energy storage.
Ottawa, September 16, 2025—In partnership with Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors (Dunsky), the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) was proud to present highlights from its new report in a full-capacity webinar today, launching “Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook 2025: Wind. Solar. Storage.,” the first, comprehensive, Canada-specific market outlook report for renewable energy and energy storage.
“We designed this new market outlook report to offer uniquely Canadian market intelligence to support informed decisions by electricity sector stakeholders, renewable energy and energy storage developers, investors and analysts,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.
Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook focuses on onshore wind, utility-scale solar & battery energy storage in five key markets: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. It provides the current Canadian state of the market, as well as a cost outlook, a market outlook, and an examination of the economic, employment and GHG-emissions impacts for two potential scenarios from 2025 to 2050.
“The Outlook identifies a significant opportunity for renewable energy and energy storage deployment across Canada; with wind, solar and storage expected to account for more than 70 percent of all new electricity supply capacity deployed between 2025 and 2050,” said Ahmed Hanafy, Partner and Growth and Innovation Lead at Dunsky.
Specifically, Canada is projected to deploy 30 to 51 GW of new wind, 17 to 26 GW of new solar, and 12 to 16 GW of new energy storage over the next decade. Between 2035 and 2050, the modeling indicates installed capacity is expected to grow another 50 to 60 percent.
This rapid growth in wind, solar and storage deployment will create significant financial, employment and emissions benefits for Canada. It represents an important investment opportunity worth $143B to $205B in the next 10 years and significant new job creation opportunities, equivalent to 250,000 to 350,000 direct and indirect full-time equivalent (FTE) job-years from 2025 to 2035.
The projected deployments also represent significant reductions in the GHG emissions associated with electricity production, thereby reducing the emission intensity of Canada’s grid by more than 90% by 2050.
“It is going to happen,” said Leonard Kula, CanREA’s Vice-President of Strategic Initiatives, “because solar energy and wind energy are the most affordable and quickly deployable technologies available anywhere in the world today, and grid operators increasingly recognize the value that energy storage can deliver in an evolving grid. Every province and territory is currently deciding how to meet their growing electricity needs, and renewable energy and energy storage are important parts of the solution. The deployment of new wind, solar and energy storage provides a smart and reliable solution for the fundamental challenge that affects electricity markets across Canada.”
The full report is now available for purchase on the CanREA website, where the executive summary of this report is currently available to download free of charge. The cost of $6,499 includes exclusive access to the full report in English and French, Appendix A (Detailed results and benchmarking) and Appendix B (Modeling methodology and references), as well as sub-licenses for up to 10 individuals at your company or organization.
There is a deep discount of 1/3 off for CanREA members (log in to the members-only site or email members@renewablesassociation.ca to access your exclusive member discount code).
Quotes
“We designed this new market outlook report to offer uniquely Canadian market intelligence to support informed decisions by electricity sector stakeholders, renewable energy and energy storage developers, investors and analysts.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“The Outlook identifies a significant opportunity for renewable energy and energy storage deployment across Canada; with wind, solar and storage expected to account for more than 70 percent of all new electricity supply capacity deployed between 2025 and 2050.”
—Ahmed Hanafy, Partner and Growth and Innovation Lead, Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors
“It is going to happen, because solar energy and wind energy are the most affordable and quickly deployable technologies available anywhere in the world today, and grid operators increasingly recognize the value that energy storage can deliver in an evolving grid. Every province and territory is currently deciding how to meet their growing electricity needs, and renewable energy and energy storage are important parts of the solution. The deployment of new wind, solar and energy storage provides a smart and reliable solution for the fundamental challenge that affects electricity markets across Canada.”
—Leonard Kula, Vice-President of Strategic Initiatives, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:
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.
About Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors
Founded in 2004, Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors works with leading governments, utilities, corporations and others across North America in their efforts to accelerate and scale the transition to clean, resilient and affordable energy. With deep expertise across the Buildings, Mobility, Industry and Energy sectors, we support our clients in two ways: through rigorous Analysis (of technical, economic and market opportunities) and by designing or assessing Strategies (plans, programs and policies) to achieve success. Dunsky is proudly Canadian, with offices and staff in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Halifax. Visit www.dunsky.com for more information.
Alberta Electric System Operator’s new Restructured Energy Market design puts renewables at risk
Calgary, August 27, 2025—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is concerned that the final Restructured Energy Market (REM) design,released today by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), does not provide sufficient protection for investments made under the previous, energy-only market design.
“Alberta has shifted from being a magnet for investment to a market where companies now question the security of the investments they’ve already made,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO of CanREA. “Today’s announcement creates significant challenges for the wind and solar sector in Alberta. But certain solutions could still be implemented to balance the AESO’s objectives with the government’s commitment to protecting operating investments in this province.”
Today’s announcement does not reduce the serious risk of cost increases for operating renewable investments, nor the risk that electricity from operating projects will face increasing congestion constraints. Billions were deployed in this province with the expectation of a stable investment environment. As proposed, the transition to REM does not offer a stable investment environment.
Not only do the changes put gigawatts of low-cost wind and solar projects at risk, but the evolving policies and market rules are also deterring investment in future projects. Investing in renewable energy, the most affordable, quickly deployable form of new electricity generation available today, would make it easier to meet Alberta’s growing demand while keeping rates down for Albertans. Discouraging renewables will make it harder for Alberta to succeed, especially with the increased demand caused by AI data centres.
With some critical changes, Alberta can still course-correct and mitigate these risks by implementing the following changes to its proposed market structure:
1. Introduce longer-term Financial Transmission Rights, to provide protection against increasing system congestion.
The proposed eight-year transition period for temporary transmission rights will strand many assets in less than a decade. In the absence of new transmission, these rights should be implemented for the full lifetime of a generation facility build under the previous market rules.
We expect the AESO to explore this approach during their fall 2025 engagement.
2. Address current constraints by building South East and South West transmission projects now.
Wind and solar projects in southern Alberta have faced significant levels of congestion year over year.
The AESO has been developing plans to reinforce transmission access via construction of the South East and South West transmission lines, running from Bowmanton to Whitlaw, for the better part of a decade.
Completing these projects will reduce congestion, permit the flow of constrained renewable power and reduce pool prices significantly. The best time to build these projects is today.
3. Insulate renewable projects from new Ancillary Services charges
Most wind and solar projects in Alberta moved forward with fixed-revenue contracts and small margins. There is very little margin for the increased costs, such as those that will be allocated for new ancillary services costs, like R30.
The announcement speaks to new costs that will be shared by generators and load, “based on the extent to which each causes the need for these services.”
The AESO must provide further clarity on the methodology to be used to determine causes and must provide comfort that not all costs will be allocated to wind and solar in Alberta.
“CanREA members are deeply concerned about the proposed market changes. We have been working together to actively advocate for existing operating facilities with both the government and the AESO, and we will continue to do so going forward,” said Radha Rajagopalan, Alberta Director at CanREA.
Renewables are the lowest-cost sources of new generation available today and, at a time when everyone, everywhere needs more electricity, Alberta would do well to ensure that investments made in good faith are honoured and protected.
Quotes
“Alberta has shifted from being a magnet for investment to a market where companies now question the security of the investments they’ve already made. Today’s announcement creates significant challenges for the wind and solar sector in Alberta. But certain solutions could still be implemented to balance the AESO’s objectives with the government’s commitment to protecting operating investments in this province.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“CanREA members are deeply concerned about the proposed market changes. We have been working together to actively advocate for existing operating facilities with both the government and the AESO, and we will continue to do so going forward.”
—Radha Rajagopalan, Alberta Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:
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.
The second annual CanREA Summit devoted to the future of energy storage in Alberta was a success in Calgary this year.
Calgary, June 3, 2025 – More than 200 people attended the Energy Storage Alberta—CanREA Summit and CanREA Connects networking event in Calgary today, a full-day conference examining the myriad ways that innovative energy storage technologies will be critical for Alberta’s energy future.
“We need more energy storage in Alberta, because we need all the solutions that it brings to the table: Storage provides many different services to the electricity grid, such as time shifting, improving general reliability and reducing system costs. And the cost of storage is decreasing dramatically: battery costs have fallen by more than 90% in the past 15 years. It is time to leverage this to our advantage,” said CanREA President and CEO Vittoria Bellissimo.
Energy Storage Alberta 2025 kicked off with a keynote address by Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities, Nathan Neudorf. Minister Neudorf shared his perspective on the changes expected with the upcoming REM. He was hopeful about bringing more certainty to investors in the market, and optimistic that the AESO’s process will create a market that would support market participants, such as energy storage.
CanREA then welcomed AESO President and CEO Aaron Engen, who presented key updates on the AESO’s plans for Alberta’s grid and shared how market participants, including energy storage, play key roles in contributing to the design of the REM and the evolving electricity market.
The first panel discussion, “Restructuring success: New electricity market and transmission policies in Alberta,” examined what the planned Restructured Energy Market (REM) will look like and how costs will be allocated, focusing on the question: What does this all mean for energy storage over the next five years?
A special lunch keynote by Greg Lyle, Founder and President of Innovative Research Group, featured insights on the public support for energy storage and infrastructure projects in Alberta—drawing on the latest polling data to show how public attitudes can inform more effective decision-making and policy development.
Other panel discussions focused on meeting energy demand with new AI data centres and growing populations, reducing constraints to energy storage solutions, exploring the latest advancements in energy-storage technologies, and much more.
“Our conference focused on how to get storage projects built in Alberta, and how to operate them efficiently once they are in service,” said Bellissimo. “CanREA members are ready and willing to move forward with projects in Alberta and other jurisdictions across Canada, given the right conditions, such as fair transmission costs with longer-term rate stability, and contact mechanisms that incent new storage capacity.”
CanREA wishes to thank all attendees, moderators and speakers for helping to make the Summit a success. A special word of thanks to Platinum Sponsor Northland Power, Gold Sponsors Enfinite & Bennett Jones LLP, Silver Sponsor PCL, Bronze Sponsors Fasken, Sungrow Power, Dentons, CIBC & Apsystems, and Iron Sponsor Regulatory Law Chambers.
Background information
What is Energy Storage?
In its simplest definition, energy storage is anything that allows us to store energy in a form that can be utilized in the future—hours, days or possibly months later, depending on the technology.
Many different energy-storage technologies are in development in Canada, with some already in operation. They include batteries, hydrogen, mechanical storage (pumped hydro, compressed air, flywheels) and thermal methods.
Batteries are probably the best-known—and most scalable—form of energy-storage technology. But energy storage is so much more than lithium-ion batteries. Technologies are changing, companies are innovating, and new systems to solve clean-electricity challenges are being deployed every year. Innovative energy-storage technologies include long-duration storage and new battery chemistries.
These technologies can do much more than simply store energy: They can provide many key services, including wires services (such as capacity value, peak shaving, voltage support, frequency regulation, and transmission & distribution deferral and congestion management), reliability services (such as regulating reserve, spinning reserve and black start), and market services (such as time shift, arbitrage, demand charge reduction and backup power).
“We need more energy storage in Alberta, because we need all the solutions that it brings to the table: Storage provides many different services to the electricity grid, such as time shifting, improving general reliability and reducing system costs. And the cost of storage is decreasing dramatically: battery costs have fallen by more than 90% in the past 15 years. It is time to leverage this to our advantage.”
“Our conference focused on how to get storage projects built in Alberta, and how to operate them efficiently once they are in service. CanREA members are ready and willing to move forward with projects in Alberta and other jurisdictions across Canada, given the right conditions, such as fair transmission costs with longer-term rate stability, and contact mechanisms that incent new storage capacity.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (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. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
On June 3, 2025, the second annual Energy Storage Alberta—CanREA Summit was held in downtown Calgary, bringing together more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers and experts to discuss the pivotal role of energy storage in Alberta’s evolving energy landscape. […]
The CanREA Connects—Alberta spring networking reception, held right after the Energy Storage Alberta Summit, offers a prime opportunity to connect with professionals driving Alberta’s renewable energy future. As the province navigates its energy transition, this event is the perfect place to engage with industry leaders, exchange insights and explore solutions in […]
Alberta government introduces policy changes without honouring previous commitments.
Edmonton, Alberta, December 10, 2024—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is concerned that the latest round of changes to Alberta’s electricity sector,announced today, are punitive and unfairly target the renewable energy sector. They also do little to encourage investments in energy storage.
Signaling that he intends to bring forward the related legislation in the new year, the Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf today sent a Direction Letter to inform the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) of the government’s latest decisions on changes to both the Transmission Regulation and the Restructured Energy Market (REM). Both sets of changes were expected, but both bring significant concerns to industry.
Imposing unexpected regulatory and administratively determined costs on existing projects, along with failing to provide the promised market access, makes these projects increasingly unviable. This erodes their returns and ultimately hampers their ability to repay debt.
“Alberta needs to proceed with caution: it is counterproductive to jeopardize existing wind and solar projects, especially when the province requires more electricity. These projects were built in good faith but could fail if they cannot repay their debt, causing credit downgrades across the sector. This will raise borrowing costs for companies and ultimately increase the cost of electricity for customers,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.
CanREA is concerned that, with this letter, the Government of Alberta is fundamentally changing the rules that govern how the electricity system is run, shortly after companies invested billions in new projects in Alberta. CanREA understands that some changes are needed going forward, but stresses that the announced changes add undue costs to existing assets.
CanREA would like to clarify two key points related to today’s announcement:
Alberta’s electricity system should seek to develop and maintain a diverse supply mix, rather than relying on only one source of electricity. This diversity will enhance reliability, reduce vulnerability to supply disruptions and, critically, balance costs. Wind and solar are the most affordable new electricity generation sources in the world today, and Albertans want affordable electricity. Energy storage has helped keep the lights on in Alberta and is doing so in jurisdictions all over the world: Alberta urgently needs to increase its energy storage capacity.
Most of Alberta’s “Big Build” transmission projects were built to get thermal generation to market, not to support renewable energy integration. In fact, most of this build happened before Alberta had any large solar facilities on its grid, and much less wind generation than what we have today.
While there are several items in the AESO Direction Letter that are helpful to the evolution of the power sector in Alberta, other items are unnecessarily punitive to renewable energy and may result in significant problems for projects that have been built and are currently operating in the province.
The most notable change is that the new market rules will be enacted by legislation, instead of being independently evaluated through a regulatory process. This is a significant departure from what was promised when the new market was proposed.
Alberta is undertaking sweeping changes to its electricity market design, while aiming for a hasty completion with a finalized design by the end of 2025, without an independent review. In contrast, Ontario is taking nine years for a similar exercise.
The Government is proposing to correct “technical deficiencies” after they have implemented this new market. It would be more prudent to do this in advance, through rigorous independent testing.
There is $15.8 billion per year flowing through Alberta’s electricity system: We cannot afford to get the market design wrong.
Positive elements of the Transmission Regulation:
CanREA is pleased to see that existing generators, who cannot factor in new transmission costs to their financial structures, will not bear additional transmission costs.
CanREA supports moving to a system-average losses approach, which will help provide more revenue certainty.
Concerning elements of the Transmission Regulation:
CanREA is concerned that there are no plans to compensate existing generators for curtailments. Alberta promised investors a zero-congestion transmission system, and companies built projects around this assurance. But in Q3 2024, we experienced congestion 45% of the time. Alberta has not honoured its transmission commitments; it should compensate all existing generators who are unable to get their power to market because of transmission congestion.
CanREA is concerned that the Government of Alberta is delaying much-needed transmission projects as Alberta moves to a new “Optimally Planned Transmission” Standard. There are two system upgrades that were identified years ago as necessary to bring low-cost renewable energy in southern Alberta to market. They are legally required under the existing legislated planning standard which requires zero-congestion. There is a global competition for electricity infrastructure, and delays will impede the delivery of clean electricity to market. Alberta also has big plans to welcome AI Data Centres. We will need all of the electricity we can get, but these needed projects will be tied up in red tape during the transition.
CanREA does not support major changes to Ancillary Services cost allocation when existing projects are not in a position to take on additional costs. CanREA is concerned that capacity costs will be allocated to renewables by deeming them “ancillary.”
There will be no certainty for new generation projects in Alberta in the near future. New generators will pay a non-refundable, uncapped, upfront Transmission Reinforcement Payment (TRP). More clarity on this TRP will not be available until the AESO undertakes its ISO tariff application, likely in 2027 or beyond.
By making these changes, the government is sending a signal to investors that there is a lack of certainty and predictability around the regulations in Alberta. This is a deterrent to future projects, at a time when other jurisdictions are working hard to make sure investors can feel confident about their investments for decades to come.
One of the three pillars of Alberta’s AI Data Centres Strategy is power capacity. Jeopardizing existing projects that invested in good faith threatens both this Strategy and the ability of Alberta’s power system to provide affordable, reliable and clean electricity to customers.
Quotes
“Alberta needs to proceed with caution: it is counterproductive to jeopardize existing wind and solar projects, especially when the province requires more electricity. These projects were built in good faith but could fail if they cannot repay their debt, causing credit downgrades across the sector. This will raise borrowing costs for companies and ultimately increase the cost of electricity for customers.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association 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. Our vision is to ensure wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter. Become a member. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
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.
Edmonton, Alberta, October 31, 2024—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) congratulates the City of Edmonton on their proposed Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan, which builds climate resilience and distributed energy resources (DERs) into urban planning and development activities.
“The City of Edmonton has demonstrated foresight and proactivity in their Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan, by incorporating actions that will help ensure long-term energy resilience in Edmonton. On the whole, this plan will support BTM solar and encourage electrification as a key part of the energy transition,” said Phil McKay, Executive Director of the Electricity Transition Hub, who also leads CanREA’s National BTM Solar and Storage Program.
Behind-the meter (BTM) distributed energy resources (DERs) include rooftop solar panels and energy storage units installed in households and businesses. CanREA has long called for significant growth in the adoption of these technologies. Increased BTM DERs will help support a resilient, decarbonized electricity grid, as noted in our 2023 report, “BTM Solar: Canadian Market Outlook: How Behind-the-Meter (BTM) solar can contribute to Canada’s net-zero future.”
The 15 actions proposed in the City of Edmonton’s Climate Resilience Planning and Development Acton Plan are:
1. Streamline the permitting process for climate resilient development 2. Incorporate EV-ready requirements into the Zoning Bylaw 3. Incorporate solar-ready requirements into the Zoning Bylaw 4. Pursue options for resilient landscaping practices on private property 5. Update the Floodplain Protection Overlay in the Zoning Bylaw 6. Introduce new regulations for wildfire risk areas in the Zoning Bylaw 7. Incorporate climate resilient standards into the City’s Design and Construction Standards 8. Pursue opportunities to bolster climate action through policy, regulatory and other planning tools 9. Incorporate climate resilience into the Terms of Reference that guide new neighbourhood design 10. Identify and pursue opportunities to enable development of low-carbon district energy systems 11. Pursue options for preserving natural areas through neighbourhood design 12. Develop a Climate Risk Index for Edmonton neighbourhoods 13. Foster awareness of climate resilient development through public education & outreach 14. Pursue opportunities to leverage grant funding for climate resilient development 15. Build organizational change within Administration through education and collaboration
CanREA singles out three of these 15 actions as particularly impactful in making low-cost solar power accessible to Edmonton residents. Streamlining the permitting process for climate-resilient development, identifying and pursuing opportunities to enable the development of low-carbon district energy systems and, especially, incorporating solar-ready requirements into zoning bylaws, demonstrate leadership in preparing Canadians for future climate and energy needs.
“If new buildings are designed to be DER-ready from the start, property owners will have a more cost-effective and much easier time installing solar panels, batteries and electric vehicle chargers on their homes and businesses. This gives people the opportunity to generate and store their own power, saving money on their future energy bills. Investing a little up front will result in greater returns over the long term, in terms of resilience and sustainability,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.
CanREA’s National BTM Solar and Storage Initiative advocates for strong BTM offerings across Canada. For more information on eligibility, contact CanREA’s member team.
Quotes
“If new buildings are designed to be DER-ready from the start, property owners will have a more cost-effective and much easier time installing solar panels, batteries and electric vehicle chargers on their homes and businesses. This gives people the opportunity to generate and store their own power, saving money on their future energy bills. Investing a little up front will result in greater returns over the long term, in terms of resilience and sustainability.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“The City of Edmonton has demonstrated foresight and proactivity in their Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan, by incorporating actions that will help ensure long-term energy resilience in Edmonton. On the whole, this plan will support BTM solar and encourage electrification as a key part of the energy transition.”
— Phil McKay, Executive Director, Electricity Transition Hub, and lead for CanREA’s National BTM Solar and Storage Program, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (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 Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
Today, more Canadian homeowners than ever before are installing solar, and with the cost of the technology having fallen by more than 83% from 2009 to 2025, it’s easy to see why. In addition to the environmental benefits of solar, generating your own energy from the sun saves you money on your electricity bills and, […]
More than 2,600 people, 125 speakers and 150 exhibitors attend Electricity Transformation Canada 2024.
Calgary, Alberta, October 23, 2024—More than 2,600 people attended Canada’s premier clean-energy industry conference and exhibition, the flagship conference of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), held again this year in Calgary, Alberta.
Held from October 21 to 23, Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC) 2024 offered an in-depth educational program in which more than 125 speakers covered topics focusing on the risks and opportunities facing the industry, the affordability of renewables, growth across Canada, and much more.
The three-day conference also featured more than 150 exhibitors showcasing new and innovative technology solutions from distributors, engineers, investors, installers and manufacturers in the sector of wind energy, solar energy, energy storage and other clean energy technologies.
“We have now entered the Age of Electricity, in which affordability is paramount—and CanREA members are building the lowest-cost electricity generation sources in the world today. Complemented by energy storage, wind and solar will accelerate our transition to a sustainable energy future,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO, in her opening remarks on Monday night.
Her remarks echoed the International Energy Agency’s new World Energy Outlook, released last week, which states that clean energy is entering the energy system at an unprecedented rate, including more than 560 GW of new renewables capacity added in 2023, investment flows to clean energy projects approaching 2 trillion USD each year, and electricity use growing at twice the pace of overall energy demand over the last decade.
“Globally, there has never been so much investment in new, affordable, clean sources of electricity,” Bellisimo pointed out, adding that, here in Canada, we need to make a commitment to clean energy, with a diverse energy strategy that will allow us to meet a rising demand for electricity.
“In Canada, provinces across the country are actively investing in renewables and energy storage, with more than 10,000 MW of upcoming procurements currently either underway, being procured, or being planned, representing well over $20B in investment,” she said.
These procurements are all tracked in CanREA’s clean-energy procurement calendar,a central resource for wind, solar and energy storage procurement opportunities across Canada. CanREA launched a beta version of this calendar on day three of ETC, which is available here:
With electricity’s role in Canada’s energy landscape growing ever-more significant, the discussions at ETC are more timely than ever.
Don’t miss out next year, when ETC 2025 will be held October 6 to 8 at the Enercare Center in Toronto, Ontario.
Quotes
“We have now entered the Age of Electricity, in which affordability is paramount—and CanREA members are building the lowest-cost electricity generation sources in the world today. Complemented by energy storage, wind and solar will accelerate our transition to a sustainable energy future. Globally, there has never been so much investment in new, affordable, clean sources of electricity. In Canada, provinces across the country are actively investing in renewables and energy storage, with more than 10,000 MW of upcoming procurements currently either underway, being procured, or being planned, representing well over $20B in investment.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC) is presented by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), in partnership with RE+ Events, the Italian German Exhibition Group and Deutsche Messe. CanREA is the voice of wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage in Canada. RE+ Events is a global event management organization with a focus on the clean energy industry. The Italian German Exhibition Group is one of the world’s largest and most active event organizers. Deutsche Messe, based in Germany, is one of the leading trade-fair companies worldwide. ETC’s mission is to support the accelerated transformation of Canada’s electricity sector by advancing innovative and practical solutions for a sustainable and resilient energy system. ETC aims to inspire attendees with a shared vision of innovation and collaboration to help Canada’s clean energy industry move forward. For more information.
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 Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
ETC 2024, Canada’s largest renewable energy and clean technology event, attracted over 2,600 attendees and featured 125 expert speakers and 150 exhibitors. With multiple networking events, this edition provided ample opportunities for in-person connections, making it the most influential gathering yet in North America.
Recap: Highlights from Electricity Transformation Canada 2022
More than 1,600 renewable energy industry leaders from across the country assembled in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from October 26 to 28 for Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC) conference and exhibition 2022, hosted by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), RE+ Events and Hannover Fairs. Here are a few highlights! […]
Restructured Energy Market and new consultation herald more upheaval for Alberta’s renewable energy industry
Banff, Alberta, March 11, 2024—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is concerned about prolonged and increasing uncertainty for Alberta’s renewable energy and energy storage industry, after new documents were released by the provincial government and the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) today.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Independent Power Producers Society of Alberta (IPPSA) in Banff today, Alberta Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf said that the province is moving ahead with significant electricity market reforms, based on recommendations from the AESO.
Specifically, in a letter to the AESO today, Minister Neudorf requested that the AESO work with industry and stakeholders to design, and submit to the government for consideration, a draft restructured energy market design based on the AESO’s Recommendation Report.
Mike Law, AESO’s President and CEO, confirmed in his address at the IPPSA conference that the AESO will run a new consultation to develop the first draft of the technical design for the “Restructured Energy Market” (REM), to be completed by fall 2024, with new market rules to come into effect in 2027.
“Today’s announcements introduced another significant layer of uncertainty for Alberta’s market, which will make the province less attractive to investors,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.
“However, CanREA does support the AESO’s collaborative engagement approach. We expect to be at the table, working to ensure the new market design recommendations work for existing renewable energy and energy storage assets and their customers, while also providing a path forward for future investment in these critical technologies in Alberta.”
According to the AESO, these reforms will focus on supporting affordability, reliability and system decarbonization by 2050. The cornerstones of the proposed reforms include a day ahead market, an administrative scarcity pricing mechanism, and adjustments to the current pricing system.
CanREA’s priorities, going into the consultation period, include:
Any market reform must encourage wind, solar and energy storage technologies to play a foundational role in the electricity system of the future.
The AESO needs to ensure there is a path forward for renewable and energy storage investment under this new REM framework, including a workable tariff for energy storage.
The AESO’s REM recommendations should ensure that any new rules honour investments made by generators and their customers who have purchased electricity from these facilities via power purchase agreements (PPAs).
“These changes could provide opportunities for energy storage in Alberta, but we urge the government and the AESO to consider market structures that provide continued opportunity for renewables,” said Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs at CanREA.
“We plan to continue to engage with the provincial government and participate in all consultation processes to ensure the success for renewable energy deployment in Alberta. It is critical for Alberta to get this right if it is to remain an attractive location for international investment,” said Wilson.
In recent years, Alberta has led Canada in new renewable energy development, representing more than 90% of Canada’s growth last year alone, but its position as Canada’s clean energy powerhouse is expected to falter in the coming years as a delayed effect of the 2023-24 moratorium, a negative consequence that will only be amplified by continued policy uncertainty.
Quotes
“Today’s announcements introduced another significant layer of uncertainty for Alberta’s market, which will make the province less attractive to investors. However, CanREA does support the AESO’s collaborative engagement approach. We expect to be at the table, working to ensure the new market design recommendations work for existing renewable energy and energy storage assets and their customers, while also providing a path forward for future investment in these critical technologies in Alberta.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“These changes could provide opportunities for energy storage in Alberta, but we urge the government and the AESO to consider market structures that provide continued opportunity for renewables. We plan to continue to engage with the provincial government and participate in all consultation processes to ensure the success for renewable energy deployment in Alberta. It is critical for Alberta to get this right if it is to remain an attractive location for international investment.”
—Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
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 Twitter/XandLinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
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Uniquely Canadian market outlook report for wind, solar and energy storage now available
NEWS RELEASE: CanREA and Dunsky Energy + Climate launch “Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook 2025: Wind. Solar. Storage.,” the first, comprehensive, Canada-specific market outlook report for renewable energy and energy storage, now available on CanREA’s website.
Many questions remain as Alberta lifts pause on renewable energy project approvals
Edmonton, Alberta, February 28, 2024—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased to see the end of Alberta’s moratorium on renewable energy project approvals on February 29, as announced today by by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf.
That said, CanREA remains concerned about the considerable level of post-moratorium uncertainty that remains for new projects in the province.
The industry is eager to resume after a seven month pause on renewable energy project approvals that created a climate of uncertainty with negative consequences for investor confidence in Alberta.
“While the Pause has lifted, there remains significant uncertainty and risk for investors wishing to participate in Canada’s hottest market for renewables. It is critical to get these policy changes right, and to do so quickly,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.
Alberta currently leads Canada in new renewable energy development, representing more than 90% of Canada’s growthlast year alone. While the Pause did not affect operational projects or projects already in construction, the impact of the moratorium will be seen in the coming years.
Over the past seven months, CanREA participated actively in the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Inquiries while continuing to meet with Premier Smith, Minister Neudorf and his staff to create a greater understanding of the importance of this industry in Alberta and clarify the consequences of the pause.
“CanREA will continue to consult with the AUC and encourage the Province to provide clarity on policy changes that will enable paused projects to move forward, in a manner that will restore investor confidence in Alberta,” said Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs at CanREA.
CanREA is pleased with policy announcements on the issues of crown lands, municipal participation and reclamation security, but concerned about the announcements on agricultural land bans and “pristine viewscape” setbacks. Wind energy and solar energy have a long record of co-location with productive agricultural land use. CanREA will work with the government and the AUC to seek opportunities to continue these beneficial approaches.
CanREA is also pleased that our push for renewables on crown lands has come to fruition. We are happy for the opportunity to expand province wide, to increase geographic diversity, decrease pressures on agricultural land, and make more efficient use of the transmission system.
Regarding reclamation security, CanREA members understand that Albertans expect developers to honour commitments to reclamation. This is why our members already make commitments to reclamation security. CanREA is pleased that the government decision matched our recommendations and that, going forward, reclamation security can continue be allocated to landowners if those landowners so chose.
CanREA also accepts that municipalities, as the elected voices of their communities, have the opportunity to participate in the process.
However, it is disappointing that the government has decided to put some parts of the province off-limits for renewable energy projects via “pristine viewscape” setbacks. This decision means that local communities and landowners in these regions will miss out on the benefit of renewable projects, specifically the tax revenues and lease payments associated with renewables.
CanREA will continue to advise in upcoming consultations to support better outcomes, including the grandfathering of projects on sites that have already been selected, to avoid costly consequences for all parties. We will urge the government to reconsider their land-use bans for “pristine viewscapes,” or to provide opportunities to mitigate these blanket restrictions.
Renewable energy in Alberta has long been a good-news story for Canada’s energy powerhouse province. And there is tremendous potential for even greater success. To realize this potential, we need a responsible, inclusive and thoughtful approach in Alberta.
Quotes
“While the Pause has lifted, there remains significant uncertainty and risk for investors wishing to participate in Canada’s hottest market for renewables. It is critical to get these policy changes right, and to do so quickly.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“CanREA will continue to consult with the AUC and encourage the Province to provide clarity on policy changes that will enable paused projects to move forward, in a manner that will restore investor confidence in Alberta.”
—Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
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 Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
Alberta’s Gas-Centric Strategy Could Kill Its AI Data Centre Ambitions, Lovins Warns
Alberta’s bid to attract artificial intelligence data centres could be sabotaged by its own energy policies, says RMI co-founder and world renowned energy analyst Amory Lovins. […]
Uniquely Canadian market outlook report for wind, solar and energy storage now available
NEWS RELEASE: CanREA and Dunsky Energy + Climate launch “Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook 2025: Wind. Solar. Storage.,” the first, comprehensive, Canada-specific market outlook report for renewable energy and energy storage, now available on CanREA’s website.
