Tag: Quebec

Uniquely Canadian market outlook report for wind, solar and energy storage now available

Posted on by Melissa McDougall

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: 

Communications 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association 
communications@renewablesassociation.ca 

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. 

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. 

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association congratulates Quebec’s new cabinet ministers

Posted on by Joshua Bleser

CanREA is ready to support Quebec’s new ministers with the energy transition, especially through the deployment of upcoming solar and wind projects that will make Quebec a greener, more prosperous place.

Montréal, September 10, 2025—TheCanadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) congratulates Quebec’s new ministers on their appointment to cabinet and is eager to work with them to grow the wind, solar and energy storage industries across the province. In particular, CanREA would like to congratulate Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, who has retained her portfolios.

The energy transition, including the deployment of solar and wind energy projects, is already well underway thanks to Hydro-Québec’s ambitious Action Plan 2035. However, input from several departments will be needed to ensure that the full potential of this energy can be harnessed.

“In recent years, CanREA has been central to promoting the potential of wind and solar energy and energy storage,” says Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO of CanREA. “We will work closely with the new ministers to help bring wind and solar projects online and promote energy storage solutions where they make sense. Our ultimate goal is to decarbonize the Quebec economy and help it grow.”

Current challenges facing the deployment of renewable energy projects will be at the forefront of CanREA’s discussions with the new cabinet in the coming months. This is why it will be essential to continue having conversations on key issues, such as the transportation of wind turbine components within the province and the need to conduct thorough reviews that can help projects get departmental approval within a reasonable time frame. These efforts will help lay the groundwork to achieve the goals set out in Hydro-Québec’s Action Plan 2035, such as the production of more than 10,000 MW of wind energy and 3,000 MW of solar energy.

“Implementing measures to carry out the energy transition will be no mean feat, but CanREA is committed to working with the Quebec government to achieve the ambitious goal of producing more than 13 GW of solar and wind energy,” says Jean Habel, CanREA’s Senior Director of Policy for Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

Quotes

“In recent years, CanREA has been central to promoting the potential of wind and solar energy and energy storage. We will work closely with the new ministers to help bring wind and solar projects online and promote energy storage solutions, when optimal. Our ultimate goal is to decarbonize the Quebec economy and help it grow.”

—Vittoria Bellissimo, president and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

“Implementing measures to carry out the energy transition will be no mean feat, but CanREA is committed to working with the Quebec government to achieve the ambitious goal of producing more than 13 GW of solar and wind energy.”

—Jean Habel, Senior Director of Policy for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:  

Communications 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association  
communications@renewablesassociation.ca  

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.   

NEWS RELEASE: Net-Zero Quebec Summit gains momentum

Posted on by Melissa McDougall

Second annual CanREA Summit a major event for Quebec’s energy transition.  

Montréal, May 15, 2025 – Drawing more than 220 attendees, the second edition of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) Net-Zero Quebec Summit, presented by Desjardins, was a great success in Montréal today. 

“The CanREA Net-Zero Quebec Summit is a major opportunity for Quebec’s renewable energy industry, serving as a hub for discussions about the energy transition needed for the province to achieve net zero by 2050,” said Jean Habel, Senior Director, Québec and Atlantic Canada, CanREA. “Harnessing this energy will allow Quebecers to be more self-sufficient, greener and more prosperous.”

The day centred around in-depth discussions on the economic realities of the energy transition, including supply chain pressures, greater competition and the economic impact of decarbonization.  

Discussions also focused on renewable energy projects in Quebec, particularly challenges and best practices for optimizing the rollout of energy transition projects in order to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. 

“Desjardins is proud to support Net-Zero Quebec, a key event for Quebec’s energy transition. This Summit presents a unique platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities relevant to the energy transition. We are determined to play an active role in providing innovative financial services and supporting initiatives that promote autonomy, prosperity and sustainability. Together, we can build a greener and more resilient Quebec,” said Mathieu Talbot, Vice President, Business Services Group and Corporate Banking, Desjardins. 

The event opened with “Indigenous Communities: Essential Actors in the Energy Transition.” This inclusive panel focused on how the renewable energy and energy storage industries must commit to continuously improving their approaches to ensure that their plans align with the priorities of Indigenous communities. CanREA was thrilled to hear from panellists Chief Paul Rice from the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:kes, Jean Roy, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Kruger, and Grand Chief Jacques Tremblay of the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, who took part in the insightful conversation.

This was a special opportunity to enrich the conversation and educate participants about how best to work together toward implementing renewable energy across Quebec.  

Later, CanREA was pleased to welcome Dave Rhéaume, Executive Vice President – Commercial Activities and Chief Customer Officer at Hydro-Québec, for a discussion on solar energy development in Quebec. The discussion was moderated by Jean-Hugues Lapointe, Partner and Project Director, Energy and Resources, Power System Studies at CIMA+.

Other highlights included an enlightening discussion on Quebec’s energy advantage and a vision for the future with Philippe Dunsky, President of Dunsky Energy + Climate, moderated by Eva Lotta Schmidt, Head of Global Sustainability at ENERCON.

An inspiring discussion was also held with Stéphane Labrie, President, Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ), moderated by Étienne Chabot, General Manager, Electricity for the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie.

“The panels and discussions at the Summit sparked vital conversations and broadened the knowledge of everyone who attended, which will help to accelerate Quebec’s energy transition,” says Habel.  

CanREA would like to thank all of the participants, moderators and speakers who helped make the Summit a success. It would also like to extend a special thanks to its presenting sponsor, Desjardins, and our other sponsors, EDF Renewables, Amazon Web Services, Enercon, Invenergy, Borea, Nordex, Dunsky, CIMA +, Kruger, Pattern Energy, Compass Energy Consulting, Fasken, Innergex, Nuvéo, RES, EVLO, Boralex, Miller Thomson, BluEarth, and PCL.

Photos

PHOTO: Net Zero Quebec 2025’s opening panel, “Indigenous communities: Essential actors in the energy transition,” examined how Quebec’s renewable energy and energy storage industries can align their plans with the priorities of Indigenous communities. From left to right: Moderator Émilie Sénéchal (Hydro Quebec), Jean Roy (Kruger Energy), Chief Paul Rice (Mohawk Council of Kahnawá:ke), Grand Chef Jacques Tremblay (Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation). 

Quotes

“The CanREA Net-Zero Quebec Summit is a major opportunity for Quebec’s renewable energy industry, serving as a hub for discussions about the energy transition needed for the province to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Harnessing this energy will allow Quebecers to be more self-sufficient, greener and more prosperous. The panels and discussions at the Summit sparked vital conversations and broadened the knowledge of everyone who attended, which will help to accelerate Quebec’s energy transition.” 

—Jean Habel, Senior Director, Québec and Atlantic Canada, CanREA

“Desjardins is proud to support Net-Zero Quebec, a key event for Quebec’s energy transition. This Summit presents a unique platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities relevant to the energy transition. We are determined to play an active role in providing innovative financial services and supporting initiatives that promote autonomy, prosperity and sustainability. Together, we can build a greener and more resilient Quebec.” 

—Mathieu Talbot, Vice President, Business Services Group and Corporate Banking, Desjardins  

For media interviews, please contact:

Bridget Wayland, Senior Director of Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association 
communications@renewablesassociation.ca

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association

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. 

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Net-Zero Quebec—CanREA Summit

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On May 15, 2025, more than 220 participants gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn Midtown in Montreal for the second edition of the Net-Zero Quebec—CanREA Summit. This annual event has become a must for professionals in Quebec’s renewable energy and energy storage sectors. Conferences, panels, discussions and networking opportunities punctuated a full day of essential discussions […]

NEWS RELEASE: CanREA welcomes Quebec energy bill

Posted on by Judy Mitri

CanREA salutes the release of one of the most important pieces of energy management and oversight legislation in Quebec in nearly 30 years.

Montreal, June 6, 2024. – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes the introduction of Bill 69*, Assurant la gouvernance responsable des ressources énergétiques et modifiant diverses dispositions législatives, which was tabled today in Quebec’s National Assembly. *in French only.

“Consultations on the proposed legislation will be the ideal forum for a broad discussion on energy futures with all stakeholders, including the renewable energy sector, municipalities and First Nations,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada.  

“For CanREA, the priorities will be to strengthen the role of the Régie de l’Énergie du Québec, to contribute to the implementation of an integrated energy resources plan, to ensure a better vision for stakeholders in the deployment of the transportation network, to enable greater agility in the deployment of renewable energy and to enshrine in law the achievement of net-zero emissions by 2050,” Habel added. 

Development of an Integrated Energy Resources Plan 

CanREA is pleased to note the Government’s intention to deploy an Integrated Energy Resources Plan, a comprehensive tool that is being used in several Canadian provinces to develop a long-term vision of their energy needs and supply.

CanREA had previously recommended this tool to the Quebec government and is ready to help inform its development going forward.

An opportunity for diversification

CanREA believes that legislation should further encourage the deployment of decentralized energy resources, such as net metering and local energy storage, in Quebec’s energy mix, while respecting the distinctive character of the Quebec model for transmission and distribution through Hydro-Québec.

“Every kilowatt of renewable energy is valuable to achieving our climate and reliability goals. Several actions must be taken simultaneously: we need to increase total production and also meet the rising demand with greater energy efficiency and reduce consumption peaks,” Habel said. 

Strengthening the role of the Régie de l’Énergie

CanREA would like to emphasize the key role of the Régie de l’Énergie in Quebec’s energy ecosystem. Its role should be enhanced to include reviewing all future procurements and calls for tender in the energy sector.

In this way, the Régie de l’Énergie could ensure that all the actions taken by the various stakeholders will meet Quebec’s future energy needs while respecting government policies and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

A societal project

Bill 69 will open a significant discussion on Quebec’s energy future. CanREA and its members will contribute their significant energy expertise and work to ensure that future regulations align with the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 while also contributing positively to the economy.

“The energy transition is a wider civil society project. Environmental, social justice and economic development aspects must be considered, and all stakeholders must be allowed to participate if it is to be successful,” Habel said.

Quotes

“Consultations on the proposed legislation will be the ideal forum for a broad discussion on energy futures with all stakeholders, including the renewable energy sector, municipalities and First Nations.”

“For CanREA, the priorities will be to strengthen the role of the Régie de l’Énergie du Québec, to contribute to the implementation of an integrated energy resources plan, to ensure a better vision for stakeholders in the deployment of the transportation network, to enable greater agility in the deployment of renewable energy and to enshrine in law the achievement of net-zero emissions by 2050.”

“Every kilowatt of renewable energy is valuable to achieving our climate and reliability goals. Several actions must be taken simultaneously: we need to increase total production and also meet the rising demand with greater energy efficiency and reduce consumption peaks.”   

“The energy transition is a wider civil society project. Environmental, social justice and economic development aspects must be considered, and all stakeholders must be allowed to participate if it is to be successful.”

—Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:

Virginie Aubé Pelletier, Conseillère, TACT
514-243-0329
vapelletier@tactconseil.ca 

Bridget Wayland, Senior Director of Communications, CanREA
Canadian Renewable Energy Association   
communications@renewablesassociation.ca   

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 and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.