A new national voice for the wind, solar and energy storage industries   

Ottawa, Ontario, May 19, 2020 – Today the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) and the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) are pleased to announce the name and leader of the new multi-technology association that will provide a unified voice for solar energy, wind energy, and energy storage in Canada. Effective July 1, 2020, the members of CanSIA and CanWEA will unite within the Canadian Renewable Energy Association under the trusted leadership of Robert Hornung, the long-standing president of CanWEA.
 
As the founding President and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, Mr. Hornung will lead the member-based association in stakeholder advocacy and public engagement focused on ensuring that renewable energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix during this period of historical global transformation.
 
With a corporate office in Ottawa, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association will have national influence as well as a regional presence in jurisdictions across the country. The association will work to create conditions for a modern energy system that makes significant and positive contributions to Canada’s economy and clean energy future. It will provide forums devoted to dialogue, collaboration and stewardship, and growth of the industry.
 
The formation of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association reflects the growing importance of innovative energy solutions that integrate multiple renewable energy technologies. The members of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs.
 
Wind and solar generation meet an already significant and growing proportion of Canadian electricity demand, with a combined grid-connected installed capacity of more than 16,500 megawatts (MW). Recent power purchase contracts have confirmed that wind and solar energy are cost-competitive with conventional generation, with wind now being the lowest-cost source of new electricity generation in Canada. There is also rapid deployment of these technologies at both residential and commercial scales in Canada. Solar PV has been deployed in every province and territory across Canada. As Canada’s leader in residential and commercial solar installations, Ontario reported a total of 2,673 MW in solar PV installations at the end of 2019. Diverse energy storage projects are playing a growing role in maximizing the contributions of clean generation to grid flexibility and reliability, with more than 20 storage facilities under contract by Ontario’s grid operator alone.
 
Quotes 
“The launch of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association is a major step forward toward the realization of more comprehensive energy solutions encompassing wind, solar and energy storage in Canada. It needs a leader with a clear vision of the modern energy system we’re building in Canada, and an understanding of our membership’s unique role in that effort. Robert Hornung brings that to the table, and we look forward to his leadership as our industries join forces in this very exciting new endeavour.”
 - Michelle Chislett, Interim Board Chair, Canadian Renewable Energy Association;
and Managing Director, Canada & U.S. Development, Northland Power
 
“We’re launching a new association not only during an ongoing energy transition, but also during the massive challenge of managing through a pandemic and ensuring recovery from its economic impacts. More than ever, Canada’s policy focus must remain on a transition to a clean economy powered by renewable energy. A unified voice for solar energy, wind energy and energy storage will help navigate the way to Canada’s emission reduction targets while creating good jobs and economic opportunity in urban centres, rural areas and Indigenous communities across the country.”
 - Jason Chee-Aloy, Interim Board Vice Chair, Canadian Renewable Energy Association;
and Managing Director, Power Advisory LLC
 
“I’m honoured and excited to be leading a new association with a mandate unlike any other. There is a clear public desire to see advancement of the technologies we represent to capture the full promise of a renewable energy future. The Canadian Renewable Energy Association is the right vehicle to help make that promise a reality, while delivering great business value to each and every member.”
 - Robert Hornung, President & CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association

About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association  
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. Our association works 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.
 
About the Canadian Solar Industries Association
The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) is a national trade association that represents the solar energy industry throughout Canada. CanSIA's vision for Canada's solar energy industry is for solar electricity to be a mainstream energy source and an integral part of Canada's diversified electricity mix by 2020, operating in a supportive and stable policy and regulatory environment within a similar frame. 

About the Canadian Wind Energy Association 
The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) is the voice of Canada’s wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada’s leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits.
 
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact: 
Anastasia Smolentseva, Communications Advisor
Canadian Wind Energy Association
613-857-3359
anastasiasmolentseva@canwea.ca
 
Or
 
Isabel Payne, Communications
Canadian Solar Industries Association
613-736-8938
isabel@cansia.ca

OTTAWA — As the conversation in Canada shifts from immediate relief to economic recovery, new questions will arise: what does recovery look like, and how do we design stimulus that delivers secure jobs in a cleaner, innovative and diverse economy?

Done right, the federal government’s stimulus and recovery efforts can create jobs, spur cleantech innovation, encourage economic diversification, cut both carbon pollution and illness-causing air pollution, and ultimately make Canada a more resilient country.

On Friday, April 3, industry and non-profit leaders representing Canada’s clean energy sector—including renewable power, energy efficiency, cleantech, advanced biofuels and electric transportation—submitted an open letter to Prime Minister Trudeau on the need for clean-energy-focused stimulus in order to build a better, more resilient economy.

You can read the letter here. It emphasizes three overarching recommendations:

1. To signal climate policy continuity and enhancement.
2. To invest in sufficient, sustained and sustainable stimulus.
3. And to move quickly to support clean energy solutions, Canadian cleantech innovation and businesses by expanding existing initiatives and programs.

In particular, the letter says, “investment in economic diversification must place special attention on the regions that need it most and that have seen record layoffs.”

The clean energy sector employs 298,000 Canadians in a wide range of jobs: insulating homes, developing clean technologies, manufacturing electric vehicles, building and maintaining wind, solar and hydro projects, producing renewable fuels—these are just a few examples. Independent modelling has found that, by 2030, Canada’s clean energy sector will employ 559,400 Canadians, thanks in part to climate policies and programs spurring a clean energy growth rate four times the Canadian average.

The energy transition is also enhancing competitiveness and creating new opportunities in other sectors of the economy. These include jobs in low-carbon concrete, steel and aluminum, sustainably produced mass timber, and mining the metals and minerals used in many clean technologies.

In short, a clean recovery creates winners across the country and across the economy. Organizations that support the letter are listed below. Read the letter here.

See contact information below for media interview requests.
 
SIGNATORIES
Merran Smith, Executive Director, Clean Energy Canada, Simon Fraser UniversityAnne-Raphaëlle Audouin, President & CEO, WaterPower CanadaRobert Hornung, President, Canadian Wind Energy AssociationWesley Johnston, President and CEO, Canadian Solar Industries AssociationDaniel Breton, President and CEO, Electric Mobility CanadaCorey Diamond, Executive Director, Efficiency CanadaIan Thomson, President, Advanced Biofuels CanadaJulia Langer, CEO, The Atmospheric FundJacob Malthouse, Canada Cleantech AllianceJeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Cleantech AcceleratorDenis Leclerc, President and CEO, Écotech QuébecMaike Althaus, Executive Director, Ontario Clean Technology Industry Association

About the Canadian Solar Industries Association 
The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) is a national trade association that represents the solar energy industry throughout Canada. CanSIA's vision for Canada's solar energy industry is for solar electricity to be a mainstream energy source and an integral part of Canada's diversified electricity mix by 2020, operating in a supportive and stable policy and regulatory environment within a similar frame. 
 
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact: 
Isabel Payne 
613-736-8938 
Isabel@cansia.ca  

New multi-technology association will focus on solar energy, wind energy, and energy storage effective July 1, 2020 
 
Toronto, Ontario, November 28, 2019 – Today, in Toronto, votes were counted on special resolutions proposed to the members of both the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) and the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). At separate Special Meetings of Members, the voting delegates for all members in every category of membership within each association were asked to vote on the amalgamation of the two organizations into a new multi-technology association focused on wind energy, solar energy and energy storage. 
 
The votes in support of amalgamation within both associations exceeded the required two-thirds threshold in every membership class. Therefore, the amalgamation will proceed.  
 
The effective date for the new multi-technology association is July 1, 2020 and the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in conjunction with the inaugural Electricity Transformation Canada event in Toronto in November 2020.   
 
Quotes 
 
“On behalf of the Boards of Directors for both organizations, I would like to reiterate our shared belief that amalgamation will deliver a significantly strengthened value proposition to the members of both associations as we work together to bring forward comprehensive solutions and advocate with a stronger voice to increase the deployment of solar energy, wind energy and energy storage technologies across Canada.” 
-Wes Johnston, President & CEO, Canadian Solar Industries Association    
 
 “Canada’s electricity system will need significantly increased amounts of wind energy, solar energy and energy storage in a more flexible electricity grid if Canada’s supply is to be affordable, reliable, flexible and climate-friendly. That will require increased deployment both in front of the meter and behind the meter – putting this new collaborative framework in place will allow us to fully leverage this tremendous opportunity for our industries.” 
-Robert Hornung, President, Canadian Wind Energy Association 
 
About the Canadian Solar Industries Association 
The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) is a national trade association that represents the solar energy industry throughout Canada. CanSIA's vision for Canada's solar energy industry is for solar electricity to be a mainstream energy source and an integral part of Canada's diversified electricity mix by 2020, operating in a supportive and stable policy and regulatory environment within a similar frame. 
 
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact: 
Isabel Payne 
613-736-8938 
Isabel@cansia.ca  ​

OTTAWA, ON, MAY 30, 2019 - The Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced this morning the launch of the Climate Action Incentive Fund (CAIF) to create jobs, grow the economy, help businesses save money, and fight climate change. 
​
Under the CAIF program, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and New Brunswick - the four provinces where the federal price on pollution applies - could be eligible to receive up to 25 percent of their energy efficiency project costs with funding ranging between $20,000 and $250,000. Eligible projects include building retrofits, improved industrial processes, cleaner transportation, fuel switching, and the production of renewable energy, including solar energy projects. According to the Federal Government, the fund will be open for applications in the upcoming weeks.

Funds available through the CAIF for SMEs in 2019-2020 will come to a total of $150 million, based on the percentage of carbon revenues collected within each province:

•  $102 million in Ontario
• $30 million in Saskatchewan
• $13 million in Manitoba
• $5 million in New Brunswick

​"In communities across Canada, small and medium-sized businesses are proving that taking action on climate change is good for business," commented Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change. "To build on their leadership and ensure more small and medium-sized businesses have the means to take action, we are helping business owners invest in new equipment and retrofits to be more energy efficient, cut pollution and save money."

"The Federal Government is once again proving that taking steps to clean our environment can also help strengthen our economy," said Wesley Johnston, CanSIA President and CEO. "The Climate Action Incentive Fund will help to create jobs, grow the economy, and help small and medium businesses save money on their energy bills by helping them adopt solar energy."

These funds would be in addition to tax benefits from the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance changes the federal government announced in 2018, that allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of specified clean energy equipment, including solar energy and energy storage equipment.
​
To access the Federal Government News Release, click here. 

About CanSIA
The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) is a national trade association that represents the solar energy industry throughout Canada. CanSIA's vision for Canada's solar energy industry is for solar electricity to be a mainstream energy source and an integral part of Canada's diversified electricity mix by 2020, operating in a supportive and stable policy and regulatory environment within a similar frame.

OTTAWA, ON, MARCH 22, 2019  - On Tuesday, March 19th, Finance Minister Bill Morneau released the Federal Government's 2019 Budget in the House of Commons. Titled Investing in the Middle Class, the Budget announced significant new investments in moving Canada to a cleaner energy future based on renewable power and smart technologies. 
 
"Our sector applauds the Government of Canada's continued investments in energy system transition - in particular in the deployment of clean, renewable resources like solar power," remarked John Gorman, President & CEO of the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA). "The benefits of these investments will span far beyond the businesses and homeowners eager to embrace solar energy. They will extend throughout our entire economy and will create skilled trades jobs for generations."
 
Particularly notable investments include $1.01 billion to increase energy efficiency in residential, commercial and multi-unit buildings, including via the deployment of distributed generation; $300 million for zero-emissions vehicle purchase incentives; $2.2 billion in additional infrastructure funding for communities, including for community energy systems; support for planning efforts by jurisdictions looking to advance clean energy projects; and actions to help smooth Canada's transition away from coal-fired power.
 
As noted in Budget 2019, Canada's First Ministers agreed in December 2018 to develop a framework for a clean electric future of reliable and affordable electricity. The measures announced yesterday are a good step forward, but more work remains ahead. CanSIA and its member companies are committed to supporting the process as Canada moves towards a more sustainable energy future for all. 
 
To access the full budget document, click here.
 
To learn more about solar energy and the best way for consumers to go solar, please visit the Canadian Solar Industries Association at www.CanSIA.ca.
 
About CanSIA
The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) is a national trade association that represents the solar energy industry throughout Canada. CanSIA's vision for Canada's solar energy industry is for solar electricity to be a mainstream energy source and an integral part of Canada's diversified electricity mix by 2020, operating in a supportive and stable policy and regulatory environment within a similar time frame. Follow CanSIA on Twitter and Facebook.

CALGARY, AB, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 - Three new solar electricity facilities to be built in south eastern Alberta (Canada) have been selected through a competitive process to supply the Government of Alberta with 55 per cent of their annual electricity needs. The facilities will be built near Hays, Tilley, and Jenner, by Canadian Solar with Conklin Métis Local #193 as 50-percent equity owners.
​
The Government of Alberta’s operations have been powered 100 per cent with wind electricity since 2007. Upon the expiration of some of these contracts, they have been renewed to switch from wind to solar energy. The average contract pricing will be $0.048 per kilowatt hour (3.6 cents/kWh USD), which is less than the average historical wholesale power pool price paid to natural gas-fired electricity in the province in years 2008 – 2018.

“The conversation about solar energy has long been fixated on its price competitiveness with fossil fuels,” said John Gorman, CanSIA President & CEO. “Today’s announcement demonstrates that low cost solar energy has arrived as a mainstream option in Alberta. The conversation should next focus on how to optimize an all-of-the-above strategy for developing the province’s renewable and non-renewable resources.”

“This price discovery is monumental for the solar industry in Canada” said Patrick Bateman, CanSIA Director of Policy & Market Development. “At less than five cents per kilowatt hour, this solar electricity has a cost that is less than that of natural gas. Achieving Alberta’s legislated 30 per cent by 2030 renewable electricity target just became a whole lot cheaper!”.
Quick Facts:

• The contract price of 4.8 cents/kWh CAD to be paid by Alberta Infrastructure for this solar electricity represents a lower Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) than the average annual wholesale price paid by the power pool to combined-cycle and single-cycle natural gas-fired electricity generation which was 7.1 cents/kWh and 11.2 cents/kWh respectively from 2008 - 2018.
  
  
• Alberta receives more hours of sunshine than Miami, Florida in the summer months. Alberta’s electricity supply is most strained in summer when high temperatures increase the resistance of the distribution and transmission systems, and reduce the efficiency of cooling thermal power plants. For this reason, solar facilities sited near to electricity demand improves overall grid efficiency. Supply shortages are atypical in Alberta in winter when solar energy is least available. When they do occur, imports are increased and large loads are decreased.
  ​
  
• In 2018, Alberta’s solar electricity generation exceeded 50 MW. While representing much less than 1% of the province’s electricity supply today, the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) forecasts that solar energy could supply as much as 3 per cent of the province’s electricity by 2030. A recent supply chain study of the solar electricity sector in Alberta by Solas Energy Consulting Inc. found a potential of $4.1 billion in market value and a labour force rising to 10,000 in 2030.

 
To learn more about solar energy and the best way for consumers to go solar, please visit the Canadian Solar Industries Association at www.CanSIA.ca.
 
About CanSIA
The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) is a national trade association that represents the solar energy industry throughout Canada. CanSIA’s vision for Canada’s solar energy industry is for solar electricity to be a mainstream energy source and an integral part of Canada’s diversified electricity mix by 2020, operating in a supportive and stable policy and regulatory environment within a similar time frame. Follow CanSIA on Twitter and Facebook.
 
Media contact: Isabel Payne / isabel@cansia.ca

CALGARY, AB, JANUARY 24, 2019 – Earlier today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Federal Minister of Natural Resources announced support from the Emerging Renewable Power Program for the Suffield Solar Project. The $50 million project developed by Canadian Solar Solutions Inc. and located near Suffield, in Southern Alberta will be the first in Canada to use bi-facial solar photovoltaics at a large-scale. This emerging technology captures solar energy from both the top and the bottom sides of the solar module while tracking the sun through the sky from sun-rise to sun-set.
 
“It is essential that Canada’s energy and electricity sectors continue to be in the leading pack globally for innovation,” remarked John Gorman, President & CEO of the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA). “That includes our renewable and non-renewable energy resource sectors. Alberta is Canada’s energy capital for oil and gas. Now solar energy is becoming a new source of jobs and investment for the province.”
 
When complete, the Suffield Solar Project will generate 23 MW, which will power approximately 7,400 homes each year, and employ around 250 people during the construction period.
 
The bi-facial solar photovoltaic technology will increase efficiency of energy generation by 10 to 15 per cent and improves on grid-reliability in the winter months, despite snow cover.
 
“Bi-facial photovoltaic technology is a great fit for Southern Alberta,” says Patrick Bateman, Director of Policy and Market Development at CanSIA. “In Summer, the prairies receive more hours of sunlight than Miami. In Winter, snow cover on the ground acts as a mirror and the energy in the reflected light is captured by this innovative technology.”
 
To read more about the Emerging Renewable Power Program, click here.
 
To learn more about solar energy and the best way for consumers to go solar, please visit the Canadian Solar Industries Association at www.CanSIA.ca.
 
About CanSIA
The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) is a national trade association that represents the solar energy industry throughout Canada. CanSIA’s vision for Canada’s solar energy industry is for solar electricity to be a mainstream energy source and an integral part of Canada’s diversified electricity mix by 2020, operating in a supportive and stable policy and regulatory environment within a similar time frame. Follow CanSIA on Twitter and Facebook.
 
Media contact: Isabel Payne / isabel@cansia.ca

Government of Ontario endorses solar energy technology as solution to climate change
 
TORONTO, ON, NOV 29, 2018 – Earlier today the Government of Ontario released a Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan that will help drive significant investment in Canada's clean technology sector. The plan will support and maintain Ontario’s renewable energy cost-competitiveness and create jobs in the skilled trades. Solar energy is a core part of this plan – encouraging businesses across Ontario to invest in clean technology to stay competitive and reduce their emissions and energy bills.  
 
Ontario’s decision to parallel recently announced federal changes to tax policy and depreciation for clean energy equipment will enable businesses to defer income to later years, supporting investments in technologies that produce clean energy or that displace fossil fuels. The government will also create The Carbon Trust, incenting private sector investment in solar energy, battery storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and other clean technology solutions.
 
“The benefits of this plan will span far beyond just the businesses that are investing in solar, they will extend throughout our entire economy and will create skilled trades jobs.” remarked CanSIA’s President & CEO, John Gorman. “Today’s announcement is an endorsement of Ontario’s solar industry, supporting a clean growth strategy that lets businesses that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions become more competitive,”
 
Ontario is taking a major step forward today in supporting businesses that invest in clean technology and lower energy bills. Ontario’s solar industry continues to urge the government to go further – cutting the red tape that is preventing individual homeowners from accessing third-party financing to install solar on their rooftops. With no subsidy from government, these changes empower families and homeowners to lower their energy bills and will create thousands of new jobs in the skilled trades.
 
The entire Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan can be read here.
 
To learn more about solar energy and the best way for consumers to go solar, please visit the Canadian Solar Industries Association at www.CanSIA.ca.
 
About CanSIA
The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) is a national trade association that represents the solar energy industry throughout Canada. CanSIA’s vision for Canada’s solar energy industry is for solar electricity to be a mainstream energy source and an integral part of Canada’s diversified electricity mix by 2020, operating in a supportive and stable policy and regulatory environment within a similar time frame. Follow CanSIA on Twitter and Facebook.
 
Media contact: Isabel Payne / isabel@cansia.ca

The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) recognized outstanding achievements in the solar industry at the sixth annual Game Changer Awards, hosted at Solar Ontario 2018 on November 14th. The awards recognize the excellence of the many individuals and organizations that have helped the solar energy industry mature by pursuing the path that will lead us to an even brighter future.

For the second year, CanSIA assembled a Game Changer Awards Jury, made up of active leaders of renewable energy industry, to carry out the difficult task of selecting the award winners. After much deliberation and consultation, the Jury selected the following winners:

Indigenous Solar Project
Cowessess First Nation
Click here to view nomination details.
​
Solar Developer of the Year
IKEA Canada
Click here to view nomination details. 

Solar Distributor of the Year
HES PV
Click here to view nomination details. 

Solar Finance Leadership
CoPower
Click here to view nomination details.

Solar PV Project of the Year
IKEA Canada
Click here to view nomination details.

Solar Service Excellence
KCP Energy
Click here to view nomination details.

Solar Thermal Project of the Year
Stantec
Click here to view nomination details. 

WiRE Woman of Distinction Award for Solar

Partnered with CanSIA, Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) presented the Woman of Distinction Award for Solar to Richa Pandey, Principal Scientist, Ubiquitous Energy.

ELSE Emerging Solar Leader

The ambition, energy and creativity of the Canada’s young solar professionals ensures our industry continues to move upward. ELSE’s Emerging Solar Leader award celebrates those new to our industry whom have contributed significantly to solar in 2018 and show promise to continue on as future leaders.

​After receiving many Emerging Solar Leader applications, ELSE awarded Darby McGraw.

TORONTO, Ontario
 
Today the Ontario government announced the cancellation of 758 renewable energy contracts. The vast majority of the contracts (over ninety per cent) are small, rooftop contracts owned by farmers, schools, municipalities and First Nations. Any savings to Ontarians’ hydro bills attributed to the cancellation would be negligible.
 
“It’s preposterous to tie the cancellation of these community projects to savings on the electricity bills of Ontarians,” said John Gorman, President & CEO of the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA). “The folks who are hurt and angry today are the customers who were counting on saving money on their electricity bills by generating their own electricity.”

The move to cancel the small, renewable energy contracts—also known as FIT contracts—further undermines investor confidence in Ontario’s energy market. CanSIA estimates that half a billion dollars of planned investment will leave Ontario as a result and forecasts loses of 6,000 jobs in the province.

“This is not about big business,” says Gorman. “This is about rooftop projects that are owned by community groups. The folks that will be hurt are the installers and contractors and the engineers… the local guys, the little guys who have built up experience in building solar over the last few years.”

About CanSIA:
A national, not-for-profit association, CanSIA works on behalf of its members to facilitate and promote the responsible and sustainable growth of solar energy across Canada. CanSIA provides education and networking opportunities for members, researches and develops renewable energy policy options for different levels of Canada’s government and implements a broad range of communications activities on solar energy.
 
For more information, please contact Isabel Payne at isabel@cansia.ca.