Photo: CanREA. 
Over 400 participants attended the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) Forum, for the first time virtually.
“One message heard consistently throughout the Forum is that Canada must capitalize on its massive untapped wind and solar energy potential if it is to build an affordable, clean and reliable energy system that will help Canada reach the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050,” said Robert Hornung, President and CEO, CanREA. “CanREA and its more than 250 members are committed to working towards this.”
CanREA had Sophie Brochu, President and CEO, Hydro-Québec; Michael Law, President and CEO, Alberta Electric System Operator; Mike Marsh, President and CEO, SaskPower; and Terry Young, Interim President and CEO, Independent Electricity System Operator; for a discussion on innovation and collaboration opportunities engendered by the changes in technologies, policies, and customer preferences that are disrupting the electricity sector.
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources participated in a live discussion about the role of wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage in Canada’s future energy mix.
“Our abundant sources of renewable energy will power our clean growth future. We will continue to use them to reduce emissions, create jobs and grow our economies,” said O’Regan.
The program also included panels on Canada’s energy transition, where CanREA Board Chair Michelle Chislett, Managing Director, Canada and US Development, Northland Power, spoke with industry leaders and on Canada’s energy future.
“We are proud to support the Canadian Renewable Energy Forum,” said Paul van der Weg, Managing Director Canada, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Limited. “As a leader in reliable renewable-energy generation in Canada, we are committed to creating long-term solutions for our customers and supporting efforts to further grow the Canadian Renewables market. We see the Forum as an excellent way to engage in dialogue with our industry partners to achieve these goals.”
Attendees were able to connect with one another though chat and video conferencing tools, and four daily networking sessions, and peruse a virtual showcase of renewable energy exhibitors.
