Canada’s Clean Energy Future Takes Center Stage at Electricity Transformation Canada 2024
Calgary, Alberta, October 23, 2024 – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) successfully hosted its flagship event, Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC) 2024, in Calgary, Alberta. This premier clean energy industry conference and exhibition attracted over 2,600 attendees, making it one of the largest gatherings of clean energy professionals in Canada. Held from October 21 to 23, ETC 2024 provided a platform for discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking around the latest advancements in the clean energy sector.
A Focus on Affordability and Growth
ETC 2024 showcased a comprehensive educational program, featuring over 125 speakers who delved into critical issues facing the clean energy industry. Key topics included the affordability of renewables, the growth of the clean energy sector across Canada, and the opportunities and risks associated with transitioning to a sustainable energy future. The conference also featured an impressive exhibition hall, showcasing the latest technologies and solutions from leading distributors, engineers, investors, installers, and manufacturers in wind energy, solar energy, energy storage, and other clean energy technologies.
The Age of Electricity: A New Era of Affordability
In her opening remarks, Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO, declared that we have entered the “Age of Electricity,” where affordability is paramount. She emphasized that CanREA members are actively building the world’s lowest-cost electricity generation sources, making clean energy a more viable option than ever before. Bellissimo highlighted the crucial role of energy storage in complementing wind and solar power, accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future.
Global Momentum for Clean Energy
Bellissimo’s remarks resonated with the findings of the International Energy Agency’s recent World Energy Outlook report, which states that clean energy is experiencing unprecedented growth. In 2023 alone, over 560 GW of new renewable energy capacity was added globally, and investment flows to clean energy projects are nearing USD 2 trillion annually. The report also highlights the rapid growth in electricity demand, which has doubled the pace of overall energy demand over the past decade.
Canada’s Commitment to Clean Energy
While acknowledging the global momentum for clean energy, Bellissimo emphasized the need for Canada to solidify its commitment to a clean energy future. She highlighted the increasing investment in renewables and energy storage across Canadian provinces, with over 10,000 MW of upcoming procurements currently underway, being procured, or planned. These procurements represent a significant investment of over $20 billion in Canada’s clean energy future.
CanREA’s Clean-Energy Procurement Calendar
To provide transparency and support for the growing clean energy sector, CanREA launched a beta version of its clean-energy procurement calendar during ETC 2024. This comprehensive resource tracks wind, solar, and energy storage procurement opportunities across Canada, offering valuable information for developers, investors, and industry stakeholders. The calendar can be accessed here: [https://renewablesassociation.ca/canreas-clean-energy-procurement-calendar/](https://renewablesassociation.ca/canreas-clean-energy-procurement-calendar/)
ETC 2025: Building on Momentum
With the growing importance of electricity in Canada’s energy landscape, the discussions and insights gained at ETC 2024 are more relevant than ever. The conference has set the stage for continued collaboration and innovation as Canada moves towards a clean energy future. Mark your calendars for ETC 2025, which will be held from October 6 to 8 at the Enercare Center in Toronto, Ontario.
About CanREA
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is a leading voice for wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage solutions in Canada. CanREA advocates for a modern energy system, fostering collaboration and public engagement to drive the transition to a sustainable energy future. The association’s diverse membership is committed to delivering clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible, and scalable solutions to meet Canada’s energy needs. For more information on CanREA’s vision for a net-zero future, please visit [renewablesassociation.ca](https://renewablesassociation.ca/).
