News

BRC-Canada offers advice to provincial government to fix Alberta’s renewables market

Public News

September 26, 2024

CALGARY — Large companies that purchase renewable energy are skipping Alberta’s uncertain investment climate, according to data compiled by the Business Renewables Centre-Canada (BRC-Canada). As the third quarter of 2024 wraps up, BRC-Canada's Deal Tracker has logged just one power purchase agreement (PPA) this year. “This is the slowest pace of corporate procurement since BRC-Canada was formed in 2019,” said Jorden Dye, BRC-Canada's director. “The Alberta renewables market is sending a clear distress signal via the data.”

Solar and wind operations to bring in more than $54-million in tax revenues for Alberta municipalities

Press Coverage

August 19, 2024

Solar and wind operations are set to bring in more than $54-million in tax revenues for Alberta municipalities in 2024, a 93-per-cent bump from just two years ago, according to an analysis by the Business Renewables Centre-Canada. But the sector worries that the provincial government’s recent pause on renewable development, as well as the uncertainty surrounding new rules governing where projects can be built, will erode the long-term, stable cash flow that renewables bring to rural municipalities scrambling to plug a growing gap caused by shrinking oil-and-gas revenues.

'Helped us to catch back up': Municipal tax dollars from renewable energy projects nearly double

Press Coverage

August 18, 2024

Alberta municipalities have seen a big jump in tax revenues from renewable energy projects in the past year. Driven by 20 new projects, annual tax revenues have shot up to $54 million in 2024 from $28 million last year, a 92 per cent increase, according to the Business Renewables Centre-Canada’s latest annual report on municipal tax revenues from wind and solar projects.

Report shows Alberta tax revenue from renewables up 92 per cent

Press Coverage

August 14, 2024

Wind and solar projects will generate $54 million in tax revenue for Alberta municipalities this year, up 92 per cent from 2023, according to the Business Renewables Centre-Canada (BRC-Canada). Although several major projects came online this year, BRC-Canada reports there was a five-fold increase in the rate of project cancellations following the province's renewable energy pause, and uncertainty about forthcoming regulations is still having a chilling effect on investment.

Municipalities see near doubling of renewable energy tax revenues in one year

Public News

August 6, 2024

Alberta municipalities will collect almost twice as much in tax revenues from wind and solar projects in their jurisdictions this year compared to last year, according to new analysis by the Business Renewables Centre-Canada (BRC-Canada). “Municipal tax revenues amounted to $54 million this year, up from $28 million last year,” said Jorden Dye, director of BRC-Canada. “This revenue is reliable, stable income that communities can plan around for decades to come.”

Tech companies, heavy emitters drive a renewables boom in Alberta

Press Coverage

June 12, 2024

From brewers to the likes of Microsoft and Amazon, companies have signed dozens of power-buying deals in the province, The Logic’s analysis shows

New rules on renewable energy are driving away investment, Alberta government told

Press Coverage

May 6, 2024

Cardston County covers a big swath of rolling Alberta grasslands nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the city of Lethbridge, extending south to the Canada-U.S. border. Its local government had been banking on a major new renewable-energy project spinning out tax revenue to support its budget. No more. TransAlta Corp. TA-T had planned to build its Riplinger Wind Farm there, with first power from its 47 turbines expected in 2027. Then last week, the company cancelled the 300-megawatt project, saying new restrictions on renewables imposed by the Alberta government made it impossible to proceed. Cardston won’t be the only municipality to feel economic pain as a direct result of the government’s policies, said Jorden Dye, director of Business Renewables Centre-Canada, which acts as an information and networking organization for green-energy buyers and sellers. Dozens of municipalities in Alberta collectively received more than $28-million from wind and solar projects in 2022, according to an analysis by BRC-Canada. Municipalities stood to bring in tax revenues of as much as $277-million annually by 2028 if all projects scheduled before the renewable-energy pause proceeded. The influx of sustained tax revenue via renewables would have represented a new kind of independence for communities, Mr. Dye said.

L'avenir du solaire s'obscurcit

Press Coverage

May 5, 2024

En moins de 10 ans, l’Alberta est devenue l’un des principaux producteurs d’énergie solaire au pays, grâce à la multiplication des grands parcs commerciaux dans le sud de la province. Mais cette expansion est aujourd’hui menacée par les nouvelles règles annoncées par le gouvernement conservateur de Danielle Smith.

Business Renewables Centre-Canada disappointed cloud of uncertainty continues for renewable energy industry

Public News

February 28, 2024

Key details of rules around reclamation, land use and viewscapes remain unknown

Are growing municipal tax revenues from renewable energy at risk?

Public News

February 26, 2024

The Alberta government could dramatically alter the economic fortunes of some southern Alberta communities with imminent announcements on clean energy rule changes. A new analysis by the Business Renewables Centre-Canada (BRC-Canada) shows municipalities could bring in tax revenues of as much as $277 million annually by 2028 if all projects scheduled before the renewable energy pause proceed. But the government is about to lift the seven-month pause on approvals that it initiated in August 2023 and rules around development could follow closely. The details of those decisions will determine the scale of future development.

Uncertainty over new rules on renewable energy sources in Alberta as moratorium set to lift

Press Coverage

February 15, 2024

After more than six months, Alberta’s moratorium on renewable energy projects will be lifted. The pause was to allow the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to conduct an inquiry into electricity generation in the province. The province said the AUC inquiry was to look at the classes of land renewable energy projects were installed on, their impact on vistas, reclamation security requirements for the renewable projects, and the impact of renewables on the electricity supply mix and reliability in the province. One industry group said the moratorium set every renewables project in the province back by at least seven months. The Business Renewables Centre Canada (BRCC) claims it’s caused uncertainty for the industry in the province. “It really created an opening for developers to start considering if their capital was better placed in other jurisdictions,” Jorden Dye, BRCC director, said. “Alberta just chose the worst moment, in my opinion, to launch this inquiry and a moratorium on projects.”

Varcoe: Smith says Alberta won't sterilize 'prime agriculture land,' as renewables pause ends this month

Press Coverage

February 14, 2024

Rules and policies overseeing future developments in Alberta are coming, even as competition from other provinces ramps up for such investment. Whatever happens, Alberta will need to ensure there’s investment certainty moving forward, say developers. Alberta’s strong wind and solar resources, along with the structure of the province’s deregulated power market, have helped attract billions of dollars in investment in recent years. According to the Business Renewables Centre Canada, corporate-based PPAs have attracted more than $6.4 billion in investment — including $2.4 billion for projects announced last year — and enabled more than four gigawatts of renewable capacity from new projects since 2019. Other provinces such as B.C. and Quebec are moving forward with more renewable energy procurement programs, which will increase the competition for investment.

Uncertainty continues as Alberta set to lift moratorium on renewable project approvals

Press Coverage

February 13, 2024

It has been more than six months since the Alberta government introduced a moratorium on new renewable energy project approvals. But with only weeks to go until the pause is set to end, companies are still wondering about the fate of their projects.

Agency works toward circular future for solar panels

Press Coverage

January 2, 2024

To counter what he calls myths and misinformation about solar panels, Carson Fong, a program manager at the Calgary-based non-profit Business Renewables Centre Canada, argues that solar panels are relatively safe and highlights the Canadian innovators attempting to find the best ways to recycle them.

Opinion: Ontario is doing something right when it comes to renewable energy

Press Coverage

December 31, 2023

In this Globe and Mail op-ed, our director, Jorden Dye, declares his enthusiasm for Ontario's recent renewable energy rejuvenation. Two significant moves in a six-week period are promising indeed.

Alberta's renewable energy pause could become lingering stumble, observers say

Press Coverage

December 18, 2023

EDMONTON - It was just supposed to be a pause, a breather for an overburdened regulator and concerned public to catch up with an industry growing beyond expectations. But for those who study the renewable electricity industry, as well as for those in it, the six-month moratorium on project approvals slated to come off in February could turn out to be a crucial stumble that costs Alberta its lead, perhaps forever.

Alberta gives hint of changes to follow renewables pause

Press Coverage

November 12, 2023

Alberta’s likely direction to overhaul renewable energy development is taking shape, including a new agricultural land-rating system to restrict where wind and solar farms can be built, and a rigid security deposit program to cover clean-up costs when projects reach the end of their life.

The exciting ways Alberta can triumph

Press Coverage

October 27, 2023

This op-ed, by BRC-Canada director Jorden Dye, discusses the municipal tax revenues coming to southern Alberta municipalities as a result of the wind and solar projects built in their jurisdictions.

Solar and wind projects bring big tax revenues in southern Alberta, analysis says

Press Coverage

October 26, 2023

Renewable energy projects have been a boon to municipal tax revenue in southern Alberta. In 2022, wind and solar operations brought in over $28 million in tax revenue to Alberta municipalities, almost three times the amount estimated in 2017, according to an analysis from the Business Renewables Centre-Canada (BRC-Canada), a Pembina Institute initiative.

Renewable energy tax revenues add up to windfall for Alberta municipalities

Press Coverage

October 23, 2023

The reeve of Paintearth County, a small municipality in central Alberta, wasn’t always in favour of renewable energy development, but Stan Schulmeister’s tune changed when he was elected and saw the outsized effect wind farms in the area have had on local tax revenue.

Southern Alberta municipalities receive substantial revenue from renewable energy projects, says new analysis

Press Coverage

October 18, 2023

The Business Renewables Centre-Canada (BRC-Canada), an initiative of think-tank the Pembina Institute, says the municipal tax revenue coming in from renewable energy has almost tripled to $28 million since first being estimated in 2017.

Renewable energy tax revenues add up to windfall for Alberta municipalities

Public News

October 16, 2023

Renewable energy is fattening the coffers of many municipalities in southern Alberta in the form of municipal tax revenues coming in from wind and solar projects in their communities, according to new analysis by the Business Renewables Centre-Canada (BRC-Canada).

Municipality divided over renewable energy

Press Coverage

September 22, 2023

Our director, Jorden Dye, speaks to the Western Producer about renewable energy development and landowner rights.

BRC-Canada announces new director

Public News

September 19, 2023

Jorden Dye has been selected as the new director for the Business Renewables Centre-Canada. The appointment is effective October 2, 2023.

New questions for wind, solar in Alberta create more confusion for industry: advocate

Press Coverage

September 8, 2023

EDMONTON - New information requirements for Alberta power generators including wind and solar projects will create further problems for a booming renewables industry that government policy has already slowed, said an industry advocate.

Alberta renewables pause jeopardizes $24 billion in investment in Canada's hottest market

Press Coverage

September 8, 2023

The utilities regulator in the western Canadian province of Alberta released the first of its interim rules on renewable energy project development following a pause in project approvals that could jeopardise billions in investment over concerns about the rapid pace of capacity expansion. The new rules issued by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Wednesday expand information requirements related to “agricultural land, viewscapes, reclamation security, and land use planning as part of the regulatory review process.”

Business Renewables Centre-Canada reacts to AUC interim information requirements

Public News

September 7, 2023

The Alberta Utilities Commission introduced interim information requirements during the renewable energy development pause. The requirements raise lots of questions for developers.

Alberta electricity regulator opts for least stringent application of renewable energy pause

Press Coverage

August 24, 2023

The Alberta Utilities Commission has offered more clarity on how it will apply the seven-month moratorium on new renewable-energy projects ordered by the Alberta government, opting for the least stringent application of the law.

Alberta Utilities Commission will continue to process renewable energy applications during moratorium

Press Coverage

August 24, 2023

The speed of the approval pause decision signalled that the AUC understands the severity of the market risk caused by the moratorium, but the new information requirements have added a layer of uncertainty for developers – particularly those with existing projects, said Jorden Dye, BRC-Canada's acting director .

Business Renewables Centre-Canada reacts to AUC approval pause announcement

Public News

August 23, 2023

MEDIA RELEASE

CALGARY — JORDEN DYE, acting director of the Business Renewables Centre-Canada, made the following statement in response to the Alberta Utilities Commission announcement Wednesday about the approval pause and interim information requirements.

Alberta minister to celebrate homegrown geothermal technology in Germany amid moratorium on renewables

Press Coverage

August 22, 2023

BRC-Canada's acting director, Jorden Dye, said the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) must do all it can to reduce market uncertainty by applying as narrow a scope as possible to their pause on approvals over the course of the eight-month, government-ordered review.

Alberta's budding energy-storage industry is set to bloom. The renewables pause has cast a chill

Press Coverage

August 22, 2023

The provincial government's pause on renewable energy has also prompted some companies to rethink their plans for energy storage in Alberta, said Jorden Dye, acting director of the Business Renewables Centre, a Calgary-based organization that helps match developers and buyers in the renewable sector.

Restore confidence: BRC-Canada advises AUC to minimize renewable energy inquiry impacts

Public News

August 21, 2023

The Business Renewables Centre-Canada is asking the Alberta Utilities Commission to apply as narrow a scope as possible to their pause on approvals as they conduct their seven-month inquiry.

Renewables companies hit brakes on Alberta projects after government delays approvals

Press Coverage

August 21, 2023

Alberta's seven-month pause on approving new renewable power projects in the Canadian province has caused four major international companies at various development stages to stop work on their plans, an industry official said.

BRC-Canada submission to Alberta Utilities Commission on approval pause

Public News

August 18, 2023

The Business Renewables Centre-Canada submitted the following feedback on August 18, 2023, to the Alberta Utilities Commission.

Opinion: Unnecessary and costly moratorium threatens a prosperous market

Press Coverage

August 15, 2023

The Alberta provincial government's moratorium on renewable energy projects introduced a real risk that renewable energy investment will shift away from Alberta.

Fury as Alberta cuts renewables during Canada’s worst fire season ever

Press Coverage

August 9, 2023

A decision by Canada’s largest oil- and gas-producing province to halt new wind and solar projects has prompted disbelief among environmental groups and economists. The move comes as the country struggles with its worst wildfire season on record, a situation that experts agree is worsened by the climate crisis and a reliance on fossil fuels.

Alberta risks losing billions in renewable energy investments with moratorium, companies say

Press Coverage

August 4, 2023

A seven-month moratorium on new renewable energy projects announced August 3 by Alberta's provincial government could cause investors to look elsewhere, according to BRC-Canada's acting director, Jorden Dye, and industry.

Alberta government destabilizes renewable energy industry with surprise moratorium

Public News

August 3, 2023

Drastic move by the Alberta government threatens the continued success of the renewable energy industry in the province, until now a leader in the country.

Six Nations’ huge battery project is the future of energy supply in Ontario — and maybe all of Canada

Press Coverage

June 12, 2023

The Oneida Energy Storage Project co-owned by Six Nations of the Grand River could make renewables more reliable and advance reconciliation.

By combining powers, small Alberta towns can draw in renewable power projects

Press Coverage

April 11, 2023

By pooling their markets and resources, a new report says small municipalities can punch above their weight in attracting wind or solar energy developments.

Canmore free transit one of many municipal clean energy initiatives across the province: Business Renewables Centre-Canada helps organizations through the challenges

Press Coverage

February 20, 2023

Fournier is currently developing a renewable energy feasibility assessment, which looks at various strategies for greenhouse gas reduction, the cost per tonne and what climate change policies make the most sense for a municipality of Canmore’s size. Fournier said the Business Renewables Centre-Canada, has been a valuable source of information in this process. “I would definitely recommend to other municipalities to join the BRC,” Fournier said. “We got a lot of value from their work and I would recommend them as the go to if anyone is interested in this area and needs to understand it.”

Alberta renewable energy surge could power 4,500 jobs

Press Coverage

January 16, 2023

Alberta has seen a massive increase in corporate investment in renewable energy since 2019, and capacity from those deals is set to increase output by two gigawatts — enough to power roughly 1.5 million homes. “Our analysis shows $3.7 billion worth of renewables construction by 2023 and 4,500 jobs,” said Nagwan Al-Guneid, the director of Business Renewables Centre Canada. The centre is an initiative of the environmental think tank Pembina Institute and provides education and guidance for companies looking to invest in renewable energy or energy offsets across Canada. Its membership is made up of renewable energy companies.

Green energy in 2023: Clean grids, Alberta, batteries areas to watch

Press Coverage

December 28, 2022

Unlike most provinces, Alberta enables companies to go directly to solar and wind developers to strike deals, rather than through utilities. It incentivizes private investment, lowers costs and helps meet increasing demand, which Nagwan Al-Guneid, the director of the Business Renewables Centre - Canada at the Pembina Institute, said is “is the No. 1 reason we see this boom in renewables in Alberta.”

Renewable Energy Target Raised to Match Corporate Purchasing Enthusiasm

Public News

November 23, 2022

The Business Renewables Centre-Canada raised its target for corporate procurement of renewable energy after the earlier target was eclipsed years ahead of schedule.

BRCC is hiring!

Public News

August 26, 2022

BRC-Canada is hiring for two positions: a senior communications lead in Calgary or Edmonton and a program manager in Calgary, Edmonton or Toronto.

Spotlighting Canada’s Renewable Energy Leaders: TELUS

Public News

August 3, 2022

In BRC-Canada’s fifth feature of our Spotlighting Canada’s Renewable Energy Leaders series, Geoff Pegg, Head of Sustainability and Environment at TELUS, talks about how the organization has advocated for power purchase agreements and learned from the BRC-Canada community.

The Globe and Mail (Editorial): The capital of wind and solar power in Canada? It’s Alberta

Press Coverage

July 8, 2022

The Business Renewables Centre, which tracks such deals, tallied investments of almost $4-billion, supporting 4,500 jobs and producing two gigawatts of energy – enough to power every home in Calgary and three smaller Alberta cities. Hitting the 2 GW mark came three years earlier than expected. One of the latest deals was in June between the City of Edmonton and a wind farm. “Alberta is now the wind and solar capital of Canada,” the BRC says.

Spotlighting Canada’s Renewable Energy Leaders: Cassels

Public News

July 7, 2022

We sat down with BRC-Canada advisory board member Jeremy Barretto, a partner in the Business Law Group at Cassels, Brock, and Blackwell, to discuss the growing opportunities in Canada’s renewable energy industry, including Indigenous ownership of renewable energy projects and Cassels’ role as a thought-leader within the space.

Globe and Mail: Edmonton signs wind-power deal in growing renewables trend

Press Coverage

July 2, 2022

At the end of June, BRC-Canada participant City of Edmonton signed two renewable energy power purchase agreements - meaning the city will use 100% renewable electricity for the next 20 years. In this story, Emma Graney speaks with Edmonton mayor Amarjeet Sohi, BRC-Canada director Nagwan Al-Guneid, and Capstone Infrastructure (another BRC-Canada participant, and seller of wind power to Edmonton) chief executive David Eva on the exciting implications of this step forward for renewable energy in municipalities.

St. Albert Today: Renewable power market booming in Alberta: experts

Press Coverage

July 1, 2022

Alberta has become a destination for renewable energy projects due to the unique electricity market and prime weather in the province, experts say. The province will see $3.75 billion in investment in the renewable sector by 2023, said Nagwan Al-Guneid, the director of Business Renewables Centre (BRC) Canada, which is now producing two gigawatts of clean energy, more than enough electricity to power all the homes in Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer combined. “It's very exciting times to see this boom,” Al-Guneid said.

St Albert Today.ca: Powered by St. Albert Gazette

Green Energy Futures: $3.7 Billion Investment in Renewables – All in Alberta

Press Coverage

June 28, 2022

On this episode of the Green Energy Futures podcast hosted on CKUA Radio, David Dodge interviews BRC-Canada director Nagwan Al-Guneid about the rapid boom of corporate investment in Alberta's renewables sector. "These are companies coming from all across Canada," says Al-Guneid. "We see companies like RBC in Toronto or TELUS in Vancouver - and all of them are purchasing renewables here in Alberta through what we call a power purchase agreement."

Nagwan Al-Guneid on Green Energy Futures

Spotlighting Canada’s Renewable Energy Leaders: BluEarth Renewables

Public News

June 22, 2022

Roslyn McMann is the Director, Market Development with BluEarth Renewables and an advisory board member of BRC-Canada. In this third feature of our Spotlighting Canada’s Renewable Energy Leaders series, Roslyn highlights BluEarth's role in helping to develop Canada’s clean energy industry.

Edison Energy: Renewable energy developers eye Canada’s high-emitting and hydro-heavy provinces

Public News

June 20, 2022

“Alberta’s market was originally designed to accommodate innovation and new generation sources,” Thibault said. “Because of that, Alberta has such a big head start on other provinces. I think other provinces, particularly emitting provinces, are recognizing this opportunity and turning their attention to it for a variety of reasons. But they’re held into the system that they currently have, which is centrally operated, so they have to wait for that centrally operated procurement and for their decision-making processes to decide they want solar or wind."

BNN Bloomberg: Companies are flocking to Alberta to bolster their ESG goals with renewable energy buys

Press Coverage

June 14, 2022

Nagwan Al-Guneid, director of BRC-Canada, joins BNN Bloomberg and discusses the uptick in renewable energy investments and demand in Alberta, nearly quadrupling the amount of clean energy on its grid in 2021.

The Narwhal: Alberta renewable energy surge could power 4,500 jobs

Press Coverage

June 14, 2022

Drew Anderson of the Narwhal takes a deep dive on the boom in Alberta's renewables market in this piece, featuring interviews with BRC-Canada director Nagwan Al-Guneid and Dan Balaban from Greengate Power, a founding company of BRC-Canada.

Spotlighting Canada’s Renewable Energy Leaders: Power Advisory

Public News

June 9, 2022

BRC-Canada advisory board member, Jason Chee-Aloy, Managing Director of Power Advisory, took the time to talk about how the BRC-Canada community has come together to advance Canada’s renewable energy industry. This is BRC-Canada’s second feature of our Spotlighting Canada’s Renewable Energy Leaders series.

Public Newsletter (Spring 2022)

Public News

June 9, 2022

Since last fall, the BRC-Canada has hit many exciting targets and milestones: We published our first-ever annual report, summarizing the incredible growth of Alberta’s renewable energy market in 2021; We hired our new director, Nagwan Al-Guneid; And most recently, we hit our target to support contracting of 2 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2025 – three years early! 2 gigawatts is enough energy to power over 640,000 homes, and could cover all the homes in Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer combined. Read on for details, market insights, and what's next for BRC-Canada!

Unprecedented growth in Alberta’s renewables market smashes business community targets

Public News

June 8, 2022

The private renewables market in Alberta grew at an unprecedented rate in 2021. Renewable energy purchasing deals signed to-date are supporting the development and construction of over $3.75 billion worth of new wind and solar energy investment in Alberta, creating nearly 4,500 jobs. At the Business Renewables Centre-Canada, we help organizations learn how to purchase energy from renewable sources; even so, we didn’t predict this degree of growth.

Edison Energy: With Canada’s net zero target, significant “accommodation of change” will be needed to spur renewable energy investments

Public News

June 6, 2022

“Accommodation of change is necessary in any system and that includes Alberta, where we have a system that accommodates new renewable energy investment well,” says Benjamin Thibault, advisor for BRC-Canada. “But the scale of this transition could mean some more, deeper changes that will need to be contemplated.”

Spotlighting Canada’s Renewable Energy Leaders: Bullfrog Power

Public News

May 18, 2022

BRC-Canada sat down with one of our advisory board members, Suha Jethalal, President of Bullfrog Power, to discuss the organization’s role in Canada’s energy transition, the exciting world of power purchase agreements, and how other organizations can get involved with renewable energy purchasing.

Edison Energy: Investments from new corporate sectors and First Nations are catalyzing Canada’s renewables market

Press Coverage

May 11, 2022

“[In 2019] there had been two small renewable PPA transactions–there was not an active market in Alberta,” said Sara Hastings-Simon, an Expert Advisor at BRC-Canada. ... “I just think there was a lack of awareness. People aren’t totally aware that Alberta and Saskatchewan are places with excellent renewable energy resources – some of the best wind and solar resources in Canada.”

Edison Energy: With growing corporate demand and progressive policies, Canada could be the next big thing for renewables

Press Coverage

March 9, 2022

“I have heard about corporate renewable energy markets exploding and blossoming in the States and I was thinking, why aren’t we part of this story?” said Jeremy Barretto, a partner at Canadian law firm Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP and a member of BRC-Canada’s Advisory Board. “And it’s happening, but I think it’s a very below-the-radar story. We have a market in Canada as big or bigger than New York or California that just doesn’t get any attention but it’s ripe for participation.”

Energi Media: Alberta leading the wind and solar revolution

Press Coverage

February 21, 2022

Markham Hislop of Energi Media speaks with our director Nagwan Al-Guneid about the renewables revolution happening in Alberta today - why now? why Alberta? - in this video interview.

ICI Alberta: L’investissement privé dans l’énergie renouvelable s’envole en Alberta

Press Coverage

January 25, 2022

"Il y a deux ans, ce marché existait à peine. On a vu une croissance exceptionnelle. C’est grisant et c’est une très bonne nouvelle pour l’Alberta," souligne la directrice du Centre, Nagwan Al-Guneid.

Get to know BRC-Canada's new director, Nagwan Al-Guneid

Public News

January 20, 2022

BRC-Canada sat down with our new director, Nagwan Al-Guneid, to learn more about her transition into the role and her thoughts on BRC-Canada’s future in the renewable energy space. With over a decade of industry experience and a Masters in Sustainable Development from the University of Calgary, we are thrilled to have her on board as BRC-Canada continues to play a leading role in Canada’s net-zero emissions future.

BRC-Canada's 2021 Annual Report: State of the market, upcoming events, and more

Public News

January 19, 2022

2021 was a banner year for the growth of Canada's corporate renewables market. Our report documents this incredible growth, includes the exciting announcement of our new director, Nagwan Al-Guneid, and provides our team’s expert insights on potential market trends for 2022.

Front cover of 2021 annual report featuring messages from outgoing director Rebecca Nadel, and incoming director Nagwan Al-Guneid

We're Hiring: Administrative Coordinator

Public News

January 18, 2022

The Pembina Institute’s Calgary office is seeking an Administrative Coordinator to support the head office. This is a full-time role and open immediately. This role supports three functions in the organization: Strategic Partnerships, the Business Renewables Centre (BRC) Canada (an initiative with the Pembina Institute), and Finance & Operations. This role has an interface with key partners, sponsors, and members as well as different internal teams with multiple priorities. Therefore, superior interpersonal skills and customer service are essential for this role. This role is responsible for providing coordination and clerical services.

Deal Tracker Update - 2021 Q4

Public News

January 12, 2022

The BRC-Canada Deal Tracker is a one-stop shop to visualize publicly disclosed corporate and institutional deals for Canadian renewable energy projects. Here are the highlights this past quarter (Q4 2021) and a reflection on this record-setting year.

Public Newsletter (Fall 2021)

Public News

November 3, 2021

Read our Fall 2021 public newsletter to find out what's been happening in the BRC-Canada community and in the corporate renewables space! Hightlights: Check out our most recent deal tracker update, watch videos of fall public webinars and learn more about new BRC-Canada members.

Deal Tracker Update - 2021 Q3

Public News

October 1, 2021

Journal of Commerce: $700-million Travers Solar Project largest farm ever built in Canada

Press Coverage

September 20, 2021

The Business Renewables Centre of Canada says 2021 is already breaking records for corporate renewable energy deals and Alberta is leading the way. Every one of the deals to date this year means shovels in the ground for Alberta.

Deal Tracker Update - 2021 Q2

Public News

July 11, 2021

The BRC-Canada Deal Tracker 2021 Q2 Update is now available!

In April, BRC-Canada launched its inaugural Deal Tracker, Canada’s first public curation capturing corporate procurement of renewable energy. At the time, deals announced in 2021 alone had already surpassed any previous year. Now, as a newly updated Deal Tracker is published at this year’s halfway mark, that record has been smashed again.

Here are the highlights for this quarter:

New BRC analyst!

Public News

June 30, 2021

A big welcome to our new analyst Calvin Ng. Calvin holds a bachelor of commerce with a concentration in energy management from the University of Calgary.

Financial Post: Amazon's solar farm offtake deal to accelerate Alberta's renewable energy transformation

Press Coverage

June 21, 2021

“What we’re certainly seeing is strong, strong growth of solar in Alberta and corporate deals being behind that boom,” Rebecca Nadel, director of the Business Renewables Centre at the Pembina Institute told the Financial Post. “Almost 90 per cent of the operating solar that we have has a corporate deal behind it.”

Calgary Herald: Varcoe: 'The tip of the iceberg' as Amazon and Labatt sign renewable power deals in Alberta

Press Coverage

April 21, 2021

“This is the tip of the iceberg,” said Rebecca Nadel, director of Business Renewables Centre Canada, which helps bring together corporate buyers and sellers of renewable energy. “Amazon brings that scale to the game. And it’s just further affirmation that this trend we are seeing is significant and not going to let up.”

CBC News: Amazon unveils plan for major solar power project in southern Alberta

Press Coverage

April 19, 2021

Project to produce more than 195,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy

"Amazon's announcement … is the largest known solar virtual power purchase agreement in Canada. This transaction expands Amazon's leadership as a corporate buyer of renewable energy into Canada and is further evidence of the growth and viability of the Canadian renewables market," said Rebecca Nadel, director of the Business Renewables Centre, which is part of the Pembina Institute.

CBC News: Could selling renewable energy be Alberta's next big thing?

Press Coverage

October 17, 2019

Sara Hastings-Simon, director of the Pembina's Business Renewables Centre, says this is part of a trend.

"We're talking about the practice of corporate institutions purchasing renewables to meet their own electricity demand. And this is a really well-established driver for renewable energy development in the U.S.," she said. "You may be hearing headlines like Google, Apple and others that are buying renewables and we're helping to bring this practice to Canada."

Calgary Herald: Renewables marketplace looking to take off in Alberta

Press Coverage

October 17, 2019

At a first-of-its-kind event in Calgary on Thursday, the members of

Financial Post: How Calgary became an unlikely location for a creative solar solution

Press Coverage

July 30, 2019

“One of the question that always comes up is, ‘If solar and wind has gotten so cost competitive, then why don’t we see a ton of it being developed all over,’ and the challenge there is no longer a technological one but it’s a financing model one,” said Sara Hastings-Simon, director of Business Renewables Centre Canada.