News

As many of you know, Canada's corporate renewables market grew exponentially in 2021. As our deal tracker shows, several records were set: the largest number of deals announced (equaling all previous years combined) and by far the largest deal volume (nearly tripling all previous years combined).

This incredible growth is largely down to the hard-earned efforts of BRC-Canada's members – your collective efforts are bringing us as a country closer to a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 and a climate-safe future for new generations!

As we move into 2022, we look forward to connecting with each of you and advancing the vision of BRC-Canada. Having nearly hit our target of 2 GW of renewable power on Canada's grid by 2025 (we are already at 1.7 GW!), our team is eager to re-evaluate and set even more ambitious goals for this new phase.
As usual, if you are exploring how to purchase renewable energy through a PPA, don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@businessrenewables.ca.

NEWS & UPDATES

BRC-Canada's 2021 Annual Report

The growth of Canada's corporate renewables market in 2021 signals an exciting change: renewables are really gaining traction in Canada. That means not only getting closer to a climate-safe future for new generations, but also economic prosperity and jobs. The corporate renewable energy deals to-date will bring $3.75 billion of investment and 4,500 jobs to Alberta's economy. Read more in our annual report, which documents market growth and provides our team's expert insights on potential trends for 2022.

Get to Know BRC-Canada's new Director, Nagwan Al-Guneid

We sat down with Nagwan 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. Read Nagwan's interview here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

We are kicking off 2022 with two educational and networking opportunities – be sure to join us!

Meeting the PPA Moment in Alberta: How your Organization Can Get Involved
Mar. 2 | 10:00 am – 11:30am MT | Webinar

A session focused on the PPA opportunity in the next 4-5 years and how to better position your organization to secure its electricity from renewable sources.
Renewable energy is on the rise in Alberta, with renewable energy power purchasing agreements (PPAs) made by private investments surging eightfold in 2021 compared to 2020. We are living in the "PPA moment" in Alberta today.

Following a high-level backgrounder on why PPAs have so much momentum today with Dr. Sara Hastings-Simon (University of Calgary), we will welcome Mark Porter from BRC-Canada's sister organization in the U.S., the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), to discuss the logistics, advantages, and considerations of forming PPA deals with multiple buyers ("aggregation").

More information and registration here.

Buyers' Bootcamp
April 7-8 | 9:30am – 4:30pm MT | Webinar

An in-depth, interactive learning experience for energy buyers covering the fundamentals of PPAs, from risk assessment to pitching your CFO.

This intensive course on PPA procurement gives energy buyers the opportunity to hear key insights and perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of the process from those that have led PPA negotiations themselves.

The bootcamp is suitable for energy buyers in corporate, local and provincial government and institutions, particularly for Energy Procurement Managers, Sustainability Managers, CFOs or Finance Managers and Legal and Contracts Managers.

More information and registration here.

MARKET NEWS

Ding ding – the first PPA of 2022! Just yesterday, Lafarge and TransAlta announced a new PPA that will supply 100 GWh/year of wind power to the Exshaw cement plant. Cement production traditionally produces a high amount of carbon emissions. Transitioning these power sources to renewables could have a significant emissions reduction impact. Congratulations to Lafarge and TransAlta!

Developer Alert! New RFPs for renewable projects In mid-January the federal government announced that it is seeking proposals for two new tenders: Alberta Bulk Clean Electricity (closing April 12) and National Renewable Energy Certificates (closing April 14). For the National RECs, note that projects must have 25% Indigenous economic interest.

Welcome to the grid, Travers! The Travers solar farm – a 400 MW project supported by 375 MW from BRC-Canada member, Amazon – connected to the grid on December 20th, 2021. When the project is completed in late 2022, it will become the largest photovoltaic power station in Canada with a total capacity of 465 MW. Congratulations to all involved in this milestone!

HEADLINES

• BluEarth Renewables Begins Operations at Two Solar Facilities in Southern Alberta
• Hydro Quebec signs 40-year deal with Brookfield Renewables for clean energy
• L'investissement privé dans l'énergie renouvelable s'envole en Alberta

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: RWE Renewables

Today we want to highlight one of our newest members, RWE Renewables Americas! RWE ranks among the top ten onshore wind companies in the U.S. and has been influential in the energy transition. RWE invests heavily in the expansion of renewables and storage technologies, while innovative projects like floating offshore or the use of hydrogen are making rapid progress.

As we work towards a net-zero future, we need prominent leaders to inspire and innovate within the clean energy space. That is why we're so proud to work with RWE's team as they continue to pave the way towards a clean energy grid.

Learn more about RWE Renewables Americas.