CanWEA 2019 explores ways to capitalize on Alberta’s massive wind energy resources

October 9, 2019

Exhibitors at CanWEA’s 35^th Annual Conference and Exhibition demonstrate that continuous innovation is a key contributor to wind energy’s improved performance, reduced costs and growing role in Canada’s electricity future.

Calgary, Alberta, October 9, 2019 – Today’s program at CanWEA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition, being held at Calgary’s BMO Centre in partnership with Hannover Fairs, opened with a focus on Alberta. A session featuring industry leaders and grid-operators addressed the changing dynamics for wind energy in Alberta following the recent change in government.

According to panelists, the province remains a leading market for wind energy development and production, noting an installed capacity of just below 1,500 MW as of December 2018. Significant further capacity is being built out under existing contracts, with recent procurements having delivered record-low prices. Panelists emphasized that they expect continued wind-energy development as Alberta continues to diversify its electricity generation mix.

Today’s luncheon keynote featured technical experts who gave a plain-language description of how electricity grids can reliably integrate wind energy and how wind energy itself can support electricity grid reliability – thus better equipping delegates to discuss this important issue as the industry supports the ongoing transformation of the electricity system.

In addition to panelists and keynotes, conference participants have access to an unparalleled set of highly knowledgeable vendors. Some 100 exhibitors participating this year include: equipment manufacturers; design, engineering and construction firms; community partners and specialized consultancies; and providers of and advisors on the latest technological innovations.

The conference continues for its third day tomorrow, when it will open with CanWEA’s annual industry Awards Breakfast. Proceedings will continue to highlight the emerging importance of providing renewable energy solutions for the future electricity grid through the use of multiple technologies.

Quotes

“Wind energy is at an exciting juncture across the Prairie provinces. We have high-quality wind resources in Alberta and Saskatchewan and our members have a long track record of harnessing them. It is clear that we are well-positioned to support current investments and create new development opportunities that will tap into wind’s low cost and clean energy attributes for the benefits of all consumers.”

– Evan Wilson, Prairies Regional Director, Canadian Wind Energy Association

“The CanWEA conference is an excellent opportunity to meet with established business partners and make new connections from across all markets in Canada. I am always amazed by the passion, enthusiasm, and collective commitment to sustainability within the wind energy industry. Discussing new and innovative ways of deploying renewable energy across Canada with peers and industry experts really gives me hope that we are leading the market towards a bright and sustainable future.”

– Adam Sirignano, Senior Commercial Manager, ENERCON Canada Inc.

“Renewable energy is clearly where some of the most interesting energy-related work is taking place in Canada and the longer-term growth outlook for clean generation is tremendous. For our part, we find the CanWEA conference to be an essential connection point with wind-energy developers, and an essential source of added insight on where this important and dynamic sector is heading.”

– Rob Nadolny, Renewables Subsector Lead, Stantec

Background

The largest wind integration study of its kind concluded that Canada’s energy grid can be both highly reliable and as much as one-third wind powered.
Wind energy continues to solidify its position as the most cost-effective source of new electricity generation, with a 69 per cent cost drop between 2009 and 2018.
Alberta is Canada’s third-largest wind-energy market with more than 900 turbines supplying about seven per cent of electricity demand, and with the potential for billions more in investment.

Pictures

This year’s CanWEA exhibit hall brings together more than 100 exhibitors with diverse value-added offerings for the wind-energy industry, often presented in highly interactive formats.

ENERCON team is seen in conversation with customers and colleagues at the Enercon booth at the Annual CanWEA Conference and Exhibition.

Stantec team in conversation with customers and colleagues at their booth at the Annual CanWEA Conference and Exhibition.

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About 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. Join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Learn more at canwea.ca.

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Anastasia Smolentseva, Communications Advisor

Canadian Wind Energy Association

613-857-3359

anastasiasmolentseva@canwea.ca