This year’s CanWEA Annual Conference & Exhibition will address industry initiatives and advancements in emerging wind markets, as well as ways to reduce impacts on wildlife. (Photo credit: CanWEA)
The program has been announced for Canada’s largest annual Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition, taking place November 1 to 3, 2016 in Calgary, Alberta. Hosted by the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) and Hannover Fairs, the conference will highlight wind energy commitments, opportunities, and innovations across all regions of Canada.
Additionally, this year’s event will focus on Alberta and Saskatchewan’s significant new renewable energy and climate change commitments.
This year’s Wind Energy Conference discussion topics include:
- Asset management to maximize value
- Innovation: Integration and interconnection into the grid
- Social aspects of wind development for emerging markets
- Latest developments and advancements in resource assessment
- The future potential of wind energy storage
- Industry initiatives and advancements to reduce impacts on wildlife and specifically bat populations
“As Canada’s national wind energy association, CanWEA is committed to offering all of our members and the international renewable energy community an in-depth look at Canada’s wind energy markets and the challenges and opportunities associated with them,” said Robert Hornung, CanWEA President. “Hosting this year’s annual conference in Calgary brings a special focus to Western Canada, as well as to CanWEA’s ongoing role in helping Canada and the world move toward low carbon economies.”
In Fall 2015, Alberta committed to phase out all pollution from coal-fired generation and indicated it would take steps to have up to 30% of all electricity generated from renewable energy sources in Alberta by 2030. The current figure is 9%. Alberta ranks third in Canada today with an installed wind energy capacity of 1,500 MW and wind energy is expected to represent the overwhelming majority of new renewable energy development in the province.
“The leadership shown by Alberta’s government to replace two-thirds of existing coal-fired electricity generation capacity with renewable energy will greatly help the province in achieving its ambitious climate change objectives,” said Hornung. Alberta’s government understands that increasing wind energy use not only benefits the climate, but also makes economic sense for its citizens, as wind energy is a cost-competitive source of new generation. Additionally, wind energy brings investment and jobs to Alberta’s rural communities, boosting the province’s overall economy.
In Saskatchewan, SaskPower, the province’s principal electric utility, is working to procure 1,600 MW of new wind energy by 2030. SaskPower’s wind energy target is part of a broader plan to have renewable energy sources represent 50% of installed electricity generation capacity in Saskatchewan within 15 years. This commitment will greatly cut greenhouse gas emissions and help to address climate change.
“As the focus on renewable energy accelerates across the world, strategic discussions about wind energy trends and best practices are essential,” said Hannover Fairs President and CEO Larry Turner. “The dynamic range of speakers and topics presented during this year’s conference will offer delegates, industry experts, political leaders and key stakeholders an opportunity to keep pace and participate in these critical conversations.”
“I strongly encourage all Canadian renewable energy stakeholders to attend this year’s Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition and to take part in its topical discussions this November,” added Hornung.
Visit the 2016 CanWEA Annual Conference and Exhibition website to learn more and to register for the event. CanWEA will also feature educational sessions on a variety of themes during the event.
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