The Growing Potential of Wind and Solar Energy in Canada and Beyond

Canada's net-zero 2050 strategy is being advanced through five pivotal investment tax credits (ITCs), offering substantial financial incentives for clean technology adoption. These ITCs are designed to encourage businesses to invest in clean energy, technology, and infrastructure by offering refundable credits on qualifying expenditures. Available exclusively to taxable Canadian corporations, these credits provide direct financial benefits, regardless of whether the company has taxes owing. By reducing the cost of adopting green technologies, the ITCs make sustainable investments more accessible and attractive for businesses across various sectors. One of the most significant advantages of these ITCs is their focus on different stages of the clean economy supply chain. The Clean Technology ITC offers a 30% credit for investments in renewable energy equipment, such as wind, solar, and geothermal systems, as well as zero-emission vehicles. Meanwhile, the Clean Technology Manufacturing ITC supports producers of clean energy equipment and critical minerals, further strengthening domestic supply chains. Additionally, the newly introduced EV Supply Chain ITC provides a 10% credit for buildings used in electric vehicle production, incentivizing large-scale manufacturing projects. These credits not only lower upfront costs but also enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global green economy. Another major benefit is the Clean Electricity ITC, which offers a 15% credit for investments in non-emitting power generation and transmission infrastructure. Unlike other ITCs, this credit is available to certain tax-exempt entities, including Indigenous communities and pension plans, broadening participation in clean energy projects. The inclusion of emissions-abated natural gas systems—subject to strict environmental standards—ensures flexibility while maintaining sustainability goals. By supporting both renewable energy and necessary grid upgrades, this ITC helps businesses and public institutions transition to cleaner power sources without compromising reliability. The Clean Hydrogen ITC and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) ITC further diversify the incentives available. The hydrogen credit ranges from 15% to 40%, depending on carbon intensity, while the CCUS credit targets emissions reduction in industrial processes. Both require compliance with rigorous environmental standards and reporting, ensuring accountability. However, the financial incentives can significantly offset the costs of cutting-edge technologies, making them viable for businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. Overall, Canada’s clean economy ITCs provide substantial advantages for businesses, from cost savings to enhanced competitiveness in sustainable industries. By leveraging these credits, companies can accelerate their adoption of green technologies while contributing to national climate goals. Supported by the CRA’s clear eligibility standards, businesses can capitalize on these incentives to drive both profitability and sustainability outcomes. As these incentives evolve, they will play a crucial role in shaping a cleaner, more resilient economy for future generations.  Continued on Source.

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Canada has witnessed a remarkable expansion in its renewable energy sector, with wind, solar, and energy storage capacity increasing by 46% over the past five years. As of the end of 2024, the country's total installed capacity has surpassed 24 gigawatts (GW), according to a recent report by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA). This growth highlights the nation’s commitment to clean energy solutions, with substantial investments in utility-scale and on-site renewable projects. The progress underscores Canada's potential to harness its abundant wind and solar resources for a more sustainable energy future. Since CanREA’s establishment in 2020, the renewable energy industry has added nearly 7.6 GW of capacity. This includes over 4.7 GW of utility-scale wind, nearly 2 GW of large-scale solar, 600 megawatts (MW) of on-site solar, and 200 MW of energy storage. Such expansion demonstrates the increasing role of renewable sources in Canada’s energy mix. CanREA’s President and CEO, Vittoria Bellissimo, emphasized that while these impressive developments mark significant progress, Canada has only begun to tap into its vast renewable potential and must continue investing to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy grid. Looking ahead, Canada is expected to connect at least 10,000 MW of new wind, solar, and storage capacity by 2030, with an additional 5,000 MW projected for the years beyond. This pipeline of projects represents over $30 billion in investments, strengthening the nation’s position as a leader in renewable energy. Many provinces and territories have already accelerated their adoption of clean energy, reflecting a growing awareness of its economic and environmental benefits. However, CanREA urges even greater efforts to further reduce carbon emissions and transition towards a fully decarbonized grid. The effects of this growth are clearly reflected in the statistics. Over the past five years, Canada’s solar energy capacity has surged by 92%, while wind energy has grown by 35%. Energy storage, a critical component of grid stability, has seen an extraordinary 192% increase. The country now boasts 341 wind energy projects and 217 major solar installations, alongside nearly 96,000 on-site solar systems. These figures highlight the rapid transformation of Canada’s energy landscape and the increasing reliance on renewable sources to meet electricity demands. As Canada continues its shift towards clean energy, the advantages go beyond just environmental sustainability. Renewable energy investments create jobs, enhance energy security, and support economic growth. With a clear roadmap for future expansion, Canada is well-positioned to leverage its renewable resources, ensuring a greener and more resilient energy system for years to come. The momentum gained over the past five years serves as a strong foundation for even greater advancements in the decade ahead. Continued on Source.

Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is advancing its energy strategy to address the surging demands of its 15 million residents. Known for its transition from an agricultural hub to an industrial and service-based economy, Ontario has consistently adapted to meet the needs of its growing population. A landmark shift occurred in 2014 when the province phased out coal-fired plants, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and setting a benchmark for sustainability in Canada. Ontario now depends on a varied energy portfolio comprising nuclear, hydroelectric, renewable sources, natural gas, and biomass, reflecting its dedication to a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The Ontario government has recently enhanced its innovative energy procurement initiative to address the rising demand for energy. Initially aiming to secure 5,000 MW of power, the target has now been increased to 7,500 MW to accommodate a forecasted 75% surge in electricity demand by 2050. This growth equates to powering an additional 4.5 cities the size of Toronto. Stephen Leece, Minister of Energy and Electrification, emphasized the province’s forward-thinking strategy, noting that the expanded procurement would generate enough electricity to power 1.6 million homes. Lecce also emphasized the government’s focus on maintaining affordability while opposing the carbon tax. The Ontario government is exploring additional procurements through the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to sustain energy affordability and reliability. Alongside this, the province is investing in clean nuclear energy solutions and enhancing transmission infrastructure in key regions. Thes efforts are designed to stimulate local economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and strengthen the manufacturing sector. By integrating these measures into a cohesive energy plan, Ontario ensures that its energy landscape remains robust, efficient, and economically feasible for families and businesses alike. Affordability is a cornerstone of Ontario’s energy strategy. The expansion of energy efficiency programs aims to decrease energy usage and reduce expenses for consumers. Long-term contracts, spanning 20 years, will be awarded to projects that gain community support, ensuring local involvement and sustainability. The growing demand for energy stems from factors such as population growth, new manufacturing facilities, and the electrification of industries and vehicles. These developments underscore the province’s role as a leader in energy innovation and economic resilience. Jaipaul Massey-Singh, CEO of the Brampton Board of Trade, praised Ontario’s initiatives, emphasizing their importance in attracting businesses and fostering investment. Ontario’s comprehensive energy strategy not only addresses immediate demands but also lays the groundwork for a sustainable, prosperous future, securing its position as a premier destination for industry and innovation. Continued on Source.

The summer of 2024 highlighted a major shift in the U.S. power grid, as extreme heat in California and Texas showcased the essential role of renewable energy. A recent report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) found that renewables were both dependable and economically viable, reinforcing the move away from fossil fuels. Grid operators in both California and Texas were able to handle the rising electricity demand, thanks to the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources and the addition of significant battery storage. This development signals a major shift not only in these key power markets but also across the nation, emphasizing the quick pace of the energy transition. IEEFA analyst Dennis Wamsted emphasized the rapid pace of this change, noting that battery storage in the U.S. has expanded from virtually zero four years ago to over 20,000 megawatts today, with capacity growing monthly. This advancement highlights a fundamental change in the energy landscape. In Texas, solar energy generated 16 million megawatt-hours from June through August, meeting 11.6% of ERCOT's summer demand, which marked a significant 40% increase compared to the previous year. California has also experienced considerable changes in its energy mix, benefiting from the enhanced reliability of pairing solar power with storage systems. Although there has been some doubt regarding the reliability of renewable energy, the performance of solar power and battery storage in Texas and California during peak summer heat has proven strong. This season has effectively shown that renewable energy can reliably support the grid during times of high demand, underscoring the ongoing shift in the U.S. toward sustainable energy options. Continued on Source.

Recent records in renewable energy production highlight the growing role of wind and solar in the U.S. energy grid. In Texas, wind and solar accounted for 76% of electricity on a single day, while New England achieved 45% from wind, solar, and hydropower. According to GridStatus.io, various regions, including the Midwest, New York, and the mid-Atlantic, also reported record renewable generation within the past month. These achievements signal a shift toward green energy, although fossil fuels still dominate overall power production. Texas, for example, saw wind generate nearly double the electricity of coal last year. Even regions historically reliant on fossil fuels, like PJM Interconnection, are seeing increased solar production. A combination of mild weather and recent renewable energy investments helped boost these figures. Between 2019 and 2023, 60 gigawatts (GW) of solar and 57% more wind capacity were installed. Eased supply chain constraints and federal tax incentives further accelerated growth, resulting in a record 32.7 GW of new battery, solar, and wind capacity added in 2023. However, experts caution that current growth rates may not be enough to meet rising energy demands and reduce emissions substantially. To cut emissions by 32-51% by 2035, the U.S. would need to install between 32 and 95 GW of renewable energy annually. Additionally, new projects face challenges such as grid interconnection delays and transmission bottlenecks. Despite these obstacles, the rapid installations in states like Texas and California illustrate that significant progress is achievable. Texas has added over 14 GW of solar since 2020, and California has boosted its battery capacity by 7.5 GW between 2021 and 2023. The ongoing transition underscores the urgency to keep pace with growing energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. Continued on Source.

The Ontario government is undertaking its largest-ever energy procurement, aimed at providing affordable electricity for households and businesses. This initiative is part of a broader plan to secure up to 5,000 megawatts (MW) of energy through multiple procurement efforts, aimed at boosting economic growth and addressing the increasing demand for clean and reliable power. The plan emphasizes a diverse energy portfolio, incorporating nuclear, hydroelectric, renewable sources, natural gas, and biomass. The Second Long-Term Procurement (LT2) will oversee future energy projects, ensuring community consent and protecting prime agricultural lands. Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce, emphasized that this initiative, the largest in the province’s history, is crucial for expanding access to affordable electricity across Ontario, while also opposing the carbon tax. The procurement process, directed by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), is expected to be transparent, competitive, and cost-effective, encompassing various energy technologies, including wind and solar. The IESO is tasked with expediting the procurement process, with a design framework due by September 2024 and the goal of concluding the procurement by February 2026. This initiative builds on recent government efforts, including the procurement of nearly 3,000 MW of new battery storage projects. The IESO projects that by 2050, Ontario’s electricity consumption will increase by 60%, driven by population growth, new manufacturing facilities, technological advancements like AI data centers, industry electrification, and the energy needs of electric vehicles. The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) praised the announcement, viewing it as a crucial step toward the LT2 procurement of 5,000 MW of new electricity resources by 2034, including wind and solar. CanREA’s president, Vittoria Bellissimo, expressed enthusiasm for the procurement, highlighting the industry’s readiness to deploy new, cost-effective, and reliable renewable energy projects across Ontario. Continued on Source.

Expanding wind and solar energy generation throughout Canada is crucial for developing a larger, cleaner electricity grid that aligns with the nation’s clean energy transition and climate objectives. However, to effectively manage the variability of these renewable energy sources, a more intelligent and adaptable electricity grid is needed. Enhancing grid flexibility can be achieved by integrating wind and solar power, strengthening grid interconnections, boosting demand-side flexibility, and implementing energy storage technologies. Energy storage, particularly short-term grid-scale lithium-ion batteries, plays a key role in this transition by storing electricity for later use, thereby enhancing grid resilience and reducing the need for additional infrastructure and costly, emissions-intensive power plants. While lithium-ion batteries are commercially viable and increasingly cost-effective, long-term storage solutions like compressed air and flow batteries are still in the experimental stage, facing higher costs and uncertainty. Additionally, batteries can strengthen the reliability of electricity systems by providing backup power during disruptions in generation. This capability is becoming more critical as grids encounter the escalating challenges posed by extreme weather events associated with climate change. Battery storage capacity is expected to grow significantly, both globally and in Canada. Global energy storage capacity is projected to increase 15 times by 2030. According to the Canadian Climate Institute, Canada’s battery storage capacity has already grown from 11 megawatts in 2016 to about 92 megawatts in 2023, with forecasts indicating it could reach 4,177 megawatts by 2028. However, to achieve Canada’s climate goals, capacity might need to surpass 12,000 megawatts by 2030 and approach 50,000 megawatts by 2050. The rate of battery storage deployment will vary by region, with provinces like Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia needing less storage due to their abundant hydropower resources. To support this growth, the Canadian government, along with provincial authorities, is advancing policies and funding initiatives to accelerate battery storage projects. A set of proposed federal investment tax credits is expected to further speed up battery storage deployment in Canada. While the details are still being finalized, these tax credits for clean electricity, clean technology, and clean technology manufacturing will encompass battery storage projects as eligible investments. To fully realize the potential of battery storage and meet climate goals, Canada must address barriers such as long project timelines, supply chain issues, and regulatory challenges. Adjusting market rules to recognize the multiple benefits of battery storage could help overcome these obstacles and support the development of a more resilient and flexible electricity system in Canada. Continued on Source.

Despite challenges like tariffs and supply chain interconnection issues, the U.S. energy storage market continues to experience unprecedented growth. Growth Trends and Future Projections The U.S. energy storage market is expected to see another record breaking year, with Wood Mackenzie predicting a 45% growth in 2024, following a 100% increase from 2022 to 2023. Although there was a dip in installations in the first quarter of this year due to seasonal project completions, the strong growth pipeline suggests higher installations later in the year, mirroring the trend seen in 2023. Annual installations in the energy storage sector are increasing at a faster rate than those in the wind and solar sectors, driven by the need to balance renewable energy sources and enhance grid resilience. This growth is further supported by declining module costs and incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Despite the challenges, the sector has significant opportunities for expansion. Impact of Tariffs and Interconnection Issues The announcement of increased section 301 tariffs on imported lithium-ion batteries from China, effective in 2026, is expected to raise prices and slightly temper growth expectations. However, the extended timeline and potential shifts in manufacturing to other Asian countries or domestically will help mitigate the impact on demand. Future tariff increases or additional trade barriers, depending on the next presidential term, could pose further risks. Developers are also facing challenges with project interconnection across various markets. The interconnection queues are congested with numerous submissions that are no longer active, and the Independent System Operator (ISO) analysis is lagging behind the volume of submissions. These delays create cost and timeline uncertainties for project developers. Although the new Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) interconnection rule (Order No. 2023) aims to reduce speculative projects and expedite processing, ISOs need time to implement these changes and manage the current backlog. Support from Renewable Penetration and State Policies Grid-scale storage dominates the U.S. market, with ERCOT and CAISO accounting for nearly half of all installations over the next five years. The increasing penetration of renewables in these regions is driving new revenue opportunities in wholesale energy markets, despite the saturation of ancillary markets due to the growing number of storage installations. New contracting methods and partners are being developed to guarantee project revenues. In Texas, tolling agreements match risk-takers with experts in optimizing operations during real-time price fluctuations, while conservative players obtain stable revenue for project funding. In California, major Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) are securing contracts for energy and resource adequacy, providing merchant opportunities for owner-operators. In other regions, state policies that support renewables and energy storage, along with utility long-term planning for balance and reliability, are driving the procurement of storage systems. In the desert southwest, the large solar build-out is expected to increase installed storage capacity 14-fold to nearly 30 GW by 2033. Other leading markets, like New York and Massachusetts, are also seeing growth due to state mandates, though completion timelines may vary from original projections. While lithium-ion batteries will dominate projects over the next decade, longer-duration systems will become crucial for smoothing renewable generation across seasons. Early pilot projects featuring iron-air technology with a 100-hour duration, as well as other systems with 8-12 hour durations using compressed air and flow batteries, represent nearly 10% of the project pipeline by megawatt-hour, though they comprise only 1% of the power capacity. Conclusion Overall, the U.S. energy storage market is poised to meet the evolving needs of the grid, supported by existing tax credits and a declining cost curve. Accelerating interconnection processes and diversifying supply sources will be key to achieving carbon reduction goals. Continued on Source.