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Edmonton/Toronto/Hannover — The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) and Hannover Fairs (Canada) Inc., announced today the conclusion of another highly successful version of its Solar West conference, which took place from May 9–11, 2017 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The sold-out event featured a keynote presentation from The Honourable Shannon Phillips, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Parks, and the Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office.
In the address, by Minister Phillips, parallels were drawn between the policy of Alberta’s provincial government of the 1970’s, that helped to propel the province’s oil sands “from an ambitious science project to a multi-billion dollar industry”, to the current suite of policies also known as the Climate Leadership Plan that will ensure the province begins to include renewable resources to their global energy prowess.
The launch of a Request for Proposals for the supply of 135,000 MWh of solar electricity to the Government of Alberta was also announced. Once complete, this will make the Government of Alberta the first government in the world to have more than half of their operations powered by solar energy.
“Another sold-out event renewable energy industry conference in Alberta demonstrates the investment and job creation that this sector represents for the province,” said John Gorman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Solar Industries Association. “The conference was abuzz with individuals from all corners of Western Canada and from across the economy working to make solar energy meaningful in their communities and to their bottom lines. Solar companies are discussing opportunities with oil and gas companies. Municipalities, schools and indigenous communities are exploring how they can partner with industry or lead on projects. It is a very exciting time watching solar energy moving from niche to mainstream”.
Both the exhibit hall and the networking events at Solar West 2017 reached full capacity, further confirming that Solar West is the leading solar energy industry conference in Western Canada.
Solar West 2017 (CanSIA)
“We are very pleased with the ongoing popularity of Solar West,” said Larry Turner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hannover Fairs (Canada). “Strong attendance once again confirms this event’s status as the most important for Western Canada’s solar energy industry, where everyone comes to hear from industry insiders, gain insight on business development opportunities, and learn about the latest public policy decisions.”
Solar West 2017 featured three days of networking opportunities, presentations and panel discussions on a variety of topics, including the following highlights:
Research was presented that demonstrates an annual market share of 6% of Alberta’s electricity supply from solar energy in 2030 would be reasonable.
The next year will see 510 MW of utility-scale renewable facilities contracted in Alberta and Saskatchewan with more than 20% of that guaranteed for solar energy.
Incentive programs for residential, commercial, municipal and indigenous community deployment continue to drive significant demand for solar electricity in Alberta.
Adding to the industry’s momentum was the Alberta government’s recent announcement to create a two-year, $36 million rebate program designed to encourage rooftop solar panels on homes and businesses across the province.
“Consumers will see the most benefit as the rebate program significantly lowers the cost of solar,” said David Kelly, the current Chair of CanSIA. “The economy benefits as well. This program is anticipated to create over 900 jobs, which in turn generates sales revenue and investments into the industry and dollars being funneled back into the economy.”
SOLAR CANADA 2017 CONFIRMED FOR DECEMBER 4–5, 2017 IN TORONTO
In December, thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors from around the globe will convene at Canada’s biggest solar show, Solar Canada Conference & Exhibition.
With a national focus, Solar Canada 2017 offers an unmatched opportunity to network with representatives from the entire industry: solar integration, development, engineering and EPC, equipment manufacturers, utilities, consultants, federal, provincial and municipal governments, communities, and students.
ABOUT THE CANADIAN SOLAR INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION (CANSIA)
CanSIA is recognized as the trusted voice of the Canadian solar energy industry. Since 1992, CanSIA has worked to develop a strong, efficient, ethical and professional Canadian solar energy industry and play a major role in the global transition to a sustainable, clean energy future.
ABOUT HANNOVER FAIRS (CANADA)
Hannover Fairs (Canada) is a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe, one of the world’s largest and most active trade fair companies. Based in Hannover, Germany, Deutsche Messe employs a staff worldwide of approximately 1,200 and maintains a network of 62 sales partners, subsidiaries and branches that cover more than 100 countries. Deutsche Messe annually produces more than 100 trade fairs and conferences worldwide, including Energy at HANNOVER MESSE and Canada’s premier solar energy event, Solar Canada Conference & Exhibition.
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