The sixth edition of Canada’s top wind, solar and energy storage operations conference reflected the sector’s maturity and future growth potential
Toronto, February 12, 2026—More than 350 people gathered in Toronto this week for the sixth annual and largest-ever CanREA Operators Summit, Canada’s premier conference and exhibition devoted to the operation and maintenance of renewable energy and energy storage sites. The event brought together operators, asset managers, technicians and service providers who manage the country’s growing fleet of wind, solar and energy storage facilities.
“As Canada’s renewable energy sector comes of age, we need highly skilled operators to maintain existing assets at peak efficiency while preparing for the build-out ahead,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “With the total installed capacity of wind, solar and energy storage in Canada now at roughly 25 gigawatts—a 56% increase since 2020—our operators have evolved from newcomers to trusted professionals with deep expertise operating assets in Canada’s diverse environments. They can be counted on to deliver the electricity Canada needs to power the economy of the future.”
This year’s theme, “Coming of Age,” reflects a pivotal shift in the industry. Approximately 15% of Canada’s large wind and solar energy assets were built in 2009 or earlier and are nearing the end of their original contracts. Operators must now manage this established infrastructure while integrating new regulations and technologies—including AI, agrivoltaics, drones and real-time monitoring—and maintaining a steadfast commitment to safety, workforce readiness, reliability and community engagement. These experienced professionals are also front and centre in decisions about whether to decommission, repower or extend the lifetime of this first wave of Canadian renewable energy facilities.
At the same time, CanREA is tracking procurement opportunities for up to 24 gigawatts of new wind, solar and storage in the next 10 years, representing $44 billion in investment. Another 35 gigawatts is forecasted but has not yet been announced. Operators will play a crucial role in this historic build-out, operating and maintaining infrastructure, providing information to support lifecycle decisions, and recruiting and training the next generation of renewable energy professionals.
“We designed this year’s program to address the practical challenges operators face today, equip them for the decisions they must help make and prepare them for robust growth ahead,” said Phil McKay, CanREA’s Senior Director of Member Programs. “Energy demand is expected to rise significantly across Canada over the next 25 years, so every megawatt of existing capacity counts. With an expanded technical program and more targeted networking opportunities, this Summit gave O&M professionals the best forum in Canada to connect and learn from each other as companies get ready to scale up.”
The two-day program featured sessions addressing current operational priorities. The opening panel, “Coming of Age: The Renewables Industry Today,” explored how wind, solar and storage have become essential tools in the grid operator’s toolbox. Technical sessions covered topics including troubleshooting complex electrical systems, assessing turbine component wear, solar operations in adverse weather conditions, AI applications in renewable operations, and new agrivoltaics regulations in Alberta.
New features this year included hands-on demonstrations on the exhibition floor, replacing traditional elevator pitches with interactive equipment showcases. A lessons learned track provided fast-paced fireside sessions where presenters shared practical examples and best practices. An educational poster session allowed operators, technicians and engineers to present operations-focused case studies and engage in one-on-one conversations.
This enriched program aimed to meet the evolving needs of operators on the cusp of a future increasingly powered by renewable energy.
“Canada’s wind, solar and energy storage manufacturers, operators and service providers are stepping into a new chapter of sophistication and opportunity,” explained McKay. “Attendees of the Operators Summit are part of the core workforce that will inform how new sites are built and existing sites are enhanced to form an increasingly critical part of Canada’s economy.”
CanREA wishes to thank all attendees, exhibitors and sponsors for helping to make this year’s Operators Summit a success. A special thanks to Health & Safety Sponsor EDF power solutions and Mobile App sponsor Pattern Energy, as well as sponsors Nordex, Siemens, Capstone, Enercon, DNV, Intact Insurance and Stantec.
Don’t miss Operators Summit 2027! To stay informed, subscribe to Watt’s On, CanREA’s events newsletter.
A photo album is available here. Media can contact CanREA for high-resolution photos.
Quotes
“As Canada’s renewable energy sector comes of age, we need highly skilled operators to maintain existing assets at peak efficiency while preparing for the build-out ahead. With the total installed capacity of wind, solar and energy storage in Canada now at roughly 25 gigawatts—a 56% increase since 2020—our operators have evolved from newcomers to trusted professionals with deep expertise operating assets in Canada’s diverse environments. They can be counted on to deliver the electricity Canada needs to power the economy of the future.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“We designed this year’s program to address the practical challenges operators face today, equip them for the decisions they must help make and prepare them for robust growth ahead. Energy demand is expected to rise significantly across Canada over the next 25 years, so every megawatt of existing capacity counts. With an expanded technical program and more targeted networking opportunities, this Summit gave O&M professionals the best forum in Canada to connect and learn from each other as companies get ready to scale up.”
“Canada’s wind, solar, and energy storage manufacturers, operators and service providers are stepping into a new chapter of sophistication and opportunity. Attendees of the Operators Summit are part of the core workforce that will inform how new sites are built and existing sites are enhanced to form an increasingly critical part of Canada’s economy.”
—Phil McKay, Senior Director of Member Programs, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:
Joshua Bleser, Manager of Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
communications@renewablesassociation.ca
About CanREA
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision. Follow us on LinkedIn here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
The post NEWS RELEASE: Canada’s renewable energy operators demonstrate readiness for unprecedented industry growth at largest-ever CanREA Operators Summit appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.
