The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) and Hannover Fairs (Canada), Inc. recently announce the 31st CanWEA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2015 program session themes. Every year, CanWEA’s conference sessions focus on a wide range of topics of interest for wind energy professionals from around the world. The 31st CanWEA Annual Conference and Exhibition will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Center in Toronto, Canada from October 5-7.
The event will host approximately 1,500 delegates and more than 150 exhibitors from more than 13 countries. Additionally, event attendees will see the latest wind energy solutions from the world’s leading equipment and solutions providers, such as EDF EN Canada, Enbridge Inc., ENERCON, GDF SUEZ Canada Inc., GE Power & Water, Siemens, Vestas and more.
“Canadian wind energy enjoyed record breaking years in 2013 and 2014, and we are on track to maintain this momentum in 2015 and 2016,” said Robert Hornung, CanWEA president. “With more than 10 GW of installed wind energy capacity, enough to power 3 million average Canadian homes, Canada is one of the world’s top wind energy producers. Visitors to our 31st CanWEA Annual Conference and Exhibition will come together to share insights, to find new business contacts and to discuss key wind energy issues facing Canada and its provinces going forward.”
CONFERENCE SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
The conference will include multiple educational sessions and a variety of notable speakers. Keynote speakers such as Ontario Energy Minister, the Hon. Bob Chiarelli, and Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, the Hon. Glen Murray, have been invited to speak.
This year’s program will address a variety of wind energy challenges and offer solutions, such as:
• Realizing Wind Energy’s Potential in Ontario – Today’s Successes and Tomorrow’s Opportunities
Speakers will showcase the economic benefits of wind energy for communities across Ontario. Several leading wind energy companies will preview case studies of wind energy’s positive impact on their regions from creating new jobs to creating new sources of income. During this session, CanWEA also will release the results of a new study on the economic benefits of wind energy in Ontario, highlighting the success the wind sector has enjoyed in Ontario to date. A panel discussion will wrap up this opening session with a provocative discussion among experts from the electricity and environmental sectors who will share insights and perspectives on increasing the role that wind energy plays in the province.
• The Status of Wind Energy in Canada’s Major Markets
CanWEA’s regional directors will provide an update on markets in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec. During this session, attendees will gain wind energy updates specific to their region.
• Operations and Maintenance — An Asset Managers Perspective
Canada’s growing wind fleet means more attention is being paid to issues related to the operation and maintenance of wind farms. During the session, asset managers will speak about their challenges and how to overcome them.
• Cost of Wind — The Lowest Cost Power Around… But for How Long?
Via an interactive panel format, this session will feature four presentations that explore four key factors that will determine wind’s current and future cost and competitiveness relative to other sources of generation, including pure energy cost, technology evolution, value to the grid and financing. The session will explore how all four factors are set to affect the cost competitiveness of wind.
• Renewable Energy’s Role in Combating Climate Change in Canada
The session will start with internationally focused keynote presentations about the role Canada should play during the Paris climate change talks. The session will then cover Ontario’s next steps in regards to climate change and the role renewables, such as wind energy, will play in decarbonizing Canada’s energy supply.
CANWEA AWARDS BANQUET
The annual CanWEA Awards Banquet recognizes individuals and groups who have contributed significantly to the advancement of wind energy in Canada.
The annual banquet recognizes and awards Individual and Group Leadership. CanWEA also presents the Matt Holder Community Connection Award for responsible and sustainable development within a community; the Friend of Wind Award for outstanding community level contributions by individuals or groups not employed by the wind energy industry; the R.J. Templin Award to an individual or organization that has undertaken scientific, technical, engineering or policy research and development work that has significantly advanced the wind energy industry in Canada and the Wind Energy Project Award to a CanWEA Member for a Canadian wind energy project that has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to responsible and sustainable development in all phases of the project.
During the 2015 event, Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) will also present the Wind Power Woman of Distinction Award.
INNOVATION ZONE — NEW FORMAT
The annual Innovation Zone at CanWEA provides a showcase for cutting edge technologies in partnership with the research community and industry leaders. This year’s Innovation Zone is divided into four strategic areas: Research & Science, Electric Vehicles, Innovative Technologies (featuring battery storage, smart grid technology, cold weather climate solutions, hybrid systems & remote applications) and the Learning Center for exhibitor presentations.
“Wind energy is an exciting industry in Canada and the world over,” said Larry Turner, CEO of Hannover Fairs (Canada), the subsidiary of trade event organizer Deutsche Messe and CanWEA exhibition partner. “Continued and growing support for CanWEA’s annual event comes from leaders in the global wind energy community.”
For more information about CanWEA 2015, visit the conference web site at http://windenergyevent.ca/.
