GENERATE WORKSHOP: Win, Win, Wind
At #Generate2026, this session highlighted the Win, Win, Wind pathway, a first-of-its-kind approach to advancing floating wind in British Columbia through Indigenous leadership and international collaboration.
Bringing together Aks Wind, Huu-ay-aht First Nations, and SeaTwirl, the discussion centred on a 2 MW floating wind pilot project that connects Canada to SeaTwirl’s Verti-Go program, creating a pathway to validate utility-scale floating wind in Pacific coastal waters.
Session Speakers:
Melanie Mark, Aks Wind Energy
Stephen Rayner, Huu-ay-aht First Nations / Clean Energy BC
David Carten, Aks Wind
Kent Thoresen, SeaTwirl
Øystein Kjæreng, SeaTwirl
Grounded in partnership, the project reflects a shared commitment to building solutions that align with community priorities while advancing new technologies. The pilot will support environmental monitoring, workforce development, marine operations experience, and the data needed to inform future projects and BC Hydro learning.
A key theme throughout the session was the importance of Indigenous-led development in shaping the future of clean energy in British Columbia. Rooted in stewardship, governance, and long-term community benefit, the project is designed to support energy sovereignty while creating lasting economic opportunities.
The conversation emphasized that this is not just a pilot, but the foundation for a new industry in floating offshore wind. By advancing in parallel with a project in Norway, the initiative brings global expertise together with local leadership to accelerate learning and deployment.
Panelists also highlighted the opportunity to build a BC-based supply chain, with turbine technology designed for simplicity and domestic manufacturing, reducing reliance on international transport and enabling deployment in coastal and remote regions.
At its core, this work addresses a long-standing gap in British Columbia: the need for reliable, scalable clean power solutions that can serve coastal communities, grid-edge infrastructure, and future regional growth.
#Generate2026
#Generate2026 Awards
A highlight of #Generate2026 was celebrating the people and projects helping to shape the future of clean energy in British Columbia.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients:
Clean Energy Student Scholarship
Presented by Tom Hicks
Winner: Asher Norris
Anitra Paris Female Leadership Award
Presented by Tami and Roy Paris
Winner: Shakti Ramkumar
Project Excellence Award
Winner: Innergex Renewable Energy
Innergex was recognized for its work on the Upper Harrison / Stave Hydroelectric Cluster, where long-term environmental monitoring and operational optimization have demonstrated increased fish productivity while enabling additional clean energy generation.
Through collaboration with Douglas First Nation and regulators, the project advanced innovative approaches to instream flow requirements (IFR) and system optimization, showing how existing infrastructure can be enhanced to deliver more power while maintaining strong environmental stewardship.
Student Poster Competition
Winner: Elvia Willyono, Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET), University of Victoria
Thank you to all nominees and recipients for your leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing clean energy across the province.
#Generate2026
GENERATE KEYNOTE: ROGER DALL’ANTONIA
At #Generate2026, Roger Dall’Antonia, President and CEO of FortisBC, shared perspectives on the evolving role of utilities in a period of rapid growth and system transformation.
As electricity demand continues to rise across British Columbia, the conversation focused on how utilities are planning and investing in critical infrastructure while navigating shifting policy environments, changing demand forecasts, and increasing expectations around reliability and affordability.
A key theme throughout the discussion was the need for greater coordination across the system. As demand grows, collaboration between utilities, including FortisBC and BC Hydro, will be essential to ensure infrastructure is aligned, investments are strategic, and projects can move forward efficiently.
Looking ahead, there was a strong focus on the importance of long-term planning, infrastructure readiness, and creating the conditions needed to support continued growth across sectors. As British Columbia continues to expand its energy system, utilities will play a central role in ensuring that power is available where and when it is needed.
Thank you to Roger Dall’Antonia and FortisBC for their continued partnership in advancing energy solutions across British Columbia.
Moderated by:
Sharon Singh, McMillan LLP
#Generate2026
GENERATE DAY 2 KEYNOTE: COLLEEN GIROUX-SCHMIDT
At #Generate2026, Colleen Giroux-Schmidt delivered a powerful keynote on behalf of Jean Trudel, President & CEO of Innergex Renewable Energy.
British Columbia is not just an important market for Innergex. It is central to the company’s history, partnerships, and long-term growth, and for Colleen, it is home. She thanked the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) for its leadership in bringing the sector together at a pivotal moment, with a clear focus on how we move clean energy projects from conception to delivery.
Her message was clear. This is a defining moment, not only for the sector, but for British Columbia and for Canada. As global demand accelerates, electricity is becoming the foundation of economic growth. From critical minerals and manufacturing to artificial intelligence and emerging industries, the next generation of development will be built where clean, reliable, and scalable electricity is available. The question is no longer whether British Columbia has potential. The question is whether we can move quickly enough, clearly enough, and consistently enough to turn that potential into built projects.
Innergex’s presence in the province reflects that long-term view. With 22 operating facilities, projects advancing from the 2024 and 2025 Calls for Power, and more than $4.6 billion invested in British Columbia, the company’s commitment spans decades, not cycles. That commitment is grounded in partnership, with long-term relationships built alongside Indigenous Nations, governments, and communities to deliver clean electricity.
A key message resonated throughout the keynote. The greatest risk is not that we build too much infrastructure. It is that we fail to build enough. Electricity is enabling infrastructure. It is the foundation for growth, and our planning, procurement, and regulatory systems must reflect that reality.
There is strong alignment across the sector on clean power, Indigenous partnership, and economic growth. The opportunity ahead is about delivery. That means building projects and transmission on time, strengthening investor confidence, and sending clear, consistent signals that British Columbia is committed to a 20 to 30 year build-out. Certainty matters long before contracts are signed, as investment decisions begin years earlier through land assessment, relationship building, and capital allocation.
Thank you to Colleen Giroux-Schmidt and Innergex Renewable Energy for a thoughtful and grounded keynote, and for their continued leadership in advancing clean energy development in British Columbia.
#Generate2026
WORKSHOP: BCUC AND THE REGULATION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
IN BC
At #Generate2026, this session explored the role of the British Columbia Utilities Commission and how it regulates the province’s energy system.
The discussion covered Indigenous participation in regulatory processes, long-term resource planning, and the role of independent power producers in BC’s evolving energy landscape.
Thank you to the speakers for sharing their expertise and insights into the regulatory frameworks shaping energy development in British Columbia.
Featuring:
Cairns Jeremy, BC Utilities Commission
Alex Baer, BC Utilities Commission
Charlene de Boer, BC Utilities Commission
#Generate2026
The Future of Storage and Firm Power at #Generate2026
Last week at #Generate2026, this panel explored the next phase of firm energy, from long-duration storage to geothermal, and how these technologies will support grid reliability as demand grows.
Panelists:
Matt Harper, Invinity Energy Systems
Will Patterson, RES Group
Mihskakwan James Harper, NRStor
Jason Owen, Corix
Catherine Hickson, Tuya Terra Geo Corp.
David Kiess, PS Energy Innovators
Moderated by:
Michelle Mungall, Energy Storage Canada
Insights snapshot:
• Long-duration storage and firm power will be critical to supporting reliability as renewable generation expands.
• Certainty remains essential. Clear signals on procurement, planning, and technology value are key to unlocking investment.
• A diversified approach is required. No single technology will meet future needs.
• System coordination matters. Generation, transmission, interconnection, and storage must be planned together.
• Geothermal and other firm resources offer important baseload potential but require long-term support to scale.
• Local and distributed solutions can strengthen community resilience and reduce pressure on the grid.
A consistent theme across the discussion: delivering the next phase of clean energy will require coordination, clarity, and sustained collaboration across industry, First Nations, and government.
#Generate2026
2025 Call for Power: Wind Industry Leadership Panel
Building on the momentum from last week’s conversations at #Generate2026, this panel brought together developers shaping wind energy in British Columbia.
Snapshot key insights:
Jose Auffray, Ecoener
BC is a top-tier market for investment. Confidence remains high: strong projects will attract capital, and industry is already looking ahead to the 2028 Call for Power with greater clarity. Jose also highlighted the strength of partnerships, reflecting the importance of aligned values and strong Indigenous relationships in project success.
Geoff Osborne, Capstone Infrastructure
Success in the 2024 Call for Power reinforces the strength of BC’s model, particularly 30-year Crown Corporation agreements. There is strong collaboration happening across the sector with clear opportunity to continue building alignment. Geoff emphasized that procurement roadmap would be incredibly valuable for industry, helping guide investment decisions, partnership development, and long-term planning.
Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, Innergex Renewable Energy
Delivering on projects is critical to strengthening global confidence in BC’s ability to execute. Clear, consistent signals including future procurement and long-term planning are essential to attracting globally mobile capital and supporting multi-decade partnerships with First Nations. Colleen also underscored the need for alignment between provincial direction and BC Hydro planning.
Cory Basil, EDF power solutions
There is a need to de-risk projects, particularly given development timelines. The evolution toward equity partnerships with Indigenous communities is a defining shift. Capital remains a challenge and gaps still exist. Cory reinforced the importance of a clear investment pathway, sharing global capital is highly competitive and certainty through tools like a procurement roadmap would strengthen BC’s position.
Isabelle Deguise, RES Group
BC is emerging as one of the top markets in Canada, with strong momentum following recent Calls for Power. Continued momentum will be critical to future success. Clear signals on future calls will help secure investment and enable meaningful engagement with partners. Isabelle also pointed to interconnection as a key priority, emphasizing the need for more efficient, cost-effective solutions and continued collaboration.
Jamie Houssian, Elemental Energy
BC remains a strong and trusted market, with BC Hydro providing certainty for investors. There are positive signs of progress in permitting and coordination across agencies, with early projects already moving forward. Indigenous partnerships continue to evolve and shape project success. Jamie also highlighted progress with the BCER process, noting increased responsiveness and early engagement as positive steps forward, while reinforcing that interconnection and logistics require continued focus.
Moderated by Mike McPhie, Falkirk Consulting
#Generate2026
Day 1 Tradeshow Reception
Thank you to everyone who attended our first day of #Generate2026!
Here are some snapshots from our evening reception. What a great opportunity to connect, reflect on the day, and continue conversations across the sector.
We will be sharing more photos from throughout the event soon, along with Day 2 highlights!
#PoweringPartnerships #Generate2026
Day 1 Tradeshow Reception
Thank you to everyone who attended our first day of #Generate2026!
Here are some snapshots from our evening reception. What a great opportunity to connect, reflect on the day, and continue conversations across the sector.
We will be sharing more photos from throughout the event soon, along with Day 2 highlights!
#PoweringPartnerships #Generate2026
North Coast Transmission Line Update Panel at #Generate2026
One of the most significant infrastructure projects in Canada and a defining opportunity for partnership, regional development, and long-term economic impact.
Featuring:
Alex Gryzbowski, K’uul Power
Luticia Miller, First Nations Major Projects Coalition
Cody Gatzke, IBEW Local 258
Chief Wes Sam, Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation
Moderated by Ron Monk, Kerr Wood Leidal
A clear message from the panel: this project is at a critical moment.
After years of work including over 30,000 hours of engagement and negotiation with First Nations and hereditary leadership the North Coast Transmission Line is approaching a Final Investment Decision.
Speakers emphasized both the scale of opportunity and the urgency to move forward:
• This project will unlock multiple resource, energy, and infrastructure developments across the region
• It represents a major step forward in First Nations partnership and shared governance
• It will drive long-term economic opportunities, training, and workforce development in northern communities
There was strong alignment on the need to:
• Advance a clear and timely path to Final Investment Decision
• Build a local workforce pipeline, including training programs and potential northern training facilities
• Ensure meaningful local employment and long-term benefits for communities
• Continue building out both wind and firm power generation to support the corridor
As noted throughout the discussion, time is a critical factor maintaining momentum will be key to delivering this project. The North Coast Transmission Line has the potential to be a nation-building project for British Columbia and Canada, supporting energy development, economic growth, and long-term resilience.
A significant achievement lies ahead and a clear call to focus, align, and deliver.
#Generate2026
Workshop - ITC Update 2026: How to Claim and Maximize the CTITC on your Canadian Projects
Canada’s Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (CTITC) continues to play a central role in advancing wind, solar and energy storage deployment across the country. As projects move from announcement to execution, developers and investors are navigating real-world questions around eligibility, documentation, audits and compliance.
This workshop delivered a practical session on Canada’s Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit and how to navigate eligibility, compliance, and project readiness.
Featuring:
Samira Dadgar, Deloitte
Etienne Lecompte, LCAB
Moderated by Patricia Lightburn, CanREA
#Generate2026 #Partnerships #Workshop
Official Opposition Remarks at #Generate2026
Thank you to David Williams, (MLA) for Salmon Arm-Shuswap, Critic for BC Hydro and Electricity Self-Sufficiency, for joining us to share perspectives on energy policy, procurement, and the future of electricity in British Columbia.
And thank you to Zach Authier, Global Public Affairs, for moderating the discussion.
The conversation highlighted several important themes shaping BC’s energy future:
• The growing importance of energy self-sufficiency and long-term planning
• The need to build enough electricity supply to support economic growth, industry, and communities
• The role of transmission and infrastructure in enabling that growth
• The importance of efficient regulatory processes to move projects forward
• A continued focus on affordability, reliability, and investment certainty
A strong reminder that the decisions being made today across policy, planning, and project development will shape British Columbia’s energy system for decades to come.
#Generate2026
Planning for Sustainable Growth: 2025 IRP Analysis Panel at Generate2026
This session is taking a closer look at BC Hydro’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan and what it means for long-term electricity planning in a period of rapid change.
A key takeaway: the IRP is not a fixed blueprint. It is a roadmap to guide decision-making, shaped by evolving demand, policy, and technology.
Speakers highlighted several important strengths in the current plan, including:
• Stronger stakeholder engagement and transparency
• Clear recognition of energy efficiency and demand-side management as core resources
• A more accessible and forward-looking planning horizon to 2050
At the same time, the discussion is pushing on critical questions:
• Are we planning for enough electricity to meet future demand and electrification goals?
• How do we avoid the risks of underbuilding the system in a period of accelerating growth?
• What role should policy direction and integrated planning across energy systems play moving forward?
There is also growing recognition that planning must evolve with faster updates, broader scenario analysis, and closer alignment between government, utilities, and regulators.
The conversation reinforces that delivering on BC’s energy future will require practical planning, clearer signals, and coordinated action across the system.
Featuring:
Ahmed Hanafy, Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors
Dan Woynillowicz, Polaris Strategy and Insight
Mark Zacharias, University of Victoria
Moderated by Travis Lusney, Power Advisory
#Generate2026
First Nations Steering Committee (FNSC) at #Generate2026
It was great to gather with First Nations and their designated representatives from across British Columbia for the First Nations Steering Committee meeting.
This dedicated forum continues to provide space for First Nations leadership to help shape priorities, partnerships, and opportunities across the clean energy sector.
Yesterday's discussion included updates on key initiatives, including:
• Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) update, presented by Dr. Judith Sayers
• Progress on the First Nations Utilities Study, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions and the University of Victoria (ACET), with guest speakers Kara Wilson, Quatsino First Nation; Annika Van Roy, Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions; and Curran Crawford, ACET.
• Updates on clean fuels development and emerging opportunities with Tricia Thomas
We also heard from Melissa Holland, BC Hydro, who shared updates on the Calls for Power and the path forward for major infrastructure and partnership opportunities.
Strong engagement, thoughtful discussion, and a continued focus on ensuring First Nations leadership remains central as projects move forward across the province.
#Generate2026 #FirstNationsLeadership
The work of our FNSC is only planned to grow in the future. Now is the time to get involved!
If you’re a BC First Nation leader or ally, and interested in learning more about our First Nations Steering Committee or joining, email us at [email protected]
Workshop - De-Risking the Deal: Bonding, Insurance, and Risk Management Considerations for Renewable Projects
We were pleased to have Jen Aitchison and Gilbert Kimani from HUB International join us to talk about insurance and risk management considerations for renewable energy projects.
The workshop explored the risks involved including development delays and equipment failures to contractual disputes and decommissioning liabilities. This session equipped participants with practical knowledge of the risk management tools available at every stage of the project lifecycle, helping developers, owners, and contractors make smarter decisions that protect both assets and revenue.
#Generate2026 #Workshop
Strengthening Interties and Electricity Cooperation in Western Canada at Generate2026
This panel dove into the critical role of interties in building a more connected, resilient, and efficient electricity system across Western Canada.
Featuring:
Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, Indigenous Power Coalition
Blaise Fontaine, Indigenous Power Coalition
Bob Elton, Electrifying Canada
Chris O’Riley, Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors
Bojana Zindovic, Elia Grid International
Moderated by Evan Wilson, Transition Accelerator
A clear message from the discussion: transmission is not just infrastructure, it is opportunity. As highlighted, First Nations are increasingly seeing transmission corridors as generational opportunities to unlock clean energy development, economic growth, and leadership across multiple sectors.
There is strong momentum building. Work is already underway, with 26 First Nations identified for collaboration on a potential new BC–Alberta intertie, and early engagement and workshops shaping what this could look like in practice.
Speakers emphasized that interties are becoming a priority at both the provincial and national level, with a shared focus on moving forward together and ensuring First Nations are positioned as leaders in project development, not participants on the margins.
Lessons from international experience also came through clearly. Insights from Europe’s integrated grid highlight that many of the barriers Canada faces are not technical, but political and regulatory, and that progress requires action, alignment, and a willingness to move forward without waiting for perfect conditions.
At the same time, panelists noted the realities of the Canadian context, including geography, jurisdictional complexity, and the importance of strong partnerships across provinces and Nations.
The path forward is clear: collaboration, alignment, and leadership will be key to delivering the next generation of electricity infrastructure.
#Generate2026
At #Generate2026 yesterday, we took a moment to recognize Kwatuuma Cole Sayers as he concludes his time as Executive Director of the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia.
Cole’s leadership has helped shape CEBC’s role across the sector, strengthening partnerships between First Nations, industry, and government, and advancing important work in clean energy across the province.
In recognition of his service, CEBC Interim Executive Director Stephen Rayner presented Cole with a carving of the moon by Raven Wolden, an artist, graphic designer, and Indigenous entrepreneur from Sts’ailes First Nation.
A meaningful moment to acknowledge Cole’s contributions and the relationships built along the way.
Thank you, Cole, for your leadership and commitment.
#CleanEnergyBC #Generate2026
Highlights from Minister Adrian Dix’s remarks at #Generate2026
Thank you to Minister Adrian Dix for joining us and sharing his perspectives on the future of clean energy in British Columbia. We also appreciate Doug Slater (FortisBC) for the introduction and Ina Gjoka (Innergex Renewable Energy) for moderating this important conversation.
A clear message on the urgency and scale of British Columbia’s energy future. As Minister Dix noted, we are working to grow our electricity supply “in a way we haven’t had to do in a long time,” driven by rapidly increasing demand across the province.
Momentum is building. The recent RFEOI drew over 19 GW of capacity and more than 100 project submissions, with strong confidence in the quality of proponents and projects moving forward.
There was also a clear signal on what comes next:
• Accelerated Calls for Power, with a return to a regular procurement cadence
• Continued work to modernize regulation and streamline permitting
• A focus on addressing real-world challenges, from turbine transport to project timelines
The path ahead is about delivery. As highlighted, success will depend on government, First Nations, and industry working together to get projects built and demonstrate what is possible at scale.
The message was consistent throughout: The energy transition is an absolute necessity, and it will not happen on its own — we have to make it happen.
More to come from #Generate2026 as we continue to share highlights from across the conference.
Good morning from #Generate2026
A reminder to CEBC members that our Annual General Meeting begins at 7:00 AM this morning as we kick off day two. We look forward to connecting with members and sharing updates on the past year.
After a strong first day, we’re excited for another full day ahead. We’ll be sharing highlights from yesterday’s conversations and today’s programming, showcasing the speakers, workshops, and panels that continue to make this a sold-out Generate.
Let’s get started.
#CleanEnergyBC #AGM #Generate2026
Bringing World-Class Turbines to BC Panel
Global leaders in wind turbine manufacturing discussed the realities of deploying modern wind technology in British Columbia, including supply chains, transportation logistics, workforce readiness, and long-term operational planning.
The conversation highlighted the scale of what is ahead for British Columbia’s wind sector. Panelists noted that nearly 3,000 MW of wind generation has already been procured through recent Calls for Power, representing hundreds of turbines and thousands of oversized transport movements across the province over the coming years.
A key theme throughout the discussion was the importance of advocacy around transportation infrastructure and coordination. Speakers emphasized that transportation planning must begin years in advance and will require close collaboration between developers, turbine manufacturers, transportation providers, regulators, and government.
The panel also explored the concept of “thinking globally and acting locally,” with discussion focused on how international turbine suppliers can build stronger regional partnerships, support local supply chains, and invest in long-term workforce development in British Columbia.
Several panelists discussed the implications and ongoing work of the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia’s Construction and Transportation Committee, including coordination around logistics, permitting, infrastructure readiness, and knowledge sharing across the sector.
Juan Carlos Navarrete Lozano spoke about the significant workforce opportunities emerging in the wind sector, particularly for wind turbine technicians and long-term operations staff. He emphasized the importance of hiring locally and investing in training and mentorship. In many cases, applicants only need a strong attitude and willingness to learn, with technical training provided and opportunities to work alongside experienced technicians.
Panelists:
Juan Carlos Navarrete Lozano, Vestas
Kevin Linnane, Goldwind Americas
Mark van Dijk, ENERCON Canada
Sabrina Harbec, Nordex
Moderated by Jonathan Turner, Elemental Energy
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Are you a CEBC Member? Join us for the opportunity to engage with our active and effective member committees: Government Relations, First Nations Steering, Regulatory Efficiency, Integrated Resource Plan, Solar and Battery, Construction and Transportation, and Capacity Resources Committees.
https://t.co/VS9GWMfIVh
#Generate2026 #CleanEnergyBC #Membership