Canada has set a target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. One of the paths to reach this target is through the accelerated adoption of renewable energy technologies. This requires citizen engagement and participation. RECs represent an opportunity for citizens to engage and participate in a local and democratic form of renewable energy production. For RECs to make a meaningful contribution to Canada's net-zero objective, however, they need to find a way to scale their activities and deepen their influence with citizens, policymakers, and each other.
Drawing on findings from a recent census of Canada's renewable energy co-operative (REC) sector, this discussion series will explore how RECs can make a more meaningful, and timely, contribution to Canada's efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Past Talks
Scaling Renewable Energy Co-operatives: Lessons from a Successful Multi-Stakeholder Network in the Solar Energy Industry
This presentation will focus on a multi-stakeholder network of renewable energy co-operatives in the Colorado solar energy industry and the lessons it offers for scaling renewable energy co-operatives. The network, consisting of five cooperative entities, has successfully promoted co-operative development and access to capital through stakeholder collaboration and innovative business models. The presentation will highlight the importance of strategic partnerships, stakeholder collaboration, and creative business models in scaling renewable energy co-operative enterprises. Attendees will gain insights into how renewable energy co-operatives can leverage the power of collaboration and networking to overcome challenges to scaling, such as capital access and regulatory barriers. As the renewable energy sector continues to grow globally, the presentation will provide valuable lessons for co-operatives in this industry in Canada and beyond.
About our speaker
Since its founding in 2011, Stephen K. Irvin has led Amicus Solar Cooperative as president and CEO. Amicus is the first purchasing cooperative in the North American solar energy industry, jointly owned and democratically managed by its members of solar energy development, EPC, and installation companies. Stephen also co-founded the Amicus O&M Cooperative and previously was the CFO for Namaste Solar.
Event Information
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Saskatchewan time or Central Standard Time)
File: Download Event Poster
Lessons from Europe: The Role of Renewable Energy Co-operative Federations featuring Dirk Vansintjan
Renewable Energy Co-operatives (REC) in Canada have created opportunities to reduce carbon emissions while enhancing community connectedness and local economic development. However, RECs also face formidable barriers, including capacity issues and volunteer burnout. One potential path forward to addressing those capacity issues is having RECs come together to form a second-tier organization, often referred to as a league or federation, owned by RECs to create shared services amongst the sector. While there is currently no league representing RECs in Canada, we can look to Europe to better understand the role and potential of leagues. In this talk, Dirk Vansintjan, President of REScoop – the European federation of citizen energy cooperatives, will share the historical and current context of RECs in Europe and how REScoop was formed, and the roles REScoop play for local RECs.
About our speaker
Dirk Vansintjan is regarded as a legend in the community energy movement in Europe. He co-founded multiple community energy cooperatives, including Ecopower (1991), the Organisatie voor Duurzame Energie Vlaanderen, ODE-Vlaanderen, (in 1996), and REScoop.be (2010-2020). Dirk has been the President of the RESCoop.eu since its inception in 2013.
Event Information
Date: Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Saskatchewan time or Central Standard Time)
File: Download Event Poster
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canada’s Renewable Energy Co-operatives featuring Derya Tarhan
Recent studies from Europe and Canada have shown that membership bodies of renewable energy co-operatives (RECs) predominantly consist of affluent white men. This demographic concentration points at a disconnect between REC activity and its often-assumed potential in simultaneously advancing decarbonisation and social justice. This presentation will build on interviews with leading members RECs in Ontario to identify factors driving the exclusion of marginalised and frontline communities from REC initiatives. Findings reveal that a combination of inadequate policy support and complex preparatory activities in Ontario geared the pursuit of REC development towards affluent, professional class groups with access to necessary practical capacities. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of paths forward for Canada’s REC sector and the broader co-operative movement to act on the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
About our speaker
Derya Tarhan is an Assistant Professor in the Teaching Stream at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University Toronto, and a postdoctoral research fellow at Royal Roads University. His work focuses on the theory, practice, and intersections of social and solidarity economy (SSE), community development, and socio-environmental change. He also has been involved in the forming of a renewable energy co-operative in Ontario and serves as a board member of the Canadian Association for Studies in Co-operation.
Event Information
Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Saskatchewan time or Central Standard Time)
File: Download Event Poster
Co-operative energy in Canada: Revolutionising the energy transition? featuring Julie MacArthur
Canadian energy systems are undergoing significant, albeit uneven and contested, restructuring away from fossil fuel reliance and toward energy efficiency and renewables. Policy changes to spur transition have largely focused on expanding low-carbon sources of electricity and far less on the role of ownership and participation. This gap is concerning because community participation is crucial to effective energy system transformation by enhancing trust, legitimacy, and community development. Canadian renewable energy co-operatives are already active participants in energy production, distribution, retail and educational services and form part of the broader "community energy" sector. This presentation will discuss the distinctiveness, scope, and potential role of these renewable energy co-operatives in building the social and physical infrastructures needed for radical change. It will draw insights from international examples and explore some of the complexities associated with their impact and development relevant to the Canadian context.
About our speaker
Dr. Julie MacArthur is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Reimagining Capitalism at Royal Roads University. She is the author of Empowering Electricity: Co-operatives, Sustainability and Power Sector Reform in Canada (UBC 2016), co-editor of Environmental Politics and Policy in Aotearoa New Zealand (with Maria Bargh, 2022) and author of numerous articles and book chapters on energy democracy, inclusive low carbon transitions, participatory environmental governance, and comparative energy policy. She is recent past-Chair of the international WISER (Women and Inclusivity in Sustainable Energy Research) Network.
Event Information
Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Saskatchewan time or Central Standard Time)
File: Download Event Poster