Beam on the Green: Focus on Renewable Energy

Background

The “Beam on the Green” series is a quarterly report highlighting key aspects of the green economy, including emerging jobs, sector trends, employer needs, and new businesses. Each issue focuses on a specific subsector within the green economy. The term “green economy” broadly refers to activities, actions, and initiatives designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints within a defined geographic area.

There have been renewed commitments from governments, organizations, residents, and various groups across the country to adopt processes and avenues to reduce carbon footprints generated by human activities. As the consequences of inaction become more evident through events caused by climate change, there is a clear shift in the perspectives of individuals and businesses toward a cleaner and greener environment. The three main levels of government are setting targets and creating enforcement mechanisms that reward parties contributing to these targets. For instance, the Government of Canada introduced Carbon Pollution Pricing in 2019 and is intensifying efforts to increase the costs for individual and industrial emitters. Local cities and municipalities are also increasing efforts to lower emissions by developing efficient transportation systems, encouraging smart recycling, and promoting efficient building practices. The “Beam on the Green” project aims to capture the activities surrounding the green economy in the London Economic Region, including emerging and evolving occupations, associated skills, and job opportunities.

The green economy is rapidly evolving but has been around for a while. The drive for a greener and cleaner environment has been inspired by various evident and recurring events, such as increased temperatures affecting regions across the country and forest fires in BC and Quebec. Organizations renewing their commitment to environmental sustainability have also been a strong factor. In this series, we divided the green economy into four identified areas where impact is most felt across the economy in terms of growth and continued investment. These four areas are only transitory as the green economy space is dynamic and continues to develop. These areas are Renewable Energy, Green Vehicle Manufacturing, Waste Management and Recycling, and Green Building and Construction. This report will focus on Renewable Energy, highlighting the opportunities and trends for the London Economic Region.

In simple terms, Renewable Energy refers to natural resources that are infinite in supply and can be regenerated. Natural Resources Canada defines Renewable Energy as energy derived from natural processes that are replenished at a rate that is equal to or faster than the rate at which they are consumed (Natural Resources Canada, 2024). These consist of moving water, biomass, wind, sunshine, and the earth.

The Footprint of Renewable Energy

Canada’s wind, solar, and energy storage sector grew by 11.2% in 2023, according to the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (Canadian Renewable Energy Association, 2024).

Canada is committed to achieving its net-zero emissions by 2050 through the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act and the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, aiming for a 40-45% reduction from 2005 levels by 2030. This effort requires innovation and engagement from all sectors of society, including businesses, to ensure a sustainable and competitive economy (Environment and Natural Resources Canada, 2024).

According to 2022 data from the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), over 50% of the energy generated in Ontario is from nuclear sources, while 24.5% is generated from water power and 12.5% from natural gas (Ontario Energy Board, N.D.).

This underscores the importance of these top three energy sources when energy generation and conservation are being considered. Furthermore, the OEB reported that in 2022-2023, there were 5.41 million energy customers for electricity, out of which 5.36 million were residential and small business customers. Natural gas customers were 3.85 million, with 3.83 million being residential and small business customers (Ontario Energy Board, 2022-23).

The London Economic Region consists of top power-generating companies that mostly operate across the province and are leading various initiatives and campaigns to ensure energy is efficiently generated, distributed, and used. Enbridge Gas, Entegrus, and Alectra are some of the major companies generating power for homes across southwestern Ontario. Apart from companies generating power, we have local companies involved in the value chain of power generation who are helping to propel the mission of a greener environment.

Apart from the electricity supply being currently fulfilled by local companies, there are renewed targets as a result of the ongoing electrification of vehicles, including bus fleets, and how the power grid can be improved. This will lead to expanded capacity and the need to utilize energy efficiently so that no energy produced is lost, either during distribution or with the consumer.

All major electricity and gas distributors in the London Economic Region are preparing to scale up their operations and invest in infrastructure that will address developing supply needs as a result of electrification. This may involve installing additional infrastructure, upgrading their distribution systems, participating in green initiatives, and helping end consumers conserve energy.

A user survey by one of the major distributors reveals that in 2021, 40% of their customers were seriously considering an electric vehicle purchase, and this proportion may have increased significantly since the survey was conducted (Chatham Daily News, 2022).

Emerging/Evolving Occupations in Renewable Energy

Occupations that will dominate the Renewable Energy sector will be mostly carved out of existing ones since these innovations improve the way processes are adopted and implemented. Certain occupations relating to power generation and transmission, like Electricians, Electrical Engineers, Power Plant Operators, Mechanical Engineers, and HVAC Professionals, among others, are undergoing major transformations to adapt to the new direction towards more sustainable energy generation and consumption. While there is a list of evolving occupations, new occupations are also emerging to cater to the innovations related to power generation. This may include but is not limited to Energy Engineers, Analysts, Technicians, and Operators.

According to the US Department of Labor’s database of occupational requirements and worker attributes, where Green New and Emerging Occupations were highlighted, certain sub-occupations in the renewable energy sector were also listed. They include:

• Biofuels Processing Technicians
• Biofuels Production Managers
• Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
• Biomass Plant Engineers
• Biomass Plant Technicians
• Biomass Power Plant Managers
• Carbon Capture and Sequestration Systems Installers
• Fuel Cell Engineers
• Fuel Cell Technicians
• Geothermal Production Managers
• Geothermal Technicians
• Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
• Hydroelectric Production Managers
• Methane Capturing System Engineers/Installers/Project Managers
• Methane/Landfill Gas Collection System Operators
• Methane/Landfill Gas Generation System Technicians
• Solar Energy Installation Managers
• Solar Energy Systems Engineers
• Solar Photovoltaic Installers
• Solar Power Plant Technicians
• Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors
• Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
• Solar Thermoelectric Plant/Concentrating Thermal Power (CSP) Plant Operators
• Wind Energy Engineers
• Wind Energy Operations Managers
• Wind Energy Project Managers
• Wind Turbine Service Technicians

1 O*NET is the United States’ primary source of occupational information – https://www.onetcenter.org/green/emerging

Job Opportunities

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) outlined several jobs in the renewable energy sector in its Renewable Energy and Jobs 2023 report. The report highlights the evolution of renewable energy employment between 2012 and 2022. It showed a significant increase in jobs in solar photovoltaic, bioenergy liquid (biofuels, solid biomass, and biogas), and hydropower, with each adding between 830,000 jobs and 3.5 million jobs over the 10 years, with solar photovoltaic recording the largest job additions (International Renewable Energy Agency and International Labour Organization, 2023).

Renewable Energy-related Jobs in Ontario (Retrieved from various job boards data search):

• Renewable Energy Technicians
• Renewable Energy Researcher
• Systems Performance Analyst
• Energy Transition Analyst
• Power Systems Studies Engineers
• Wind Turbine Technician
• Solar Project Coordinator
• Protection and Automation Panel Design Specialist
• Renewable Energy Engineering Specialist
• Drone Pilot
• Protection and Automation Panel Design Specialist

Specific jobs showing up in the London Economic Region for Renewable Energy include:

• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Technologist (NOC 22310)
• Line Locator/Field Tech (NOC 72302)
• Senior Project Manager – Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical (NOC 20010)
• Electrical Regulatory Specialist (NOC 21310)
• Supply Chain Analyst (NOC 21221)
• Quality Assurance Technician (NOC 22302)
• Solar and Renewables (Engineering) Specialist (NOC 21310)

Associated Skills & Training

Skills Highlight for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Technologist (NOC 22310):

• Skills: Technical proficiency in AMI systems, data analysis, network management, problem-solving, software proficiency, project management, customer service, regulatory compliance, fieldwork, and technical documentation.
• Educational Program: A diploma or degree in electrical engineering technology, computer science, information technology, or a related field. This program is offered by Fanshawe College in the form of a 2-year diploma study.

Skills Highlight for a Gas Technician (NOC 72302):

• Skills: Installation and maintenance of gas systems, troubleshooting and repair, adherence to safety regulations, reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings, customer service, proficiency with tools and equipment, regulatory compliance, quality control, and technical documentation.
• Educational Program: A diploma or certificate in gas technician training, typically from a technical school or community college, and relevant certification or licensing as required by provincial or territorial regulations. The Gas Technician program is available at Fanshawe College as a part-time program.

Skills Highlight for Engineering Managers in Renewable Energy (NOC 20010):

• Skills: Project management, leadership and team coordination, technical proficiency in renewable energy systems, strategic planning, budgeting and financial management, regulatory compliance, risk assessment, problem-solving, data analysis, stakeholder communication, and technical documentation.
• Educational Program: A bachelor’s degree in engineering (e.g., electrical, mechanical, or renewable energy engineering) is required, often supplemented by a master’s degree in engineering management or business administration (MBA), and professional engineering. Western University offers the Electrical Engineering undergraduate program with one of the focuses being on energy and power systems.

Skills Highlight for an Electrical Regulatory Specialist (NOC 21310):

• Skills: In-depth knowledge of electrical codes and standards, regulatory compliance, technical expertise in electrical systems, risk assessment and management, policy development and enforcement, auditing and inspection, report writing, data analysis, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving.
• Educational Program: A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field, often accompanied by professional certification or licensing as required by regulatory bodies. Continuous professional development to stay updated with changes in electrical regulations and standards is also essential. Western University offers an Electrical Engineering undergraduate program that caters to this occupational need.

Skills Highlight for a Supply Chain Analyst in Renewable Energy (NOC 21221):

• Skills: Supply chain management, data analysis, demand forecasting, logistics and inventory management, procurement, risk assessment, cost optimization, project management, proficiency in supply chain software, stakeholder communication, and regulatory compliance.
• Educational Program: A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field. Additional certifications in supply chain management (e.g., CSCP, CPIM) and specialized training in renewable energy supply chains are advantageous. Fanshawe College offers a 2-year diploma program in Supply Chain and Operations with the option to transfer and complete a degree program at affiliated universities.

Skills Highlight for a Quality Assurance Technician (NOC 22302):

• Skills: Quality control and assurance, inspection and testing, data analysis, proficiency with measurement and testing equipment, knowledge of industry standards and regulations, attention to detail, problem-solving, technical documentation, process improvement, and communication skills.
• Educational Program: A diploma or degree in quality assurance, engineering technology, or a related field. Certifications such as Certified Quality Technician (CQT) or Six Sigma are also beneficial. Fanshawe College offers programs related to this occupation, including Electrical Engineering Technician, Electromechanical Engineering Technician, and a Certificate program in Quality Assurance. Western University offers programs in Electrical Engineering, Integrated Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

Skills Highlight for a Solar and Renewables (Engineering) Specialist (NOC 21310):

• Skills: Proficiency in solar and renewable energy systems, project management, technical design and implementation, data analysis, regulatory compliance, problem-solving, risk assessment, stakeholder communication, financial analysis for renewable projects, and sustainable energy practices.
• Educational Program: A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, renewable energy engineering, or a related field. Professional certifications in renewable energy technologies (e.g., NABCEP certification for solar professionals) and continuous professional development in the latest renewable energy advancements are advantageous. Fanshawe College offers the Renewable Energies Technician Diploma program.

Local Renewable Energy Employers

The Renewable Energy sector in the London Economic Region is robust and growing, with a diverse array of companies dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions. These employers are at the forefront of innovation, contributing to the development and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure. They offer a wide range of opportunities for professionals in engineering, project management, technical services, and more.

The following companies are key players in this sector:

• EPCOR Utilities
• ERTH Power Corporation
• Arcon Electric Ltd.
• Hydro One
• Entegrus
• London Hydro
• AECOM
• Westhill Innovation
• Terrawatt Solar
• Solcan
• Enwave
• Enbridge Gas

The rising energy demand will likely increase in the foreseeable future if the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is smooth. Langs Bus Lines, a prominent transportation provider in the London region, is receiving a substantial boost in the form of $44 million in federal funding. This funding is aimed at helping the company electrify half of its school bus fleet by 2026, marking a significant milestone as the first initiative of this scale in the region. The company, which serves schools in London, Sarnia, Strathroy, Chatham-Kent, and Woodstock, will replace approximately 200 full-sized diesel buses with electric ones. The financial support includes a $22-million grant from Ottawa’s Zero Emission Transit Fund, alongside an additional $22 million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Langs Bus Lines will also contribute around $23 million of its own funds to cover the upfront costs of purchasing the new vehicles and installing the necessary infrastructure to recharge their batteries. This upgrade will not only improve the quality of transportation but will also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability by reducing the company’s carbon footprint by about 4,200 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year—equivalent to the energy consumption of 550 homes. This substantial investment and shift towards electric buses will undeniably contribute to a heightened demand for electricity, required to power the newly acquired electric fleet. As such, it highlights the growing need to expand and adapt the power grid to support such sustainable initiatives and the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles (The London Free Press, 2024).

The Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) and the federal government have announced a joint investment in the London Transit Commission (LTC). The total investment of $400,000 is directed towards the Canadian Urban Transit Zero Emission Bus Joint Procurement Initiative, a pioneering venture involving London and Burlington transit systems. The initial procurement will involve 10 electric buses for London, along with the required charging infrastructure. The request for proposals (RFP) is currently being developed, with an anticipated release in the fall and awards expected by early 2024. Specific details regarding when the buses will begin operating and their dedicated routes will be determined next year (CTV News London, 2023).

Commitment to Energy Sustainability and Power Grid Expansion, and Its Impact on the Local Workforce

The following are commitments made by a few organizations that are either producing and/or distributing renewable energy within the London region towards environmental sustainability amid the rising demand for electricity and the need to expand the power grid. The statements were mostly extracted from the organizations’ websites under their environmental sustainability pledges.

EPCOR

• Prepare the electricity grid to support customer choice as households adopt electric vehicles and self-generation of electricity.
• Enable the adoption of electric vehicles through the development of community charging stations.
• Offer customers convenient options to green their power supply.
• Enable the greening of the community’s natural gas supply by converting biogas from wastewater treatment into renewable natural gas and delivering it for community use.

ERTH POWER Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are electricity supply or demand resources that connect to the electricity grid. DERs can include solar installations, energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and other controllable loads in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. There are a few options available to connect to the electricity grid, including Net Metering, Load Displacement, and Backup Generation.

• Net Metering
  • Net Metering allows you to generate electricity for your own use through a renewable source such as wind, water, solar radiation, or agricultural biomass. The Net Metering program allows any excess electricity generated to the grid to accumulate credits towards your energy costs.
• Load Displacement
  • Load Displacement allows you to generate electricity to offset your business’ existing power demand. The total generation output must be less than the load consumption to ensure zero net power output into the utility grid. Any excess generation will not be credited to your business.
• Backup Generator
  • Another option is to install a backup generator to provide emergency backup power to your business. These generators are not to be operated in parallel with the utility grid and will only provide energy to your business when the local electricity grid is unavailable. The transition from the utility source to the backup generator can be an open transition (no parallel) or momentary closed transition (<100 ms parallel).

Hydro One Our Approach to Energy Transition: Hydro One’s close relationship with customers of all sizes provides us with deep, direct insight into the importance and potential of electricity to power everyday life. We are uniquely positioned to enable the energy transition in Ontario to strengthen the fabric of our society. The energy transition is expected to be driven by our customers – industrial, commercial, and residential – who are looking to lower their carbon footprint, reduce their costs, and adopt innovative technologies. We expect to see a significant increase in grid connections and electricity demand due to large-scale investments in the EV supply chain, growing decarbonization efforts, rapid expansion of housing, and customer investments in battery storage, EV charging, and new and evolving technologies.

Hydro One is investing in the expansion and optimization of the grid as our first step in enabling the energy transition. Our investments are intended to unlock decarbonization and economic growth and ensure that intergenerational benefits will flow to all Ontarians. The energy transition also requires a workforce with the right skill set. We already have a skilled internal workforce; however, we continue to prepare for the future by ensuring that we have a pipeline of skilled and diverse talent with the requisite training and tools. The scale of investments required to decarbonize the electricity supply is unprecedented and requires a conducive regulatory environment and partnerships, as well as deepening engagement with partners and stakeholders, including the IESO, OEB, and government-sponsored initiatives such as the Electrification and Energy Transition Panel. Together, we are working to realize the opportunities presented by the energy transition and enable Ontario’s clean energy future.

London Hydro

• Preparing for Electrification
  • We’re making sure that we understand the impact electric vehicles and other types of fuel switching (e.g., heat pumps) will have on our grid and surveying customers to understand the pace at which they plan to make these transitions. We are investing now in upgrades to our distribution system so that it is ready to reliably support the incremental impact of electric vehicle (EV) charging and other technology adoptions.
• EV Chargers
  • London Hydro has been a long-time supporter of the electrification of transportation. In 2017, London Hydro partnered with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the City of London, and FLO-AddEnergie Technologies to install three Level 2 dual EV charging stations in the downtown core of London. Through this partnership, London became one of five major Canadian cities to deploy street-side EV charging through NRCan’s Curbside EV Charging Pilot Program.
• Regeneration of Natural Resources
  • London Hydro has been actively involved in the Tree Power Program, in partnership with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, for over a decade. We subsidize the purchase of 600 trees for residents in April of each year. Over and above enhancing the aesthetics of our surroundings, trees planted on residential properties help to reduce energy use, improve air quality, and provide additional natural habitats within our city.

Conclusion

The renewable energy sector in the London Economic Region is evolving rapidly to meet the growing expectations for the expansion of the power grid. This evolution is driven by increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions and the adoption of new technologies, such as electric vehicles and decentralized energy resources. Local employers in the renewable energy sector, such as EPCOR Utilities, ERTH Power Corporation, Hydro One, and London Hydro, are spearheading innovative measures to enhance energy sustainability. These initiatives include developing community charging stations for electric vehicles, integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, and converting biogas into renewable natural gas.

The significant growth in job opportunities within the renewable energy sector, as outlined by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA), underscores the sector’s potential to create substantial employment. This growth is particularly evident in roles such as Renewable Energy Technicians, Systems Performance Analysts, Wind Turbine Technicians, and Solar Project Coordinators. Specific to the London Economic Region, there is a notable demand for positions like Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Technologists, Electrical Regulatory Specialists, and Solar and Renewables Engineering Specialists.

It is crucial to foster curiosity and interest within the regional workforce to embrace careers in renewable energy. As the sector continues to expand, having a skilled and motivated workforce will be essential to support the innovative measures being implemented by local employers. Ensuring that educational programs align with industry needs will help equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic and evolving field. By embracing renewable energy careers, the regional workforce can contribute to a sustainable future while benefiting from the growing job opportunities within the sector.

References

Canadian Renewable Energy Association. (2024, June 7). Retrieved from Renewablesassociation.ca.

Chatham Daily News. (2022, March 15). Entegrus preparing to meet future demand for electric vehicles. Chatham Kent, ON, Canada. Retrieved from Chatham Daily News.

CTV News London. (2023, July 25). Funding announced to electrify London, Ont.’s bus fleet. London, ON, Canada.

Environment and Natural Resources Canada. (2024, May 17). Net-zero emissions by 2050. Retrieved from Canada.ca.

International Renewable Energy Agency and International Labour Organization. (2023). Renewable Energy and Jobs, Annual Review 2023. Abu Dhabi: IRENA. Retrieved from IRENA.

Natural Resources Canada. (2024, June 24). About Renewable Energy in Canada. Retrieved from Natural Resources Canada.

Ontario Energy Board. (2022-23). Energy at a Glance. Toronto: Ontario Energy Board. Retrieved from OEB.

Ontario Energy Board. (N.D.). Ontario’s energy sector. Retrieved from OEB.ca.

The London Free Press. (2024). The wheels on the bus run on batteries, thanks to $44M electric-fleet plan. London: The London Free Press. Retrieved from The London Free Press.