Pointing to a “noticeable decline compared to previous years,” Cleantech Group CEO Richard Youngman recently wondered whether Canada’s cleantech innovation pipeline has begun to lose momentum.
“If so,” he said, “understanding the reasons behind this trend is critical.”
Tyler Hamilton, senior director of climate at MaRS, posited this month that Canada’s diminished showing on the world’s clean energy stage “highlights the need for ongoing investment and support to maintain our competitive edge in this critical area.”
As experts ponder this complex and important topic, we’re keeping things on a positive note. Below, we shine a spotlight on some of the Canadian firms—from all over our nation’s map—who are already making a splash in the clean energy space in 2025.
Peloton Picks Up the Pace
Renewable energies such as wind and solar demand sizeable chunks of a precious and finite resource—usable land. Solar farms need about six acres of land per megawatt of energy production, while wind farms require 30 acres per MW.
And alternative energy farms are often complicated undertakings. Major entities might be dealing with tens (or hundreds) of thousands of land agreements that span millions of acres of lands and myriad documents.
Responding to these issues, Calgary’s Peloton this month announced an expansion into the alternative energy sector. The provider of energy software solutions, established in the early 90’s, says its latest initiative “addresses the complexities of land agreement management for solar, wind, utilities, mining, geothermal, and carbon capture projects.”
Peloton’s new land data management products are branded LandView and Peloton Map, and work together to deliver a full solution.
Available on the Microsoft Azure-backed Peloton Platform, LandView and Peloton Map combine to equip stakeholders with insights to monitor operations, maintain regulatory compliance, and enhance efficiency, according to the Alberta tech firm.
Features include interactive maps with real-time data, automation across payments and more, and an open architecture that allows for connection to existing infrastructures.
Having a Moment in January
Vancouver-based Moment Energy this month closed a $21.6 million Series A funding round co-led by the Amazon Climate Pledge Fund and Voyager Ventures.
This investment positions the upstart to accelerate its mission of transforming retired electric vehicle batteries into sustainable battery energy storage systems. The Series A funding will support the construction of Moment’s gigafactory in the United States, the world’s first facility dedicated to repurposing EV batteries.
“This funding marks a pivotal milestone for Moment Energy, enabling us to further advance our operations and lead the charge in transforming retired EV batteries into valuable battery energy storage systems,” stated Edward Chiang, CEO of Moment Energy.
With the global battery energy storage market projected to surpass $150 billion by 2030, fuelled by rising EV adoption and renewable energy demand, Moment Energy believes it is positioned to meet growing need for sustainable energy solutions.
“By providing a new path for second-life batteries, we’re able to enhance grid stability, increase lithium security in North America, and support renewable energy integration,” Chiang said. “We serve as a catalyst for an exciting new circular economy that increases energy security as energy demand rises.”
The company partners with automakers to provide a sustainable, high-performing, and cost-effective alternative to traditional battery recycling. Moment’s second-life battery systems are up to 30% more affordable than first-life systems, aligning with automakers’ sustainability goals and reducing dependency on newly mined raw materials.
Solar Innovator Returns to Roots
Canadian Solar this month officially opened its new global headquarters in Kitchener, marking another milestone in its 23-year history.
Founded in 2001 by Dr. Shawn Qu in Guelph, Canadian Solar has grown from a startup into a global powerhouse with approximately 20,000 employees and operations in over 20 countries.
The new Kitchener office will serve as the company’s corporate headquarters and house several subsidiary businesses, including e-STORAGE and the module sales and services units.
“Our roots remain deeply embedded in Ontario, where our journey began,” remarked Dr. Qu, CEO of Canadian Solar. “This new headquarters is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation, as we continue to provide clean energy solutions to customers worldwide from right here in Ontario.”
Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic welcomed the company’s decision to establish its headquarters in the city, suggesting alignment with the region’s innovation ecosystem. Thomas Koerner, Corporate Senior Vice President of Canadian Solar, agrees.
“The opening of our global headquarters in Kitchener is a bold step forward in aligning the company’s vision with its roots,” Koerner stated. “It reinforces Canadian Solar’s leadership in the global energy transition.”
Edgecom Gains an Edge with Capital
Toronto-based Edgecom Energy recently announced the closing of “a significant investment.” The round was led by Toronto’s Greensky Ventures and included participation from ABB Electrification Ventures.
The strategic funding is earmarked to support Edgecom’s expansion into new energy markets and accelerate the growth of their artificially intelligent Energy CoPilot product.
Energy-intensive facilities face increasingly complex challenges, which Edgecom addresses by integrating its Energy Management Information System with grid programs to leverage Generative AI capabilities. The result is a streamlined, scalable energy management solution for commercial and industrial facilities, according to the firm.
Mehdi Parvizi, cofounder and CTO of Edgecom Energy, says Copilot is “evolving into a smarter, more intuitive engine that mimics human decision-making.”
“This innovation is paving the way for a ‘super energy manager’ capable of minimizing downtime, cutting energy consumption, and optimizing operations,” Parvizi remarked. “Building on this foundation, we are developing habit-forming technology through a tech-enabled platform seamlessly integrated with our services.”
Svante and Tenaska Understand Each Other
Burnaby’s Svante Technologies this month revealed a partnership with Tenaska, a major provider of CO2 transportation and storage services. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deliver affordable and integrated solutions for industrial carbon capture and storage.
Svante will contribute its solid sorbent-based carbon capture technology, which traps carbon dioxide emissions from industrial facilities. Meanwhile, Tenaska will handle the safe and permanent transportation and underground storage of the captured CO2.
“By combining our technology with Tenaska’s extensive experience in CO2 transportation and storage, we can offer end-to-end solutions that accelerate the transition to a net-zero future,” stated Matt Stevenson, who serves Svante as chief revenue officer.
“Together, we aim to provide industrial customers with the tools and confidence to achieve their decarbonization goals,” commented Tenaska’s vice president of development, Bret Estep.