2025 CanREA Woman of Renewable Energy Award Winner
Michelle Chislett
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA — In an unprecedented moment for the renewable energy sector, Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) and the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) announced a tie for the 2025 Woman of Renewable Energy Award, recognizing two exceptional leaders for their significant contributions to the industry. The awards were presented to Michelle Chislett, an Energy Executive from Toronto, and Tanna Pirie Wilson of Tobique First Nation, at the Energy Transformation Canada conference in Toronto. This marks the first time in the award's history that two individuals have been celebrated simultaneously.
The spotlight on Michelle Chislett is particularly well-deserved. A seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in renewable energy, Chislett has been a driving force in Canada's transition to a clean energy future. Most recently, she served as the Executive Vice President, Onshore Renewables at Northland Power Inc., where she oversaw the global onshore renewables business unit, including operations, development, construction, and strategic growth for onshore wind, solar, and storage technologies. While with Northland, Chislett lead the team that delivered Canada’s first grid-scale battery energy storage system.
Chislett's career is marked by a series of pivotal roles that have shaped the renewable energy landscape. Before her time as Executive VP, Onshore Renewables at Northland Power, she was the Managing Director, Canada & US Development, where she led the company's expansion into the U.S. market. Her extensive experience also includes senior leadership roles at SunEdison, GDF Suez Canada Inc. (now Engie), and SkyPower Corp where she led the team that delivered Canada’s first utility-scale solar farm. This groundbreaking achievement showcased her technical acumen and strategic vision.
This is not the first time Chislett's leadership has been recognized by the industry. She previously received the inaugural WiRE & CanSIA Woman of Solar Power Award in 2015, highlighting her extraordinary contributions to the solar sector, which included her instrumental role in helping to shape the FIT policy framework and large renewable procurement programs in Canada.
Chislett's commitment to the industry extends beyond her professional roles. She has chaired the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA), and the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA), and played a key role in their merger to form CanREA. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Western University and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University.
The 2025 Woman of Renewable Energy Award recognizes not only Chislett's impressive career milestones but also her dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable energy sector for all.
