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 17 years of experience in renewable energy, Chislett has been a driving force in Canada's transition to a clean energy future. As the Executive Vice President, Onshore Renewables at Northland Power Inc., she excelled at overseeing the global onshore business unit, including operations, delivery, and growth for onshore wind, solar, and storage technologies.
Chislett's career is marked by a series of pivotal roles that have shaped the renewable energy landscape. Before her time as VP, Onshore Renewables position 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 and GDF Suez Canada Inc. (Formerly International Power Canada), where she oversaw the development and construction of solar projects.
A true pioneer in the field, Chislett held the position of Vice President, Solar Group at SkyPower Corp., where she led the team that developed and built Canada's first fully operational solar farm, 'First Light', a nine-megawatt facility in Ontario. 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 developing the FIT policy framework and large renewable procurement programs in Canada.
Chislett's commitment to the industry extends beyond her professional roles. She is a current board member and past-chair of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) and is past-chair of the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA). 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.
