THIS WEEK
Decarbonization has a new name, Trump country lights up, and why "mechanical trees" may just be a moonshot with a chance.
|
|
|
GENERATION ENERGY
Modernize is the new decarbonize
Three generations. That's the timeframe Jeremy Rifkin, a renowned economic theorist, says citizens of the world have to modernize our energy and economic systems, collectively shifting from a heavy dependency on fossil fuels to reliance on renewable energy sources.
And Canada has an essential role to play in that transition, Rifkin told participants at Generation Energy last week. The Winnipeg conference drew 600 participants—including Indigenous and civil society leaders, average Canadians, and experts in energy, economics, technology and policy—to explore the opportunities and challenges inherent in Canada's transition to clean energy.
Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources and host of the conference, underscored why Canada's energy transition can be a challenging topic of conversation, let alone policy: "The tension between the political moment and generational decision requires bold leadership." Yet, the conversation continues. And as it does, our Merran Smith and Dan Woynillowicz outline two huge energy trends that Canada's leaders, industries and citizens can't afford to ignore.
|
|
While Trump spins, China wins
China is pulling way ahead in the clean energy race, even as the Trump administration looks to eliminate many of the policies that have spurred American progress on clean energy & innovation in recent years. This chart shows just how big the gap is getting.
|
|
While we're on the topic...
...remember what happened with Trump's efforts to repeal Obamacare? It may be a preview of what's ahead as the GOP moves to unravel the Clean Power Plan. Vox outlines four parallels between those battles, and just what's at stake this time around.
|
|
Sunny ways in Trump country
Despite all the muckraking in Washington, Reuters is reporting that, from spring 2016-2017, all but two of the fastest-growing U.S. markets for solar power were in states that voted for Trump. And as the cost of solar drops, investment appears primed to grow.
|
|
People power
Indigenous communities in Canada are generating money, jobs and clean electricity through local energy projects, researcher Chris Henderson says. "By using natural renewable resources on traditional territory... it's beginning to walk the talk of reconciliation."
|
|
Rebels with a cause
Mechanical trees "on steroids"—that's one way to think of direct-air capture, which aims to suck CO2 out of the air and turn it to stone. Three "rebellious" companies, including Canada's Carbon Engineering, are working hard to bring this moonshot to earth.
|
|
"More than overwhelming"
That's how much interest Manitoba Hydro's solar incentive program is generating, with applications seven times above expected. And interest may keep rising once it sinks in that Ottawa really can impose a carbon price, if no made-in-Manitoba approach materializes.
|
|
Next up on the litigation circuit: automakers?
Should companies be liable for the "tastes" of their customers? What about when those companies make vehicles that burn fossil fuels, and lobby against policies that would shift consumer tastes toward more climate-friendly models? It's worth considering.
|
|
The shadow utility adapts for America
A German company known for residential energy storage is shaking up Arizona's approach to efficient housing development, partnering with Mandalay Homes to build 2900 homes that will act as a virtual power plant. They'll figure out the utility contract later.
|
|
Making Canadian communities EV-ready
As drivers across Canada ditch the pump for the plug—and as companies like Shell prepare for "the day when demand for oil starts to fade" by buying EV charging providers—many regions still have work to do to make EVs seem as practical as gas-powered cars.
|
|
|
|
Wonder what it's like to be in charge of a wind farm? Go out on the job with Kyla Bakke, a wind turbine technician working in Alberta with BluEarth Renewables.
|
|
Clean Energy Review is sponsored in part by Genus Capital Management, a leading provider of fossil-fuel-free investments.
|
|
|
FRONT BURNER
Join the Great Climate Race
October 28-29 | Everywhere
The Great Climate Race is a global walking and running event that enables participants to crowdfund for local renewable energy projects. Its a fun way to do something meaningful in your own community. Register here.
November 26-29, 2017 | Vancouver
Clean Energy BC: Generate 2017
Featuring plenary sessions, exhibitions, short courses, field trips and networking opportunities, Generate 2017 is a forum for discussion and engagement between B.C.'s diverse community of Independent Power Producers, First Nations and government representatives, utilities, consultants, contractors and suppliers. Learn more.
November 22-23, 2017 | Ottawa
Canada's Forum on Hydropower
Network with key industry stakeholders and learn the latest industry news and insight, including updates on major hydropower projects under development, partnerships with Indigenous communities and more. Register here.
|
|
IMAGE & MEDIA CREDITS
Feature photo: Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr, Rainer Baake, Fatih Birol and Jeremy Rifkin taking questions at Generation Energy on Oct. 11. Source: Natural Resources Canada via Twitter.
Solar installation graphic: Han Huang, Reuters Graphics.
Video: Kyla Bakke, Today's Energy Jobs, Clean Energy Canada.
Correction: Last week we mistakenly identified Cranbrook, B.C. as a former mining community and the site of a new solar installation. While the Ktunaxa Nation did recently put solar panels on its government building in Cranbrook, the mining town we were referring to is Sparwood, B.C., and you can read about its solar project here.
|
|
|
|
