THIS WEEK

A look at some new renewable projects across Canada, electric buses cannot be stopped (figuratively, don't worry), and the world's first hydrogen fuel cell passenger train.

CANADIAN POLITICS

Is the carbon pricing debate about to shift?

According to the National Post's John Ivison, the raging debate around carbon pricing could be in for a monumental shift. The reason is twofold: one, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has indicated he may use the federal carbon tax to give money directly back to Canadian households rather than provincial governments; and two, a new report says doing so would leave most Canadians better off than doing nothing.

The report, released by Canadians for Clean Prosperity—which interestingly is led by Mark Cameron, Stephen Harper's ex-policy director—says most households would get more money through rebates than they would pay toward a carbon price, regardless of their income.

This could leave Conservatives playing defence in a debate in which they've been persistently offensive. The opposition party has said it takes Canada's climate targets seriously while criticizing carbon pricing—which is not only the cheapest way to get there according to most economists, but now potentially profitable for most Canadians. Here's the report (which was released early thanks to the buzz garnered from Ivison's column) and a sneak peek below.

Alberta 2020

Banking on the future

Dutch bank ING will begin assessing its $600-billion lending portfolio through a climate impact lens. ING is the first major bank to introduce a policy that presses clients to do business in a manner that's in line with the Paris agreement.

A renewable Canada

From coast to coast, new renewable projects are pushing forward in Canada. In Nova Scotia, a new tidal power project just received $30 million from the federal government. Saskatchewan just approved a 56-turbine wind farm. And Nunavut is eyeing two new turbines of its own.

A 'fundamentally undervalued' solution

Energy efficiency is undervalued, says a new report: "By examining individual energy-consuming technologies, rather than the whole buildings, vehicles and factories which they power, the industry is significantly underestimating the resource." Clean Energy Canada released a report earlier this year that called energy efficiency Canada's unsung hero.

Slow and steady doesn't always win the race

So concludes a new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies: "There is no reason to think that energy is immune from the disruptive forces that have transformed so many industries. History shows us that when change comes, it can be swift and dramatic."

The electric bus boom keeps booming

It isn't just Tesla making a name for itself in electrified transportation—and it isn't just personal cars. Last week, American electric bus maker Proterra wrapped up a $155-million round co-led by Daimler. Canada, meanwhile, is home to a few electric bus makers of its own: Lion Bus in Quebec, New Flyer in Toronto, and GreenPower Bus in Vancouver.

The world's first hydrogen fuel cell passenger train

The world's first hydrogen fuel cell passenger train has opened Germany—what's more, it's using Canadian technology from Hydrogenics. Speaking of Hydrogenics, the Toronto area company will also supply an energy storage solution for a wind-to-hydrogen project in Norway.

And speaking of hydrogen fuel cells

Canada's other major hydrogen company, Vancouver-based Ballard, just inked a $163-million investment from Chinese conglomerate Weichai Power. Here's a deeper dive into the benefits and (surmountable) challenges of hydrogen.

Oil companies continue shifting gears

The trend of global oil companies transitioning to clean energy continues. ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Occidental Petroleum are joining a group of oil and gas producers looking to combat climate change. Meanwhile, oil major Total just acquired an EV charging startup.

Making transit even greener

Vancouver area transit authority TransLink is looking to cut its carbon pollution by 80% and relying solely on renewables by 2050. “It really aligns with the path that we were already on,” Sarah Buckle, TransLink’s director of enterprise risk and sustainability, told the Vancouver Sun.

Clean Energy Review is sponsored in part by Genus Capital Management, a leading provider of fossil-fuel-free investments.

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IMAGE & MEDIA CREDITS

Chart: Canadians for Clean Prosperity

Clean Energy Review is a weekly digest of climate and clean energy news and insight from across Canada and around the world—plus a peek over the horizon.

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