Nergica brought together key players from the renewable energy sectors to discuss how to address the challenges associated with the energy transition and find ways to accelerate Canada’s decarbonization. Here is a summary of the topics discussed during the Transition Solutions Symposium on October 14. The Transition Solutions Symposium is a pan-Canadian event dedicated to the technological, social, and policy innovations needed to deploy renewable energy and accelerate the energy transition.

Main Inauguration Presentation

Peter Tertzakian, Deputy Director, ARC Energy Research Institute

Tonja Leach, Executive Director, QUEST

During the opening session, our moderator, Peter Tertzakian, and Tonja Leach discussed the topics they were looking forward to learning more about during the symposium. M^me Leach mentioned that she wanted to know where the opportunities lie for integrating the assets in which we have already invested. She noted that we need to build on what we have already put in place and continue our efforts in this area.

The potential role of individual and local organizations in the energy transition was also raised during the opening presentation. As the impacts of climate change become increasingly significant and tangible, communities are showing a growing interest in clean energy. “Communities have come to realize that they have the power to take action at the local level and make a difference,” said Tonja Leach. This growing interest and commitment from local organizations raises the question of our role as renewable energy professionals: how will our contribution evolve as these new players now take their place at the table?

Several other questions were asked during the opening session, and the stage was set for the rest of the day: we must look to the future in order to implement practical solutions that will facilitate the deployment of renewable energy sources that benefit society as a whole.

Panel 1—Decentralized Production and the Rise of the “Consumactor”: A Downward Spiral or a Virtuous Cycle?

Sarah Simmons, Director (Production and Emerging Sectors), Power Advisory LLC

Robert Sinclair, President, EnerStrat Canada Inc.

Jennifer Hiscock, Deputy Director—Smart Grids and Renewable Energy, Office of Energy Research and Development, Natural Resources Canada

Tonja’s remarks served as a great introduction to the first panel on prosumers and how they are changing the status quo. Sarah Simmons kicked off the panel by defining what we mean by “prosumers”: electricity consumers who also generate electricity. She added that it’s also important to consider why consumers are willing to become prosumers—whether to offset electricity costs, to contribute to renewable energy production, or for reliability reasons.

The panelists agreed that the growing number of private producers brings with it fantastic opportunities, but also challenges. We must encourage this strong enthusiasm and interest in self-generation of electricity, given its long-term benefits, but this situation also means that grid operators and other organizations must reevaluate their practices, technologies, and policies to better serve this new type of customer. These customers are also suppliers, and that is what makes this two-way exchange between prosumers and grid operators—based on net metering—so unique and, at times, so complex to manage. Leaders in clean energy must therefore redefine how electricity is generated and distributed to create a system that benefits everyone! Whether through policies, technologies, or a shift in mindset, many aspects of the energy market must adapt to this new reality to seize the opportunities it presents.

Panel 2 – Green Light for Green Hydrogen: Are We (Really) Ready Yet?

David Layzell, Energy Systems Architect, The Transition Accelerator; Professor, University of Calgary

The smallest of all molecules—one that is beginning to play a major role in the renewable energy sector—was the focus of the second panel discussion: hydrogen.

Hydrogen—and its various “colors”—has sparked passionate debates over the years and is once again taking center stage. Will green hydrogen finally find its place in the market? Although there are many ways to produce hydrogen, using 100% renewable electricity to produce hydrogen molecules (H₂) from water molecules (H₂O) is currently the only established way to generate hydrogen without producing emissions. This “green hydrogen” accounts for a small portion of total global hydrogen production. Other common methods of H₂ These are water-splitting processes that rely on non-renewable electricity, steam methane reforming, and coal gasification, which inevitably result in GHG emissions. H₂ produced using these processes is called “blue hydrogen,” “gray hydrogen,” or “brown hydrogen.”

Against a backdrop of growing interest in H₂ As hydrogen’s use as an energy source is advancing by leaps and bounds both internationally and in Canada, David Layzell explains that the hydrogen supply and value chains₂ still need to be defined for economies focused on economic value. Now that we understand the science behind the process, we need to focus on the logistics and applications so that green hydrogen can take its place in the long-term energy mix. Professor Layzell mentioned that exciting projects are underway in Canada, particularly for trucks.

Panel 3 – Green Light for Green Hydrogen: Are We (Really) Ready Yet?

Marcel Boyer, Ph.D., O.C., C.Q., FRSC, Professor Emeritus, Department of Economics, Université de Montréal

Philip Duguay, Executive Director, Canada Grid, The Transition Accelerator

Scott Thon, President and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway Energy Canada / AltaLink

Electricity in Canada is a provincial issue. Yet electricity is of national—and even international—importance. With this in mind, one might ask whether electricity trade could help ensure that renewable energy is harnessed on a large scale.

Philip Duguay recommended setting aside existing provincial approaches for the greater good. Currently, several provinces are competing with one another in the market, whereas Canadian provinces—particularly Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador—could join forces and share the tools they have in common to exert greater influence on the U.S. market. During the panel discussion, it was noted that such pan-Canadian trade agreements—or even agreements between the United States and Canada—would require us to redefine our vision of energy. This transformation could involve the participation of different jurisdictions in interregional planning, larger-scale modeling, and transparency on the part of various stakeholders. In addition to economic and political issues, the grid’s technical readiness is also a factor to consider, as Scott Thon pointed out.

Panel 4 – Producing more is not the solution to all problems

Ralph Torrie, Director of Research, Corporate Knights

Pierre-Olivier Pineau, Professor, HEC Montréal

Peter Tertzakian didn’t mince words when he kicked off the final panel by asking the following question: “Are we wasting Canadian electricity because it’s too affordable? ” To which Pierre-Olivier Pineau of HEC Montréal replied in the affirmative, with conviction.

He went on to point out that Canadians are the world’s largest per-capita energy consumers. As highlighted by The discussion between Nergica and Johanne WithmoreAccording to another researcher at HEC Montréal, reducing consumption is a crucial element of the energy transition. Thus, more environmentally friendly electricity generation should be accompanied by a reduction in our electricity use and a change in our habits. Raph Torrie argued that while rate increases can be an effective way to create a certain level of psychological receptiveness, it is unrealistic to expect people to radically change their habits solely because of prices. Consequently, focusing on rates may prevent us from taking advantage of other opportunities. For example, he noted that, in addition to rate increases, energy efficiency and policy measures are tools that could help us achieve our carbon-neutrality goals.

The Transition Solutions Symposium served as a starting point for important dialogues among clean energy experts in Canada. Following a day filled with constructive discussions during networking sessions and the sharing of valuable insights by panelists, we hope that meaningful and open dialogues will continue within the clean energy sector and among stakeholders.

A big thank you to our guest experts, the audience, and our sponsors, EDF Renewables and CanREA.

A replay of this symposium will be available soon; stay tuned! And the Transition Solutions Symposium will be back in 2022!

We look forward to seeing you in Ottawa this coming November. More panels and leaders in Canada’s energy transition await you.

 

Other publications related to the Transition Solutions Symposium, from the "Meeting the Experts" series:

Johanne Whitmore, Principal Researcher at the Chair in Energy Sector Management at HEC Montréal

Dr Michael Ross, Chair of the Industrial Research Council’s Northern Energy Innovation Unit at Yukon University

Dr. Amy Hsiao, associate professor in the Department of Sustainable Design Engineering at UPEI and a member of the WEICan Board of Directors

Brandy Giannetta, Vice President of Public Policy, Government Affairs, and Regulatory Affairs at CanREA