EFC Atlantic Region’s First Environment and Sustainability Panel Highlights Transition Towards Electrification and Clean Energy Initiatives
Nearly 40 EFC members attended our first Atlantic Region Environment and Sustainability panel event in Dartmouth, NS on October 9th.
The panelists shared their thoughts on the transition towards electrification, clean energy initiatives, and grid decarbonization and how this will present opportunities to EFC members to contribute to Canada’s net-zero commitment.
Opening the event was EFC President and CEO Carol McGlogan who presented an overview of a report prepared for EFC by the Pembina Institute entitled, ‘Decarbonizing Canada via Electrification.’ The report delves into decarbonization trends and policy opportunities in three sectors including electricity, transportation, and buildings. These three areas represent 45 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, with transportation being the largest emitter of GHG emissions.
Carol stressed the importance of our industry being at the center of unprecedented change and global challenge.
Following a break for lunch, Mark MacDonald, Catalyst Sales & Marketing, gave a presentation on the business opportunities related to electric vehicles and electrification in general. Mark highlighted market drivers, electric vehicle supply equipment, and opportunities around bi-directional charging and microgrid.
Turning to a regional focus, Temi Udo-Affia, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, spoke to regulatory reform, programs, and policies to achieve clean power plan targets in Nova Scotia as she outlined the 2030 Clean Power Plan.
Following the presentations, moderator Dale Nicholson, Rexel Atlantic, led the panel discussion around topics such as grid readiness and decarbonization targets, challenges around building EV infrastructure, and what the electrical industry as a whole can do to help utilities reach its goals.
A Q&A session followed the panel discussion.
Attendees also received a 4Ocean bracelet. 4Ocean is a global movement committed to removing plastic and trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines. Each handcrafted bracelet is made from 5 pounds of ocean trash and funds ocean cleanup initiatives.
“Achieving a net-zero grid will require both physical electric infrastructure upgrades and the mass deployment of electrical devices”
View the full photo gallery here.
Thank you to presenting sponsor, Rexel Atlantic for their support of this panel event.
Thank you to lunch sponsor, Electric Avenue for their support of this panel event.
