Peter Forint

Reading reactions to yesterday’s release of the Clean Electricity Regulations, there are many different appraisals across stakeholders. What is clear, however, is that there is both significant movement to ‘electrify everything’ and critical need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Decisions taken today have broad - and long-lasting - economic, environmental, and social consequences. We need to work hard – including informed and inclusive analyses – to try to get them right. I look forward to continued conversations and collaborations around these important issues. https://lnkd.in/ghCnRpcQ

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Congratulations to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and her Government for helping to advance energy sector innovation and sustainability. The Government of Alberta's Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) Fund, through Alberta Innovates and Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), is investing a combined $57 million into 28 hydrogen power projects. Alberta Innovates is investing $22.5 million for 20 early-stage projects through its Hydrogen Centre of Excellence in partnership with Natural Resources Canada. ERA is using funding from Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction program to commit $34.5 million for eight late-stage projects through its Accelerating Hydrogen Challenge. The funded projects include some tech-focused initiatives, and all cover one or more areas of the hydrogen economy, including hydrogen production, storage, transmission, distribution, and usage. My recent coauthored scientific article in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy provides a detailed description of the role of hydrogen and empirical evidence for hydrogen being a critical part of the energy transition to low carbon: https://lnkd.in/gp9t_wbp. Here’s a media interview I did on the research: https://lnkd.in/gC78eYV Here’s my documentary film WITHOUT LEAVING ANYONE BEHIND: HUMANITY AT AN ENERGY CROSSROADS website and trailer: https://lnkd.in/gTSA-325. Here’s the Government of Alberta funding announcement: https://lnkd.in/giyUr4wE Danielle Smith Sylvester Ndumbi Michelle Baron

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A new report from Energy Futures examines what is required for B.C. to achieve its mandated ZEV sales target of 90% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. The report finds there are significant public charging infrastructure and electricity generation gaps that need to be closed if the government's targets are to be achieved. B.C. is planning on building 10,000 public chargers by 2030, 30,000 less than what is required to support an increasingly electrified fleet. Powering this infrastructure depends on an additional 2,700 GWh of electricity generation capacity. Automakers are committed to helping the provincial government move to a lower carbon economy and increase the number of ZEVs on B.C.'s roads. There are now over 80 ZEV models available in every size and vehicle segment with an additional 40 models expected this year. But achieving these ambitious sales targets depends on stronger consumer support in the form of consumer financial and non-financial incentives, charging infrastructure, grid investments, and education. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ehzCSm3z

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Boomers/ Gen X BEWARE the woke academic, sheltered within the safe lefty elitist institutional confines of academia prognosticating on social policy and, more importantly, pickpocketing your heavily taxed and laboured savings. Yet again, Kershaw pontificates about the trials and tribulations of Gentitled (that would be Millenials and Gen Z); the most heavily tax subsidized and parent sheltered generation in history. Kershaw continues his crusade to have Gentitled further subsidized (by you) in adulthood under the auspices of high housing costs. That the relatively well-travelled, live for today/ save tomorrow, take a year off Gentitled should be rewarded by those that came up with little, lightly subsidized, and worked and saved as a matter of priority should receive further wealth transfer as a matter of extortive policy is ludicrous and patently unfair. My first home was expensive and highly levered in an interest rate environment comparable to today - many of you will recall even higher rate environs. This ranting discourse by Kershaw and his ilk is nonsense. Reap what you sow, work hard, save, prioritize, stop the extortive jealous mentality and get this country back on track towards productivity, innovation and wealth creation. Kershaw and his kind makes us all weak.

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Are you still questioning the value of ccASHPs in the Southern Ontario context? No action can decarbonize a home faster than swapping out a central AC for a Cold-Climate Air Source Heat Pump. Check out this report from the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). 60-100% carbon emissions reduction in one day, at an incremental cost of ~$2000 over a new entry-level AC that will (in almost all cases) be paid back in utility savings over the equipment's lifetime. And all homeowners in the study report better home comfort than before. This is a total no-brainer. "This study demonstrated substantial benefits for installing air-source heat pumps in conjunction with existing furnaces for heating in Peel Region, Ontario, during Winter 2023/2024. Homeowners experienced significant reductions in whole home gas consumption, ranging from 62% to 91%, and typically saw their furnace gas usage decrease on the scale of 80%. Most homes achieved near break-even utility bills at current rates compared to their previous consumption. Homeowners reported high satisfaction levels, noting comfortable indoor temperatures, quieter operation than previous air conditioning units, and overall utility savings. They unanimously recommended CCASHPs to others and expressed that they would have switched earlier had they known about the technology and its benefits. Operational lessons highlighted the importance of strategies to mitigate unwanted furnace operation and optimize CCASHP use in cold temperatures. The HER+ Program significantly reduced upfront costs for the CCASHP installations. Despite it’s phase-out in early 2024, the financial case for CCASHP vs. A/C units is still compelling given the recently announced HER Program and the Canada Greener Homes Loan. CCASHPs not only mitigate the risk of future gas rate increases but also offer potential long-term utility savings and enhanced features compared to basic air conditioning units, such as quieter operation, improved cooling efficiency, and better temperature control. The positive experiences and benefits documented in this study makes a strong case case for replacing traditional air conditioning units with CCASHPs." #heatingandcooling #heatpumps #decarbonization #ontario https://lnkd.in/gNF7947g

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Recent regulatory changes are reshaping the landscape for renewable energy projects. From buffer zones and an 'agriculture first' approach to new costs and participation rights, the rules are creating new challenges and opportunities. At BD&P, we're at the forefront of these developments, providing expert advice to energy entrepreneurs and corporations navigating this complex regulatory environment. Learn more about how BD&P can help your business thrive amidst Alberta's evolving energy regulations. #EnergySector #RenewableEnergy #Cleantech #RegulatoryUpdates #Alberta https://lnkd.in/gMYvv-Tg

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The Government of Canada recently presented “Powering Canada’s Future: A Clean Electricity Strategy”.   I began to read that strategy in an effort to understand how it can be used to guide our next energy initiatives. As I read the strategy, the following messages caused me to stop reading:   ·       “Over the next five years, Canada’s clean energy gross domestic product is projected to reach $107 billion – driven by some $58 billion in annual investments by 2030, and more than 600,000 jobs.”   ·       “A recent analysis of energy affordability – conducted on behalf of the Canada Electricity Advisory Council – confirms the potential savings. It found that Canadians would stand to reduce their total energy related costs by as much as $15 billion through the shift to a net-zero future.” I’m interested to know Ontario energy leaders’ thoughts about these messages. I’m particularly interested to know leaders of Ontario’s SME energy businesses thoughts. Do the messages align with your thoughts? What energy initiatives will you take to help Canada achieve the results presented in these messages? https://lnkd.in/gkXDaa9j #Canadianenergy #Ontarioenergy #energy #environment #transition

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We need to get back to costed realistic and pragmatic policies.

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Earlier this month, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) released proposed changes to the Energy Efficiency Regulations for Cooking Products to align with U.S. standards. While some of the changes would be positive: 1) Electric smooth element cooktops (resistance and induction) would have a maximum Integrated Annual Energy Consumption (IAEC) of 207 kWh/year (currently 258 kWh/year) 2) Gas cooktops would have a maximum IAEC of 519 kWh/year or 1770 kBtu/year (no efficiency standard currently) 3) Oven control systems could no longer include a linear power supply (in favour of the more efficient switched-mode power supply) Two proposed changes could be detrimental to consumers: 1) Removing efficiency standards for electric coil cooktops 2) Removing EnerGuide labelling on electric cooking products (the EnerGuide label isn’t currently required for gas cooking products) Electric coil cooktops are standard in low-income and rental housing, as they have the lowest upfront cost. Omitting them from efficiency standards could worsen energy burdens for already vulnerable groups. We’re calling on NRCan to set the same efficiency standard for electric coil cooktops as for smooth element cooktops (207 kWh/year) to protect renters and low-income households — who are the most likely to have electric coil cooktops in their homes — from the high energy costs associated with inefficient appliances. We’re also urging NRCan to expand the categories of appliances and equipment for which the EnerGuide label is required and introduce digital labelling to reflect the growing number of appliances purchased online (where the EnerGuide label is presently not required) rather than removing this vital source of information and consumer protection from electric cooking appliances. Pre-consultation comments are due very shortly on November 30th to EEregulations-reglementEE@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca; however, if you need more time, I wouldn’t let that deter you, as pre-publication of the proposed regulation in the Canada Gazette Part I isn’t expected for several months. If you’re interested in echoing these concerns or have any questions, please message me. I’d be happy to share a copy of our draft submission. 

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Navigating the Renewable Energy Approval (REA) process in Ontario can be challenging, especially with the ongoing LT2 procurement for 2,000 MW of new energy. Our team breaks down four essential steps to help streamline the path to successful LT2 bids and REAs, with a focus on community, municipal, and Indigenous partnerships. 👇 #ontario #renewableenergy #environmentalimpact #futureenergy

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Some weekend reading if you are interested in federal GHG control policy. The government likes to say that experts recommend a carbon tax as an efficient means to lower GHGs, but that advice usually assumes that a carbon tax is the only or primary measure used. This report points out that, "the large number of different policies testifies more to an overall lack of focus than to a commitment to optimal policy making. Carbon pricing is part of the federal policy mix, but the profusion of accompanying regulations, subsidies, and mandates undermines any economic efficiency attained by the mission charge and ensures that the package as a whole will be relatively inefficient for what it accomplishes." The report also estimates that the government will only reach 57% of its target by 2030, and at a cost of a 6.2% reduction in real GDP and a 1.5% reduction in income per worker. The overall emissions reduction plan will cost every Canadian worker $6700 per year by 2030. #calgarycentre #cdnpoli #yyc #emissionreduction #environment https://lnkd.in/gPZySsZc

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Hmm, a national carbon tax used to fund the made in China "Just Transition" to wind/solar/EVs/heatpumps built with coal, children in Africa and Russian oil and gas, and Canada is giving aid money to China?????

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Wastefulness, indeed. The whole picture would also include the resources used to clean oil spills, plug abandoned wells, restore damaged ecosystems, etc. etc. Thanks for additional insight, RMI and Canada's National Observer

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After an extensive exploration of energy affordability in Canada, we're at a pivotal moment to pause and assess our progress. Consider this: what if we removed sales tax from utility bills (recognizing utilities as necessities), lifted the carbon tax from generation (because electrification should not come with added costs), and adopted the energy efficiency practices of countries like Sweden? The results are striking. These changes could significantly equalize the energy burden across Canada, making energy more affordable for everyone. It’s a vision worth striving for. #efficiency #homeenergy #carbontax #gst #energyburden #Canada #energypolicy

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Canada’s Carbon Pricing And Phasing Out Coal. Lessons From Their Former Energy COS Summary: Canada’s energy policies, especially its carbon pricing system and coal phase-out efforts, offer valuable lessons for other nations facing similar climate challenges. Claire Seaborn, former Chief of Staff to Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlights how Canada’s proactive approach, like its national carbon pricing system and early commitment to phasing out coal, has made significant strides in the country's clean energy transition. Canada’s carbon pricing, implemented across the nation, is a standout policy that sets a national minimum standard for fuel and industrial emissions. Additionally, its decisive action to phase out coal, starting with Ontario in 2014, and now Alberta, six years ahead of schedule, sets an example for the U.S. and other countries. Canada has also adapted policies inspired by the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), incorporating investment tax credits for clean technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture. While slower grant programs previously dominated, these tax credits have expedited the transition. However, Seaborn emphasizes that political uncertainty, especially with upcoming elections, could slow the progress of renewable adoption. Canada’s leadership in energy transition, particularly in phasing out coal by 2030 and advancing renewable energy like solar, underscores the importance of strong policy frameworks and consistent political commitment to climate goals. #CarbonPricing #CoalPhaseOut #CleanEnergy #CanadaClimateAction #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #ClimateLeadership #CarbonCapture #Hydrogen

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Alberta's new electricity reforms claim to balance affordability, reliability, and sustainability but disproportionately penalize renewable energy projects while failing to address the critical need for energy storage. Developers are burdened with high costs, and intermittent power sources face new challenges in the competitive market. Are these changes securing Alberta's energy future—or setting it back?

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Shocking insights re doing your constitutional job and having clear roles and responsibilities between levels of government & sectors of society private/public that are respected and implemented i.e. federal responsibility for clean drinking water & effective waste water treatment on reserves!

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Curious about low-carbon district energy system and how they fit in our overall decarbonization? check out this workshop!

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