Just The Facts: Green Energy Infrastructure Innovation

In 2017, the Generation Energy Council engaged in dialogues with over 380,000 Canadians about Canada’s energy future and subsequently advised the Government of Canada on how to transition to a low-carbon and sustainable clean economy in the future. Natural Resource Canada (NRCan) turned this feedback into four major actionable portfolios: 1) next-generation electric vehicles and alternative fuels; 2) smart grid systems; 3) renewable energy technologies for rural and remote communities; and 4) energy efficient buildings. The Canadian government continues to invest in innovative research, development and demonstration projects in Canada.

In this panel we explore how funding programs within the NRCan work, the involvement of stakeholder communities, and the relationship between industry and academic partners. How do projects get selected and what impact do these projects have on our communities?

To answer these questions, TSPN has brought together various stakeholders (NRCan, industry and academia) to share their perspectives on these programs. With this panel we are aiming to create the space for a meaningful dialogue on how academic, private and public sectors can continue to work together to make evidence-informed decisions on clear energy policies and regulations to help grow Canada’s energy system. We are excited to be hosting Dr. Eric Bibeau, Cynthia Handler, and Carter Li with moderation from one of the Generation Energy Council members Aisha Bukhari.The Panel will include a moderated discussion as well as a live Q&A. Join us on May 6th, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 PM EST.

Everyone is welcome to attend — regardless of whether you are currently a student, working, or anywhere in between. No previous expertise required!

About Our Speakers:

Dr. Eric Bibeau, Panelist

Eric Bibeau, P. Eng, is a Professor at the Mechanical Engineering Department of the University of Manitoba. He is a renewable energy expert in biomass CHP systems, hydrokinetic turbines, wind icing and how to better use solar for buildings. He manages the Canadian Hydrokinetic Turbine Test Centre (CHTTC). His non-profit company Turtle Island Innovations is focused on ending diesel dependency in First Nations. Eric has more than 20 years of experience in the field of developing innovative renewable energy technologies focused on increasing the renewable energy ratio of communities using TheRedCup approach to solve climate change.

Ms. Cynthia Handler, Panelist

Cynthia Handler, P. Eng, is a Director of Energy Science and Technology within the Office of Energy Research and Development, responsible for energy S&T investments in renewable electricity and energy efficiency. This includes investing in research, development and demonstrations for renewable power, smart grids and storage, buildings, transportation and northern and remote energy systems. Over the last several years, she has been responsible for delivering Natural Resources Canada’s four Green Infrastructure technology research, development and demonstration program components, focused on Smart Grids, EV Infrastructure, Energy Efficiency Buildings, and Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities. With 20 years experience in energy innovation mainly focused on renewable energy, first with CanmetENERGY and then with the Office of Energy Research and Development, Cynthia has an extensive background in energy innovation from a science, program and policy perspective.

Mr. Carter Li, Panelist

Carter Li is the Chief Executive Officer at SWTCH, an electric vehicle charging and energy management company focused on addressing the unique challenges of deploying EV charging infrastructure in high-density urban settings. Prior to SWTCH, Carter was a management consultant at Deloitte in their Digital Strategy practice where he led digital strategy and transformation projects across multiple countries for energy, financial services, and life science industries. Carter is a founding board member of the Ontario Clean Technology Industry Association and board member of Electric Mobility Canada. Carter attended McGill University for his BSc and PhD and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business for his MBA.

Ms. Aisha Bukhari, Moderator

Aisha Bukhari is the Senior Manager with the Partner Solutions Group at MaRS. Aisha is passionate about clean energy, innovation, and social justice. She spent the formative part of her career at Toronto Hydro where she worked in both engineering and business development roles. In her engineering role, she led the development of smart grid solutions for the distribution grid. In her business development role, she worked on the mergers and acquisitions portfolio. Aisha is the co-founder of an ed-tech startup, Attollo Social Enterprise. She also serves as the Vice President for Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE), a non-profit organization aimed at advancing the role and recognition of women in the energy sector. Aisha holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Toronto, a master’s degree in electric power engineering from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.

About the Toronto Science Policy Network:

The Toronto Science Policy Network is a student-run science policy group which provides a platform to learn more about and engage in science policy. Since July 2018, we have organized a variety of events (including workshops, public panels and talks) and advocacy efforts, engaging over 300 individuals to date. While we are a recognized campus group at the University of Toronto, we welcome members outside the university to join. Everyone is welcome, regardless of whether you study or actively work in the sciences, social sciences, or humanities.

Code of Conduct

TSPN is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment of TSPN volunteers or event participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for any TSPN activities, including meetings, talks, workshops, parties, events, Twitter, and other online media. Individuals violating these rules may be sanctioned or asked to leave the event at the discretion of the event organizers.