Maxime Lemonde, P. Eng.

As our friends in North America deal with another terrible fire season, I will just draw you attention to a great workshop the IEA Bioenergy Task on Biomass Supply ran in Quebec after the catastrophic 2023 fire season with some opportunities between sustainable biomass supply and fire risk management Main highlights: * Governments needs to increase efforts on wildfire resilience and sustainable biomass utilization. A holistic approach to fire management is imperative for countries, including those historically unaffected by wildfires. Thus, sustained dialogue is crucial for mitigating wildfire impacts and advancing sustainable biomass practices. * It is crucial to consider the costs of inaction versus adaptation. The capacity to manage landscapes in the face of wildfires and the annual funding allocated to those activities are limited, thus strategies need to be harmonized with other objectives, such as forest product manufacturing and community protection. Furthermore, addressing wildfire impacts involves considerations beyond wood supply, encompassing aspects related to wildlife, carbon sequestration, and other ecological factors. The development of regional strategies is critical to effectively manage the multifaceted challenges posed by the increasing wildfire activity. * Future research should continue to explore strategies to facilitate biomass recovery from wildfire prevention and salvage activities, including optimizing the quality and inherent characteristics of the recovered biomass. This activity can, in turn, increase bioproducts and bioenergy generation. * Sustainable forest management, incorporating fuel management and biomass removal for bioenergy, offers a mutually beneficial solution, particularly for communities susceptible to both fire risk and energy insecurity. * Enhancing forest landscapes and industrial structures’ resilience is crucial, for instance, by introducing fire-resistant species. Fire salvage harvesting is also vital, governed by factors such as tree species, plantation age, fire intensity, and regulatory requirements. * Effective strategies for recovering affected trees and reaching markets can lead to success but necessitate efficient coordination across the supply chain. The use of standardized, georeferenced data on the harvesting history of forest stands and burn pattern classification for recovered wood is also important. * Governments could facilitate cost-sharing opportunities between bioenergy production and wildfire fuel management. Additionally, it is crucial to promote leadership while enhancing community-level benefits, such as job creation and revenue generation.

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According to the Canadian Climate Institute / Institut climatique du Canada, there are four key principles to streamlining the clean energy transition here in Canada. At the core of a productive transition is an exemplary regulatory system. Without this, projects may experience great timeline setbacks. This article outlined the four principles as: 1️⃣ A prioritization of transparency over discretion. 2️⃣ The optimization of interactions in regulatory review processes. 3️⃣ A commitment to early and meaningful engagement. 4️⃣ The need to get ahead of the projects. Are you interested in learning more about the current state of the clean energy regulatory system? Dive into the linked article. #InnovationInIndustry #Nuclear #Mining #CleanEnergy #Innovation #Engineering

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Transitioning to clean heat is critical to meeting air quality and climate goals, but states and utility regulators must be proactive to ensure that the gas transition is equitable and doesn't disproportionately burden low- and middle-income households with higher gas bills.

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Last week Quebec's energy regulator moved to protect consumers and ordered gas utility Énergir to charge a biomethane plant in Saint-Hyacinthe for an $825,000 bill because the facility failed to deliver adequate volumes of "renewable natural gas" (RNG) to Énergir's gas network. The energy regulator said the biomethane plant had frequently failed to produce enough RNG to honour its contract with Énergir and that the gas utility must not pass on the costs of this failure to "other captive customers of its monopoly." Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) is the 80.9% owner of Énergir, which is required by regulation to increase the amount of RNG in its pipes to 5% by 2025. The problems at the Sainte-Hyacinthe biomethane facility do not bode well for the RNG aspirations of the gas utility, which received another $575 million in investment from CDPQ last month. Why is CDPQ risking Quebec's pension savings on risky distractions like RNG that prolong the use of gas and diverts investment away from real climate solutions?

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Energy Storage Canada welcomes the recommendations from the Canada Electricity Advisory Council (CEAC) as a means of ensuring Canada is able to capitalize on the enormous economic opportunity presented by the ongoing #EnergyTransition. The acceleration of the growth in the #EnergyStorage industry in recent years, while substantial, is only a fraction of what is possible as Canada continues to serve as a world leader in our industry.   Further, Energy Storage Canada would like to echo the following key recommendations of the CEAC's report: - Canada’s next phase of electrification will require much stronger intergovernmental collaboration. A constructive, collaborative approach between all levels of governments will be crucial to build on the substantial work already being done across the country – by utilities as well as governments – and help ensure the orderly, affordable, reliable transition that Canadians expect. - The Council's report calls for clear, consistent policies to guide Canada's electricity transition, which will empower decision-makers to drive the energy transition effectively, efficiently and affordably. - Canada cannot keep pace with demand for clean electricity without systemic reform of current approval processes. Current regulatory frameworks, designed to safeguard against environmental harm, are paradoxically stalling the clean energy projects that are necessary to decarbonize the economy and mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.  - Strategic federal investments are crucial to support provincial and territorial efforts in expanding and decarbonizing electricity systems. The Council’s report highlights the necessity of federal support to achieve a balanced and equitable energy transition, benefiting all Canadians. - A successful transition must be affordable and cost competitive. To support an affordable transition, the Council’s recommendations include a wide array of pragmatic, thoughtful measures to attract capital, reduce project friction, and help Canadians use electricity more efficiently. - Indigenous Nations and communities are vital partners in building Canada’s new electricity infrastructure. Support for Indigenous economic participation in energy projects is key to achieving equitable growth. https://lnkd.in/gM8dRkf8

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Encouraging update from Environment and Climate Change Canada regarding avoided emissions from the use of solid organic waste under the Clean Fuel Regulations! By promoting food waste diversion and anaerobic digestion facilities, it tackles the issue of most food waste ending up in landfills in Canada. Landfills are currently responsible for about 23% of Canada's methane emissions! The definition of food waste has been updated to include not just source-separated organics, but also post-consumer waste and grocery waste. Food industry and manufacturing can qualify if they can demonstrate landfill disposal as their baseline scenario. In Ontario, this should help reduce the 1/3 of our waste currently being sent across the border to the USA, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging private industry and municipalities to invest in waste management. We’re still working hard to understand the impacts to industry and will be keeping a close eye over the coming months and years. Full updates here - https://lnkd.in/g_42Z2Za #CleanFuels #AnaerobicDigestion #Sustainability

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📢 Excited to share a new report from the IEA Bioenergy Task 43 and Université Laval joint workshop held on October 5, 2023, that dives deep into the critical intersection of wildfire resilience and biomass supply. 🌲🔥 This comprehensive report highlights how sustainable biomass management can play a pivotal role in reducing wildfire risks, while also providing a reliable source of renewable energy. A must-read for anyone involved in forestry, renewable energy, and climate resilience 🌍🌱Check out the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dmzt4HW2

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Martin Larocque 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮’𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝟱𝟬 & 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝟭𝟲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 Electro Carbon is proud to highlight the nomination of our CEO, Martin Larocque, among the top 16 leaders in the clean economy in Canada. This award recognizes leaders who stand out in the fight against climate change in the country. This distinction is a wonderful recognition of all the hard work and efforts made by our team to bring to life the dream of our co-founders, Ulrich Legrand and Martin Larocque, in developing a unique process for converting CO2 into Green molecules. « The 2025 Clean16 are truly the leaders of the leaders in sustainability in Canada. The competition for the top spot this year in every instance left us with a record number of great choices - and to be selected from amongst such a strong group of peers is truly a testament to the contribution Martin Larocque has made to helping make Canada more sustainable for all Canadians. The cumulative accomplishments of Canada’s Clean16 over the past 2 years adds up to a very big number of tons of GHGs avoided. All Canadians should be grateful for the leadership these individuals have shown – and for the support that their organizations have provided» -              Gavin Pitchford, CEO, Delta Management Group The work has only just begun, follow us on our journey to create a clean and sustainable world! To read the full press release, click here: https://lnkd.in/eWbDEpuE #sustainability #innovation #carbontech #clean50 #clean16

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"Imagine what we can accomplish with even more energy storage at our disposal." – The Honourable Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities. These positive sentiments from Minister Neudorf were welcomed at the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) Energy Storage Alberta Summit which happened yesterday in Calgary, AB. As a Silver Sponsor, many members of the Enfinite team were in attendance including Mike Schoenenberger, who participated in the ‘Recipe for Reliability: Energy Storage in Alberta’ panel. Reliability, affordability, sustainability, implementation, and technology were the themes throughout the day which were addressed by experts across industry plus regulators and policymakers. Key topics and takeaways: 🔋Energy storage will play a pivotal role in supporting Alberta’s anticipated market changes over the next five years. ⚡Energy storage solutions are key to enhancing the reliability of Alberta's energy system. 💲How the Demand Opportunity Service (DOS) tariff applies to energy storage facilities and how these facilities can create value in Alberta's energy market by diversifying revenue streams. 💡 Innovative energy storage technologies, including long-duration storage solutions and advancements in battery chemistry, will further support the use of battery storage technology on a large scale. Thank you to CanREA for hosting an insightful event that brought together our peers. Enfinite was thrilled to be a sponsor and we look forward to the next Energy Storage Summit! #poweringprogress #energystorage #energystoragesummit #sustainability #innovation #reliability

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RECYC-QUÉBEC and Cycle Momentum are proud to launch today the 2024 Global Edition of the Wind Energy Circular Innovation Challenge, aiming at advancing circularity within Quebec’s wind energy sector. With thousands of wind turbines nearing the end of their lifecycle, this initiative seeks innovative global solutions for the eco-design, reuse, and recycling of wind farm materials. By 2030, Quebec is expected to manage 125,000 tonnes of waste from wind energy, rising to over 145,000 tonnes by 2050. This challenge invites innovators from around the world to team up with Quebec's industrial ecosystem to address the pressing materials management challenges posed by the energy transition. Our objective is to test cutting-edge technologies through pilot projects and build momentum toward a fully circular wind energy sector. We’re thrilled to have Boralex, ENERCON, and Innergex on board. Their expertise is diverse across the wind value chain—from turbine manufacturing (ENERCON) to wind farm operations (Boralex, Innergex). They will provide invaluable cross-perspectives, enriching the selection process and ensuring the initiative’s success. Apply by October 29: https://lnkd.in/e_rZDZwz Learn more about the challenge:  https://lnkd.in/enFNEEcR

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📣 Call for innovators! 📣 Check out RECYC-QUÉBEC and Cycle Momentum’s latest ‘𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘊𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘐𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦’, seeking innovators to advance circularity within the wind energy sector. Find out more ⬇

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Great to see #geothermal energy referenced in the "Canada Green Buildings Strategy" released by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Canada yesterday. Fossil fuels for space heating and cooling make up over 96% of emissions in Canada’s buildings. Regular heat pumps have an important role to play in decarbonizing our buildings, but can be less efficient in extreme cold.  However, ground source heat pumps can address this by efficiently harnessing shallow geothermal energy stored just beneath our feet. This also means less pressure on the grid, especially at peak times when electricity costs the most. In fact, the strategy spotlights that Parliament Hill will be using geothermal wells to store excess energy to use when it’s needed later.

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📅 Policymakers and GHG quantification practitioners mark your calendars for June 26th! Register for the #webinar launch of our updated Ontario electricity emissions factors and guidelines. With more natural gas on the grid and less data transparency from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) we’ve changed our approach significantly since the last edition. Join us for a discussion on the latest numbers and recommendations with report authors Maryam Shekarrizfard, Manager of Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Tzekova, Director of Research and Innovation, and Aakash Harpalani, Director of Clean Energy. 👉 https://ow.ly/T35150ShV2f #Electricity #forecasting #emissions #onpoli #GHG #quantification

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While CDN has a carbon tax and has been convinced to keep its oil and gas resources in the ground by US based climate NGOs, & buys wind/solar/EVs/heatpumps from China, the US in direct contrast has no carbon tax & became the largest exporter of oil and gas in the world in 2023. And most recently has enacted tariffs on goods from China. Is it any wonder our currency is being devalued?

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Global scale CANDU in AB Pathways global scale carbon capture is better for CDN than No scale EV battery plants in ON that cost CDN taxpayers $52.5 billion to attract EV battery plants for EVs that north Americans do not want to drive! We CANDU in the west too i.e CANDU in the oilsands Pathways Carbon Project !

Hydrogen BC member B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) recently released a report on the potential for methane pyrolysis in BC. This report analyses opportunities in production and deployment of low carbon hydrogen in B.C. and beyond. It investigates the emerging ideas, approaches, and technologies being advanced in the sector, as well as the regulatory requirements, challenges, and considerations that need to be addressed to accelerate decarbonization. The report found that the flexibility of methane pyrolysis, in terms of scalability and location, makes it an effective decentralized, distributed low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen production pathway. "Specifically, a pathway which can utilize existing natural gas and electrical infrastructure to deliver hydrogen at the point of demand without long distance distribution.” To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/dqXb4hfs #hydrogen #hydrogennow #hydrogenfuel #hydrogeneconomy #hydrogenpower #methanepyrolysis #hydrogenproduction

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The Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system is Alberta’s carbon pricing mechanism designed to regulate large industrial emitters.  Introduced in January 2020, TIER replaced the previous Carbon Competitiveness Incentive Regulation (CCIR) and expanded on the Specified Gas Emitters Regulation (SGER). TIER's primary goal is to manage and reduce carbon emissions from the province's most significant industrial sectors by setting regulatory standards and compliance requirements. To learn more about Alberta's TIER System and how it works, check out our latest blog by Courtney Burton: #carboncredits #TIERSystem #carbon #carbontrading #carbonmarkets #albertabusiness https://lnkd.in/gQMUWTmi

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Congratulations to our Energy Futures Lab colleagues and these incredible leaders on this important next phase of the Alberta's Electricity Future initiative. "While innovation is often thought of as purely technological, innovation in business models, policies, resources and investments, relationships and narratives (known collectively as social innovation) is also required to smooth paths to commercialization and mass adoption of new technologies as well as the transformation of associated policies, processes, and paradigms. What, for the industrial revolution, took centuries, must now be accomplished in a matter of decades in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change, which makes these often-overlooked social dimensions of change management critical." Learn More: https://lnkd.in/g6p5mN5R

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