Reimagined Energy Podcast

What does it mean to maximize output while minimizing emissions without compromising efficiency?

Maria McGowan has a conversation with Frederick Morency about Schneider Electric's ambitious sustainability initiatives. Morency discusses the company's commitment to energy management, biodiversity conservation, and their lofty goal to achieve net-zero operations along with no net biodiversity loss by 2030. Highlighting t...

How can we bring sustainability with us, even when we’re off the grid? 

As an electrical engineer with vast experience in the renewable energy industry, Tomi Allen shares his passion for solar power, which he forged through his father's influence and his own multifaceted journey.

Learn what’s behind his methodology for determining energy needs for off-grid systems and understand the complexities of battery cycle life—a major com...

How can we harness the wind with peak efficiency?

If you live in Atlantic Canada, it can be windy. Storms bring gale-force winds, and hurricanes briskly pass, creating a challenging landscape for wind energy generation.  

Rory Cantwell, the CEO of SWEB Development, knows how. It’s part of SWEB’s approach to fostering meaningful collaboration with key stakeholders. 

Cantwell busts common wind farm myths and the unique op...

Introducing Mark MacDonald, the founder of Electric Avenue, who shares the process of the Electric Vehicle (EV) charging industry and how it is filling a much-needed gap in the market.

Mark breaks down the business of electrification and how crucial data points can reveal the truth behind EV adoption worldwide despite occasional negative news cycles. Mark also discusses the challenges and solutions to EV charging infrastructure, cen...

2024 is emerging as a critical year for action in Canada's hydrogen industry.
Our guest is Ivette Vera Perez, President and CEO of the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA). Ivette explains the complexities of hydrogen transport, safety concerns, and the association's proactive approach to addressing members' issues through various committees and webinars. 

Here is what is discussed in the ...

Everybody loves potatoes, and how could you not when new research shows that we could use potato waste for power generation? 

Today on the Reimagined Energy Podcast, Dr. Yulin Hu, a chemical engineer at UPEI, discusses their alternative energy and waste conversion projects. Dr. Hu describes UPEI's unique design-based teaching approach, emphasizing hands-on learning.

Often regarded as a by-product, Dr. Hu and her team a...

How well do electric vehicles hold up in the pre-owned and rental car market? 

Johnny Beckett explains how the Electric Vehicle Network (EVN) offers a unique business model by combining dealer services with EV rentals. The focus on renting pre-owned EVs serves as a revenue stream and an educational tool for potential buyers. One of the nice features when renting a car from EVN is their app, where instead of waiting in line to t...

The leaves of plants have been doing it forever, creating their own energy through photosynthesis.  Inside the chemistry building at Dalhousie University is the Dasog Research Group. This lab is where research takes place to generate energy, chemical fuels, and freshwater using sunlight. What’s really cool is that Dr. Mita Dasog and her team are being inspired by the process of photosynthesis from plants to make green hydrogen. Yes...

How can using natural gas make our green goals a reality? 

Today, Maria McGowan talks about Nova Scotia's energy transition with Derek Estabrook from Eastward Energy. Derek breaks down how natural gas plays a vital role in achieving a low-carbon future, addressing challenges in transportation and buildings. Derek introduces an integrated energy system concept by outlining its benefits and the role of gas grids and energy storag...

Cutting-edge battery research is happening at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Jeff Dahn Research Group labs is a lithium-ion battery R&D facility that is globally recognized, not only for its partnership with Tesla but for building some of the world’s most advanced battery technologies.

This week, we welcome to the podcast Dr. Michael Metzger, Assistant Professor and Herzberg-Dahn Chair for Advanced Batter...

Ever wondered how a single conversation could spark a revolution in the energy industry? Join us as Wes Scott, a conduit in the world of renewable energy, takes us on a journey from conferences to clean energy initiatives. Wes shares his journey and discusses the origins of the Smart Energy Event in Halifax, focusing on renewables in Nova Scotia.

The conversation explores how the energy industry has evolved across Canada, ...

Embarking on the path of environmental advocacy, especially as an early adopter, can feel like a challenging journey, reminiscent of Kermit's lament in the famous song, "It’s not easy being green." However, for those like Stephen Mildenberger, the journey is a testament to the power of knowledge.

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring narrative of Stephen Mildenberger, a trailblazer in renewable energy and ...

Can we ensure the stability of large-scale solar arrays in the face of extreme weather events and changing regulations? Host Maria McGowan chats with Tom St. Onge from PRI Engineering, a civil engineering consulting firm specializing in geotechnical engineering. They discuss crucial processes involved in renewable energy projects' risk management role and explore PRI Engineering's commitment to growth and education in the...

How are construction companies contributing to a sustainable future? Host Maria McGowan sits down with Prabh Banga, Aecon’s VP of Sustainability. In addition to Aecon's focus on safety and sustainability, they’re also testing zero-emission equipment and low-carbon construction materials. Prabh offers valuable advice for companies looking to embark on their sustainability journey. Give their podcast, "Road to Net Zero,&quo...

In this episode of the Reimagined Energy Podcast, host Maria McGowan speaks with Rory O'Sullivan from Moltex Energy. They discuss Moltex's mission to develop nuclear technology that can produce affordable, clean energy while addressing the nuclear waste challenge. Moltex Energy offers three unique technologies: a molten salt reactor, a waste recycling facility, and a thermal energy storage system. The key innovation is re...

Do you have questions about Energy? Want to improve your understanding of how the energy sector works and how it impacts your life?  In this episode of the Reimagined Energy Podcast, host Maria McGowan welcomes Michelle Robichaud from the Atlantica Centre for Energy. They discuss their interactive energy maps highlighting the region's diverse energy infrastructure. Michelle talks about the challenges and opportunities specific...

Returning to the Reimagined Energy Podcast is Sadiq Pirani, a leading expert in transportation and sustainable urban planning. Sadiq discusses the shift towards eco-friendly and efficient modes of commuting. This episode discusses the transition from gas-powered vehicles to electric cars, he provides innovative solutions that promise safer, smarter, and sustainable mobility options. Spoiler alert: it’s about adjusting our attitudes...

In this episode of the Reimagined Energy Podcast, Maria sat down with Claire Harris, a senior advisor in the area of environment and inclusion at NB Power. Claire shared insights into her remarkable journey in the energy sector, the shifts she's witnessed over the past decade, and what lies ahead for the industry. They delved into the evolving landscape of the energy sector, discussing the shifts, challenges, and the critical ...

There are so many uses for artificial intelligence; in this case, it can help us save on energy costs.  In this episode, Maria McGowan interviews Winston Morton from Climative, a climate data platform revolutionizing energy and climate assessments for homes and buildings. They discuss how Climative utilizes artificial intelligence for digital audits, providing pathways to net-zero or low-carbon buildings. Winston highlights the urg...