Latest news with #energysovereignty
CBC
02-08-2025
- Business
- CBC
The Eastern Energy Partnership: Atlantic Canada's big pitch for Carney's nation-building list
Social Sharing On a gravel road by the side of the Trans-Canada Highway, New Brunswick's natural resources minister, John Herron, gazes down a long clearing cut through the forest. He sees poetry — national poetry, that is. Herron hopes one of New Brunswick's proposed "projects of national interest" will connect to an existing natural gas pipeline running under that clearing. "This is a nation-building project that checks every box," Herron says. The plan is to extend a gas line that now ends in Quebec City into New Brunswick to link with the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline beneath the minister's feet. The line carries Alberta gas routed through the United States, or gas extracted in the U.S., into Atlantic Canada. But the Quebec extension would bypass American territory completely, creating an all-Canada route. "The poetry kind of goes like this: You have Western Canada gas going into Ontario, through the province of Quebec, [by] adding additional pipe from Quebec City into Atlantic Canada," the minister says. "That additional pipe, aspirationally speaking, would be made of Ontario steel.… This is a made-in-Canada solution. This is energy sovereignty." The proposal is on New Brunswick's list of projects submitted to Mark Carney's government for expedited regulatory approval under Bill C-5, which was adopted into law in June. Carney underscored his own build-Canada agenda again on Friday, after the deadline passed for a trade agreement with the U.S. and U.S. President Donald Trump raised tariffs on many Canadian exports. "Canadians will be our own best customer," Carney said in a statement. The Eastern Energy Partnership The prime minister's call for proposals has stirred interest from provincial governments across the country, not least in Atlantic Canada, where premiers see a new opportunity to boost their economies and meet a growing demand for electricity. Many of their proposals fall under the label of the Eastern Energy Partnership, which envisions the four Atlantic provinces generating more electricity and transmitting it to each other, to Quebec and to other buyers. They range from upgrading the subsea cable between Prince Edward Island and the New Brunswick mainland — likely one of the quicker, simpler projects — to a Nova Scotia proposal to build enough offshore wind turbines to generate a quarter of Canada's electricity needs. Winning the "project of national interest" designation gets proponents a faster regulatory review process but doesn't guarantee federal funding. It's also not a sure thing that Ottawa will approve the Eastern Energy Partnership projects as a whole. "I don't want the perfect to be the enemy of the good," says Nova Scotia Liberal MP Sean Fraser, the minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "I think we have an opportunity — and in fact an obligation — to move as quickly as possible on the components of the partnership that are ready," he says. Many of the projects face obstacles. Bill C-5 has provoked a skeptical reaction from some First Nations leaders concerned that accelerated reviews will compromise their right to be consulted. In New Brunswick, however, some chiefs are open to making deals. Pabineau First Nation Chief Terry Richardson supports the New Brunswick government's proposals, which include an expansion of nuclear power generation in the province. "I'm OK with it, because we need a solution. We need a baseline source of energy and right now we don't have any," says Richardson. "I mean, renewables are great, but what do you do when the wind don't blow, the sun don't shine, and the water don't flow?" Assembly of First Nations regional chief Joanna Bernard says many bands are keeping an open mind but will insist on equity stakes in projects. "Back in the day, it was 'Here's some scholarships,' or 'Here's capacity building so maybe your people can work on the pipeline.' Those days are gone," Bernard said. "We're going to own part of the company. We're going to be there on the ground, making sure environmental issues are of the highest priority. And the profits will go to the First Nations." Wind and nuclear power Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston's Wind West plan to develop thousands of offshore turbines and export the electricity to other provinces could be a boon for national efforts to decarbonize its power sources, if it came to fruition at that scale. Scott Urquhart, the Cape Breton-born CEO of a Copenhagen-based wind energy company, says the project is doable, with the wind off Nova Scotia being "pretty much best in the world." WATCH | How challenging is Nova Scotia's offshore wind project? What it will take to get Nova Scotia's offshore wind project off the ground 2 months ago Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has plans to license enough offshore wind farms to produce 40 gigawatts of electricity — which could supply 27 per cent of Canada's total electricity demand. But what will it take to get there? The CBC's Tom Murphy spoke with Thomas Arnason McNeil of the Ecology Action Centre. But it may take a decade or more to get turbines turning, and at a considerably higher cost than the $5 to 10 billion the premier is forecasting, according to Halifax energy consultant Heidi Leslie. "The estimate is really low," she says. Wind power prices in a recent U.S. bidding process were far higher than what Ontario customers are now charged on their residential power bills, Leslie says. At that rate, "you're losing money on every kilowatt" from Wind West, she says. "And the further away it is from the place that's using it, the more expensive it is, because you need to build the transmission to get it there." New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are doubling their transmission links, but "that will certainly not be enough to handle what is required," says Larry Hughes, an energy expert at Dalhousie University in Halifax. New Brunswick's ambition to expand nuclear generation is also provoking questions. The province's existing nuclear power plant, Point Lepreau, has been plagued with costly problems since it began operating in 1983. It is responsible for a large part of the provincial power utility's $5-billion debt. More nuclear power — whether that is a second large reactor at Point Lepreau or small modular reactors — will only add to the financial burden, says David Coon, leader of New Brunswick's Green Party. "It's insane," Coon says. "We all get nuclear power bills of a size that no one is happy with because of the extremely expensive cost of owning a nuclear power plant." Affordability top of mind New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says she gets it. Holt won a big majority last year after campaigning on affordability issues, and she's already faced blowback from residents about their power bills. She hopes neighbouring provinces will share the expense of more nuclear generation in exchange for some of the electricity that will be produced. "When I'm trying to deliver affordability for New Brunswickers, I'm looking at who's shouldering the burden with us," she says. "How do we reduce the cost to New Brunswick ratepayers while still pursuing our objectives of clean power and reliable power?" In addition to nuclear power, New Brunswick's electricity is generated by a combination of fossil fuels, hydro, and to a lesser extent, wind and biomass. Without its emissions-free nuclear reactor, the province would need to burn four times as much coal, making it even harder to lower emissions, says Brad Coady, its vice-president of business development. Meanwhile, the province's largest hydro dam, Mactaquac, needs a major upgrade that could cost up to $9 billion. Lori Clark, the CEO of N.B. Power, says there's an onus on the federal government to help defray the costs of decarbonizing the power supply, rather than passing costs on to customers. "I do really believe that the federal government has a role to play in this as well. They've set the deadlines for net zero," Clark says. Herron is also looking for federal support, invoking the possibility of a government ownership stake in the natural gas line extension. "I think there's an opportunity to de-risk the project if the project is initially state-owned and First Nation-owned," he says. That would speed up permitting "and it de-risks that investment for the private sector at a future date." Fraser would not commit to that — but he didn't close the door either, citing the precedent of the federal government's 2018 takeover of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project in British Columbia. "More often, the right outcome will be that we create the environment that will incentivize investment, that will allow private companies to set up to succeed and to employ people in the region," he adds. "But we don't want to write off the possibility that certain kinds of investments may be required for particular projects to make them viable if we believe the long-term interests of Canadians will be served."
The National
22-07-2025
- Business
- The National
A new energy era is within reach, but we need to grab it quickly
Energy has shaped humanity's path – from mastering fire, to harnessing steam, to splitting the atom. Today, we are at the dawn of a new era. The Sun is rising on a clean energy age. Last year, nearly all new power capacity came from renewables. Investment in clean energy soared to $2 trillion – $800 billion more than fossil fuels. Solar and wind are now the cheapest sources of power on Earth, and clean energy sectors are creating jobs, boosting growth and powering progress – despite fossil fuels still receiving far greater subsidies. Countries that cling to fossil fuels are not protecting their economies, they are sabotaging them – undermining competitiveness, and missing the greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century. Clean energy also delivers energy sovereignty and security. Fossil fuel markets are at the mercy of price shocks, supply disruptions and geopolitical turmoil, as we saw when Russia invaded Ukraine. But there are no price spikes for sunlight, no embargoes on wind, and almost every nation has enough renewable resources to be energy self-sufficient. Finally, clean energy spurs development. It can reach the hundreds of millions of people still living without electricity – quickly, affordably and sustainably, particularly through off-grid and small-scale solar technologies. All this makes the clean energy era unstoppable. But the transition is not yet fast or fair enough. Developing countries are being left behind. Fossil fuels still dominate energy systems, and emissions are still rising when they must plummet to avoid the worst of the climate crisis. To fix this, we need action on six fronts. First, governments must fully commit to the clean energy future. In the coming months, every country has pledged to submit new national climate plans – known as Nationally Determined Contributions – with targets for the next decade. These plans must align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, cover all emissions and sectors, and lay out a clear path to clean energy. G20 countries, responsible for about 80 per cent of global emissions, must lead. This is our moment of opportunity to supercharge the global shift. Let's seize it Second, we must build 21st-century energy systems. Without modern grids and storage, renewable power can't fulfil its potential. But for every dollar invested in renewable power, just 60 cents go to grids and storage. That ratio needs to be one-to-one. Third, governments must aim to meet the world's surging energy demand with renewables. Major tech companies must also play their part. By 2030, data centres could consume as much electricity as Japan does today. Companies should commit to power them with renewables. Fourth, we must embed justice in the energy transition. This means supporting communities still dependent on fossil fuels to prepare for the clean energy future. And it means reforming critical minerals supply chains. Today, they are riddled with rights abuses and environmental destruction, and developing countries are trapped at the bottom of value chains. This must end. Fifth, we must make trade a tool for energy transformation. Clean energy supply chains are highly concentrated and global trade is fragmenting. Countries committed to the new energy era must work to diversify supplies, cut tariffs on clean energy goods and modernise investment treaties so they support the transition. Sixth and finally, we must drive finance to developing countries. Africa received just 2 per cent of renewables investment last year, despite having 60 per cent of the world's best solar resources. We need international action – to prevent debt repayments sucking developing country budgets dry, and to enable multilateral development banks to substantially increase their lending capacity, and leverage far more private finance. We also need credit rating agencies and investors to modernise risk assessments, to account for the promise of clean energy, the cost of climate chaos, and the danger of stranded fossil fuel assets. A new energy era is within reach – an era where cheap, clean and abundant energy powers a world rich in economic opportunity, where nations have the security of energy autonomy, and the gift of electricity is a gift for all.
Free Malaysia Today
15-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Hajiji gets top marks for helping Sabah ‘turn the corner'
Former Sabah Law Society president Roger Chin said the GRS administration, led by Hajiji Noor, has implemented several 'notable' initiatives such as the setting up of the energy commission, and moves towards asserting energy sovereignty. PETALING JAYA : A former Sabah Law Society president has praised chief minister Hajiji Noor's leadership, saying his administration is helping the state turn the corner. In a Facebook post, Roger Chin said Hajiji's government is laying the foundations of a more self-reliant, results-driven administration. Chin noted several initiatives implemented by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah administration, such as the establishment of the state's energy commission. He said the setting up of the Energy Commission of Sabah marked a turning point in how the state governs its most strategic resource. The state government's decision to take back 50% equity in the producing Semarang oil field under state-owned SMJ Energy was also a significant marker of progress in asserting energy sovereignty, he said. 'This shift aligns with the broader spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) implementation – returning rights and agency to Sabah without fanfare, but with focus.' Chin also described as 'notable' the creation of the Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation, which he said were the building blocks of an investor-friendly ecosystem. The state's ability to secure long-term, high-impact investments, such as E-Steel's manufacturing facility and other FDI-led industrial projects, reflected such a shift. 'These are not fly-by-night deals but strategic entries into Sabah's industrial and logistics backbone, particularly in energy-adjacent and halal sectors,' he said. Chin said Sabah has also improved its fiscal standing, noting that the state revenue has seen stable growth, with increased allocations to development budgets. Sabah's reserves have surged to RM86 billion from the RM2.93 billion recorded in 2020, which he said was a clear indicator of improved financial governance and expanding revenue streams. 'This reflects not just fiscal prudence, but also stronger performance from some state-linked companies,' he said. He also said the Sabah government has expanded rural electrification, water access, and road upgrades, which were 'critical interventions' for a state where more than 40% of the population lives outside urban centres. Chin said while the state government was gradually tackling longstanding issues in land recognition and native customary rights, much remains to be done. While bureaucratic delays, inequality, and capacity constraints persist, he said, the approach adopted by the state government has shifted. 'Instead of headline-chasing, the Sabah government has chosen institutional depth and economic realism, a style of leadership that may not always grab national attention but is increasingly delivering results on the ground,' he said.
Sustainability Times
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Sustainability Times
'Electric Car Batteries Just Leveled Up': These 2025 Breakthroughs Are Slashing Charging Times and Doubling Driving Range
IN A NUTSHELL 🔋 The electric vehicle industry is rapidly evolving with breakthroughs in battery technology , transforming performance and sustainability. , transforming performance and sustainability. 🌍 Companies are pursuing energy sovereignty by diversifying battery materials, reducing dependency on strategic raw materials like lithium and cobalt. by diversifying battery materials, reducing dependency on strategic raw materials like lithium and cobalt. 🚗 Emerging technologies such as sodium-ion and solid-state batteries offer promising alternatives, though challenges remain in performance and scalability. and offer promising alternatives, though challenges remain in performance and scalability. 🔄 Despite new innovations, lithium-ion batteries continue to dominate the market due to ongoing advancements in density, charging speed, and cost-efficiency. The electric vehicle industry is undergoing a transformative era, driven by rapid advancements in battery technology. As we approach 2025, breakthroughs in battery innovations promise to reshape the landscape of electric mobility. From solid-state batteries to sodium-ion alternatives, and lithium-sulfur innovations, each development offers unique benefits and challenges. This article delves into the current state and potential of these technologies, examining how they might redefine energy sovereignty, environmental impact, and the future of transportation. The Pursuit of Energy Sovereignty As electric vehicles become more prevalent, the demand for strategic raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel intensifies. Geopolitical tensions and increasing demand have made securing these resources a priority. In response, industries are exploring new pathways to reduce reliance on these materials. By 2025, the quest for energy sovereignty involves diversifying battery technologies. According to the latest report by the International Energy Agency, significant strides have been made in various innovations, paving the way for a more resilient and independent energy future. Efforts to achieve energy sovereignty are critical to ensuring a stable supply chain amidst potential disruptions. Industries are investing in alternative resources and technologies to reduce their dependency on specific materials. This strategic shift not only enhances security but also fosters innovation, as companies push the boundaries of what's possible in battery technology. 'China Issues Full-Scale Alert': US Spinning Cannon Hurls Hundreds of Flying Pancake Satellites Into Orbit in Stunning Tech Leap Sodium-Ion Batteries: A Viable Alternative? Sodium-ion batteries, once confined to laboratories, are now gaining attention as a credible alternative to lithium-based solutions. Utilizing a more abundant and less expensive material than lithium, sodium-ion technology offers a compelling option for reducing production costs. By 2025, companies like CATL and HiNa have launched second-generation sodium-ion batteries, boasting increased energy density and faster charging capabilities. Despite these advancements, sodium-ion batteries currently underperform compared to lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, with their competitiveness hinging on lithium price fluctuations. Nevertheless, sodium-ion batteries exhibit advantages in cold climates, making them attractive for specific regions. As the technology matures, it promises to play a crucial role in stabilizing the electric vehicle market by offering diverse options to meet varying customer needs and environmental conditions. 'Mini Nuclear Breakthrough': China Activates World's First Compact Reactor to Deliver Clean Energy to Over Half a Million HomesPlant Set to Power Over Half a Million Homes in China Solid-State Batteries: Work in Progress Solid-state batteries, also known as semiconductor batteries, are highly anticipated for their potential to double energy density while enhancing safety by eliminating liquid electrolytes. Companies like Toyota, Samsung SDI, and Nio are leading the charge in this revolutionary technology. In 2024, several large-scale prototypes emerged, and industrial alliances have formed, particularly in China. However, commercial deployment remains a challenge, with maturity levels still at pilot stages. The first solid-state batteries, expected between 2027 and 2028, may initially include 'semi-solid' versions that still utilize liquid or gel electrolytes. Despite the hurdles, solid-state batteries remain a beacon of hope for the future of electric vehicles. Their promise of increased performance and safety continues to drive research and investment, with the potential to significantly alter the industry landscape once fully realized. 'Fusion Reactors Were About to Explode': This Insane X-Point Radiator Hack Is Saving the Planet in Real Time Lithium-Sulfur: Promising Mass Density Another promising avenue in battery technology is lithium-sulfur, which offers high mass energy density while consuming fewer critical metals. Companies like Lyten and Stellantis are making strides in this area, with plans to establish production facilities and partnerships aimed at delivering 'cheaper' and 'lighter' batteries. However, challenges such as low volumetric density, limited durability, and safety concerns persist, restricting their widespread application. Innovative chemistries, including iron-air and redox flow batteries, are diverging from automotive use to target large-scale stationary storage. These technologies, being explored by companies like CATL and Tesla, offer cost-effective solutions for long-term electricity storage, crucial for balancing renewable energy-integrated grids. As these solutions evolve, they will become essential in supporting a sustainable energy ecosystem. The Dominance of Lithium-Ion Amidst the excitement surrounding emerging technologies, lithium-ion batteries continue to evolve and dominate the market. Recent advancements have optimized existing cells, enhancing ultra-high density, rapid charging, longevity, and innovative formats. These improvements reinforce lithium-ion's status as the benchmark technology for electric vehicles in 2025. New technologies must demonstrate clear competitive advantages to challenge this dominance. As the industry progresses, the focus remains on enhancing performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. Lithium-ion batteries are set to remain a cornerstone of electric mobility, with ongoing research and development driving further improvements and setting the stage for future innovations. As we look towards the future, the landscape of electric battery technology is brimming with potential. The rise of alternatives like sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur, alongside the ongoing evolution of lithium-ion and the promise of solid-state solutions, paints a dynamic picture of innovation. How will these advancements shape the future of transportation, and what new challenges and opportunities will arise as these technologies become mainstream? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (30)
CTV News
05-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Power of renewables headlines Indigenous Clean Energy Forum
The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Indigenous Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Wednesday. The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Indigenous Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Wednesday. The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Tsuut'ina Nation. It's the first time the two-day conference has been hosted in the Calgary area. Speakers and panels discussed a range of topics from energy security and sovereignty to economic empowerment and future infrastructure. 'Energy sovereignty means not relying on an electricity grid. Democratization of energy choices so we can choose between clean energy sources or others like nuclear,' said Guy Lonechild, First Nations Power Authority CEO. The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Indigenous Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Wednesday. The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Indigenous Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Wednesday. Many Indigenous groups are working to ensure affordable and secure access to energy on First Nations lands while creating jobs and wealth using clean energy projects. 'In the north, we have inconsistent power and lots of power outages. So, we want to make sure it's reliable power and that it's affordable power,' said Chief Felix Thomas, Kinisitin Saulteaux Nation. The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Indigenous Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Wednesday. The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Indigenous Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Wednesday. Indigenous Peoples are partners or beneficiaries of almost 20 per cent of Canada's electrical-generating infrastructure, the majority of which is renewable, according to Indigenous Clean Energy. Clean Energy Canada forecasts there will be more than 400,000 jobs created from clean energy in Alberta over the next 25 years. The forum runs Wednesday and Thursday.
