Marine Renewables Canada’s Executive Director Elisa Obermann joins host Francis Bradley for an update on what’s new in the marine renewables space in Canada, a space on the verge of big changes and growth. They talk about the future vision of the sector, the role marine renewables will play in remote and Indigenous communities, the current state and prospects for tidal, offshore wind, wave and river current energy. They also discuss the need for more coordinated regional planning, supply chain challenges, and the potential impacts of trade pressures. Elisa emphasizes the need for regulatory certainty to attract investment and ensure the sector's competitiveness. They close the conversation with Elisa’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.

Links:

Marine Renewables Canada:

Elisa Obermann at Marine Renewables Canada

Elisa Obermann on LinkedIn

Book recommendation:

• The Berry Pickers, by Amanda Peters

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) President and CEO Jim Robb joins host Francis Bradley for an end-of-year roundup on reliability issues. Jim notes that the upcoming long-term reliability report will highlight five regions at high risk of reliability issues, with nine more at moderate risk. The conversation covers the impact of data centers, extreme weather, and grid transformation on reliability. Jim emphasizes the need for more generation, better resource diversity, and improved fuel supply. They also discuss the role of NERC in educating stakeholders and the importance of timely standards development. They close the conversation with Jim’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.

Links:

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)

Jim Robb at NERC

Jim Robb on LinkedIn

Jim Robb discusses AI, data centres, and grid reliability on CNBC

Book recommendation:

• Golf is Not a Game of Perfect, by Bob Rotella

Manitoba Hydro’s President and CEO Allan Danforth joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about the challenges and changes in leadership and communication post-pandemic, and the importance of in-person interaction for building camaraderie and effective leadership. Allan highlights Manitoba Hydro's integrated operations, the increasing demand for electricity, the need for gas and renewable energy sources, and the potential, regionally, for nuclear power. They also discuss the political dynamics of running a crown corporation, the importance of regional collaboration, and the significance of historical events in defining and understanding Canadian identity. The conversation closes with Allan’s book recommendation.

Links:

Manitoba Hydro

Manitoba Hydro’s Leadership Team

Book recommendation:

• Vimy, by Pierre Berton

Nova Scotia Power’s parent company Emera’s President and CEO Scott Balfour joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about Emera’s growth from a privatized Crown Corporation in Nova Scotia to a major North American energy player with operations in Canada, Florida, New Mexico, Grand Bahama, and Barbados. They discuss the challenges of balancing reliability, sustainability, and affordability in the energy sector, and differences in rates of return. Scott emphasized the need for honest conversations about the costs of decarbonization and the importance of nation-building projects. The conversation closes with Scott’s book recommendation.

Links:

Emera

Nova Scotia Power

TECO Tampa Electric

Scott Balfour at Emera

Scott Balfour on LinkedIn

Book recommendation:

• The Coming Wave, by Mustafa Suleyman and Michael Bhaskar: https://the-coming-wave.com/

Toronto Hydro’s President and CEO Jana Mosley joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about Toronto Hydro’s role in ensuring electricity service to more than 3 million homes and businesses in Toronto. They talk about Hydro’s plan to invest $5 billion over the next five years to modernize its grid, address rising electricity demand, and support a number of major city projects. Jana emphasizes the importance of safety, cost-effectiveness, and technological innovation in grid modernization. They also discuss the challenges of project development, the need for regulatory reforms, and the company's alignment with the city’s net zero strategy. The conversation closes with Jana’s book recommendation.

Links:

Toronto Hydro

Jana Mosley at Toronto Hydro

Jana Mosley on LinkedIn

Book recommendation:

• Strengths Finder 2.0, by Tom Rath

Toronto Hydro’s President and CEO Jana Mosley joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about Toronto Hydro’s role in ensuring electricity service to more than 3 million homes and businesses in Toronto. They talk about Hydro’s plan to invest $5 billion over the next five years to modernize its grid, address rising electricity demand, and support a number of major city projects. Jana emphasizes the importance of safety, cost-effectiveness, and technological innovation in grid modernization. They also discuss the challenges of project development, the need for regulatory reforms, and the company's alignment with the city’s net zero strategy. The conversation closes with Jana’s book recommendation.

Links:

Toronto Hydro

Jana Mosley at Toronto Hydro

Jana Mosley on LinkedIn

Book recommendation:

• Strengths Finder 2.0, by Tom Rath

New Brunswick Power Inc. President and CEO Lori Clark joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about NB Power’s diverse energy portfolio, including the only Canadian nuclear facility outside of Ontario. They talk about the objective to be coal-free by 2030, and the conversion of the remaining coal plant to biomass. Lori highlights the challenges of managing a very diverse generation fleet, and the plan for a 500-megawatt gas plant by 2028 to meet growing demand. They also talk about the importance of energy security and affordability. The conversation closes with Lori’s book recommendation.

Links:

New Brunswick Power

Belledune Clean Fuel Project

Lori Clark on LinkedIn

Book recommendation:

• How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine the Fate of Every Project, from Home Renovations to Space Exploration and Everything In Between, by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner

ATCO Energy Systems Chief Operating Officer Jason Sharpe joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about the electricity and natural gas business in Alberta, from the perspective of a regulated utility company. Jason highlights the challenges posed by wildfires and the need for operational resilience. They also discuss the importance of attracting talent to the energy sector and the potential impact of data centres on energy demand and costs. They close the conversation with Jason’s book recommendation.

Links:

ATCO Energy Systems

ATCO Electric

Jason Sharpe on LinkedIn

Book recommendation:

• The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, by Robert Iger https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/556683/the-ride-of-a-lifetime-by-robert-iger/9780399592096

Atlantica Centre’s President Michelle Robichaud discusses with host Francis Bradley the organization's role in fostering energy collaboration in Atlantic Canada. The centre brings together industry, government, academia, and the public to shape energy policy and improve energy literacy. They talk about the region's unique energy landscape, and Michelle emphasizes the need for a unified Atlantic energy vision to address challenges like energy affordability and reliability, regional cooperation and long-term planning. Their conversation also touches on the importance of public support and education in driving the energy transition, and they close the conversation with Michelle’s book recommendation.

Links:

Atlantica Centre for Energy

Michelle Robichaud on LinkedIn

Book recommendation:

• Toward Prosperity: The Transformation of Atlantic Canada's Economy, by David Campbell and Don Mills

Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s President and CEO Cory Strang discusses with host Francis Bradley the operations, challenges, and future plans of the company. They discuss the need for infrastructure upgrades, including the expansion of the Tatlson hydro facility and the opportunity to connect the South and North systems in the territory. They chat about the impact of climate change on operations, and the importance of Indigenous partnerships. Cory also shares his journey from a summer student to CEO, and they close the conversation with Cory’s book recommendation.

Links:

Northwest Territories Power Corporation

Taltson Hydro Expansion Project

Cory Strang on LinkedIn

Book recommendation:

• Your Oxygen Mask First: 17 Habits to Help High Achievers Survive & Thrive in Leadership & Life, by Kevin N. Lawrence