Tech Tuesday at the Energy Transition Centre | Decarbonization and Advancing a Net-Zero Grid

Energy Transition
In-person
26 Sep 2023

As the global community strives to mitigate the impacts of climate change, electricity producers play a vital role in transitioning towards sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions. This event brings together industry experts, thought leaders and innovators to explore strategies, challenges, and opportunities in the journey towards a cleaner and greener energy future.

We will explore a compelling story as TransAlta and Capital Power, two industry-leading electricity producers, share their steps toward achieving a net-zero grid. As the global call for sustainable energy solutions intensifies, these powerhouse companies are at the forefront of driving innovation and transitioning towards a carbon-neutral future. Join us for an exclusive event where TransAlta and Capital Power share and discuss their strategies, challenges, and accomplishments in paving the way for a cleaner energy landscape.

Moderator:

• Todd Hirsch, Director, Energy Transition Centre at Innovate Calgary

Todd Hirsch is a renowned economist, inspiring international audiences to re-think the modern economy and directs leaders to re-imagine how to survive and thrive in an ever-changing world. His clear-eyed insights decipher the economic forces shaping today’s rapidly shifting global, geopolitical and societal trends—this economic barometer is critical to informing forward business, operational and talent management planning.

Todd served as the vice president and chief economist for ATB Financial for over 15 years. He also previously taught economics at the University of Calgary and for the executive education program at the University of Alberta. Prior to this, he worked in the research department of the Bank of Canada.

Speakers:

• Bob Erickson, Business Development Manager at TransAlta

Bob Erickson is an electrical engineer by training and has been working in Alberta’s power industry for the past 12 years in roles ranging from electricity origination and deal structuring to generation facility design and development. His primary areas of expertise are in developing the commercial and technical aspects of cogeneration, wind, solar, energy storage, and hydrogen generation projects. He currently leads the business development of TransAlta’s renewables growth group, focusing on clean energy solutions that help corporate partners achieve their sustainability goals.

• Matthew Davis, Director, Regulatory at Capital Power

Matthew Davis supports Capital Power’s engagement with regulatory and policy agencies in Alberta and across western Canada. With over 15 years of experience, Matthew has developed forecasting models and strategic analytics for Alberta’s wholesale electricity market and participated in numerous policy and regulatory engagements including: the AESO’s capacity market consultation, transmission developments and tariff design, provincial off-coal negotiations, and carbon, renewable and net-zero policies. Mr. Davis holds both a MSc and BSc in Statistics from the University of Calgary, and a PGDip (Honors) from the University of Otago.

• Tim Weis, Industrial Professor at the University of Alberta

Tim Weis has been an Industrial Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta since 2017. His work has focused on renewable energy development in Canada with a particular interest in wind energy as well as remote community wind-diesel hybrid applications. Prior to joining the University of Alberta, he spent much of his career focused the interactions of technology, policy and business for renewable energy, including working for the Pembina Institute, the Canadian Wind Energy Association and an advisor to Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Tim’s research focuses on the evolution of Alberta’s electricity market price impacts and policy modelling as it transitions from coal to an increasing role for renewable energy and energy storage, wind energy.

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