To better understand these connections, innovators and influencers from across Alberta join the Energy Futures Lab as Fellows and Partners to collectively address current and future energy challenges.
As a trusted convenor, connector, storyteller and catalyzer of innovative energy system initiatives and solutions, the Energy Futures Lab supports change-makers as they collaboratively explore the following question:
How can we leverage Canada’s assets and innovation capacity to accelerate an inclusive and equitable transition to a prosperous net-zero future?
We know that the differences shaping our personal and collective histories are a source of knowledge and zest that inspire resilience, giving us the confidence to solve problems along the way.
This knowledge compels us to reimagine the rules by which we navigate. And thus we say: let us approach our shared challenge with boldness and curiosity, let us acknowledge that our actions have consequences today and in the future, and most importantly, let us leave no one behind.
To realize our vision and mission, we focus our attention and resources on complex challenges that require collaboration and innovation beyond the constraints of single organizations, disciplines, and perspectives.
The Energy Futures Lab currently has four active Innovation Challenges:
“How can public policy help attract greater investment into the innovation and infrastructure for “future-fit hydrocarbons”, in light of global investors’ increasing concern with climate change and growing appetite for low-emissions/transition oriented opportunities?”
“How might we accelerate collaboration in Alberta’s digital innovation ecosystem to support communities in energy transition?”
“How can we build near and long-term resilience in Alberta’s rural communities as the world transitions towards a low carbon future?”
“How can we leverage today’s energy transition to overcome barriers for entrepreneurs who identify as or work in service of marginalized communities to succeed as the Canadian economy recovers?”
How can Alberta’s economy continue to attract investment in a net-zero future?
Innovators. Entrepreneurial. Ambitious. This is how Albertans have long described themselves, a story often centred around our successful development of the oil sands, Alberta’s most consequential bet.
To carve out a successful path using policy, we try to imagine and understand what pitfalls and opportunities might be just over the horizon.
A just transition to net-zero won’t be easy and anyone who claims it will be is either kidding themselves or ignoring the complexities of this challenge. The truth is, net-zero by 2050 is a tall order.
Our energy future requires empathetic connections to work together to solve issues for all of us.
We are an Alberta-based coalition of diverse innovators and leading organizations working together to accelarate the transition to the energy system the future requires of us.
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