Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Energy Futures Lab (EFL)?
The EFL has established a platform that convenes diverse voices in the energy system. In our current polarized climate, the Lab has become a trusted bridge-builder, connecting innovators working in different areas of the energy system and taking advantage of their divergent perspectives. For over four years, the EFL undertaking has been a deliberate, coordinated effort among leaders and influencers in Alberta to find common ground and create exemplar initiatives, showing the way for Alberta to thrive in the midst of shifts in the global energy system. Since early 2019, the EFL has shifted gears and moved to a next phase, referred to as EFL 2.0.
What is EFL 2.0?
- Continue to support innovators in identifying, developing and pressure-testing solutions for accelerating the transition to the energy system the future requires of us;
- Strengthen the capacity of business and government to adopt and support innovative solutions;
- Inspire and share narratives in the public and communities that help depolarize the public conversation about energy in Canada and accelerate progress toward the shared vision developed through the EFL.
In EFL 2.0, the EFL’s convening question has evolved to: “How can we leverage our leadership position in today’s energy system to create the energy system that the future requires of us?”
What is the role of the EFL Fellowship?
Fellows have the opportunity and responsibility to deepen their understanding of diverse stakeholder perspectives and the energy system, build trust and shared knowledge and work together to refine ideas, and scale the impact of collaborative initiatives that support transition towards a resilient energy system.
Why a Fellowship?
What does it mean to be an EFL Fellow?
Why does the EFL require submission of an organizational letter of support?
The EFL Fellowship incorporates concepts of social innovation, collaboration, and systems change, which necessitates that Fellows immerse themselves in EFL learning experiences, including exploring systems change and sustainability frameworks, relevant collaborative projects, and occasionally bridging these learnings or initiatives back to their respective organizations. Your Fellow application must be supported by a brief letter of organizational support from the executive level, reflecting a commitment by the organization to formally learn about EFL concepts and outcomes and to explore possible actions and collaborative opportunities arising from the EFL.
In order to support making the case for Fellowship participation to your organization or company, below are a few tips and talking points, which you’ll likely want to customize to your organization’s specific needs, culture, and objectives:
- Fellows support their respective organizations by gaining strategic intelligence and insights about the energy space from peers and system-sensing research;
- Fellows are able to bring both personal and organizational goals to the Lab. Through the Lab, he/she can participate in the EFL as a way to address an organizational challenge or seize an opportunity that he/she cannot do alone;
- Fellows are able to build on existing EFL exemplar initiatives or create their own initiatives that align with the EFL vision as well as support the respective organizational goals; and
- Fellows can expand their personal and organizational network through the Lab and build a strategic and systems-level understanding of the energy field, its players and interrelationships.
Please refer to the question on “What is the benefit in being a Fellow?” below.
What is the benefit in being a Fellow?
- Develop leading-edge knowledge and skills to collaborate, lead and manage in an increasingly dynamic and complex energy environment;
- Glean strategic intelligence and insights about the energy space from peers and system-sensing research;
- Build a strategic and systems-level understanding of the energy field, its players and interrelationships;
- Be part of an influential and supportive network of dynamic changemakers committed to creating positive impact and tangible outcomes;
- Develop and enhance important relationships in an age of increased expectations for transparency and collaboration.
How much time is involved? What is the full commitment?
*** Important note: While convening in person is something we all miss and look forward to, the EFL is moving forward with Covid protocol and safety in mind and will continue to work in a virtual format until further notice. We commit to regular reassessment on this matter and will keep comfort levels of our Fellows and our Team as top priority while we navigate together. ***
Expected Attendance
Fellow Workshops
- Jan 27-28 – New Fellow Orientation 2021
- Feb 24-25
- May 26-27
- Sept 29-30
- Nov 24-25
Optional, as relevant
A number of EFL Accelerators and workshops will occur throughout the year in order to make progress on specific initiatives. Fellows and key stakeholders in the EFL community will be asked to participate on relevant topics in order to unlock the challenges and collaborate on the opportunities for moving towards our Shared 2050 Vision.
What do I need to include in my application?
- Letter of Support: Organizational support and endorsement from senior leadership is an essential component for participant success in the EFL. Your Fellow application must be supported by a brief letter of organizational support from the executive level, reflecting a commitment by the organization to formally learn about EFL concepts and outcomes and to explore possible actions and collaborative opportunities arising from the EFL.
- One additional reference letter
- Resume
- Headshot photo – 800px X 800px with some space around the head and shoulders. Please refer to the current Fellows page.
All documents must be sent to to info@energyfutureslab.com before November 30, 2020 for the application to be deemed complete.