One of the challenges of the rise of renewable energy in Canada is ensuring policymakers are adequately informed about clean energy. We spoke with Merran Smith, founder and executive director at Clean Energy Canada, to find out how we can make a national shift to clean, low-carbon energy like solar.
“Clean Energy Canada works to accelerate Canada to a clean energy economy,” says Smith. “We believe that, with appropriate policies, services and infrastructure, we can move Canada to a low-carbon economy by 2050.” Clean Energy Canada is a clean energy think-tank working to achieve this vision by raising awareness around economic trends, technologies and policies to cut carbon pollution while positioning Canada strategically in the rapidly shifting global economy. The organization conducts and commissions original research and is committed to creating connections between policymakers, the private sector, academia and civil society to support policy conversations around the creation of a clean energy future.
Solar energy, as part of this vision for the future, is now coming into its own. “We bust a lot of myths about solar, the most critical one being it’s expensive,” says Smith. “You can now install solar arrays on roofs and in other spaces affordably.” She points to the global trend toward cheap solar, with the price of new solar panels falling by around 60% since 2010. With Canada committed to 90% zero-emission electricity by 2030, solar represents a critical component in reaching that goal.
For the conference, Smith will be looking toward an inevitable shift toward clean energy. “I think the future is electric. Everything from transportation, to infrastructure, to manufacturing is all going to be powered from the grid.”
If you want to join Merran Smith and be part of the conversation for a future of clean energy, you can meet her, as well as other leaders in the solar energy sector, at Solar Canada 2018, Canada’s largest solar energy conference, June 20-21, in Calgary. The conference is approaching quickly —register now.