Libsyn Directory

Empowering power: how AI impacts energy systems

Release Date: 04/28/2025

thinkenergy shorts: hydropowering Ontario’s north with renewable energy

ThinkEnergy

Hydropower is one of the oldest sources of renewable energy, powering Canada’s first electric lights in 1881 and providing clean energy to six out of ten homes and businesses today. Ontario’s north leads its next chapter. Trevor sums up how new hydro projects with First Nations transform remote communities, reduce diesel reliance, and support reconciliation. With billions invested in refurbishing plants and expanding the grid, it’s a story of clean energy, collaboration, and Canada’s sustainable future. Related links ● Electrifying...

Growing power: connecting energy and agriculture with Dr. Rupp Carriveau

ThinkEnergy

Trevor reconnects with his former professor, Dr. Rupp Carriveau from the University of Windsor, to explore how Southern Ontario’s agriculture and energy sectors intersect. From powering greenhouses and managing massive industrial demand to reimagining aging wind farms and testing “atomic agriculture,” together they unpack how innovation, AI, and new tech are reshaping Canada’s clean energy future. Listen to episode 164 of thinkenery. Related links Dr. Rupp Carriveau on LinkedIn: Environmental Energy Institute: Turbulence and Energy Lab: Offshore Energy and...

thinkenergy shorts: how Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are reshaping the grid

ThinkEnergy

Rooftop solar. Backup batteries. Smart EV chargers. Distributed energy resources (DERs) are changing the way electricity is generated, managed, and used in Ontario. In this thinkenergy short, Trevor Freeman breaks down how DERs can reduce your carbon footprint, provide backup power during outages, and help you manage your energy costs. Listen in for how net metering, load displacement, and evolving tech partnerships are reshaping the future of the grid and giving you more control over your energy. Related links Breaking down Distributed Energy Resources, with Hydro Ottawa’s...

Consumer impact: revisiting grid modernization with Capgemini Canada

ThinkEnergy

Grid modernization goes beyond smart meters. It’s making the grid more responsive, customer-focused, and resilient. Andrea Nuesser, Grid Modernization Leader at Capgemini Canada, joins thinkenergy to explain how smart tech, real-time data, and evolving customer relationships are changing how electricity is delivered, managed, and consumed. From account numbers to engaged consumers, electric vehicles to home energy, listen in to learn how the grid of the future will shape how you consume energy. Related links IESO Peaks Perks Program: Dr. Andrea Newer on LinkedIn: ...

thinkenergy shorts: keeping the lights on through extreme weather

ThinkEnergy

Fire bans. Blackouts. Heat waves. Extreme weather is hitting harder and more often. Plus, Canada’s electricity demand is soaring. In thinkenergy episode 161, host Trevor Freeman breaks down how utilities plan for grid resilience, from upgrading local infrastructure to planning a national east-west grid. He also explores how customer demand response can help prevent outages. Learn how climate and consumption are reshaping our energy systems and what’s being done to keep the lights on through extreme weather. Related links Electrifying Canada’s remote communities with QUEST...

Summer Rewind: Digging into Hydro Ottawa’s historically large investment plan

ThinkEnergy

Summer rewind: Hydro Ottawa recently unveiled its largest investment plan ever, with a five-year focus on modernizing and strengthening the grid. The way we’re consuming energy is changing, and this investment plan focuses on four key areas that highlight why Hydro Ottawa is taking action, and how they plan on doing it. Hydro Ottawa’s Chief Operating Officer, Guillaume Paradis, joins thinkenergy to dive a little deeper into those focus areas, and why they matter, with host Trevor Freeman. Related links ● Guillaume Paradis on...

Summer Rewind: How AI impacts energy systems

ThinkEnergy

Summer rewind: Greg Lindsay is an urban tech expert and a Senior Fellow at MIT. He’s also a two-time Jeopardy champion and the only human to go undefeated against IBM’s Watson. Greg joins thinkenergy to talk about how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we manage, consume, and produce energy—from personal devices to provincial grids, its rapid growth to the rising energy demand from AI itself. Listen in to learn how AI impacts our energy systems and what it means individually and industry-wide. Related links: ● Greg Lindsay website: ...

Summer Rewind: Reimagining heating and cooling with district energy systems

ThinkEnergy

Summer rewind: Scott Demark, President and CEO of Zibi Community Utility, joins thinkenergy to discuss how our relationship with energy is changing. With two decades of expertise in clean energy and sustainable development, Scott suggests reimagining traditional energy applications for heating and cooling. He shares how strategic energy distribution can transform urban environments, specifically how district energy systems optimize energy flow between buildings for a greener future. Listen in. Related links ● Scott Demark on LinkedIn: ...

Summer Rewind: Capturing lightning in a bottle with Energy Storage Canada

ThinkEnergy

Summer rewind: What does Canada do with excess energy? How is it stored today and how will it be stored as the energy industry evolves? Justin Rangooni, CEO of Energy Storage Canada, shares how energy storage supports a sustainable future for Canadians—from enhanced flexibility to affordability, large-scale grids to individual consumer needs. Listen to episode 152 of thinkenergy to learn about ongoing projects and challenges facing the energy storage sector in Canada. Related links ● Justin Rangooni on LinkedIn: ● Energy...

Powering tomorrow: investing in Ottawa’s energy future

ThinkEnergy

Powering tomorrow: investing in Ottawa’s energy future Hydro Ottawa recently unveiled its 2026-2030 investment plan focused on modernizing and strengthening the grid. The way we’re consuming energy is changing, and this investment plan focuses on four key areas that highlight why Hydro Ottawa is taking action, how they plan on doing it, and what it all means for you. Hydro Ottawa’s Chief Operating Officer, Distribution and Generation, Guillaume Paradis, joins thinkenergy to dive a little deeper into those focus areas, and why they matter, with host Trevor...

More Episodes

Greg Lindsay is an urban tech expert and a Senior Fellow at MIT. He’s also a two-time Jeopardy champion and the only human to go undefeated against IBM’s Watson. Greg joins thinkenergy to talk about how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we manage, consume, and produce energy—from personal devices to provincial grids. He also explores its rapid growth and the rising energy demand from AI itself. Listen in to learn how AI impacts our energy systems and what it means individually and industry-wide.

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