Reimagined Energy Podcast

Send us a text In this episode of Reimagined Energy, Maria chats with Jasmine Awino, a political science and economics student at Saint Mary’s University, to explore the overlooked connection between climate change and mental health. From the grief and anxiety sparked by natural disasters to the uncertainty of the energy transition, Jasmine shares her personal journey into climate advocacy, the influence of her father, and her vision to create safe spaces for conversations about eco-anxiety and resilience. This inspiring discussion highlights why caring for mental health is just as vital as caring for the planet. Key Takeaways: 🔥 Lived Experience — From Nova Scotia’s wildfires to rising food prices, climate change is already shaping daily life and wellbeing. 💭 Eco-Anxiety is Real — Climate change brings grief, uncertainty, and stress—especially when disasters disrupt daily life. 🧩 Mental Health Matters — Accessible mental health support is often missing from climate conversations, but it’s essential for resilience. 🔄 Hope in Transition — While the energy transition can feel uncertain, open dialogue and shared perspectives can empower communities to adapt together. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text In this special remixed edition, we bring together voices from past episodes of Reimagined Energy to explore what climate action really looks like in practice. From city-led climate plans in Halifax, to nuclears role in a clean energy grid, to grassroots behavioral shifts and overcoming barriers to action — this episode distills diverse perspectives into one powerful conversation. Together, these stories remind us that addressing the climate crisis isn’t about one solution — it’s about collective effort, creativity, and courage. Key Takeaways: 🌍 Systems + People Matter: Transforming energy and climate systems requires both bold policy and the everyday choices of individuals. ⚡All Tools on the Table: Wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, storage, and behavioral shifts must work together to meet future energy demand. 🤝Equity and Inclusion Are Essential: Climate action is stronger when diverse communities, voices, and lived experiences are centered. ➡ From Fear to Action: Overcoming complex paralysis means starting where people are, shrinking the problem to the community level, and focusing on co-benefits like jobs, health, and resilience. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text In this week’s episode of Reimagined Energy, David Tyler from Artemis Technologies explains how their groundbreaking electric hydrofoiling vessels are reshaping the future of maritime transport. From America’s Cup roots to commercial ferries, Artemis is proving that zero-emission, high-speed, and comfortable water travel isn’t just possible—it’s here. We dive into the tech behind e-foilers, the real-world applications for cities and commuters, and how this innovation can cut costs, reduce pollution, and create new sustainable mobility networks around the world. Key Takeaways: ⚡ Efficiency Redefined – Artemis’ e-foilers use 90% less energy than conventional ferries, thanks to hydrofoiling lift that reduces drag and maximizes battery range. 🌍 Cleaner, Quieter Cities – Zero emissions, near-silent rides, and minimal wake mean healthier communities and waterways, with reduced noise and water pollution. 🚤 Comfort Meets Speed – With advanced flight control systems, passengers enjoy smoother rides, less seasickness, and faster commutes—up to 25 knots in harbours where diesel ferries are restricted. 🤝 Scaling Globally – From Belfast to New York, Canada, and beyond, Artemis is expanding production and partnerships, positioning e-foilers as a viable solution for both public transit and luxury tourism. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text In this episode of Reimagined Energy, we chat with Mary Fry and Rob Stevenson from HTEC, the BC-based company leading the charge in Canada’s hydrogen transition. From the groundbreaking H2 Gateway Program to a new liquefaction facility in North Vancouver, HTEC is tackling some of the biggest challenges in building hydrogen infrastructure. Mary and Rob share how HTEC is reducing emissions in heavy-duty transportation, ensuring safety and reliability, collaborating with Indigenous communities, and setting the stage for hydrogen hubs across Canada. Key Takeaways: 🚚The H2 Gateway Program: HTEC is creating a full hydrogen value chain—from production to adoption—focusing on heavy-duty trucks to slash emissions by up to 92% compared to diesel. ⚡North Vancouver Liquefaction Facility: Capturing waste hydrogen and converting it into liquid form will make distribution 800x more efficient, cutting costs and emissions. 🏆Safety & Trust: With 100,000+ kilos of hydrogen delivered and 15,000+ safe fills, HTEC’s award-winning safety record sets the standard for hydrogen infrastructure. 🤝Partnerships for Impact: From Indigenous collaboration on fueling stations to government policy advocacy, HTEC emphasizes inclusive, sustainable, and scalable hydrogen solutions. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text This week on Reimagined Energy, we're joined by Lark Meadow, co-founder of Aeon Blue, to explore a clean energy solution that feels straight out of the future—but is being built right now in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Aeon Blue is pioneering a modular system that combines seawater electrolysis and direct air capture to create low-cost, carbon-negative e-fuels. With a pilot facility launching in 2026 and a bold vision to scale by 2050, Lark shares how the region’s world-class wind and ocean resources, local workforce, and community support are central to their plan. Key Takeaways: 🌊 Seawater + Air = Clean Fuel Aeon Blue’s technology combines seawater electrolysis and direct air capture to create carbon-negative e-fuels—no fossil inputs required. 💨 Cape Breton Is a Renewable Goldmine With some of the best wind resources in the world and strong community support, Nova Scotia is the ideal launchpad for scalable clean energy. 💰 Fossil-Free Without the Premium By optimizing upstream processes, Aeon Blue can deliver e-fuels at cost parity with traditional fuels—no green premium needed. 🌍 Carbon-Negative and Circular For every 1 ton of e-fuel produced, ~10 tons of CO₂ are impacted through removal and prevention—plus, the whole system runs waste-free. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text What happens when a small town takes big action on clean energy? In this episode, we head to Bridgewater, Nova Scotia—where Mayor David Mitchell shares how the Energize Bridgewater initiative is transforming local energy systems, tackling energy poverty, and empowering residents to lead the charge. With homegrown innovations like the Bridgewise energy monitoring system, accessible clean energy financing, and a strong focus on equity, Bridgewater is showing what’s possible when data, community, and climate ambition come together. Whether you're a policymaker, sustainability advocate, or just curious about real-world energy innovation, this episode offers a blueprint for building smarter, fairer, and more resilient communities—starting at the local level. Key Takeaways 💡 Local Innovation Leads the Way Bridgewater didn’t just comply with sustainability requirements—they built a long-term plan focused on real needs like energy poverty, leading to a community-first clean energy transformation. 🏡 Residents Are at the Heart of the Solution With accessible financing, solar incentives, and home energy assessments, residents are active participants in lowering emissions and saving money. 📊 Smart Tech, Smarter Communities The town’s homegrown Bridgewise system goes beyond smart meters—collecting hyperlocal data to inform better decisions and highlight hidden energy burdens like heat islands. 🏙️ Cracking the Multi-Unit Code Bridgewater is tackling the complex challenge of energy upgrades in rental housing, finding ways to motivate landlords while protecting tenants. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text This week, we sit down with Temi Udo-Affia, Manager of Clean Electricity at Nova Scotia’s Department of Energy, for a deep dive into the province’s ambitious path to net-zero. Temi shares how the 2030 Clean Power Plan is reshaping Nova Scotia’s energy landscape through wind, solar, and community-driven projects. We explore how the province is planning to phase out coal, modernize the grid, and build a system that’s reliable, affordable, and sustainable. From long-duration storage to innovative policy shifts like the creation of a new independent system operator, this episode is packed with insight on how smart planning today is powering a cleaner tomorrow. Whether you're an energy professional, policymaker, or just curious about what a real clean energy transition looks like—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss. Key Takeaways 🔋 Energy Storage is Critical Nova Scotia is investing in battery and long-duration storage to keep the lights on—even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. 🌬️ Wind Power is Growing Fast Four new wind projects are underway, set to power 11% of the province’s electricity and save ratepayers $100 million annually. 🌞 Community Solar is Powering Local Impact The Community Solar Program is already generating clean energy for homes and organizations—putting power directly in the hands of communities. 📊 Policy + Planning = Progress With a bold Clean Power Plan and new independent energy bodies in place, Nova Scotia is laying the foundation for a modern, net-zero electricity system by 2030 and beyond. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text In this inspiring episode of Reimagined Energy, we sit down with Kiah and Kitana from Hope Blooms, a youth-led organization transforming how communities think about sustainability, energy, and innovation. From their beginnings on an abandoned plot of land in Halifax’s north end, Hope Blooms has grown into a hub for social enterprise, STEM education, and environmental leadership. Kiah and Kitana share how their Green Labs program introduces kids as young as six to renewable energy, composting, and ecological science—fostering curiosity and climate literacy in African Nova Scotian youth. Key Takeaways: 🌱 Youth-Led Innovation with Community Impact Hope Blooms began on an abandoned lot and has grown into a youth-driven force for change—providing scholarships, designing ocean-cleaning tech, and creating real opportunities for African Nova Scotian youth. 🔆 A Decade of Solar-Powered Sustainability For over 10 years, Hope Blooms has operated on solar energy, including a solar-powered music studio and a solar tracker that gives back to the grid. 🌍 Hands-On Environmental Education Through programs like Green Labs, youth gain real-world experience in sustainability and environmental science, preparing the next generation of changemakers. 💡 Bold Visions for the Future With plans to upgrade rainwater systems and expand growing spaces, Hope Blooms continues to dream big, proving that innovation, community, and climate action go hand in hand. Chapters: 02:21 Green Labs: Educating Youth on Sustainability 04:15 Innovative Ideas from Youth Science Fairs 06:38 The Solar Powered Music Studio Project 08:06 The Solar Tracker and Its Impact 10:28 Future Plans for Hope Blooms Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text In this episode of Reimagined Energy, we take a spin through the evolving world of electric vehicles — from smarter commuting choices to the cutting-edge future of wireless charging roads. Our guests dive into how multimodal transportation planning can reduce emissions and traffic stress, what the EV infrastructure landscape really looks like today, and why charging accessibility is a key hurdle we need to overcome. We also explore battery innovation, global supply chains, and how Canada stacks up in the race to electrify. We’ll revisit the highlights from episodes featuring: ✅David Adams from Global Automakers of Canada ✅Sadiq Pirani ✅Mark Marmer of Signature Electric ✅Chris Rouse from the University of New Brunswick Whether you're already an EV driver or just EV-curious, this episode offers a grounded look at where we're heading and how we’ll charge up to get there. Key Takeaways: 🚦 Smarter Mobility Starts Local Planning for short trips using walking, biking, or transit reduces emissions and congestion — it's not about ditching your car entirely but using it more wisely. ⚡ Infrastructure Is Everything From home chargers to public fast stations, accessible and reliable charging is essential for EV confidence and adoption. 🔋 Battery Tech Is Still Evolving The future of battery chemistry is uncertain, making long-term investments tricky — but innovation is accelerating fast. 🌎 Canada Needs to Catch Up With global leaders like China far ahead in battery processing, Canada must build local capacity to stay competitive and self-reliant. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text In this special remix episode of the Reimagined Energy Podcast, we’re revisiting some of the most forward-thinking conversations we’ve had around low-carbon innovation in Canada💡🌱 From electrifying construction sites and deploying one of the country’s largest battery storage systems, to Indigenous-led renewable energy projects and creative biomass solutions, this episode weaves together diverse voices working to decarbonize how we live, build, and power our communities. You’ll hear from: ✅Aecon on trialing electric construction equipment and low-carbon concrete ✅ Schneider Electric on their journey to becoming net-zero ready by 2030 ✅ Bioburn on clean-burning biomass tech and waste-to-energy solutions ✅ Youth leaders and Indigenous voices on community-based projects and energy sovereignty Whether you're in the climate space or just curious about where clean energy is headed, this remix delivers real-world innovation and insight — no greenwashing, just action. Key Takeaways: 🔋 Battery storage is booming Canada’s largest battery energy storage project is underway — a major step toward grid reliability and decarbonization. 🏗️ Clean construction is here From electric excavators to low-carbon concrete, builders like Aecon are rethinking how infrastructure gets made. 🔥 Waste can power the future Innovative biomass tech is turning wood waste into clean energy, cutting emissions and reducing landfill pressure. 🪶 Indigenous communities are leading First Nations are not only building renewable energy projects — they’re embedding culture, language, and sovereignty into the transition. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text In this special Remixed edition of the Reimagined Energy podcast, we bring together insights from past guests who are shaping the future of solar energy—at every scale. From residential rooftops to massive commercial installations, this episode dives into the opportunities, barriers, and innovations driving solar adoption across Canada and beyond. You'll hear from: ➡️ John Sheldon, who breaks down what homeowners and businesses need to know before going solar—including financing, installation timelines, and the importance of transparency. ➡️ Noaa Cohn of InRange Energy, who shares how rethinking landlord-tenant incentives is unlocking solar potential on commercial rooftops, with data centers playing a surprising role in scaling deployment. ➡️ Julia Lindsay, who discusses Nova Scotia’s first-in-Canada Community Solar Program and how it's making solar more accessible for everyone—with no upfront cost and a simple credit system. ➡️ Stephen Mildenberger, a rural homeowner and advocate who took solar into his own hands—literally—with a two-axis tracker and a mission to cut his carbon footprint. Whether you’re solar-curious or knee-deep in clean energy work, this episode offers a big-picture view of where solar is headed—and how individuals, communities, and companies are making it happen. Key Takeaways: ☀️ Solar is More Accessible Than Ever – From residential rooftops to Nova Scotia’s community solar program, solar energy is becoming easier to access for individuals, businesses, and communities across Canada. 💬 Education & Transparency Matter – Whether it’s debunking solar myths or explaining installation timelines and incentives, clear communication is key to building public trust and driving adoption. 🔋 Storage & Data Power the Future – Battery storage and smart data use are critical to optimizing solar systems, ensuring efficiency, and keeping the lights on—even when the sun isn’t shining. 🤝 Collaboration Drives Change – The energy transition isn’t a solo mission—it takes government support, industry innovation, and community engagement to make it work for everyone. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text In this episode of the Atlantica Fuel for Thought, Jonathan Alward discusses natural gas to understand better how it is used in Atlantica Canada today and into the future. Jonathan joins John Hawkins, President of Eastward Energy, and Paul Cheliak, Vice President of Strategy and Delivery for the Canadian Gas Association. They discuss what natural gas is, how it is transported across Canada to customers, the role of Indigenous partnerships in these projects, the current role of natural gas in Atlantic Canada, and how utilities are working to decarbonize the supply of gas for their customers. This episode also explores natural gas emissions, costs and reliability. Takeaways:  Natural gas is a cleaner alternative to coal and oil for electricity generation.  Atlantic Canada has significant natural gas infrastructure.  Natural gas accounts for 40% of Canada's energy consumption.  Natural gas is crucial for industrial applications and energy reliability.  The majority of natural gas in Canada is produced in Alberta and British Columbia.  Indigenous partnerships are becoming increasingly important in natural gas development.  Atlantic Canada's natural gas infrastructure is among the newest in North America.  Natural gas pricing varies significantly across regions in Canada.  The future of natural gas includes innovations in hydrogen and renewable natural gas. More Information: To learn more about natural gas, visit:  Atlantica’s Natural Gas 101: https://www.atlanticaenergy.org/natural-gas-101/  Atlantica’s Natural Gas Grid 101: https://www.atlanticaenergy.org/natural-gasgrid-101/  CGA’s Natural Gas 101: https://www.cga.ca/natural-gas-101/what-is-natural-gas/ Natural Gas Consumption Data: o Canada Energy Regulator: New Brunswick profile o Canada Energy Regulator: Nova Scotia profile For more information about the guest speakers, visit:  Eastward Energy, https://eastwardenergy.com/about/  Canadian Gas Association: https://www.cga.ca/about-us/ To learn more about all things energy in Atlantic Canada, visit:  Atlantica Centre for Energy: https://www.atlanticaenergy.org/ Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text In this episode of Reimagined Energy, Kathryn Bremner from Divert Nova Scotia shares how the province became a leader in recycling and waste reduction. She explains the role of community engagement, education, and innovative programs in cutting emissions and driving sustainability. We also look ahead to how new Extended Producer Responsibility regulations could reshape waste management in Nova Scotia and beyond. If you're interested in practical climate solutions, local innovation, and the power of community action, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: ♻️ Discover What Makes Nova Scotia a Recycling Leader Learn how a small province achieved one of the highest recycling rates in Canada—and what your community can take from their success. 🌍 See How Waste Reduction Fights Climate Change Hear how Divert Nova Scotia’s programs are cutting emissions and why waste management is a powerful climate solution. 👥 Understand the Power of Community Action Find out how education, local funding, and social outreach are driving real change—and how you can be part of it. ➡️ Get a Glimpse Into the Future of Waste Explore what Extended Producer Responsibility means and how shifting accountability to producers could reshape recycling everywhere. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text In this episode of Reimagined Energy, Maria sits down with Alexander Ross, President of Highmark Power, to explore how the company is transforming the clean energy landscape in Atlantic Canada. From navigating the complexities of urban builds to driving innovation in rural communities, Alex shares the highs and hurdles of scaling clean energy infrastructure. The conversation dives into why safety is non-negotiable, how strategic partnerships fuel progress, and what’s next as Highmark Power sets its sights on growth, workforce development, and cutting-edge technologies. Key Takeaways ⚡️ Powering the Future of Clean Energy – Founded in 2022, Highmark Power is rapidly closing infrastructure gaps with 100+ DC fast charger plugs and ambitious solar goals (200MW!). 🏗️ Building Smarter, Safer, Stronger – From award-winning safety standards to innovative construction practices, Highmark is redefining how clean energy projects get built. 🤝 Partnerships & People First – Success hinges on strong coordination with clients and utilities — and investing in workforce training to meet tomorrow’s energy demands. 🌆 Growth Amid Challenges – Urban constraints, evolving regulations, and the need for public engagement shape Highmark’s path forward in a fast-growing clean energy space. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text What does the future of clean energy look like—and how do we get there together? 🌱⚡ In this episode, we dive into key takeaways from the 2025 Energizing Efficiency conference, where experts break down the power of energy retrofits, the potential of biomass, and why energy literacy matters more than ever. From renewable energy solutions to building trust in our communities, this conversation is all about collaboration, innovation, and taking real steps toward a more sustainable future. Key Takeaways 🔋 Energy efficiency matters – From retrofits to Net Zero projects, smart solutions reduce consumption and boost sustainability. 🌱 Renewables like biomass – Exploring viable clean energy sources is key to a greener future. 🤝 Community + collaboration = progress – Engagement, trust, and teamwork drive successful energy transitions. 📚 Energy literacy empowers – Informed communities make better decisions for a sustainable tomorrow. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text Exploring how energy efficiency, equity, and community power can shape Nova Scotia’s clean energy future 🌍 In the latest episode of Reimagined Energy, we sit down with Chris Benjamin from the Ecology Action Center to chat about the organization's mission to advocate for environmental justice and sustainable energy solutions in Nova Scotia. We discuss the recent Building Nova Scotia's Green Jobs report, the importance of a just energy transition, and community-led climate initiatives. We also talk about the need for policy changes to address energy poverty and how individuals can get involved with the Ecology Action Center's work. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text Traceability, AI, and transparency — Foued Barouni from OPTEL Group joins us on Reimagined Energy to talk building better, greener supply chains. 🌱🔍 This week, Reimagined Energy sat down with Foued Barouni from Optel Group to discuss the importance of traceability in building sustainable supply chains. He emphasized the need for companies to track greenhouse gas emissions and comply with ESG standards to meet consumer and regulatory demands. We chat about the role of AI in enhancing sustainability efforts, identifying hotspots in supply chains, and the future projects of Optel Group aimed at increasing transparency and trust in data. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text In this episode of the Atlantica Fuel for Thought, Jonathan Alward discusses energy security in Atlantic Canada to better understand how electrical utilities are dealing with different energy security challenges today and into the future. Jonathan joins Marie Maclean, the Vice President of Power Production and Energy and Risk for Nova Scotia Power, and Angus Orford, the Vice President of Corporate Planning and Energy Supply for Maritime Electric. They discuss how their utilities are tackling energy security issues, including extreme weather events, supply chain reliability, balancing wind energy, and delivering affordable electricity for ratepayers. Takeaways: - Energy security encompasses availability, affordability, accessibility, and resilience. - Electrical utilities in the region are transitioning off coal and other fossil fuels. - Natural gas will play a crucial role in the energy transition. - PEI relies heavily on imported electricity to meet demand. - Utilities are planning for increased electricity demand due to population growth. - Storm hardening measures are being implemented to improve reliability. - Collaboration among utilities is essential for regional energy security. - Economic growth must be balanced with energy supply needs. - Distributed generation presents both opportunities and challenges. - The energy transition could be approached gradually to help affordability concerns. More Information: To learn more about Energy Security 101 For more information about the guest speakers, visit: Nova Scotia Power, Reliability Maritime Electric, Restoring Power After a Storm Learn more about all things energy in Atlantic Canada, visit: Atlantica Centre for Energy Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text From game-changing clean tech to navigating shifting policies, the Smart Energy Halifax Conference brought Canada’s energy future into focus. 🔋🌱 The Reimagined Energy Podcast attended this year's conference to hear from industry leaders driving innovation in renewables and energy. We spoke to attendees who shared their insights on energy in Canada—and how we can get there. Thanks to Smart Energy Halifax for inviting us to participate. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com

Send us a text What is the future of energy in Atlantic Canada? Derek Estabrook is with Michelle Robichaud of the Atlantica Centre for Energy, where they focus on the potential of green hydrogen as a transformative economic opportunity. They identify the region's energy resources, the importance of collaboration and policy alignment, and the need for investment to build a robust hydrogen industry. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in developing a sustainable energy future for Atlantic Canada, emphasizing the role of public support and workforce development. Takeaways This podcast is in partnership with Reimagined Energy. About: The Atlantic Hydrogen Alliance (AHA) supports the development of a vibrant low-carbon hydrogen value chain that will enable the transition to a prosperous low-carbon economy in Atlantic Canada. Thanks for listening. Would you like to be a sponsor, partner, or guest? Visit reimaginedenergy.com