
Climate change presents a new set of challenges, particularly for utilities, on the front lines of maintaining service in the face of increasingly severe weather events, such as high winds, flash floods, and wildlife disruptions.
A workshop Feb. 6 in Toronto will bring together industry leaders and academics to address energy sector resilience in the face of climate and technological change.
The workshop will delve into system vulnerabilities, examine emerging technologies, and assess whether these innovations provide real benefits for energy operators. Participants will also gain insight into the financial implications of these challenges and explore funding models that can support the resilience of energy systems.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, says Rupp Carriveau, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and a director of the Turbulence and Energy Lab.
“One of the most confounding aspects to these rapid change challenges is that utilities have a lot in common, but they each will have many unique operational differences,” he says. “Each utility must do their own homework — but working together can highlight increased opportunities to mitigate risk.”
Phil McKay, executive director of the CanREA Electricity Transition Hub partnering with the Turbulence and Energy Lab for this event, touts the workshop as a way to connect key players in the sector.
“Change is needing to happen fast for utilities around the globe,” he says. “Events like these are critical to bring the right voices into one room to paint the details that must be included for sustainable transition solutions.”
Geared toward utilities, system operators, regulators, service providers, and large energy consumers, the grid resilience workshop will be held in the Donald K. Johnson Centre at 130 King St. in Toronto.
Registration is $175 per person before Jan. 24. Find a full agenda and a link to register here.