Energy can be stored in various forms other than batteries; there’s pumped hydro, flywheel, compressed air, and thermal energy storage as well. The burgeoning field of energy storage in Canada is a hot topic right now. Maria chats with Justin Rangooni, President and CEO of Energy Storage Canada, highlighting the industry’s growth, technological advancements, and the challenges it faces.

As renewable energy sectors, like wind and solar, expand in Nova Scotia, so does the need for a specialized workforce. In this episode of Reimagined Energy, host Maria McGowan is joined by three guests from Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC): Patty Charlton, School Manager of the School of Technology and Environment; Laurie Dauphinee, an instructor in the Electrical Technician program; and Taylor McKay, a faculty member specializing in wind turbine technology.

Charging your electric vehicle (EV) while driving? Yes, you can technically charge an EV while driving through dynamic wireless charging (inductive charging), which uses magnetic fields to transfer energy from the road to the vehicle.  In this episode of Reimagined Energy, Dr. Chris Rouse discusses his research on wireless charging technology for electric vehicles at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). 

Joe Lewis from BioBurn Pros Inc. explains how their cutting-edge biomass tech is doing more than just managing wood waste. It produces clean energy and cuts emissions with air curtain burner technology. You’ll hear how BioBurn stepped up after Hurricane Fiona, showing how renewable energy solutions can boost community resilience when it’s needed most. 

Halifax isn’t waiting for change — it’s making it happen. In this episode, Kevin Boutilier, Manager of Clean Energy at Halifax Regional Municipality, shares how the city is turning ambition into action through HalifACT — one of the most forward-thinking climate plans in Canada.

If you’re curious about what local leadership on climate really looks like, this conversation brings the energy.

Thinking about upgrading your building but unsure where to start? This episode is for you.

Reimagined Energy sat down with Lorrie Rand, co-founder of The ReCover Initiative, to explore how a deep retrofit can boost your building’s performance, cut long-term operating costs, and make your property more resilient to changing climate conditions.

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.

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.

In the latest episode of Reimagined Energy, we sit down with Chris Benjamin from the Ecology Action Centre 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 Centre’s work.

Key takeaways from the 2025  NB Power 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.

In this episode of Reimagined Energy, Maria sits down with Alexander Ross, Director of Strategy & Operations at 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.

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.

In this special Remixed edition, 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.

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.

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.

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.

People like Kiah and Kitana from Hope Blooms, a youth-led organization, are transforming how communities think about sustainability, energy, and innovation.

From its 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.

This week, we chat 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.

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.

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.

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.

In with the old, in with the new. Building to Zero Exchange assists in making historical buildings energy efficient. Maria interviews Taylor Owen, the director at Net Zero Atlantic, to discuss the challenges of retrofitting older buildings. All this leads to workforce development and training because making an older building footprint energy-efficient is tricky.

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 nuclear’s 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.

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.

This week, Zachary Bruton of Noble Corporation, a global offshore drilling contractor, discusses how they’re reimagining their role in the energy transition. Noble is adapting its rigs and expertise to make offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) safe and scalable.

Today, Denis Kouroussis, co-founder and CEO of Volta Insite, shares how predictive analytics and artificial intelligence are transforming the energy sector. From smarter monitoring to improved operational efficiency, the conversation highlights how data-driven insights are helping build a more sustainable energy future.

Maria McGowan speaks with Isaac Hagen from Manpower Group about the growing skill gap in renewable energy. Isaac explains why demand for clean energy talent is rising faster than supply and why many employers struggle to hire. He shares data on workforce shortages in the United States and Canada and outlines clear steps for organizations that want to attract people with the right skills.

Maria McGowan speaks with Stuart Galloway from SOFIAC about the importance of energy efficiency and decarbonization in buildings. Stuart shares insights on a recent carbon footprint campaign aimed at raising awareness about building emissions and emphasizes the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Experts and passionate individuals share their perspectives on what needs to be done to make sure the future of climate action is inclusive of all perspectives. They challenge what’s being done and share wisdom on what should be done to make sure we’re prepared for a changing future for the energy sector.

Maria McGowan invites Francois Byrne to discuss the transition from diesel to battery-based power systems, exploring misconceptions, challenges, and industry innovations. Byrne breaks down a cost-benefit analysis of electrification and the surprising advantages of hybrid systems, along with the unique challenges faced by remote communities.