John Zhou: How quickly can Alberta decarbonize?

Reflections from our Energy Futures Lab Fellows

“The energy system the future requires is efficient and reliable, diversified in sources and integrated in system, and of low carbon intensity.”

– John Zhou

Change is underway in Alberta. Within the province, energy sector innovators are working to collectively innovate, collaborate and act on transitioning towards a sustainable and resilient energy future.

With a PhD in geology and seven US patents under his belt, John has spent the last 27 years researching energy and the environment. He is now the Chief Technical Officer and Executive Director of Water and Environmental Management at Alberta Innovates Energy and Environment Solutions (AI-EES) where he focuses on the energy-water nexus and GHG management. Most recently, John was selected as an Energy Futures Lab Fellow.

The Energy Futures Lab, convened by The Natural Step Canada in collaboration with the Suncor Foundation, the Pembina Institute, and the Banff Centre, is leveraging the expertise of Dr. Zhou and 39 other fellows from government, the energy sector, First Nations groups, and environmental organizations to envision, develop, and act on ideas that will contribute to a sustainable energy future for Alberta. The Fellows’ success will be measured by tangible, breakthrough outcomes that support the transition towards a more resilient energy system.

John sees an emerging opportunity in the current energy landscape. “Alberta has a great opportunity to decarbonize or drastically lower its GHG emissions from its electric power sector. The retirement of coal power plants offers a golden opportunity to increase renewable electricity capacity” he says. “The status quo of replacing coal plants exclusively with natural gas plants should be challenged. Decarbonisation in the electric power sector will buy Alberta the time to reduce GHG emissions in liquid fuel production.”

Chad Park, The Natural Step Canada’s Executive Director, is excited to have John involved in the process. With his extensive knowledge as a long-term energy researcher and proven skills at developing high-caliber innovations, Dr. John Zhou was an obvious choice for the Energy Futures Lab Fellowship.

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