The Transition Accelerator/ L’Accélérateur de transition

It’s always a thrill to watch #hydrogeninnovation in action! Yesterday the CRH2 team took a field trip to see the refuelling process for CPKC’s hydrogen locomotives, and to learn more about the technology and plans behind this ongoing initiative. Hydrogen fuel cell locomotives aren’t just a hypothetical. First announced in 2020, CPKC is currently putting North America’s first hydrogen-fuelled freight locomotives through the paces, testing performance in a range of conditions and use cases. The Calgary-based team showed us the refuelling process (with hydrogen produced on-site with their own solar array), gave us a tour of the retrofitted engines, and indulged our nerdiest questions on how it all works. Learn more about CPKC’s groundbreaking Hydrogen Locomotive Program here—and thanks again for the tour! https://lnkd.in/eXcXVfmV #hydrogeninnovation #hydrogenfuel #hydrogeneconomy #calgary #locomotives #hydrogentransport 

I am quoted in the article below expressing support for a Fortress Canada automotive supply chain. Here is why I think that makes sense: First, Canada does not run a big export surplus in automotives and components. Unlike in oil and gas, where Canada has $140 billion in net exports that it cannot absorb domestically. ➡️ Canada exports $72bn in cars and parts to the US, but only has a $1.8bn surplus with the US. This means Canada exports about as much as it imports. Data in comments. In oil & gas building east-west pipelines to reconfigure and reshore supply and demand simply won't work because of the big imbalance. But in automotive, there is a real possibility that we could increase demand for Canadian cars that are made with Canadian parts. Second, the Canadian parts industry was going to have to be configured for the EV supply chain anyway. Trump’s tariff war provides an opportunity to bring that forward. ➡️ We are already seeing the benefits of EV production in our trade tables. Export increases in EVs, batteries, and electric motor parts are among the fastest growing rates in Canada’s exports. Data in comments. Third, such a strategy can provide downstream demand for iron and steel and critical minerals. The auto sector, if buying Canadian, can support these impacted industries during a difficult time. ➡️ Integration up and down, as well as side to side into clean energy and defence manufacturing, is critical to making this work and produce real economic value for Canada. Look, it’s not ideal—there will be efficiency and productivity losses and bold government action will be needed to support the transition. But in the breach, recreating made-in-Canada supply chains makes sense.

Power lines won’t fix Canada’s electricity challenges—political coordination will. Bruce Lourie of the The Transition Accelerator/ L’Accélérateur de transition argues that smarter interprovincial planning, not just new infrastructure, is the key to building a reliable, affordable grid. The first step? Use what we already have.

On May 29, join Transition Accelerator executive vice president Moe Kabbara for The Walrus Talks Power Economy! Alongside experts from Ontario Power Generation, Concordia University and more, Moe will explore how electrification can help power a more competitive, resilient and sustainable future for all Canadians. Register now to take part online, or in-person in Toronto.

As Canada moves toward a more electrified future, there’s growing recognition that the electricity system must expand to meet demand. But it’s not just about scaling infrastructure—customers are the first to flag that affordability and abundance need to be at the centre of this transition. Watch the replay of our recent webinar: https://lnkd.in/eYShxXiq Moderated by Philippe Dunsky (Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors), the expert panel—Julia McNally (Toronto Hydro), Tim Eckel (formerly at SaskPower), and Moe Kabbara (The Transition Accelerator/ L’Accélérateur de transition)—explored how a strategic approach is needed to deliver an electricity system that benefits all Canadians. 

Data centres are expanding rapidly, and energy demand is surging as a result. To meet the demand, some of the largest U.S. oil and gas companies are investing in natural gas power plants—but how are Canadian utilities planning to respond? What role will data centres play in shaping Canada’s position in the global digital economy? And how can the country balance technological growth with energy system constraints? Join the discussion on May 6, 2025: “Data Centres: Catalyst or Challenge for Canada’s Energy Sector?” https://lnkd.in/ej_n2_Du Featuring panelists:  ➡ Mél Hogan, Associate Professor of Film & Media, Queen's University  ➡ Elissa Downey, Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Ontario Power Generation 

Could Canada support a mostly domestic auto sector? Gabe Friedman and the Financial Post spoke to experts including the Transition Accelerator's Bentley Allan about whether the sector could "go it alone," and what it would take to make it happen.

Between looming tariffs and increased economic uncertainty, how can Canadian industry effectively plan for its future workforce? How do we train, upskill, and hire the workers needed to build a competitive low-carbon economy?   On April 2, join Vincent Caron (Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters), Noel Baldwin (Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures) and Michelle Branigan (Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC)) for a timely conversation on developing Canada’s skilled workforce.   Register here: https://lnkd.in/eZ7hurdx

Don't forget to register for our webinar tomorrow, April 2! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gkevuWqe As demand for critical minerals, electricity, and clean energy exports grows globally, Canada has a major opportunity to lead—but does it have the skilled workforce to support it? Join The Transition Accelerator/ L’Accélérateur de transition, Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures, and EHRC as our expert panel explores what kind of workforce Canada needs to stay competitive, how industries prepare for rapid shifts, and the potential impact of tariffs on workforce planning.

Planning to attend this month's Canadian Hydrogen Convention? Our CRH2 Lead Zak C. is joining the Technical Conference on April 24 to present the case for the Calgary region as the next step in Alberta’s nascent hydrogen economy. Find out what makes the region a promising demand centre, how it can complement the work being done in the Edmonton region, and what opportunities lie ahead. We'll see you there! #CHC2025 #CanadianHydrogenConvention #hydrogenconference