Clean Energy BC delves into the Kootenays

Powering Generations will illuminate the many plausible paths that are involved in the future of CleanBC

by Keith Powell — May 24, 2019

CEBC is BC’s clean energy industry association that represents 135 members. — Photo courtesy CleanEnergy BC

The Clean Energy Association of BC (CEBC) is hosting their spring conference Powering Generations: Legacy to the Future in Trail, BC from June 4th – 6th. CEBC is BC’s clean energy industry association that represents 135 members. This immersive event showcases the technologies, solutions and job opportunities from the Province of BC’s CleanBC plan released in November 2018.

The association is excited to have support from the government and a keynote speech from the Leader of the Green Party, Dr. Andrew Weaver MLA. Indigenous leader, former chief of ʔAq̓am, St. Mary’s Indian Band and former chief commissioner of the British Columbia Treaty Commission, Sophie Pierre, will be delivering a keynote speech on June 5th. The conference focuses on the opportunities with CleanBC as well as the Kootenays’ legacy of engineering excellence and how the plethora of clean energy projects impact clean tech innovation in the region.

Mary Austin of Austin Engineering will be co-chairing Powering Generations with Clean Energy BC’s Chair, Isabelle Deguise of BluEarth Renewables Inc.

Powering Generations includes a workshop that is being co-hosted by West Kootenay EcoSociety’s Executive Director Montana Burgess on Tuesday June 4th. This full-day workshop is catered towards community leaders, local government, First Nations leaders and clean energy industry professionals who are interested in partnering to facilitate progress. Order of Canada recipient and clean energy champion, Kekinusuqs Dr. Judith Sayers, a member of the Hupacasath First Nation, will be leading a session. The workshop dispels myths of renewable energy and explores the practical steps of how to achieve the transition to 100% renewable energy.

Global renewable energy trends and clean technology development will impact the Province of BC’s road to achieving the vision of CleanBC. Powering Generations will illuminate the many plausible paths that are involved in the future of CleanBC, including how to improve labour readiness to take advantage of the exciting job opportunities and economic development.

Conference delegates will have the opportunity to visit the Midas 3D Fab Lab, a state-of-the-art 3D printing facility. The final day of the conference will conclude with touring a wide range of the region’s clean energy projects including Nelson Hydro, Nelson Solar, Brilliant Dam and Waneta Dam.