Best Energysector Podcasts (2026)

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Holiday Rewind Part 2: electrifying conversations that lit up 2025 30:16

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6d ago30:16

30:16

In Part 2 of the Holiday Rewind, Trevor revisits five standout episodes from thinkenergy in 2025. The conversations focus on renewable energy, from Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and building decarbonization to energy storage, district energy, and the policy forces shaping it all. This episode reflects on how renewables are becoming personal, …

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Holiday Rewind Part 1: electrifying conversations that lit up 2025 25:05

17d ago25:05

25:05

Canada's energy transition isn't coming. It's already here. As 2025 winds down, Trevor shares a holiday rewind featuring five of the most electrifying conversations from the thinkenergy podcast this year. From clean energy trends and Hydro Ottawa's investment plan to grid modernization, the rise of DERs, and decarbonizing buildings. Sit down with s…

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Blue energy: powering the future with Marine Renewables Canada 46:41

1M ago46:41

46:41

Waves, river currents, and tidal turbines could help power Canada's clean energy future. Trevor speaks with Elisa Obermann, Executive Director at Marine Renewables Canada, about the promise of marine energy and how countries like Canada are pursuing its potential. They explore how emerging 'blue energy' technologies complement solar and wind, suppo…

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thinkenergy shorts: hydropowering Ontario's north with renewable energy 8:51

2M ago8:51

8:51

Hydropower is one of the oldest sources of renewable energy, powering Canada's first electric lights in 1881 and providing clean energy to six out of ten homes and businesses today. Ontario's north leads its next chapter. Trevor sums up how new hydro projects with First Nations transform remote communities, reduce diesel reliance, and support recon…

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Growing power: connecting energy and agriculture with Dr. Rupp Carriveau 48:46

2M ago48:46

48:46

Trevor reconnects with his former professor, Dr. Rupp Carriveau from the University of Windsor, to explore how Southern Ontario's agriculture and energy sectors intersect. From powering greenhouses and managing massive industrial demand to reimagining aging wind farms and testing "atomic agriculture," together they unpack how innovation, AI, and ne…

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thinkenergy shorts: how Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are reshaping the grid 7:17

3M ago7:17

7:17

Rooftop solar. Backup batteries. Smart EV chargers. Distributed energy resources (DERs) are changing the way electricity is generated, managed, and used in Ontario. In this thinkenergy short, Trevor Freeman breaks down how DERs can reduce your carbon footprint, provide backup power during outages, and help you manage your energy costs. Listen in fo…

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Consumer impact: revisiting grid modernization with Capgemini Canada 1:00:33

3M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Grid modernization goes beyond smart meters. It's making the grid more responsive, customer-focused, and resilient. Andrea Nuesser, Grid Modernization Leader at Capgemini Canada, joins thinkenergy to explain how smart tech, real-time data, and evolving customer relationships are changing how electricity is delivered, managed, and consumed. From acc…

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thinkenergy shorts: keeping the lights on through extreme weather 12:31

4M ago12:31

12:31

Fire bans. Blackouts. Heat waves. Extreme weather is hitting harder and more often. Plus, Canada's electricity demand is soaring. In thinkenergy episode 161, host Trevor Freeman breaks down how utilities plan for grid resilience, from upgrading local infrastructure to planning a national east-west grid. He also explores how customer demand response…

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Summer Rewind: Digging into Hydro Ottawa's historically large investment plan 1:09:02

4M ago1:09:02

1:09:02

Summer rewind: Hydro Ottawa recently unveiled its largest investment plan ever, with a five-year focus on modernizing and strengthening the grid. The way we're consuming energy is changing, and this investment plan focuses on four key areas that highlight why Hydro Ottawa is taking action, and how they plan on doing it. Hydro Ottawa's Chief Operati…

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Summer Rewind: How AI impacts energy systems 55:16

5M ago55:16

55:16

Summer rewind: Greg Lindsay is an urban tech expert and a Senior Fellow at MIT. He's also a two-time Jeopardy champion and the only human to go undefeated against IBM's Watson. Greg joins thinkenergy to talk about how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we manage, consume, and produce energy—from personal devices to provincial grids, its …

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Summer Rewind: Reimagining heating and cooling with district energy systems 54:15

5M ago54:15

54:15

Summer rewind: Scott Demark, President and CEO of Zibi Community Utility, joins thinkenergy to discuss how our relationship with energy is changing. With two decades of expertise in clean energy and sustainable development, Scott suggests reimagining traditional energy applications for heating and cooling. He shares how strategic energy distributio…

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Summer Rewind: Capturing lightning in a bottle with Energy Storage Canada 43:42

6M ago43:42

43:42

Summer rewind: What does Canada do with excess energy? How is it stored today and how will it be stored as the energy industry evolves? Justin Rangooni, CEO of Energy Storage Canada, shares how energy storage supports a sustainable future for Canadians—from enhanced flexibility to affordability, large-scale grids to individual consumer needs. Liste…

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Powering tomorrow: investing in Ottawa's energy future 1:08:14

6M ago1:08:14

1:08:14

Powering tomorrow: investing in Ottawa's energy future Hydro Ottawa recently unveiled its 2026-2030 investment plan focused on modernizing and strengthening the grid. The way we're consuming energy is changing, and this investment plan focuses on four key areas that highlight why Hydro Ottawa is taking action, how they plan on doing it, and what it…

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thinkenergy shorts: what factors into your monthly electricity bill? 17:53

7M ago17:53

17:53

We've all been there, trying to decode a document filled with acronyms and numbers. In this episode of thinkenergy, host Trevor Freeman pulls back the curtain on the typical Ontario electricity bill. Learn about what makes up your monthly bill and exactly where your money goes. From generation mix to infrastructure and provincial differences, tune …

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Cleaner, cheaper, smarter: Ontario's Save on Energy framework explained 53:14

7M ago53:14

53:14

What does Ontario's new 12-year Save on Energy framework mean for homeowners, businesses, and the future of energy in Canada? Learn how the program supports smarter grid planning and energy use, lowers emissions, improves affordability, and helps Ontarians make the switch to cleaner technologies. Tam Wagner from the Independent Electricity System O…

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thinkenergy shorts: the energy story hits close to home 10:32

8M ago10:32

10:32

Canada's energy conversation grows louder every day. But before we can address the national goals or even energy independence, we need to look at our local utilities and energy systems to understand their capabilities. Host Trevor Freeman walks through how the energy conversation needs to start locally, how to future-proof energy systems, and what …

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Empowering power: how AI impacts energy systems 54:27

8M ago54:27

54:27

Greg Lindsay is an urban tech expert and a Senior Fellow at MIT. He's also a two-time Jeopardy champion and the only human to go undefeated against IBM's Watson. Greg joins thinkenergy to talk about how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we manage, consume, and produce energy—from personal devices to provincial grids. He also explores it…

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Reimagining heating and cooling with district energy systems 53:27

9M ago53:27

53:27

Scott Demark, President and CEO of Zibi Community Utility, joins thinkenergy to discuss how our relationship with energy is changing. With two decades of expertise in clean energy and sustainable development, Scott suggests reimagining traditional energy applications for heating and cooling. He shares how strategic energy distribution can transform…

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thinkenergy shorts: the on and offs of trading electricity 12:26

10M ago12:26

12:26

Will U.S. tariffs disrupt Canada's energy sector? What is the current state of cross-border electricity trade? How can we strengthen interprovincial connections to secure a sustainable energy future in our country? Host Trevor Freeman summarizes the on and offs of Canada's electricity trade. Tune in to learn about the complexities and challenges of…

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Capturing lightning in a bottle with Energy Storage Canada 42:54

10M ago42:54

42:54

What does Canada do with excess energy? How is it stored today and how will it be stored as the energy industry evolves? Justin Rangooni, CEO of Energy Storage Canada, shares how energy storage supports a sustainable future for Canadians—from enhanced flexibility to affordability, large-scale grids to individual consumer needs. Listen to episode 15…

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thinkenergy shorts: shining the light on power outages 10:05

11M ago10:05

10:05

How can you prepare for the inevitability of a power outage? What role does your utility provider play in restoring power? How are they being proactive about future outages? In this episode of thinkenergy, host Trevor Freeman shines the light on power outages and the strategies used by utilities to manage them. Learn about preventive measures, emer…

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Decarbonizing Canada's buildings with the Building Decarbonization Alliance 1:04:25

11M ago1:04:25

1:04:25

Canada's building sector accounts for 30-40% of the nation's energy use. Bryan Fannigan from the Building Decarbonization Alliance joins thinkenergy to share how the sector can align with Canada's emission reduction goals. From policies and grid impact studies to strategies helping steer towards a net-zero status by 2050. Listen in to learn about t…

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Looking ahead at 2025 clean energy trends 19:55

12M ago19:55

19:55

The energy sector is always changing. Episode 149 of thinkenergy explores what to keep an eye on this year. Like political influence. How will the Trump administration's takeover reshape policies across the border? What are the potential impacts of federal and provincial elections here in Canada and Ontario? From energy strategies to affordability …

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Holiday Rewind Part 2: Unwrapping the energy transition 51:42

1y ago51:42

51:42

The final episode of thinkenergy in 2024 unwraps on the year's biggest topic: the energy transition. Learn how it's shaped discussions and actions across the energy sector, as we revisit the most insightful moments from past episodes, including expert insights on sustainable practices, investments needed for future transformations, and the impacts …

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Holiday Rewind Part 1: Unwrapping the best of 2024 38:40

1y ago38:40

38:40

The holiday season is here and 2024 is coming to a close. It's a good time to reflect, so we're looking back at five of the top episodes of thinkenergy in 2024. Join your host Trevor Freeman, as he unwraps the year's most important topics surrounding the future of energy in Canada. Listen in for how experts are guiding change with insightful data a…

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Breaking down Distributed Energy Resources, with Hydro Ottawa's Trevor Freeman 20:39

1y ago20:39

20:39

What are Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)? How important are they to the energy transition? Host Trevor Freeman shares how solar panels, batteries, and small-scale wind turbines are shifting from niche innovations to central figures in reshaping our energy infrastructure. Discover how these tools help reduce reliance on centralized power and emp…

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Cybersecurity and the energy sector, with Hydro Ottawa's Jojo Maalouf 19:18

1y ago19:18

19:18

Our daily lives are more and more connected online. This includes our utility grids. Jojo Maalouf, Hydro Ottawa's Director of Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure, joins thinkenergy to discuss the role of cybersecurity in the energy sector. From cybersecurity threats, like cyber warfare and ransom-seeking hacktivists, to the measures required to def…

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The what, where, when, and how of Canada's energy transition 18:59

1y ago18:59

18:59

The energy transition is a big topic on thinkenergy. But what exactly is it? What does it mean globally, in Canada, and to you as an energy user? In this bite-sized episode, host Trevor Freeman unpacks the what, where, when, and how of the energy transition. From energy production and storage to how electrification is implemented in different commu…

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Electrifying Canada's remote communities with QUEST Canada 45:02

1y ago45:02

45:02

The climate crisis is a global challenge. But there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. While urban centres are driving discussions on electrification and policy, rural and remote communities, including many Indigenous areas, face distinct energy realities. Gemma Pinchin from QUEST Canada joins thinkenergy to share how these communities can engage …

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Turning energy consumer interest into action with EY Global 53:59

1+ y ago53:59

53:59

Who is impacted by energy? We all are. Regardless of our roles, whether we work in the industry or not, we all use energy in some form or another. And we use it everyday. So, when it comes to energy transition, industry leaders must consider the end user. In episode 142 of thinkenergy, Greg Guthridge and Nicholas Handcock of EY Global share how sta…

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Decarbonizing and electrifying your home, with Sarah Grant of Goldfinch Energy 58:47

1+ y ago58:47

58:47

Most Canadians are eager to combat climate change. But how? One actionable area is reducing emissions from our homes. In episode 141 of thinkenergy, Sarah Grant, founder and co-owner of Goldfinch Energy, shares ways you can reduce your home's reliance on fossil fuels. Goldfinch Energy is a women-owned, Toronto-based organization offering energy ass…

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Summer Rewind: Modernizing the Electricity Grid with the Advanced Distribution Management System 56:22

1+ y ago56:22

56:22

Summer rewind: If electrification is the future of energy, the grid must become more efficient and more reliable across Canada. Jenna Gillis, Manager of Distribution System Integration at Hydro Ottawa, joins thinkenergy to discuss the process. Listen to episode 136, as she shares how Ottawa's electricity grid is being updated with an Advanced Distr…

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Summer Rewind: Vision Quest: Modernizing Ontario's Energy Future with the EDA 1:06:21

1+ y ago1:06:21

1:06:21

Summer rewind: Ontario's electricity sector is evolving, as the province navigates the transition to cleaner energy amidst rising demand. In thinkenergy episode 135, we explore the grid's structure and key players, highlighting the crucial role of distributors (Local Distribution Companies or LDCs) in facilitating this transition. Guest Teresa Sark…

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Summer Rewind: Accelerating Canada's clean energy transition with Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors 30:42

1+ y ago30:42

30:42

HYDRO_ThinkEnergy_Aug5_Audio Wed, Jul 31, 2024 1:07PM • 30:42 SUMMARY KEYWORDS energy, canada, side, country, council, utility, ultimately, philip, big, clean energy, single, transition, challenge, governments, perspective, climate, decarbonize, involved, work, electricity SPEAKERS Trevor Freeman, Dan Seguin, Philippe Dunsky Trevor Freeman 00:00 Ev…

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Summer Rewind: Climate Communication: Motivating Change with Re.Climate 52:03

1+ y ago52:03

52:03

Summer rewind: What role do communicators play in motivating change? Specifically, how can they move their audiences to take action against climate change? In thinkenergy episode 122, we delve into the world of climate communication with Amber Bennett, Deputy Director of Re.Climate. Explore the driving forces, opportunities, and challenges of inspi…

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Summer Rewind: Decarbonizing Ontario's electricity grid with the IESO 39:21

1+ y ago39:21

39:21

Summer rewind: As demand for electricity increases, the need to diversify supply also rises. In Episode 120 of thinkenergy, Lesley Gallinger, CEO of Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), unpacks what's driving the transformation of the province's power system, the potential opportunities, and the obstacles standing in the way. F…

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Current affairs with Francis Bradley, Electricity Canada's President and CEO 58:59

1+ y ago58:59

58:59

Electricity Canada's President and CEO, Francis Bradley, joins thinkenergy in episode 140. Hear about the shift to sustainable electricity, including the difficulties navigating provincial and federal policies, climate change directives, and funding gaps. Plus how Electricity Canada evolved from a technical exchange club into a national advocate fo…

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Energy Policy Deep Dive with Nicholas Rivers (Part 2) 49:30

1+ y ago49:30

49:30

Get to the bottom of how policy is ushering along the energy transition. In part two of the series, Associate Professor Nicholas Rivers shares how energy policies are helping shape the actions taken to address climate change. From decarbonizing buildings and transportation to the hard-to-tackle parts of Canada's economy and its major industries. Pl…

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Energy Policy Deep Dive with Nicholas Rivers (Part 1) 52:17

1+ y ago52:17

52:17

In this first of a two-part series, we unpack the vital role of policy in driving the energy transition with Nicholas Rivers, Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and the Institute of the Environment at the University of Ottawa. Join us as we explore the layers of policy implementation, the interplay of soc…

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Heat Pump Check In with Shawn Carr 37:12

1+ y ago37:12

37:12

Heat pumps are proving as one method to combat climate change and decarbonize Canada—because they can operate at 300% efficiency (or greater!), while a standard furnace runs between 93–94%. In this episode of thinkenergy, Hydro Ottawa's Shawn Carr, Manager, Customer Experience, chats his experience using a heat pump in his home. From the upfront co…

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Modernizing the Electricity Grid with the Advanced Distribution Management System 55:30

1+ y ago55:30

55:30

If electrification is the future of energy, the grid must become more efficient and more reliable. All across Canada, from province to province to right here at home in Ottawa. Jenna Gillis, Manager of Distribution System Integration at Hydro Ottawa, joins thinkenergy to discuss the process. Listen to episode 136, as she shares how Ottawa's electri…

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Vision Quest: Modernizing Ontario's Energy Future with the EDA 1:05:30

1+ y ago1:05:30

1:05:30

Ontario's electricity sector is evolving, as the province navigates the transition to cleaner energy amidst rising demand. In thinkenergy episode 135, we explore the grid's structure and key players, highlighting the crucial role of distributors (Local Distribution Companies or LDCs) in facilitating this transition. Guest Teresa Sarkesian, Presiden…

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What the data tells us 51:13

1+ y ago51:13

51:13

Decarbonization, the energy transition, and combating the climate crisis are critical to the future of Canadians (and the planet). But we all have different priorities and opinions. In episode 134 of thinkenergy, David Coletto, founder and CEO of Abacus Data, unpacks some of the key issues Canadians face today. Abacus Data is a Canadian market and …

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The future workforce: starting a career in energy 27:59

2y ago27:59

27:59

The energy transition will define the sector for decades. And smart, passionate people are needed across the industry—leaders and innovative thinkers to chart the path forward. In his first episode hosting thinkenergy, Trevor Freeman gives the future workforce a voice, chatting with two engineering interns about what a career in energy means to the…

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Passing the mic: meet the new host of thinkenergy 16:52

2y ago16:52

16:52

Thinkenergy launched May 2019, with host Dan Séguin leading the charge to demystify the fast-changing world of energy. From helping Canadians better understand the sector to sharing insights from industry leaders and experts, Dan is a key reason why thinkenergy is the podcast for conversations around the future of energy. In his last episode as hos…

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Rewind Episode: Coming Clean About a Clean Electricity Future 46:54

2y ago46:54

46:54

Rewind episode: The pressure to tackle pollution and climate change is increasing, as countries worldwide are eliminating greenhouse gases and moving away from fossil fuels. This shift towards a cleaner future has a lot of moving parts, especially as it relates to cleaning Canada's energy sector. Merran Smith, founder and Chief Innovation Officer a…

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Embracing energy independence with OREC 37:09

2y ago37:09

37:09

Small-scale technologies like solar panels and on-site battery storage are empowering homeowners, businesses, and entire communities to become more energy independent. In this episode, we talk with Dick Bakker, Director of the Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-operative (OREC), about his personal switch to solar power, OREC's role as an advocate for renew…

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Examining Canada's EV trajectory 25:35

2y ago25:35

25:35

We've spoken with many experts about electric vehicles (EVs) in Canada, covering everything from adoption trends to announcements, projects, and policies. This episode curates some of the most informative takeaways from these discussions. Envision Canada's EV future with Daniel Breton of Electric Mobility Canada, Emma Jarratt of Electric Autonomy C…

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The future of waterpower with WaterPower Canada 24:38

2y ago24:38

24:38

Waterpower is Canada's most abundant renewable resource, providing 60 per cent of our electricity. But here's the big question: as Canada looks to an emissions-free future, how can waterpower, one of the oldest power sources on the planet, help us get there? And what do we need to consider? To learn more about our hydroelectric future, we sat down …

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Recap: Mitigating the Impacts of Winter (Part 2) 18:24

2y ago18:24

18:24

Ice storms, blizzards, and high winds can all lead to extended power outages, turning bad weather into a crisis for those affected. And Canada has had several intense cold weather events in recent years. In part 2 of mitigating the impacts of winter, experts Guy Lepage, Canadian Red Cross Disaster Management Volunteer, Julie Lupinacci, Chief Custom…