Today natural gas fulfills almost 40% of Canada’s energy needs and gas energy is poised for future growth with innovations in new fuels like RNG, hydrogen and methane capture technologies. However, while natural gas stands out as a foundational fuel for Canadians, the industry continues to face serious public policy challenges. In our view policy makers have yet to fully appreciate natural gas’ vital role in addressing the energy trilemma: a balance between energy affordability, reliability and acceptability.
Affordability is an especially pressing concern today. And energy affordability underscores the affordability of everything else we use and do. In virtually every application, in virtually every part of the country, natural gas and the infrastructure that delivers it, offers the most affordable option for Canadians and has the potential to help even more. Reliability is a growing concern as we see material constraints on the electric grid across the country – compounded by demands for more electrification. Blackouts and brownouts should not happen, and the electricity industry in this country works hard to avoid them, but policy pressures demanding too much of an electric grid risk causing more of them. The natural gas system can help here too: reliability of overall energy delivery turns on an appreciation of the backbone provided by Canada’s gas system – talk of phasing it out is irresponsible and promises a much less reliable future. And acceptability – be it the acceptability of emissions or of powerlines or of wind turbines or anything else – is an ongoing concern for all Canadians. All three of these considerations have to factor in to the energy conversation in Canada, and around the world.
In this issue, our political commentators provide their various perspectives on the energy trilemma and how the current focus of GHG emissions (an element of acceptability) can be balanced with that of providing affordable and reliable energy for Canadians.
We had the opportunity to speak with the Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, to discuss avenues which will allow governments and the industry to work together and deliver a secure energy future – one that a balance between the three elements of the trilemma can guarantee – to Canadians.
We look at the growth of cross-border ownership of gas utilities and delve into why the United States seems a better market for growth for our utilities than Canada.
We profile Jean-Benoit Trahan, President of Gazifère, the fast-growing Quebec utility, and discuss his vision for long-term sustainability of the gas system in Western Quebec.
And on innovation, we profile the ATCO and UBC collaboration for a pilot project to explore the highly promising potential of methane pyrolysis for decentralized, clean hydrogen production.
In a troubled world, the natural gas industry offers the promise of long-term energy security, security that underlines broader societal wellbeing. As we approach the end of the year and significant religious occasions like Chanukah and Christmas, we are reminded of the need to focus on that security, on our-widely shared desire for peace, and our hope for a better world for all.