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environment and natural resources

Canada’s Investment in Ontario’s Electricity Grid Modernization: Enhancing Infrastructure and Efficiency

by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy August 15, 2025

written by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

On August 15, 2025, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced an investment of over $13 million for five projects that will contribute to electricity grid modernisation in Ontario.

Under the Energy Innovation Program (EIP) – Smart Grids Demonstration Call for Proposals, the following projects are receiving funding:

Project name: Centricity: Empowering Customers in Future Grid Evolution (2030)
Recipient: Alectra Utilities Corporation
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Funding amount: $6,000,000
Description: The objective of this project is to transform Alectra Utilities Corporation’s distribution grid electricity customers into active electricity system participants by allowing customer-owned devices such as solar panels and batteries to access and benefit from electricity markets.

Alectra Utilities Corporation’s project is also receiving the Mission Innovation Green-Powered Future Mission International Collaboration Grant to support the engagement of stakeholders internationally on the success and learnings of their “Centricity: Empowering Customers in Future Grid Evolution (2030)” EIP – Smart Grid Demonstration project, mentioned above.

Project name: Centricity: Empowering Customers in Future Grid Evolution – MI GPFM International Collaboration and Knowledge Dissemination
Recipient: Alectra Utilities Corporation
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Funding amount: $149,645
Description: Alectra will take on the role of the North American flagship project under the Mission Innovation Green Powered Future Mission’s “Five Demos in Five Continents” initiative — leveraging this grant to share knowledge and expertise from their demonstration project and to collaborate with international partners.

Project name: Deploying Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Using Advance Multi-Port Power Conversion System to Power Industrial Facilities in Rural Weak-Grid Locations
Recipient: Hiah Corp.
Location: M’Chigeeng, Ontario
Funding amount: $3,160,000
Description: This project will develop and demonstrate a multi-port electric power conversion system (alternating current to direct current to alternating current, AC-DC-AC) that achieves power quality requirements while integrating standby generators, renewable generation and energy storage into a weak grid, thereby enabling a large industrial quarry to transition from diesel generators to renewable sources.

Project name: Distributed Energy Resources Management Platform (DERA) to Reduce Emissions and Support the Grid

Recipient: Peak Power Inc.

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Funding amount: $3,145,461
Description: The objective of this project is to deploy and demonstrate a distributed energy resource management system at three locations that can allow simultaneous optimization of distributed energy resources and customer participation in electricity markets.

Project name: Operating an Electricity Market at the Distribution Grid Using AI-Based Load Forecasting and Network-Constrained Optimization
Recipient: Enova Power Corp.
Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Funding amount: $750,000
Description: The project will operate a distribution-level electricity market using AI-based load forecasting and network-constrained optimization. Through incentivizing Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), the project aims to resolve capacity constraints at selected feeders and help defer traditional infrastructure investments, mitigating rate increases for ratepayers.

August 15, 2025 0 comments

world

Lake Powell Capacity Shrinks: Water Levels & Future Concerns

by James Carter Senior News Editor June 12, 2025

written by James Carter Senior News Editor

Lake Powell’s Shrinking Capacity: A Warning for the American West

Every year, Lake Powell loses enough water to fill 1,600 National Mall Reflecting Pools. That’s not a future projection – it’s the average annual loss in storage capacity documented between 1963 and 2018, and a stark indicator of a crisis unfolding in the American West. A new report confirms that the second-largest human-made reservoir in the US has already lost nearly 7% of its potential, and the rate of decline is accelerating, threatening water supplies for over 40 million people.

The Sediment Problem: More Than Just Drought

While the ongoing 22-year megadrought gripping the Southwest is a major contributor to Lake Powell’s woes, the story isn’t solely about lack of precipitation. The US Geological Survey and the Bureau of Reclamation report highlights a critical, often overlooked factor: sediment. As the Colorado and San Juan rivers flow into Lake Powell, they carry sediment that settles to the bottom, permanently reducing the reservoir’s capacity. This isn’t a new phenomenon, but the rate of sedimentation is becoming increasingly concerning, effectively shrinking the ‘bucket’ even as less water flows into it.

This sedimentation issue is particularly problematic because it’s irreversible without massive, and currently impractical, dredging operations. Unlike water, which can theoretically be replenished, lost storage capacity due to sediment is gone for good. This means that even if precipitation returns to historical averages, Lake Powell will never fully recover its original storage potential.

Lake Powell and Lake Mead: A Cascading Crisis

Lake Powell isn’t operating in isolation. It’s inextricably linked to Lake Mead, the nation’s largest reservoir, downstream. Both reservoirs are experiencing alarming declines, and their interconnectedness amplifies the risk. In August 2022, the federal government declared the first-ever official water shortage on the Colorado River, triggered by record-low levels at Lake Mead, leading to mandatory water cuts for several states.

Recently, Lake Powell dipped below 3,525 feet, a critical threshold impacting hydropower generation. The Glen Canyon Dam, which forms Lake Powell, provides crucial electricity for millions. Reduced hydropower output not only strains the power grid but also adds economic pressure to an already vulnerable region. The situation at both lakes demonstrates a cascading crisis, where problems at one location exacerbate challenges at the other.

Beyond Water Supply: Economic and Ecological Impacts

The implications of dwindling water supplies extend far beyond household taps. Agriculture, a cornerstone of the Western economy, is heavily reliant on Colorado River water for irrigation. Reduced allocations threaten crop yields and the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers. Furthermore, the health of the Colorado River ecosystem is at stake. Lower water levels impact fish populations, riparian habitats, and the overall biodiversity of the region.

Native American communities also face disproportionate impacts. Many tribes have senior water rights on the Colorado River, but historical injustices and limited infrastructure often leave them vulnerable to water shortages. The crisis at Lake Powell and Lake Mead underscores the urgent need for equitable water management policies that prioritize the needs of all stakeholders.

What Can Be Done? A Multi-Pronged Approach

Addressing this complex challenge requires a multifaceted approach. Short-term solutions include stricter water conservation measures across all sectors – agriculture, industry, and residential. Longer-term strategies must focus on:

Reducing Water Demand: Investing in water-efficient technologies, promoting drought-resistant landscaping, and implementing innovative irrigation techniques.
Improving Water Management: Revisiting outdated water allocation agreements and fostering greater collaboration among states and stakeholders.
Exploring Alternative Water Sources: Investing in desalination, water recycling, and atmospheric water generation technologies.
Sediment Management: While large-scale dredging is currently impractical, research into innovative sediment removal or mitigation techniques is crucial.

The Department of Interior is actively working on these issues, as highlighted by Assistant Secretary Tanya Trujillo, emphasizing the need for “the best-available scientific information” to inform future planning. However, the scale of the problem demands a more aggressive and coordinated response.

The Future of Water in the West

The situation at **Lake Powell** is a harbinger of things to come. Climate change is projected to intensify droughts and reduce snowpack in the Colorado River Basin, further exacerbating water scarcity. The choices we make today will determine whether the American West can adapt to this new reality. Ignoring the warning signs – the shrinking reservoirs, the declining water levels, the economic and ecological consequences – is simply not an option.

What steps do you think are most critical to securing a sustainable water future for the American West? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

June 12, 2025 0 comments

world

2021 Air Quality Report: Best & Worst Cities Globally

by James Carter Senior News Editor June 12, 2025

written by James Carter Senior News Editor

The Air We Breathe: A Global Crisis Deepens, and What It Means for Your Future

Ninety-seven percent. That’s the staggering percentage of cities worldwide exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to a new report by IQAir. This isn’t a distant environmental concern; it’s a present-day health crisis, and the latest data reveals a troubling trajectory – one that demands immediate attention and proactive adaptation.

The New Reality of Air Quality

The IQAir report, based on updated World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines released in September 2021, paints a stark picture. The WHO halved the acceptable concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) – the most dangerous type of air pollutant – to just 5 micrograms per cubic meter. This stricter standard immediately flagged nearly all urban areas as failing to meet safe air quality levels. Only 222 out of 6,475 cities analyzed passed muster, with New Caledonia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands representing the few bright spots.

Hotspots and Surprising Trends

India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh consistently rank among the most polluted nations, exceeding WHO guidelines by a factor of ten or more. However, the crisis isn’t confined to developing nations. The United States, despite some localized improvements, still experiences pollution levels 2 to 3 times higher than the WHO’s recommended limit. Los Angeles remains the most polluted city in the US, and cities like Atlanta and Minneapolis saw significant pollution increases in 2021. Interestingly, China showed a marked improvement, with over half of its cities reporting lower pollution levels, a testament to policy-driven industrial changes.

The Invisible Killer: PM2.5 and Its Impact

The danger lies in the microscopic nature of PM2.5. These particles, originating from fossil fuel combustion, wildfires, dust storms, and other sources, penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, triggering a cascade of health problems. Asthma, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses are directly linked to PM2.5 exposure. The WHO estimates that 4.2 million premature deaths were attributable to fine particulate matter in 2016, and stricter guidelines suggest that number could have been reduced by nearly 3.3 million if implemented then. This isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a public health emergency.

Beyond Borders: Climate Change and the Amazon’s Turning Point

The report doesn’t isolate air pollution from the broader climate crisis. In fact, the two are inextricably linked. Climate change is exacerbating wildfires, a major source of PM2.5, as seen with the devastating fires in California and Oregon in 2021. Perhaps even more alarming, the Amazon rainforest, traditionally a vital carbon sink, is now emitting more carbon dioxide than it absorbs due to deforestation and wildfires. This shift transforms the Amazon from a climate solution into a contributor to the problem, further degrading air quality globally. You can explore more about the Amazon’s changing role here.

Data Gaps and Unequal Exposure

A critical challenge highlighted by the report is the lack of comprehensive air quality monitoring in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, South America, and the Middle East. This data scarcity creates blind spots, hindering effective policy-making and leaving vulnerable populations unprotected. The inclusion of Chad in the report for the first time, revealing it as the second most polluted country globally, underscores the importance of expanding monitoring networks.

Looking Ahead: What Can We Expect?

The trends identified in the IQAir report suggest a future where air pollution continues to worsen unless drastic measures are taken. Increased frequency and intensity of wildfires, driven by climate change, will undoubtedly contribute to spikes in PM2.5 levels. Continued reliance on fossil fuels, particularly in transportation and energy production, will maintain a significant source of pollution. However, the improvements seen in China demonstrate that targeted policies can yield positive results. The key lies in a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes renewable energy, stricter emission standards, and expanded air quality monitoring.

The Rise of Personal Air Quality Solutions

As global air quality deteriorates, we can anticipate a growing demand for personal air quality solutions. From advanced air purifiers for homes and offices to portable air quality monitors and even specialized masks, individuals are increasingly taking matters into their own hands to protect their health. This trend will likely drive innovation in air purification technologies and create a new market for personal protective equipment.

The IQAir report is a wake-up call. The air we breathe is fundamental to our health and well-being, and the current trajectory is unsustainable. A rapid transition to renewable energy, coupled with robust air quality monitoring and stringent regulations, is not just an environmental imperative – it’s a matter of survival. What steps will you take to protect yourself and advocate for cleaner air in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below!