Our Hydrogen Future and Government Policy

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On previous SHIFT conversations, we have learned that one of the major gaps to commercializing the hydrogen market is the lack of government policy. What is our current state and what should our elected officials consider when moving this promising industry along? 

Joining us today is Heather Campbell Executive Director of Clean Technology at Alberta Innovates and Dr. Sara Hastings-Simon, Assistant Professor at School of Public Policy and Director of the Sustainable Energy Development Program at the University of Calgary.

Join us as we explore the role policy plays in helping to create a hydrogen economy, the myth of the free market, and much more!


Bios

Dr. Sara Hastings-Simon 

Sara is an assistant professor in the department of physics and astronomy and school of public policy at the University of Calgary where she directs the Masters of Science in Sustainable Energy Development. She is a macro energy system researcher and her work is focused on understanding how low-carbon energy transitions happen within different sectors of the economy, and how policy responses can improve outcomes. She explores the role of incumbents and governments in development and deployment of new clean technologies, particularly within high carbon economies; the markets and policy structures that enable decarbonisation of electricity systems; and the response of firms to climate policy.

Sara is co-founder and co-host of Energy vs Climate a webinar and podcast that explores the energy transition in Alberta, Canada, and beyond. She is a Global Fellow at the Smart Prosperity Institute at the University of Ottawa. She is also the chair of the panel for Clean Growth with the Canadian Climate Choices Institute and a member of the board of directors of Emissions Reduction Alberta and the Pembina Institute.

Her previous roles include Director of Clean Economy at the Pembina Institute, founder of Business Renewable Centre Canada, and practice manager for Clean Technologies at McKinsey & Company. Dr. Hastings-Simon holds a PhD in physics from the University of Geneva.

Heather Campbell, B.E.Sc., LL.M., P.Eng. 

Heather has had a diverse twenty-five year energy career with technical, policy, and business roles in a full range of energy industries. She is the Executive Director, Clean Technology with Alberta Innovates. 

She holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science degree in Biochemical and Chemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario (Western University) in addition to a Master of Laws in Energy Law and Policy from the University of Dundee. She is a licensed Professional Engineer practicing in Alberta, Canada.

Heather is an engaged, lifelong community volunteer, actively sharing her talents, resources and time by participating and often leading a purposely diverse range of organizations. She is a board director with Calgary’s performing arts centre Arts Commons, is a member of the Advisory Council for Western Engineering, the People’s Warden at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Calgary, and a Commissioner with the Calgary Police Commission. She is the former co-chair of Alberta’s Anti-Racism Advisory Council.

Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.