Friends of Science Speaking Event

Net Zero and the Future Power Grid
Examining Affordability, Reliability and Zero Emissions

Presented by Randy Stubbings, P. Eng.

Special Thank You to our Sponsors:

Marian Heinze Consulting Ltd. - heinzegroup.com

Ticket sales are ongoing until October 1st, while supplies last - No tickets will be sold at the door

For over a century, power system engineers were tasked with designing electrical grids to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to consumers. In recent years, a new requirement has been added: zero emissions of carbon dioxide, known as “Net Zero.” To many, conventional power generation based on coal and natural gas must be replaced with non-emitting sources of power like wind and solar. Hydroelectric and nuclear generation are accepted by some but rejected by others.

Today, wind and solar are often promoted, not only as emissions-free sources of electricity, but also as the least expensive ones. Proponents claim that the intermittent nature of wind and solar generation can be dealt with using various forms of energy storage, particularly grid-scale batteries.

Not only would achieving Net Zero require the replacement of a large fraction of our existing generation capacity, but it will also require large additions to it—along with massive investments in transmission and distribution wires. That’s because achieving Net Zero would require the electrification of our transportation and building energy systems.

Randy Stubbings has more than 40 years’ experience as a professional engineer in the Alberta electricity industry. He discusses the challenges of achieving all three legs of the Reliability-Affordability-Net Zero stool. If one leg is weak, the stool falls down. Randy also asks fundamental questions about what we are trying to accomplish as we struggle to be climate leaders in the race to Net Zero. What are the costs? What are the expected benefits? What are the pitfalls?

Join us for an informative evening on October 1, 2024, at the Best Western Village Park Inn, 1804 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary, AB, 7:00-8:30pm for an informative event. Free parking on site or take the LRT.  Coffee, tea and water will be provided.

*Best Western has a lovely restaurant and lounge with excellent food if you care to come early to dine or have a drink before the event but this would not included with your ticket to the event.

This presentation is designed for the general public. No special climate policy or science knowledge required.

Doors open at 6:30pm. Event starts at 7:00pm with opening messages then Mr. Stubbings' presentation followed by Q&A, wrapping up around 8pm.  Feel free to stay and mingle after.  This event is open seating - there will be no assigned seating.

Tickets are $20 for Friends of Science members and $25 for non-members.   To purchase a membership go to our Membership page.

Use the Orange "Buy Tickets" button above to order today!  If you don't know who is attending with you, enter the name as "Guest".

*Donations can be added to your ticket purchase or made through our Donation page.   We appreciate your support!

Please help sponsor this event and receive recognition at the event - contact the office at 1-888-789-9597 Ext 2 for more details.

Climate Science books will be available for purchase at this event - Cash payment preferred

Free Parking is available at the Best Western hotel at their surface lot and underground.

Best Western Village Park Inn - 1804 Crowchild Trail NW Calgary

Or - take the LRT to Banff Trail Station.

If you have any questions, please email: [email protected] or call 1-888-789-9597 Ext 2.