Energy Rates Blog

Bidirectional charging makes the power grid more efficient and greener. This emerging technology allows consumers to keep their electricity, internet, fridges and other appliances running during emergencies, by eliminating the impact of power outages.   

Bidirectional charging also comes with the capability to store energy in electric vehicles, powering grids and homes, which extends beyond the idea of simply charging cars.   

While those capabilities of bidirectional charging might sound exciting, with more companies investing in EV charging manufacturers, it only makes sense to look at the whole process closer and understand some basics. Today we are discussing whether bidirectional charging will transform the future of Canada, the percentage of people already using bidirectional charging, the difference between V2G and V2H and more. 

How does bidirectional charging work? 

Electricity circulates in the grid from point A to Z by taking the shortest paths. For instance, in vehicle-to-grid technology, an electric vehicle charging device absorbs electricity stored in the battery and pushes it back into the grid until it reaches the nearest location. Electric vehicle charging flows in two ways: unidirectional one-way charger where electricity travels from the electric grid into the vehicle, and bidirectional, two-way charger where electricity goes both ways.   

(Read more on What is Electrification and How Does It Affect Energy Market.)  

“When an EV is charged, AC (alternating current) electricity from the grid is converted to DC (direct current) electricity, the kind that can be used by a car. This conversion is carried out by either the car’s own converter or a converter located in the charger. Then, when you want to use that energy stored in the EV’s battery for a house or send it back to the grid, the DC electricity used in the car logically has to be converted back to AC electricity,” says Wallbox.   

Bidirectional charging is one of the simplest ways to use technology that spares power in areas that need it most. Considering how lifesaving it could be in the current climate change, and risks of extreme weather: bidirectional charging can supply your home as a personal power plant with power for at least three days.  Many users confess that bidirectional charging became essential during blackouts, winter power outages, heat cutoffs and risks of wildfires that have been spreading through North America in the last few years.   

What does bidirectional charging have to do with V2G? 

Since bidirectional charging charges batteries of EVs (electric vehicles) and takes the energy stored in those batteries to bring them back to the power grid, it also helps to balance momentary disruptions in electricity demand. Powered by V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology, bidirectional charging allows users to communicate with the energy system, “to help stabilize the power grid through demand response services,” Virta Global.   

However, you have to keep in mind that V2G and bidirectional charging have two technical differences.  

Bidirectional charging always refers to two-way charging and discharging. Meanwhile, V2G, as a charging technology, allows a one-way flow of energy from the vehicle to the grid. Basically, you could use both interchangeably, because V2G is what makes bidirectional charging possible.   

With the growing popularity of electric vehicles and more consumers discussing and researching ways to save energy by switching to EVs, it is only a matter of time before V2G becomes mainstream.   

The first reason to think that V2G development is in the near future is simply because the technology that bidirectional charging relies on already exists.   

“As of right now, only a few EV manufacturers have bidirectional charging capabilities, but other manufacturers are exploring the technology. As we work to integrate more clean energy technologies and build the grid of the future, collaboration is critical. We installed the first bidirectional charger at the NSCC campus in Middleton last March, as part of our continued and innovative partnership with the college. It’s the first in Atlantic Canada and one of the first in Canada,” as per Nova Scotia Power.   

The second reason includes compatible electric vehicles. Considering that bidirectional charging only works with V2G-enabled cars, more and more companies include EVs in their production. With Nissan leading the industry, brands like Tesla, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen Group follow along.   

The third reason is the buy-in factor from energy utilities companies which bidirectional charging cannot exist without. Since awareness about environmental change is rising, it is not surprising that in the near future, more utility companies will invest in V2G technology helping to manage renewable energy processes.   

What are the benefits of bidirectional charging? 

Besides the major advantage of providing power during energy shortage, bidirectional charging offers benefits allowing both commercial and residential buildings to reduce electricity costs and environmental impact.   

First, bidirectional charging is an essential step toward renewable-produced energy. Renewable energy has one main weakness, it is unpredictable. For instance, a windmill is useless on a calm day, and a solar panel does not generate electricity during the night. That is where bidirectional charging solves that problem by offering a more efficient way of storing energy.   

V2G and electric vehicle batteries store excess energy (instead of wasting it) in car batteries, creating an option for you to pull it back when necessary.   

Second, bidirectional charging does not require large investments by reducing operational electricity costs. “Because electricity circulates to the nearest location where it is needed most, plugged EVs can be used as temporary energy reserves instead of consuming extra energy from the grid,” says Virta Global.   

Moreover, V2G and bidirectional charging allow you to upgrade the energy management system turning it into a smart system.   

Third, with bidirectional charging, there is no more power grid overload. Grid overload often happens when temperatures drop during cold months, hence destabilized grid can cause energy shortages and overload. When using bidirectional charging, energy is stored in the EV and circulates where it is needed first by preserving the grid.   

What is “Two-way” charging used for? 

There are two main ways bidirectional charging allows energy to travel: in and out of the car. And while it makes sense when it comes to charging your car’s battery, there are other places where this energy could be useful when flowing out of the car.   

Vehicle to Grid would be the first place where energy flows. EV car’s battery supplies power to the grid via a DC or AC converter system. V2G can also be used to balance and settle local or national energy needs. (That means EV can be charged during off-peak hours.) As Wallbox noted, “Cars sit in parking spaces 95% of the time, thus with careful planning and the right infrastructure, parked and plugged-in EVs could become mass power banks, stabilizing the electric grids of the future. In this way, we can think of EVs as big batteries on wheels, helping to make sure that there is always enough energy for everyone at any given time.”  

Vehicle to Home is another path that takes energy from an EV battery forwarding it to a house or another kind of building. Just like with travelling to the grid, V2H energy flow is done via the DC to AC converter system. V2H also helps to balance local and national supply grids. If you charge your EV at night when electrical demand is much lower and then use electricity to power your house, you can reduce power consumption during peak time frames.    

To draw a line, both V2H and V2G are critical ways with an important role to play in a future of more renewable energy systems. Compared to other methods (wind turbines, solar panels) of producing renewable energy, bidirectional charging provides efficient and steady energy flow. You can utilize all the potential of EV battery storage for the benefit of your house and the environment in general.   

What is the difference between bidirectional charging and smart charging? 

‘Smart charging’ stands for any type of electric vehicle charging where the rate and time are controlled by a smart device instead of a manual switch. Such a connection can be established by using a data connection between the EV and the charger. 

For instance, you can use Smart EV charging apps to control how long your EV is charging (the car can be plugged in but does not have to be charging all the time). You also have the freedom to decide on the most efficient time to charge your vehicle in terms of cost and demand of energy depending on the energy operator.    

Using smart charging also has economic benefits. Several energy providers offer preferential rates for those customers who choose night charging. By doing that you can also avoid charging at the same time as other EV owners, preventing overloading the supply grid.   

How can bidirectional charging transform Canada’s power grid?  

Besides charging an electric vehicle, (that can be used to drive to locations where natural disasters occurred), vehicle-to-grid or house, can benefit the whole power system of a residential house or a commercial building. That is why a charging infrastructure that would maintain sustainable energy consumption is the crucial step that has to begin as a project on a governmental level.   

“In May, the Canadian and United States governments announced their partnership to build a binational electric vehicle charging corridor. This news isn’t surprising given the long-standing economic and strategic alliance between the two nations. According to the announcement, a 1,400 km cross-border charging corridor will connect Michigan and Quebec, passing through major cities like Detroit, Toronto and Montreal,” as per Electric Autonomy.  

This corridor will not only implement bidirectional and smart charging but also help to support and balance energy flow between vehicles and chargers. (In short, vehicle-to-grid communication.)   

The Canada-U.S. charging corridor also plans to power popular routes, such as Ontario 401, the busiest highway in North America. Travelling during holidays and weekends on those highways will mean thicker traffic and a high number of EV drivers in need of charging their cars. Establishing a convenient and efficient bidirectional charging infrastructure will properly maintain energy reserves and supply the power demand.   

“There are 200,000 EVs on Canadian roads at the moment, but it’s estimated that there will be half a million in Ontario and 635,000 in B.C. by 2030. Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator expects electricity demand to grow around 15 percent annually between 2022 and 2040—the equivalent of six months of output from a nuclear reactor,” says Maclean’s.

As for bidirectional charging development within the country, there are several pilot projects scattered across provinces. Alberta, for instance, collaborates with an electricity distribution provider FortisAlberta, that offers customers with EVs up to $250 as a reward for providing their car’s charging data for a study. (Find out more about Micro-Generation in Alberta and Bill 86: How the Electricity Modernization Bill Can Affect Alberta’s Grid.)

Nova Scotia Power is another project that focuses on bidirectional charging stations where EVs can discharge power from batteries and direct it back into the grid. The program plans to install sixteen charging stations at several Co-op locations and to complete it by next spring.   

We try to do everything we can to ensure that our home is secure, safe, and working efficiently to not only last for years to come without major issues, but to also see where we can possibly make it better or understand why our energy bills may climb seemingly out of nowhere. 

With thermal leak detectors, you can easily assess and see where there may be shortcomings in your home and how it’s running. Poor window and door seals, water flow, and more can be detected by thermal imaging and it is often the only way you can see shortcomings that otherwise can be unnoticed. This not only helps you better understand how your house works and what may be lacking, but it makes it easier for contractors to fix the problems may be sooner than later before they become larger (and more expensive) ones. 

Thermal leak detectors can help reduce energy bills and this article below will highlight why and how they work so that you can make an informed decision about whether looking around your home with one can help. 

What is a thermal leak detector, and what is it for? 

A thermal leak detector is a piece of equipment that uses thermal imaging to detect many things, and in the case of using it around your home it can detect air leaks such as with poor insulation around windows and doors, and it can also detect any irregularities with water pipes and heat that may arise. 

They are small, handheld tools that detect leaks by identifying temperature differences behind surfaces without seeing through them. It helps you read the images and see where problems are around your home. Thermal imaging cameras are the go-to pick for electricians, plumbers, and even firefighters use them. Thermal imaging cameras detect temperature differences better than other devices, as you can detect moisture and energy leaks at a faster and more efficient rate. 

Being able to detect heat signatures that are invisible to the naked eye is a key component as to why they are helpful, as they can see through layers of plumbing, and electrical wiring, and see airflow leakage such as through windows that we cannot see with our naked eye otherwise. You can somewhat tell when the airflow might be minimal to notice but can add up to be detrimental to your energy bills. 

How does a thermal leak detector work? 

Thermal leak detectors work as a non-invasive method to detect different kinds of leaks around the home. Infrared cameras can measure the amount of infrared light emitted from a surface, which essentially converts that data into an electronic image that shows the apparent surface temperature of the objects being measured. 

Thermal imaging cannot see through objects, but it can detect something inside concrete for example that may be radiating heat that can indicate a temperature difference on the surface of the concrete to show that there most likely could be a leak in a pipe. 

Imaging can also show heat differences outside or inside of windows, indicating heat leaking from inside your home and cooler air leaking inside from the outdoors, in the example and case of having poor insulation or window fittings where airflow that would otherwise be invisible or hard to measure as even being a problem can be seen. Ill-fitting windows and insulation can cause large differences in your energy bills, especially in the wintertime where you’re using more heat than necessary to keep up with the hidden tax that you’re losing the warm air while cold air comes inside. 

Water leaks can be detected using thermal leak detectors and they are popular among plumbs for just that. Moisture behind walls and mould growth can be detected behind walls without the need to tear them down invasively before knowing for sure and saving yourself a headache in wall repair beforehand. They are great for hard-to-reach areas as well and can help detect leaks or pipe issues within the concrete by detecting any temperature differences on the surface of the concrete that has pipes inside. 

HVAC systems can be complex and complicated to find and fix, especially if you don’t want to have to tear down parts of your home trying to find a leak. Thermal imaging can help find leaks in heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and otherwise without needing to call a professional to do so for you if you suspect you have a leak. They detect temperature precisely and accurately and can help show exact joints, parts and any loose connections and devices that may be overheating or loose. Any devices starting to fail can be spotted and replaced in time before it may turn into a larger problem down the road. 

Air leaks occur through plumbing fixtures, rim joists, attics, electrical outlets, doors and windows, as examples. When conditioned indoor air passes through openings and cracks while filling that space with outdoor air. HVAC systems will have to work extra hard to make up for any lost air to maintain the desired temperatures, and that alone will put a higher number onto your energy bill. If your home is well insulated, it can save you health and headaches about bills short term and long term. Thermal imaging finding temperature differences within nooks and pointed at windows can show you within seconds whether there is an air leak in specific areas. Windows and doors are generally the largest culprits, but be sure to check electrical outlets as well and any walls they may be attached to – some electrical outlets have wind coming through them and you definitely don’t want that in your home. 

Water leaks and moisture can lead to mould and a higher energy bill if it’s kept unchecked. Water leaks alone can be very hard to detect without any thermal imaging as you would otherwise have to destructively take out parts of the walls to check. Most homeowners don’t realize they have any water leakage issues until there are large drips or flooding happening within their homes. The tell-tale signs are subtle. You can detect water leakages and mould easily with a thermal leak detector as you can tell the structural integrity of your house, plus leaking pipes can lead down a slippery slope with moisture causing mould, fungi, rotten wood or supports, bugs, and more – that can lead to health issues and otherwise. 

Thermal can’t see through walls or concrete, but it can help detect the pipes through them and any anomalies are easily noticed within seconds using one. 

Can a thermal leak detector help save you money? 

Yes, they can help save money on your energy bills by finding any potential leaks and areas that could be set up more efficiently. Airflow within your house for example is not only important for your health and well-being, but most buildings have a higher rate of air exchange than is necessary such as window leaks from poor construction, insulation, or older buildings that can shift or move on their own as time goes on and they need to be redone. 

Leakage from outside in or vice versa can be complex and without thermal imaging, it’s invisible to the naked eye and you would never know there was a leak happening that can be causing your energy bills to be higher than they need to be. Finding leaks of all kinds around your home and getting them handled before they become larger problems can help lower your bill and can make your house more efficient in the long run. 

Why is it best to use a thermal leak detector in winter? 

Wintertime, especially in Canada, is a good time to use a thermal leak detector because it’s the time of year when you can really see where the heat may be going in your home and whether or not your water pipes, HVAC, windows and doors insulation, and otherwise are all in their best shape and acting efficiently without leaks. 

When it’s cold outside it’s much easier to see the heat in your home and if it is escaping through windows and leaks around the windows such as in bad insulation or a shifted window base that may need to be re-insulated to stop your home from losing heat whether it’s interior or exterior in nature. With winter being dark for most of the year, you tend to use more lights and more heat, and that can add up fast to your bills. Energy gaps such as walls, doors, and windows allow heat to escape and as such, your heating system will have to work harder to give your home the proper temperature you need to stay warm and it will cost more to do so when it can be efficiently run and save you money by fixing all of the trouble spots. 

What are the best thermal leak detectors to use? 

Not all thermal imaging cameras are worthwhile or created equally. For leak detection, you need a camera that has high thermal sensitivity and a resolution that allows you to properly see the images without it being a blurry mess that isn’t worth the cost spent. 

Much like regular cameras, thermal imagining devices with higher resolution are capable of detecting minute temperature differences compared to ones that may not be as sensitive or able to detect clearly. Use a thermal imaging device that has a lower NETD value (high thermal sensitivity means a lower NETD value.) For air leaks and moisture detection around your home that will be suitable for most owners, opting for a thermal detector that has a 30mK sensitivity is a good starting point. A thermal detector with a higher range such as 100mK sensitivity is considered best for larger scale differences and industrial applications such as within a factory or business. 

Being on the lookout for thermal devices that allow you to adjust the span and level of thermal images is considered best as moisture problems are identified when thermal cameras are calibrated for a more specific range of temperatures that can help you pinpoint problems much faster and find specific areas that may have issues. Ryobi is a great brand for thermal imaging and it works well for both residential homeowners and professionals as it’s easy to use and has those options. Detecting hot and cold spots is essential for keeping your home working efficiently and safely, and helping you save money in the long run by detecting any problems early or right when they happen without the expense and headache of trying to find the source of a problem. 

Lens options, colour palettes, sorting images and voice notes, and focus options are available for a lot of thermal leak detectors and can be helpful with keeping track of your home and the possible leaks that are around. Focus mechanisms vary from model to model, with a variety to choose from. Common focus features are the same as regular cameras such as having a Manual mode, Fixed, and Auto-focus that focuses the object or target automatically but you still have to adjust manually, laser-assisted autofocus uses an inbuilt laser distance meter to adjust the focus. 

Interchangeable lenses are also an option with some thermal detectors and they add a lot of versatility, evaluating wider ranges of equipment and scenarios. They even have macro lenses or wide angles as examples. Monochromatic colour palettes are easier to read and see slight temperature differences rather than a high-contrast palette which may be more difficult. Being able to change your colour preferences can make using a thermal detector much easier. 

A few handheld models take snapshots of the images and send them to a smartphone, most have a removable SD card, USB flash drive, or an in-built memory that you can use to keep images and even voice memos if needed. Adjustable parameters that take into account reflective materials that may change the output temperatures are important to take note of.  

There have been many discussions about whether micro or macro grids will be the biggest key in the renewable energy race. Some argue that macro grids are best, as having a vast array of high voltage transmission lines that can carry electricity from sunny Vancouver to meet the needs of those living in Montreal at nighttime in the dark during the winter. Others stand by microgrids being the better choice as they avoid the expense of building more transmission lines and being reliant on the grid as a whole. 

So, which is best and what is a macro grid? In this article, we will cover what they are and how they could be helpful within Canada. 

Microgrid vs Macro grid: What’s the difference? 

The difference between a microgrid and a macro grid isn’t difficult to explain or understand – a grid-connected microgrid normally operates connected to and synchronous with the traditional wide area synchronous grid (macro grid) but is able to disconnect from the interconnected grid and function autonomously in ‘island mode’ as it’s called, as technical or economic conditions dictate.  

Essentially, a microgrid boiled down to the definition is that it can disconnect from the main grid and function on its own without needing to be permanently attached to the grid and working as such. It is a system of energy sources, energy storage, and energy consumers that can operate completely independently from the traditional centralized power grid (which is the macro grid) when it is set to ‘island mode’.  

Macro grids may be recognized more as the mega grid or hybrid grid, as the configuration goes by many names otherwise. An easy way to think of a macro grid is to think of it as an overlay that pulls together existing grids and makes it simpler to move power between them, making it easier to receive and use power between areas that may get more renewable energy. For example, sunny west coast renewable energy power may be sent much easier through the macro grid over to the east coast hit by storms or during the night while it’s dark and they don’t have the energy currently due to various reasoning. 

It essentially helps move renewable power around the country faster and easier, especially towards areas and communities that otherwise may not have access to renewable energy/electricity. 

How can macro grids be useful in Canada? 

Climate change has already shown the beginning of extreme events and conditions that we currently may not be set to handle. A disaster in Texas showed that electricity utilities need to prepare for extreme events in the future – and not just in America. 

Hotter summers and colder winters across Canada have been putting more strain on the electricity utilities than ever with air conditioning units and other such appliances pulling energy and electricity more than ever before. More intense storms, higher wind speeds, droughts, and heatwaves that will be ongoing will only continue to hinder the systems. 

If the electricity sector adapts to the changing climate and being a central role can help to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as it does so. Zero-emissions electricity can be used to electrify transportation, industry, and heating to help offset and reduce emissions in those sectors as well. Enhancing and going forward with the long-distance transmission is viewed as a cost-effective way to enable clean and reliable power grids and lower the cost while hitting target goals for climate change. 

Failures across the electricity grid can be catastrophic for Canadian cities and communities across the country if they were to happen, and choosing to strengthen the reliability of current electricity while also ensuring a greener option and reducing our carbon footprint is ideal for everyone. It can be looked at essentially as insurance for climate extremes and additional security just in case the worst does happen. The Texas incident showed a glaring issue that could happen here as well – the power outages due to extreme conditions lead to failures across all forms of power supply and the state lost its capacity to generate electricity from all sources such as coal, natural gas, nuclear and wind – simultaneously. 

It also lacked transmission connections to other electricity systems that could have helped bolster supply. The long-distance transmission offers the opportunity to do so, which in Canada is perhaps even more important as the entire country has far more ‘open spaces’ and fewer people. Communities are smaller and being able to ensure that they have power just as well as capital cities, especially with the weather, dark winter months, and severe storms is something that should be considered a good idea for everyone. 

The Quebec ice storm in 1998 for example left nearly 4 million people including Ontario and New Brunswick citizens without power. That can easily happen again, if not with worse results and issues later on as the climate changes for the worst. More transmission links can help bolster reliability and improve resilience by coordinating supply across regions. Well-connected grids that are larger than areas disrupted by storms and outages can be used more reliably during climate extremes. 

How does it help mitigate climate change? 

More transmission can lead to and play a role in mitigating climate change. Studies have shown that building large transmission grids that allow for greater shares of the renewable power and other renewables on the grid can ultimately lower the overall cost of electricity and that by itself can help to lower greenhouse gas emissions in Canada’s electricity sector alone. 

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is lower when enhanced or new transmission links can be built between provinces. Most of the transmission values in the building scenarios come from linking high-quality solar and wind resources that are already being utilized with zero-emissions generation that produces electricity on demand when it is needed. Canada’s system is dominated by hydroelectricity but most of it is spaced out and placed in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. In the west, Alberta and Saskatchewan have perfect locations for building new low-cost wind and solar farms that can be used for enhanced interprovincial transmission. 

Both provinces (and others) could, for example, receive backup power from BC and Manitoba when there is no wind or the sun isn’t shining. Vice versa when the prairies are abundant with sun and wind and the flow of low-cost energy could help Manitoba and BC the opportunity to manage their hydro reservoir levels as well. All provinces would benefit from helping each other out and trading with each other if we create the infrastructure to make the trades possible would be monumental to not only help battle climate change but helps to create a more reliable and stable power source across the country, especially during disasters and emergencies when it is needed most. 

If Canada can address the barriers and costs it takes to facilitate macro grids, it could lead to an advantageous positive across the country and provinces for energy and climate change reduction. Lower costs and zero emissions are also incredibly beneficial as consumers as well as taking the pressure off our overworked electricity grids as they currently stand.

What are renewable energy programs? 

To start, renewable energy itself comes from energy generators such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy – to name the most popular ones. Renewable energy programs are created federally, provincially, or otherwise to work on a way to better include or slowly make the change from fossil fuels and other such energy sources into renewable ones that we can reuse and help shrink the carbon footprint. 

Emerging renewable energy programs face higher costs and risks, along with regulatory issues that other energy sectors have already established their businesses/systems/regulations and already have the machinery and areas in place. Canada has many renewable power programs starting and upcoming across the country, including Indigenous-run/for Indigenous communities such as the ones listed in our article here. 

How renewable energy programs can help communities

Renewable energy programs in general are helpful for many aspects across the board, including creating little to no greenhouse gas emissions and reducing some types of air pollution. Diversifying energy supply and including green renewable energy diversifies supply, reduces dependence on importing or exporting finite fuels, creates economic development, jobs in manufacturing and otherwise, installations that better help communities and health, and more. 

Programs work with industry key groups and other groups such as the government to encourage efficient renewable energy sources and technologies, such as combined power, heat, and electricity power from green renewable sources. 

A look at the Indigenous energy programs in Canada 

Currently within Canada as of 2023, there are over 197 renewable energy projects associated with Indigenous communities across the country. Few are controlled by Indigenous communities fully or mainly. Renewable energy and clean sources that are naturally derived and produced such as sun/solar, water, and wind are all renewable energy sources that can be replenished at a rate equal to or faster than the rate at which it is being used and consumed. Indigenous engagement in renewable energy projects is important for several factors, including economic development, climate change adaptation and self-determination as well. 

The Cowessess Renewable Energy Storage Facility as an example, is one of the few that are First Nation owned as a renewable energy project and contributes to the economic sustainability of the country, as the facility harnesses energy from wind and solar power as a hybrid facility. The project was first developed by the Cowessess First Nation in 2013 and in partnership with the Saskatchewan Research Council, it provides enough power for 340 homes. SaskPower, the main power authority in Saskatchewan, is contracted to buy electricity from the project for 20 years, with the profits going to Cowessess First Nation. They support Indigenous businesses while training and hiring members of the First Nation to sustain the project as well. 

Located in White River, Ontario, the Pic Mobert First Nation operates two generating stations that were constructed with band members, in partnership with Regional Power Incorporated. Pic Mobert First Nation owns 50% of the Gitchi Animki Hydroelectric Project. The project generates revenue that benefits the community and has been supplying energy to the province of Ontario’s power grid since 2016 – which is an impressive feat. 

Indigenous-led and run renewable energy projects and programs, such as energy-efficient housing and larger scale infrastructures can contribute to climate change adaptation efforts as well as employing First Nations and other Indigenous community help. The ICE (Indigenous Clean Energy Network) states that energy efficiency is a catalyst for a future where clean and renewable energy is embraced and benefits everyone and Indigenous health. Financing the construction of energy-efficient homes and retrofitting older homes across the country to be greener and more efficient is proposed as a crucial component to both climate change adaptation and sustainable development in the long run, reducing harmful energy emissions and facilitating job creation across the board. 

Federal/Provincial Organizations 

In 2021, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources announced that nearly $40.5 million in federal investments would go towards the Clarke Lake Geothermal Development Project, which is a wholly owned and Indigenous-led project that will develop one of the first commercially viable geothermal electricity production facilities in Canada. Being developed in the already existing Clarke Lake gas field in British Columbia, the project will use the mid-grade geothermal heat resources in its reservoir to reduce emissions by displacing fossil fuels and demonstrating the value and benefits of geothermal energy as a viable clean energy source and technology for rural, Indigenous, and northern communities. It will create jobs and other economic opportunities as well for local community members and will provide capacity building and training to workers from other industries to help them transition into the renewable energy sector. 

Electricity will be the primary source of revenue, and although that is the case, additional revenue opportunities could include the sale of heat waste generated by the planet, excess heat could also power other activities in the local industries such as timber drying in the forestry sector and greenhouse food production in the agricultural fields, as well. The federal government is committed to making the country more green-energy friendly by 2030 and a leader in clean power, as outlined in this project and others they have stated. 

The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program is to improve access to federal funding and resources in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities for clean energy projects across Canada. On April 25^th, 2022, an additional $300 million was announced, available through 2027, to further support and help clean energy projects. To learn more about which projects they are funding and how to apply for funding if you are interested as a project leader, you can do so here on the Government of Canada’s website. 

Even more Federal climate change project information can be found here as well, including many Agriculture-clean projects and Agri-sector projects that benefit the sectors and Canadians. 

• Agricultural Clean Technology Living Labs Program is establishing a strong Canada-wide network of regional collaborations made up of scientists, farmers, and other sectoral stakeholders with the objective to develop, validate, and share the beneficial management practices that best store carbon and mitigate climate change. This has been started since April 2021 and will continue until March 2031. 

• Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program provides support to Indigenous and northern communities and governments to help them adapt to climate change impacts and funding supports projects such as the risk assessments and vulnerability hazards of climate change impacts. Development of hazard maps and adaptation plans and options and implementations of non-structural and structural measures are also included. 

• Similar to the previous programs, the First Nation Adapt Program also provides funding to First Nation communities located below the 60^th Parallel to assess options related to community infrastructure and disaster risks associated with climate change. Funding supports development and adaptation planning. 

• REACHE (Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program) funds renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and related capacity building and planning in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut. 

• The Climate Action and Awareness Fund supports Canadian-made projects that can create middle-class jobs for Canadians that work in science and technology fields, academia, and at the grassroots community level to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Canada. It is currently started and will run until 2025. 

• Indigenous Guardians Pilot will invest up to $100 million over five years (from 2021 until 2026) to continue supporting and providing more support for Indigenous rights and responsibilities in protecting and conserving ecosystems, developing and maintaining sustainable economies and continuing the connections between the Canadian landscape and Indigenous cultures. 

• NSCSF (Nature-Smart Climate Solutions Fund) has Indigenous partnerships that will be investing up to $36.9 million over the next ten years from 2021 until 2031 to support Indigenous-led on-the-ground activities focused on conservation, restoration, enhanced ecosystem management and planning, along with capacity building, including research to better help climate change and the environment across Canada. 

• The Green and Inclusive Building program includes retrofits, repairs, upgrades and new builds that support jobs and local economic growth, contribute to climate objectives, and serve populations that have been particularly affected during the pandemic. 

• The 2BT (2 Billion Trees) Program funds tree-planting activities across the supply chain (from sourcing seeds to monitoring trees) to achieve the program goal of planting 2 Billion trees by 2031. The Program has a $500,000,000 Indigenous stream and supports capacity building for Indigenous organizations and communities across Canada as well. 

• FNIF (First Nation Infrastructure Fund) helps First Nations communities upgrade and increase public infrastructure to improve the quality of life and the environment in First Nation communities. FNIF targets infrastructure categories with long-standing community needs, including structural mitigation from natural hazards such as wildfires, floods, as well as including energy systems infrastructure that will help communities transition from fossil fuel to clean, reliable, and affordable energy systems such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar green and renewable energy. 

The ICE (Indigenous Clean Energy) Network has been working with the Canadian government for years, to contribute to Canada’s clean energy opportunities and is a the forefront of Indigenous-led and proposed renewable energies across the country forging toward energy futures, benefitting infrastructure in renewable energy and lessening our collective carbon footprint away from finite fossil fuels. 

In pan-Canadian collaboration, Indigenous participation in planning electricity futures and carbon price revenues more efficiently, reducing and changing the capital bottleneck for clean electricity that can help reduce costs for Canadians across the country, and helping Indigenous communities across the country as well as helping fund better futures. 

Bioenergy has been an important fuel source for small-scale projects and renewable energy projects that can replace diesel-reliant off-grid Indigenous communities will help tremendously with the overall health and wellness of Indigenous peoples, along with Canada’s overall footprint and grid for electricity and renewable resources on Indigenous lands being better utilized and used safely and renewable. 

The Clean energy in Indigenous, Remote, and Rural Communities Initiative was gifted the name Wah-ila-toos, a blend of Indigenous cultures and languages that reflects important relationships with Indigenous partners. It is the access to obtain Government of Canada funding and resources for clean energy initiatives for Indigenous, remote, and rural communities. Their mission is to provide funding for renewable energy and capacity-building projects and programs related to energy-efficient measures in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across the entire country. 

It was a name gifted by three Elders and Grandmothers following several months of discussions with the Government of Canada directly and with support from Indigenous climate leaders and the department’s Circle of Nations, which is a gathering place for employees to learn about Indigenous traditions, cultures, and the current realities that face them today. 

Having an established and growing partnership between the government and Indigenous communities is important in the climate change steps forward and for improving the environmental impact that fossil fuels and other finite fuels, reducing the carbon footprint, and allowing help into Indigenous communities and rural ones that will benefit greatly from using green, renewable, and clean energy. Along with costs becoming more affordable, it allows the land to heal and creates jobs as well. 

Many Indigenous communities, rural and remote especially, use diesel and fossil fuels for heat and power. Diesel is a well-known energy source, however, it can be harmful and negatively impact the communities and the environment. Transitioning to clean power continues to be an important part as both parties work towards reconciliation. An additional $300 million is available until 2027 for clean energy projects to be granted help from the government directly to help support and fund Indigenous-led projects and programs. 

Biomass energy, biofuel, biomass electricity in Canada – what do all these terms mean and how do they benefit Canada as electricity and fuel? Around 2% of Canada’s electricity comes from biomass. Biomass is the third largest renewable electricity source in Canada, and as an example – the electricity generated from biomass increased by 54% from 2005 to 2015. Most biomass plants are in BC, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. 

Learn more: Biogas in Canada: The Pros and Cons of Renewable Natural Gas

The Canadian government website has its own resources for biomass information and how industries can benefit from them. In this article, we will help you parse through everything and help you better understand what biomass is, what part it plays in helping to combat climate change, the potential for cheaper energy/heat/electricity across Canada, and to explain what benefit biomass, biofuels, and bioenergy can benefit the country as a whole from coast to coast while utilizing our natural resources in a more effective way. 

Canada is one of the 17 countries that participate in the research activities of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Bioenergy, which is an organization whose focus is improving the cooperation and information sharing between countries with national programs of bioenergy research, deployment, and development.

As a country, we contribute knowledge, expertise, and funds to IEA Bioenergy and in return, have access to research results and scientific exchanges such as clonal material from other contributing member countries. IEA has also contributed to research in Canada, for example, information from IEA has assisted with projects that are studying the sustainability of forest residues and biocomponents for bioenergy production, including any potential effects on land used to change over to enhanced bioenergy productions. 

We are also involved in nine bioenergy tasks, with Task 43 having the goal of promoting sound bioenergy development through well-informed and research-based decisions by business, government, and other such sectors. 

What is biomass energy and how is Canada involved? 

Biomass energy is an organic material that comes from recently deceased plants and animals and contains energy that once came from the sun. Bioenergy is energy produced from renewable, biological sources such as biomass. Biomass itself is a plant material that can be turned into fuel (which is also known as biofuel when it is made from biological material) that supplies electricity and heat, and bioenergy can be obtained from many different forms of biofuels. 

Examples of biomass in Canada can be wood, waste from crops and farming, landfill gas, and other municipal solid waste – these are the most common types within the country, with industrial wood waste being the most common across the country. Included are liquid biofuels used to run motor vehicles and forest wood residue used to run pulp mills and other such industrial operations. 

Canada’s forests represent a tremendously abundant source of biomass, as it makes up for most of the country’s landscape and use for fuels and pulp. Biomass is a resource that is rapidly growing as an important source for the growing global ‘bioeconomy’ as analysts have called it. All the trees and plants are used including roots, trunks, branches, bark, needles, leaves, and even fruits. 

Biomass Sources in Canada 

As stated previously, there are several sources of biomass and the subsequent biomass energy that can be used. Forest biomass, which is Canada’s most common source, comes from many areas: 

• Material from stand thinning. 
• Harvest residues and leftover waste. 
• Trees that are of harvestable age but are also not suitable for lumber. 
• Trees that were killed and destroyed by fires, insects, and disease. 
• Trees from plantations specifically grown to provide biomass for conversion into biofuels. 
• By-products of industrial processes and wood residues, such as chips, bark, and sawdust collected – this also includes pulp residues such as ‘black liquors’ that are left over from the pulping process itself.  

For decades, biomass residues have been a large energy source for the forestry industry and providing that energy fuels the production of pulp, paper, and lumber. Most pulp and paper mills, as an example, will use the residues left over from the pulping process and in turn produce electrical power and heat to run part of their operations. Others may burn bark and similar wood waste for their energy. Substantial amounts of material that otherwise may have gone to waste are being utilized and are giving back to the cycle. 

Modern-day biomass energy (bioenergy) has become an interest as a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to other types of fuels, especially fossil fuels – and doubly so within Canada where the country has a large abundance of natural resources that are renewable compared to other countries and can benefit greatly from making the switch and reducing Canada’s reliance on fossil fuels. In addition to creating energy, forest biomass is being used at an increased rate to create a wide range of renewable bioproducts as well, such as industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, personal care products, renewable materials, and other manufactured goods that otherwise would be made with harmful ingredients that also contribute to a larger carbon footprint. 

Using biomass this way as well has the potential to generate higher value returns than using it just for creating energy. CFS (Canadian Forest Service) researchers are undertaking research to determine how much biomass, sorted by species of tree and ecosystem type, can be safely removed from forests while still maintaining healthy ecological functions and continuing the cycle without any detrimental effects.  

 Other areas of research include developing methods to grow forest biomass faster and harvesting it more efficiently while improving systems to transport, process, and store it as well. Working with their counterparts in provincial and territorial governments, universities, and industries to explore a range of biomass-related and derived products and technologies for the future. For example, the NRCan-funded Transformative Technologies program, FPInnovations is supporting the development of emerging and promising breakthrough technologies and products, such as cross-laminated lumber and nanocrystalline cellulose. 

The Great Lakes Forestry Centre has CFS researchers developing new forest biomaterials and new biochemicals. In biotechnology, CFS is exploring a range of applications for improving forest regeneration and protecting forests through biological pest control, conserving forests and their genetic diversity. Bio-Pathways Project is helping industries understand the opportunities that will allow them to maximize the value derived from biomass and how to identify new markets for biochemicals and other new bioproducts that emerge from the green and renewable energy sectors/economy. 

How does biomass benefit Canada, and what technologies are used? 

The potential for biomass to benefit Canada globally and nationally for consumers is enormous. It was analyzed in the industry-led Bio-Pathways Project that began in 2009. Biomass is the basis for making renewable energy, other bioproducts, and biofuels that are rapidly replacing fossil-fuel-based energy and projects. The benefits will come in part from using the by-products of traditional forestry processes to create new high-value-added bioproducts. 

To date, the majority of processed biomass comes from manufacturing residues. The other sources, in comparison to that, remain largely untapped and can be monumental in how we access electricity and heat going forward and reducing our fossil fuel and carbon footprint, helping to reduce climate change. Benefitting from the processes and waste that are already being created makes sense to move forward to, especially since forest biomass can be converted into a variety of products, instead of just traditional lumber and paper that most don’t think of unless you work in the forestry sector. 

Canadian researchers are now working underway to develop new products and technologies that will maximize the value that is derived from forest biomass, and through initiatives such as the Transformative Technologies Program that is being delivered by FPInnovations, on behalf of Natural Resources of Canada (NRcan) itself, these new and innovative products can possible be available in the future sooner than we think. 

Canada’s industries are already making good use of biomass that comes in the form of industrial residue. Energy produced from mill residues currently accounts for around 62% of the pulp and paper industry’s energy needs and meets them. Overall, contributions of forest biomass to Canada’s secondary energy uses have increased since the 1970s from 3.5% upwards to 6.5% today – with that number exponentially growing as the research and use of biofuel, bioenergy, and biomass are a growing important step in reducing climate change and utilizing Canada’s resources in a renewable, greener, and cleaner fashion than before. 

When it comes to using data every day, most don’t give a thought to where their streamed videos, music, or other uses come from. Data centers or server rooms are where all remote storage, processing, or large amounts of data distribution comes from. Corporations and businesses tend to either have their own physical room for this or are utilizing one. Using the internet, streaming games/movies, music, and other uses all stem from data centers. 

What you may not think of is the impact having such intensive centers can have an impact on the environment and whether it is damaging to use on such a daily basis across the globe by billions. 

What is a data center and how do they work? 

At their most basic – they are a facility that houses an organization’s data, equipment, and IT operations. Data centers contain physical (or more recently over the years) virtual servers that are connected internally and externally through networking and communication equipment to transfer, store, and access digital information. Every server has its own processor, memory, and storage space – essentially like your personal computer at home but with far more power and size. 

Data centers are designed to run and handle high volumes of data and traffic with minimal latency.  

• Processing large data such as powering machine learning and AI. 
• Processing high-volume eCommerce transactions. 
• Online gaming platforms and communities such as Twitch. 
• Videos and music streaming; Spotify and Youtube as examples. 
• Private data storage, recovery, backups, and management all fall to the data centers. 

The largest data center providers as of currently in 2023: 

1. Amazon Web Services – Global 

2. Microsoft Azure – Global 

3. Google Cloud Platform – Global 

4. Meta Platforms (Facebook) – North America and Europe 

5. Equinix – Global 

6. Digital Realty – Global 

7. NTT Global Data Centers – Global 

8. CyrusOne – North America and Europe 

9. GDS Holdings – Global 

10. KDDI/Telehouse – Global 

The country with the largest number of data centers is the United States, with around 2,701 of them. Dallas itself has 153 data centers, while California has over 200. There are data centers spread throughout the United States across all 50 States. The largest data center in the world however is the China Telecom-Inner Mongolia Information Park, that is founded by a Chinese-state-owned communications company. 

Japan has the AT TOKYO Chuo data center, which is without a doubt Japan’s largest data center with a total area of 140,000 square meters. Europe has quite a few data centers, but their largest is in Portugal which is just shy of 75,000 square meters in size. Interestingly, the Altice Portugal data center is notable not only for being the largest, but it has a rainwater collection system and a garden with over 600 trees. Solar energy is also produced entirely on-site. It was strategically placed in the city of Covilhã, which is the coolest place in Portugal. Temperature is one of the most important risks to take into consideration for data centers and they have taken all the precautions while utilizing it to harness cleaner, green energy as well. More data centers could benefit from utilizing solar panels and other green energy use. 

Meta (previously Facebook) has its own giant of a data center, at a large 170,000 square feet space, 11-stories high that is in Singapore. Meta has several large data centers all around the world and the largest in the United States spans over nine buildings and nearly 345,000 square meters. By the end of 2023, they plan to open two more halls that are 41,000 square meters that will have two floors.

Why do data centers need to be so large, and is it necessary? 

Data centers are predicted to make up at least 10% or more of global energy consumption by 2030. The size provides the opportunity to expand businesses and use additional data center space. Economically speaking, large-scale businesses and investors will implement technological innovations, and all work together to continue attracting connection providers. Undoubtedly we will be hearing about large data centers in the future, as they more than likely will not be going anywhere – any time soon. 

Tech giants and other larger businesses have to pay the power bills just as we all do, just on a much grander scale, such as buying VPPA (Virtual Power Purchase Agreements.) It will be important for data centers in the future to be more reliant on clean energy, as there is a finite amount of electricity otherwise, and it does affect the environment and economy. Data centers may stay the same size or continue growing, but as long as they are done alongside green energy – it could help the economy as well as help shrink their large carbon footprints. 

How environmentally damaging is music and video streaming? 

With binge-watching TV shows, and music, installing smartphone apps, and sharing photos online across social media apps, the power usage and terabytes of data add up and are something we don’t take into consideration when it has become our day to day. 

The power demand when more appliances than ever rely on internet connections – even fridges and washer/dryer machines come Wi-Fi enabled now. All of those do add up to the electricity demands. It isn’t the individual usage that drives up the cost, but it is data centers needing a massive amount of cooling to be able to continue upkeeping the data transfers. With some centers being larger than football fields, it can be easy to see how the power demand could drive up environmental damage. Anders Andrae, a researcher in technology in Sweden, expects the global data centers to take up around 650 terawatt hours of electricity over the next few years. To put that on a scale, that is nearly as much electricity as Canada’s entire energy sector. 

Videos being streamed is the largest use of energy spent, with Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime being the top three taking up to 60% of all internet traffic. Finding green solutions to offset the energy spent is in discussions with multiple tech giants vowing to clean up their data centers and implement greener solutions. 

Streaming is becoming the new normal for day-to-day listening with audio, it can be difficult to fully gauge the carbon footprint. Vinyl, cassette tapes, and CDs for example all had a more obvious impact, with non-recyclable plastics and the energy spent creating them. Streaming has a more invisible effect, but an effect nonetheless. Our music and videos are effortlessly brought to us in our homes, on the way to work, or at parties. The electronic files are stored on the active, cooled data centers and those are what transfer your music to you. 

Streaming media has been said to account for around 3% of the global carbon footprint, and with how large scale and power-hungry data centers can be all around the world – it isn’t a far-fetched thought to consider. 

Streaming vs physical media: Comparing the environmental impact 

As previously stated, the difference between physical media and streaming services being an easy-to-access medium can be compared in their environmental impacts. Physical media of course has a more obvious impact at first glance with non-recyclable plastic, toxic plastics, and the energy needed to create these into something we can hold and use for years without degrading. 

Streaming, however, has a more invisible impact on the environment, especially when we don’t see the immediate effect or think about it as much. The data centers that store all our data and music are massive facilities that take a lot of energy to cool and maintain. To state they don’t make an environmental impact is not correct, and as technology continues to grow, it will more than likely become more apparent. 

Tech companies can work alongside green and clean energy while they grow their data centers, to power each other and keep them running as cleanly as possible without only taking away from the environment or creating lasting impressions negatively, such as using solar panels and water or wind cooling could be incredibly beneficial and sustainable in the long run. 

With the internet infrastructure always changing, so do the numbers. Today’s figures are out of date tomorrow. It’s all relative, but it does add up to the CO2 emissions being put out there. It may be modest, or it may be a significant amount – that all said, it does still affect the environment. There are multiple types of emissions and data centers, plus their physical counterparts can account for more than we think. 

Environmental impact as data centers and technology grow 

Entertainment content, whether it’s music, games, or video – all media is online and is poised to grow as time marches on. Data centers are at the epicentre of how we consume media. Regardless of what kind of digital media and how it’s accessed, entertainment requirements and the power consumption necessary to keep it smooth and available at high speeds will continue to climb with it. 

Data centers will evolve along with it and continue to expand capacity, build and strengthen networks, and develop ecosystems to maintain the high-performing online experience that makes the world connected. Data centers aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and it will be up to the technology giants to work alongside clean energy to ensure that it will be long-lasting and leave less of a carbon footprint. 

With more countries putting their foot down towards better green energy and using renewable resources, it is within reason that data centers and tech giants will be required to do so over the coming years as well. Canada itself has pledged to have 90% of its electricity come from clean renewable sources by 2030. 

As a final note about current data centers and their carbon footprint on the environment – they have a long way to go to reduce their emissions and energy use, but with greener energy and working to have a more sustainable model in the future to come (because streaming and data use will only continue to grow as time marches on), it can be said that as consumers we can also do our part to stream less or look more into where our power comes from and what we take away from the information presented, especially when it is a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.