109: 'Intentional Inclusion for a Cleaner Energy Future' with Claire Harris & Chief Emily Whetung

As the utility sector continues to work towards meeting future goals and needs, an equally important consideration remains looking back on the impact that the power industry has had on communities and land and ensuring that any injustices or inequities that have resulted can be addressed. Specifically, lands that have been returned to indigenous populations and communities must be protected as new energy infrastructure grows, and including those peoples in the conversation early in the process is a key aspect in doing so. To highlight what true equity and inclusion looks like from the ground up, today's guests share firsthand experiences on that process as they've taken place in Canada. Specifically, the work that New Brunswick Power is doing to bring small modular reactors and other nuclear technologies to the region has been built on a foundation of engaging and consulting with the Curve Lake Nation. Joining the episode this week, Claire Harris, Senior Advisor of the Advanced Reactor Technology Team at NB Power, and Chief Emily Whetung of the Curve Lake Nation discuss specific examples of why such inclusion has been critical to them and how it can be achieved seamlessly and successfully. They join host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester to share their lessons learned with other utilities and communities that may be facing the same challenges. Key Links Energy Central Post with Full Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-109-intentional-inclusion-cleaner-energy-future-claire-harris-nb-power Claire Harris's Energy Central profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/claire-harris Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': https://blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/