Brian Appelbe, a Research Fellow at Imperial College London's Centre for Inertial Fusion Studies, delves into the promising realm of fusion energy. He discusses how this groundbreaking technology aims to replicate the sun’s power for clean energy. Recent milestones, including achieving net energy gain, are highlighted. Brian also explores how private investments and technological advances are accelerating the timeline for commercial fusion. With its potential for low-cost electricity, fusion could revolutionize our approach to energy in the near future.

This week our guest is Duane Reid-Carlson, President of EDC Associates Ltd., an independent electricity-focused consulting firm based in Calgary, Canada. The firm focuses closely on Alberta power markets. EDC recently published its quarterly report and had some critical words about the government's proposed changes for Alberta’s electricity market – called the Restructured Energy Market (REM) - describing it as a “highly complex, expensive, inefficient experiment.” The same sentiment was reflected by almost all the 36 organizations that participated in the Alberta Electricity System Operator (AESO)’s feedback process in early 2025. Stakeholders were nearly unanimous in their comments that the changes will make Alberta’s electricity markets more expensive and less reliable – the exact attributes the redesign promised to fix. The sharp criticism spans all industry segments – from natural gas generators and renewable energy developers to consumers and transmission companies. Participants also raised the issue of the AESO skipping the regulatory review from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), which provides an independent review by a regulatory body as a safeguard to prevent any unintended negative consequences from the redesign.   Peter and Jackie examine the concerns and potential long-term negative implications for Alberta’s electricity grid, generators, and consumers with Duane Reid-Carlson. Content referenced in this podcast: Stakeholder submissions to the AESO on the Restructured Energy Market (REM) design, January 2025 Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/ Check us out on social media: X (Twitter): @arcenergyinstLinkedIn: @ARC Energy Research Institute Subscribe to ARC Energy Ideas PodcastApple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotify 

François Poirier, President and CEO of TC Energy, sheds light on pressing themes from the CERAWeek Conference. He discusses the challenges of building energy infrastructure in North America, including permitting and the potential revival of the Keystone XL and Energy East pipelines. Poirier also examines the strategic shift towards natural gas, driven by demand from AI data centers, and emphasizes the need for collaboration among Canada, the U.S., and Mexico to enhance energy reliability and affordability.

This week, our guest is Mark Fitzgerald, President and CEO of PETRONAS Canada, which owns a 25% stake in LNG Canada. LNG Canada will be Canada’s first major LNG export terminal and is expected to start shipping Canadian natural gas to global markets from Kitimat, British Columbia, later this year. PETRONAS is one of the largest LNG operators in the world and has a key position in the Montney, Canada’s leading and world-class shale gas play.Here are some of the questions Jackie and Peter asked Mark: What is the economic impact of LNG Canada Phase 1? How does the Montney compare to other natural gas plays globally? Can Canadian LNG compete with other global suppliers to Asia? How does the carbon emissions intensity of Canadian LNG compare to other suppliers? How would you describe the risk of investing in a Canadian LNG export terminal, compared with other countries where PETRONAS invests? Investment in Canadian LNG has been less than expected compared to a decade ago; what needs to change for Canada to attract new capital for building LNG export facilities? In your view, did BC Premier David Eby's announcement to fast-track 18 projects help address any barriers to investment? Does BC still require LNG facilities to be net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and does any other country require this? Are there any updates on the potential for a final investment decision (FID) on LNG Canada Phase 2?Content referenced in this podcast:338Canada  – Canadian Federal Election PollingPlease review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/ Check us out on social media: X (Twitter): @arcenergyinstLinkedIn: @ARC Energy Research Institute Subscribe to ARC Energy Ideas PodcastApple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotify 

The discussion highlights Canada's vast natural resources and the need for strategic change to attract investment. Historical perspectives reveal a long-standing potential for profit, yet recent years show a concerning capital flight from the energy sector. The geopolitical implications of LNG development are scrutinized, especially amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Challenges faced by the Canadian investment landscape are examined, with calls for streamlined regulatory processes to enhance economic growth and sovereignty, contrasting with the U.S. approach to energy independence.

This week, our guest is Dan Hoffarth, Chief Executive Officer of Citadel Drilling, a Canadian-based drilling contractor operating in the Permian Basin. Citadel Drilling provides high-performance, automated drilling rigs designed for efficiency and safety.Jackie and Peter ask Dan to fact-check the popular show "Landman” currently streaming on Paramount+. The series is set in the Permian Basin, featuring Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, a landman who also serves as the VP of Operations.The discussion also provides an update on the Permian Basin, which has surpassed all of Western Canada in oil and gas production and stands as the world's largest producing basin. The rapid production growth in the Permian Basin has cemented the United States' position as the largest producer of oil and gas globally, by a significant margin. They also discuss Donald Trump’s plan to “drill baby drill” and what that could mean for the future of US oil and gas production.Content referenced in this podcast:Jackie and Peter’s podcast from April 2019 about Jackie’s trip to the Permian BasinJackie’s blog on the Permian Basin from 2019 - Updated to include the rattlesnake picture referenced in this podcastAaron Foyer’s post on GHG emissions savings from wind turbines Enverus blog on methane flaring in the Permian Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/ Check us out on social media: X (Twitter): @arcenergyinstLinkedIn: @ARC Energy Research Institute Subscribe to ARC Energy Ideas PodcastApple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotify 

Explore Canada's energy security weaknesses and its heavy reliance on U.S. crude oil and natural gas. The hosts discuss the economic implications of tariffs and recent Canadian governmental efforts to enhance infrastructure. They emphasize the need for interprovincial trade improvements and capital investment to bolster energy independence. Geopolitical tensions and evolving carbon policies add complexity to the energy landscape, while the urgency of addressing electricity demands to support future ambitions is highlighted.

Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and historian, dives into her latest book, 'Autocracy Inc.', revealing the rising tide of authoritarianism worldwide. She discusses the collaboration among autocratic nations like Russia and China against democratic values. The talk touches on deteriorating U.S.-Canada relations, driven by trade tensions and tariffs, while also examining the role of climate policy in shaping political narratives. Applebaum highlights the challenges democracies face today and Canada's resilience in navigating these turbulent waters.

Join John Manley, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and a key figure in finance and foreign affairs, as he unpacks the current trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. He discusses the implications of recent tariffs and suggests strategic responses for Canada. Manley highlights the importance of enhancing energy security and diversifying markets. He also addresses the need for increased defense spending and modernization of energy infrastructure. Tune in for insights on navigating the complex landscape of North American economic relations!

In this discussion, Christopher Sands, Director of the Wilson Center's Canada Institute, shares insights on Trump's return to the Oval Office and its implications for Canada. He analyzes Trump's Davos speech, where the President urged OPEC to reduce oil prices against Russia. Sands also addresses the potential legal challenges of Trump’s executive orders on energy policy and explores the pressures on Canada to increase military spending amidst evolving trade dynamics. Ultimately, the dialogue sheds light on the intricate U.S.-Canada relations influenced by Trump’s policies.