ARC ENERGY IDEAS

So you think nuclear power plants are big concrete monoliths? Not so, says Norman JD Sawyer the President and CEO of ARC Nuclear Canada. His company is among a new generation developing small, modular nuclear reactors. Norm explains why, compared to the big reactors in operation today, his technology overcomes many of the issues. For example, smaller reactors are safer and have much less waste. A modular design helps keep costs down too. The company’s first commercial project is expected to be in operation by 2028 in New Brunswick, Canada.Check out Energyphile.org to learn more about the “Atomic Energy” brochure from 1963.Visit ARC Nuclear Canada's website for more information.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

On this week's episode we go back in time to 1959, when the Methane Pioneer carried the first cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) between the United States and the United Kingdom. Now, LNG has become the fastest growing energy system in the world. Natural gas is expected to grow 40% or more over the next 20 years. However, there is some uncertainty. Near term, a global glut of LNG has collapsed spot prices. Longer term, actions to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions may slow demand growth.On this episode we talk about the future of LNG, and consider a novel idea for reducing GHG emissions in natural gas by “decarbonizing” it. Check out Energyphile.org to learn more about the Methane Pioneer.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

Blockades have stopped big parts of Canada’s rail network. Around the same time that the protests started, Ottawa ordered trains carrying dangerous goods to cut their speed in half.  This week, we talk about the situation and implications for crude by rail from Western Canada. We also talk about the latest on the Coronavirus and demand for oil and gas. Finally we give an update on Enbridge’s plan to drastically change the commercial terms for Canada’s largest oil export pipeline. Check out the debate Peter Tertzakian moderated on future energy sources at the Globe conference in Vancouver this past week.To read all the letters submitted to the Canadian Regulator with regards to Enbridge’s plan to change the commercial terms for the Mainline.Finally, here is the ARC commentary “Coronavirus: Implications for Oil and Gas.”Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

What can we learn from a 100-year-old utility bill? Can it help us think more clearly about today’s energy issues, like polarized pipeline issues? Find out as we talk about Peter Tertzakian’s Energyphile project, a website that connects our energy past with a greater understanding of the present and future.In this week’s episode Peter talks about Energyphile, his online museum and new book, “The Investor Visit and Other Stories.”Listen and don’t forget to visit: https://energyphile.org/Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This week we interview John Redfern, the President and CEO of Eavor. His company has invented a novel way for harvesting the earth’s geothermal energy based, in part, on their knowledge from drilling oil and gas wells. The solution is called the Eavor-Loop. The technology overcomes many of the issues that have hampered traditional applications. For instance, it is not limited to niche geographies and it circulates naturally, instead of using an energy intense pump. The Eavor-Loop has been successfully piloted in Alberta, and assuming the solution is successful at large-scale deployment, it would be a step forward into a low carbon future.To learn more about Eavor, visit their website https://eavor.com/Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

Corporations and financiers are making big climate commitments. First, we look at Cenovus Energy’s new net-zero 2050 commitment. The oil sands producer joins a club of other Canadian producers with big reduction targets.  Meanwhile, Microsoft announced the most ambitious corporate reduction goal yet, to be net-negative in a decade and by 2050 to remove all of their historical emissions dating back to when the company was formed in the 1970s. Starbucks also made a big pledge this week. We finish the discussion talking about the economic outlook and implications for oil demand, and why climate is factoring into this topic too.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This week we interview Doug Suttles, President and CEO of Encana (soon to be Ovintiv). On January 14, 2020 Encana shareholders voted in favour to change the company’s name and to move corporate headquarters from Calgary to Denver. When the plan was first announced last fall, the decision fueled frustration in Alberta creating a vocal reaction from industry leaders and politicians. Doug explains the drivers for the changes, the reaction, and the implications for the firm’s investment in Canada. The discussion covers a range of topics including the competitiveness of Canadian oil and gas and the changing expectations of energy investors.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This podcast reflects on 2019 to consider the big themes from the year. Next we look forward to think about what 2020 could bring. We reference Canadian oil and gas industry revenue and cash flow in this episode, see more information on the final page of our weekly ARC Energy Charts publication.Related to this podcast, see ARC Commentary “Big Questions for 2020.”Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This episode was recorded on December 11th at the Young Women in Energy (YWE) Awards in Calgary.  We began by discussing why recognition and the sense of community for women in energy is important.  Next, we covered some of the pressing issues in energy and the type of leadership and diversity that is required to navigate these challenges. Katie Smith, the Executive Director of YWE joined us to ask questions submitted by the award winners. Congratulations to this years accomplished award winners!  For more information on YWE and to learn more about the women recognized this year, check out the YWE website.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

First we talk about the unveiling of the Tesla Cybertruck. Love it or hate it, you have to admit that Elon Musk puts on a good show. Musk takes a page from past pioneers of new ideas. These entrepreneurs recognized some bravado is needed to get people excited about revolutionary new products. Peter Tertzakian’s Energyphile.org project demonstrates this with the audio story of Max Valier, an early pioneer of rocket powered travel. Link to the audio story here.Next, we interview Regan Davis the CEO of STEP Energy Services. STEP is a Calgary based oilfield service company operating in Canada and the United States. Regan makes the case for buying local in these challenging times, to help ensure that Western Canada has the depth of oilfield capacity it needs long into the future.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/