Modelling the way to net zero

There are multiple pathways to achieving Canada’s commitment of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The race is on, and every policy decision made today will determine how and if we reach that target. An injection of $2.5 million in funding from the Clean Prosperity Foundation is helping shed light on the quickest, most effective solutions by expanding and accelerating energy modelling work at the University of Victoria.

The gift will fund a team of post-doctoral research analysts, graduate students and software developers to build an innovative suite of data sources, models and visualizations. Together, these tools will provide a clearer picture of the overlapping and interconnected outcomes of policy changes. 

The Open Insights project, led by Dr. Madeleine McPherson, who leads the Sustainable Energy Systems Integration and Transitions (SESIT) group at UVic, combines innovative modelling techniques with broad engagement to help guide decision-making during Canada’s sustainable energy system transition. The tools are all open-source and are designed to facilitate real-time dialogue. This means users of all technical abilities, including policy makers, infrastructure planners and think tanks, can easily and quickly access, examine and learn from its models.