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Clean Energy Research Group

Clean Energy Research Group

Clean Energy Research Group

Spring 2026 Monthly Research Talks

All events are hybrid and open to the public.  Please contact Andy Hira at ahira@sfu.ca for on-line connection details and copies of papers. CERG events are supported by SFU and the Willow Grove Foundation.

1.     January 16, 2026, from 12-1pm over zoom only, Nick Gottlieb, Suzuki Foundation, Running on Fumes: B.C. LNG’s Overhyped Promises, Risky Future and Public Costs

2.     Feb. 19, 2026 from 12-1pm over zoom only, Dr. Louise Comeau, Senior Advisor on Climate, Carleton U.’s Centre for Climate Change Communications and Public Engagement, Building a Social Mandate for Climate Action.

3.     Mar. 19, 2026, 17:30-19:00: The Demise of the IRA: Lessons for Climate Change Policy, Andy Hira, Jae Mather, and Mitchell Beer.

4.     Apr. 9, 2026, 17:00-19:00, Improving Plastic Waste Policy in BC, Andy Hira, Sue Maxwell (Zero Waste BC), Christoph Schultz (Recycling Council of BC) and Misuzu Asari (Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Japan). Sponsored by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.

5.     May 7, 2026, 17:30-19:00, Hydrogen- Examining the Pros and Cons of its use for Energy Storage in Canada, Anurag Wasnik (Beedie School of Business); Reza Farzam (SFU/UBC Post-doctoral Researcher in Engineering); and Dorsa Kalaki (MA, SFU Sustainable Engineering).

CERG's Youtube Channel link

CERG Hot Papers (click on title)

Canadian Scorecard on Fossil Fuels

CERG releases a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of the fossil fuels sector vs. the costs of climate change. We find that, even after accounting for jobs, incomes and public revenues, the fossil fuels sector is a net drain on the economy, and net losses will increase over time. No further public investment in the sector is economically justified, particularly given the predictions of a supply glut in oil and gas markets.

Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage: A Massive Misallocation of Public Resources, CERG WP No. 17, Hira, Pauer and Wright

WP 14 The Hydrogen Bet: Energy Storage of the Future or Pie in the Sky?

Geopolitics of the Green Transition and Critical Strategic Minerals

WP 12 Is there a Future for Nuclear Power? Examining the Case for Canada

Hira/Krishnan Igniting Solar through Policy article

Park, Hira, et al. Plastic Waste Upcycling

WP 9: BC's LNG Play: Reasonable Transition or Environmental Disaster?

Canada’s proposed east-west energy corridors should prioritize clean energy. Op-ed

WP 4 on why British Columbia and Canada Should Embrace Geothermal Power