WiRE ENERGY INDUSTRY NEWS
WiRE Canada, Plug’n Drive, and BCIT present
Electrifying Event on EVs and Microgrids
On September 11, 2023, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) hosted an event that showcased the latest developments and innovations in electric vehicles (EVs) and microgrids. The event was organized by the BCIT Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART), Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE), and Plug’n Drive.
The event featured a variety of activities and presentations that aimed to educate and inspire the attendees about the benefits and challenges of EVs and microgrids. Some of the highlights of the event were:
A demonstration of different types of EV motors, such as induction, permanent magnet, and switched reluctance motors, and how they work and compare to each other in terms of efficiency, performance, and cost.
A discussion of different levels of charging for EVs, from Level 1 (120V) to Level 3 (480V), and how they affect the battery life, charging time, and grid stability.
A tour of the BCIT microgrid, which is a network of distributed energy resources (DERs) that can operate independently or in coordination with the main grid. The microgrid includes solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage, EV charging stations, smart meters, and a control center.
A presentation by WiRE and Plug’n Drive on their initiatives and programs that support women in the renewable energy sector and encourage consumers to switch to EVs. WiRE offers networking events, mentoring, education, and recognition for women working in or interested in renewable energy. Plug’n Drive provides information, education, and test drives for EVs, as well as incentives and rebates for EV purchases.
It was well-attended by students, faculty, industry professionals, and members of the public who were interested in learning more about EVs and microgrids. The event also provided an opportunity for networking and collaboration among the participants and the organizers. The feedback from the attendees was positive and enthusiastic, indicating that the event was a success!
The event was part of BCIT’s ongoing efforts to advance research and innovation in clean energy and smart grid technologies, and WiRE & Plug’n Drive’s Plugging Women into ZEVs initiative. BCIT is a leader in applied education and research in Canada, offering programs and services in engineering, business, health, computing, trades, and more. BCIT’s SMART team is composed of researchers, instructors, students, and industry partners who work together to develop solutions for sustainable energy systems.
Left to right: Carolina Lee, Cara Clairman, Joanna Osawe, and Eugene Eng.
Learning about charging, EV motors, and microgrids!
Learning about charging, EV motors, and microgrids!
Left to right: Cara Clairman, Aleigha Andres, Joanna Osawe
WiRE Turkiye Global Wind Day Field Trip
On 15 June 2023, 15 students from İzmir Institute of Technology went for a trip to Çeşme Wind Energy Farm. The visit to Çeşme Wind Farm was organized as part of an educational initiative to expose students to renewable energy technologies and foster an understanding of their significance in mitigating climate change. The trip provided a hands-on opportunity for students to witness the practical application of wind energy and its implications for sustainable energy generation. The objective of the trip is to get to know nearly the components of the wind farm and the way of the production of wind energy. Upon arrival, the students were greeted by the wind farm's amazing staff, who provided an introductory overview of the facility.
The students were led to a wind turbine where they learned about the intricate mechanisms that enable wind energy conversion. Students had the chance to observe the components such as the gearbox, generator, and control systems that make this conversion possible. The visit highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of renewable energy solutions. Students were encouraged to recognize how wind energy involves aspects of physics, engineering, environmental science, and policy-making. This understanding showcased how diverse fields collaborate to address complex global challenges.
The trip underscored the importance of fostering curiosity and awareness among the younger generation about renewable energy technologies. It provided a unique perspective on the innovative solutions driving global efforts to combat climate change and transition to a more sustainable energy mix.
WiRE would like to thank the amazing staff at Çeşme Wind Energy Farm for their generous time and effort in helping to increase awareness of renewable energy production!
WiRE Turkey Chapter Leader Selen Inal is one of 50 Engineers Globally Invited to CEET!
With over 20 years of experience and numerous achievements in various fields of the energy sector, Selen Inal has been invited as one of the 50 engineers globally to join the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET). CEET serves as an independent advisory board to the United Nations Secretary-General, focusing on accelerating global energy transition to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Within this framework, Selen Inal will provide impartial technical advice and analysis for the development of sustainable engineering solutions for global energy transition. She will also participate in the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York in July 2023 and the Conference of Parties (COP28) on Climate Change in Dubai in December 2023, both organized by the United Nations.
This remarkable achievement serves as a notable example of global female leadership, particularly in an environment where women's employment and representation in executive positions in the energy sector are significantly low, both globally and in Türkiye.
For more information about CEET, please visit: https://www.unsdsn.org/ceet
WiRE United Arab Emirates at the 2023 Middle East Energy Conference
WiRE UAE Chapter Leaders had a dedicated panel discussion on March 8 at the Middle East Energy Summit 2023, the largest energy summit in the MENA region, as part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day. The panel discussion was part of the event’s Strategic Conference agenda and the audience consisted of experts from various sectors.
WiRE UAE Chapter Leaders tackled a rainbow of enticing topics:
Rahaf Ajaj (panel moderator): Introduction to WiRE Global and UAE
Dana Darwish: ESG and Net Zero – Opportunities and Risks
Tania Luna: Energy Chain Analysis and Middle East Energy Challenge
Suzan Shahin: Biodiesel as a sustainable energy source
The session was extremely interactive since the audience were curious to learn more through Q&A. As a result of the session, WiRE UAE Chapter Leaders are expecting to enroll more volunteers and to initiate further partnerships.
Supporting Links:
2022 Mena Power Projects Forum in Abu Dhabi featuring guest speaker Dr. Rahaf Ajaj
I spoke about the region's Nuclear Energy Education programs, the challenges that new graduates face in the nuclear industry, the key operational and maintenance challenges, and the integration of nuclear-generated power with existing conventional and renewable energy systems during the panel discussion. In general, our region has a modest number of universities that provide nuclear engineering bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees. Nuclear Engineering programs are currently available in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. However, due to the large number of people looking for work at the same time during graduation seasons, the employment market for entry-level occupations will undoubtedly become considerably more competitive. Graduates with good grades and experience are finding it increasingly difficult to stand out in some sectors due to escalating employment competition. It might take longer than expected to acquire a job or even an interview.....
Immerse yourself in adventure with Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed inside our newest attraction, the Niagara Parks Power Station. This one-of-a-kind sensory experience reawakens this iconic building with light, sound and a breathtaking musical score. Learn what went into the making of this epic, must-see spectacle created by Thinkwell. www.niagaraparks.com/currents
WiRE REPRESENTS CANADA AT THE EXPO 2020 IN DUBAI, UAE
The Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) leadership team, President & CEO Joanna Osawe and Vice President Aisha Bukhari, visited the UAE in January 2022 to collaborate with local partners to promote the role of women in the cleantech sector and to grow WiRE’s presence in the MENA region. WiRE is especially thankful to the Canadian Ambassador to the UAE (H.E. Ambassador Marcy Grossman and Consul General at the Consulate of Canada in Dubai – H.E Mr. Jean-Philippe Linteau and the Canadian Consulate in Dubai – Trade Commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada in Dubai – Gabriel Jabbour & Trade Commissioner Louis-Philippe Duhaime for their partnership and support over the last 2+ years in supporting WiRE’s growth in the UAE.
On February 7 to 11, 2022, Solar Alberta held its Solar Show 2022 online and garnered attendance from people worldwide. Solar Alberta is in its thirty-first year of operation and has over 350 individual and business members.
The opening keynote speaker, sustainability consultant Alicia Richins, provided a powerful speech to open the Solar Show, and giving insight on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while accentuating the importance of climate justice and climate action. Her main message was that sustainability is more than just about reducing global emissions; it also has to do with climate justice. For many years, the world has understood the technical challenges and solutions to climate change…
READ THE COVID19 & THE FUTURE OF ENERGY REPORT
With the onset of the covid19 pandemic in 2020, WiRE was quick to act, by interviewing 49 high-level executives in the energy sector, and assembled the results into a powerful and comprehensive 24 page report. Read it now to gain helpful insights on Covid19’s affect on the energy sector.
Feb 8 2018: WiRE was recognized as NonProfit of the Year at Ontario Sustainable Energy Association's Powering Prosperity Awards. A delighted Joanna Oswae, WiRE Co-Founder and Chair, accepted the award saying "WiRE is very passionate about working in and supporting the energy sector, and I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of the entire WiRE community". From l-r Jen Aitchison (Hugh Woods, WiRE Advisory Committee), Joanna Osawe (DMC Power, WiRE Co-Founder & Chair), Sarah Monture (AABO, WiRE Advisory Committee).
Linda Duncan, House of Commons Parliament of Canada Member, reading a statement on WiRE during a parliamentary session.
WiRE hosted an educational field trip to Woodstock Hydro in April 2015, to witness one of Ontario's first small-scale microGRID technology systems. 40 attendees learned about renewable energy and energy storage systems, connecting electric vehicles, customer loads and smart control systems
WiRE Co-founders Joanna Osawe and Rebecca Black
GOOD READING
Celebrating sustainability and the women who propel it forward with WiRE IPSO FACTO Magazine November 2017 issue
Plug'n Drive Founder and CEO Receives the WiRE Woman of the Year Award Plug'n Drive November 21, 2017
Profile of Women Working in the Clean Energy Sector in Canada Electricity Human Resources Canada Nov. 2017
How sales powerhouse Debbie Ellis is cleaning up Ontario’s grid Clean Energy Canada Oct. 17, 2017
Minister Carr Calls on Canadians to Join Generation Energy and Share Their Ideas for Canada's Energy Future April 21, 2017
Diversity in the Energy Sector Mar. 17 2016 Jacobs Women's Network WebEx
Women Shine in Power Jan. 2016 IPPSO FACTO Magazine (APPRO)
Michelle Branigan is WiRE's Women of the Year 2015 Nov. 20, 2015 Electrical Business
Women in Renewable Energy visit renewable energy project at Woodstock Hydro May 6 2015 Woodstock Hydro Video and Woodstock Sentinel Review
Microgrids: Making way for customer control and renewable energy integration May 1 2015 MaRS blog
Workforce diversity makes you more competitive: featuring WiRE Founders, Committee Members and Sponsors March 5 2015 Electric Business Magazine Video
Un nouveau prix pour marquer le leadership des femmes dans le secteur de l'énergie éolienne Aug. 19 2014 WiRE / FIE Communiqué
New wind power award celebrates growing female leadership in sector Aug. 19 2014 WiRE / WoWE News Release
Smarter wind: Innovations in wind energy May 2 2014 MaRS blog
Advancing the Role of Women in the Green Economy February 21 2014 MaRS blog
New Ontario Organization is Advancing the Role of Women in Renewable Energy February 10 2014 Alternatives Journal
New Women's Organization goes on the WiRE Fall 2013 Windsight Magazine and WiRE Launch release