Happy Holidays from Power Struggle!

As developing nations grapple with rapid growth, we explore the dilemmas surrounding coal consumption and the implications for climate goals.

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What if the future of energy innovation lies in gaming technology?

In this episode of Power Struggle, we are joined by Valentina Riggins, Senior Vice President of Digital Consulting at Worley. Valentina provides an in-depth look into the challenges and opportunities within the energy industry, bridging the gap between traditional energy practices and cutting-edge digital technologies.

We cover:

• How can we truly innovate in energy?
• Why massive projects today will shape the future
• Dealing with conflicts, critiques and trade-offs in the energy transition
• The importance of early education and critical thinking in sustainability
• Is Hydrogen adoption possible?
• How AI and gaming technology are accelerating decision making and innovation
• Why we need to step out of our comfort zone

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Valentina Riggins on Linkedin
Stewart Muir on Linkedin

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🎧 For audio versions of our podcast visit powerstruggle.ca and listen on the go in your favourite podcast app!
Video available on Power Struggle’s YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@PowerStrugglePod

Dr. Kent Fellows is an economist and assistant professor at the University of Calgary. With expertise in energy, infrastructure, and competition policy, Kent has advised provincial, federal, and international governments on major policy decisions. He’s also a Fellow at the City Hall Institute, contributing to cutting-edge research on energy and infrastructure economics.


In this episode, Kent reveals how energy decisions ripple through households, businesses, and government revenues, exposing the often invisible costs Canadians face from lagging infrastructure.


We dive more into:

• What’s the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion?
• The invisible price Canadians pay without proper infrastructure plus savings opportunities
• Can the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion truly save Vancouverites over $1,000 a year on gas?
• Why Alberta’s oilsands could produce the world’s “last barrel” of oil
• What’s at stake for Canada and the U.S. in energy trade and policy decisions
• Criticism behind the carbon tax, “Ax the Tax” and Kent’s (maybe surprising!) take on it
• Do oil and gas companies actually care about the environment?
• The energy trilemma: Can we balance affordability, reliability, and sustainability?
• How oil sands producers are cutting emissions while staying globally competitive
• How to effectively plan for future infrastructure

Through Power Struggle, we’re giving audiences a holistic and objective view of the modern energy landscape. With Stewart Muir at the helm, listeners are invited into candid conversations with scientists, engineers, analysts, professors, sociologists, economists, and the many diverse voices addressing energy today.

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Reach out to us with thoughts, questions, or ideas at info@powerstruggle.ca

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🎧 For audio versions of our podcast visit powerstruggle.ca and listen on the go in your favourite podcast app!
Video available on Power Struggle’s YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@PowerStrugglePod

Bill Tieleman is one of British Columbia’s most seasoned and influential strategists. With decades of experience in political communications, including roles in the B.C. Premier’s Office, for the NDP, and the BC Federation of Labour, Bill has shaped campaigns and conversations across the province. As the founder of West Star Communications, he’s spent 25 years helping labor, business, non-profits, and Indigenous organizations navigate complex political landscapes. From his work overturning the HST to his commentary on today’s pressing political issues, Bill brings a unique perspective on strategy, power, and the challenges shaping our communities.

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🎧 For audio versions of our podcast visit powerstruggle.ca and listen on the go in your favourite podcast app!
Video available on Power Struggle’s YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@PowerStrugglePod

What if we could align climate action with economic growth while empowering communities?

Today we welcome Susie Downie-Gagnon, a changemaker in Canada’s natural resource sector.

Beginning her career in medical science and HIV research, Susie followed her curiosity into various initiatives in sectors like forestry, bioenergy and clean tech. From leading one of Canada’s largest Indigenous equity ownership deals to driving innovation at UBC’s Faculty of Forestry, her journey reflects her commitment to aligning sustainability, economic growth, and social justice.


Mentioned in this Episode:
BC Forest Summit 2020
Mom2Mom

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Reach out to us with thoughts, questions, or ideas at info@powerstruggle.ca

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🎧 For audio versions of our podcast visit powerstruggle.ca and listen on the go in your favourite podcast app!
Video available on Power Struggle’s YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@PowerStrugglePod

Today we welcome Robert Bryce, Texas based reporter, author and documentary producer.

Raised in the oil-rich heartland of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Robert's journey into energy journalism was inspired by early exposure to the industry and guided by his mother’s dedication to making complicated subjects approachable. Our conversation spans the evolution of his career, his compelling book "A Question of Power," and his advocacy for energy humanism, focusing on how these themes impact the lives of women and girls in regions plagued by energy poverty.

We also get into…

• Why nuclear energy and natural gas are key to decarbonization
• The shifting landscapes of nuclear energy
• The global energy poverty crisis and why 3 billion people live “unplugged”
• What he’d do if he was named the “Global Energy Tsar”
• What is Total Bananas Crazy Town?
• Robert’s take on modern environmental NGOs and their impact on energy policy
• How attitudes about nuclear power have changed and why it actually benefits us in the long run
• The real cost and requirements of renewables

Mentioned in this Episode:
Juice - The Documentary
Power Hungry: The Myths of "Green" Energy and the Real Fuels of the Future
Robert’s Substack: Energy, Power, Innovation, Politics

Follow us and our guest on social media:
@pwrhungry on X /Twitter
@sjmuiron on X /Twitter
Stewart Muir on Linkedin

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Reach out to us with thoughts, questions, or ideas at info@powerstruggle.ca

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🎧 For audio versions of our podcast visit powerstruggle.ca and listen on the go in your favourite podcast app!
Video available on Power Struggle’s YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@PowerStrugglePod

Barinder Rasode is turning waste into wealth.

As CEO of Tersa Earth Innovations, she’s pioneering new ways to extract resources from mining waste, all while advocating for her community.

With experience in government, health care, female empowerment, and environmental solutions, Barinder bridges the gap between thriving economically and being environmentally responsible.

In this episode we get into:
- The future of mining and Barinder’s mission to turn waste into wealth through Tersa
- What it was like being selected as a top innovator for the World Economic Forum and UpLink - World Economic Forum Sustainable Mining Challenge
- Why choosing between industry profit and the environment is a choice we can’t afford to make
- How SheTalks is empowering 600+ women to lead
- Her top advice for navigating a start-up in Canada
- The trend that is a risk to democracy
- Why young people don’t want to be associated with the engineering field and why it matters
- Her definition of legacy and the impact she wants to leave behind


Mentioned in this Episode:

• Tersa Earth Innovations
• She Talks
• 10 International Women’s Day events you’d be crazy to miss (CNN, 2015)

Follow us and our guest on social media:
@BarinderRasode on X /Twitter
@barinderrasode on Instagram
@sjmuiron X /Twitter
Stewart Muir on Linkedin

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Reach out to us with thoughts, questions, or ideas at info@powerstruggle.ca

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🎧 For audio versions of our podcast visit powerstruggle.ca and listen on the go in your favourite podcast app!
Video available on Power Struggle’s YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@PowerStrugglePod

At Power Struggle we aim to end the conversation blackout around modern energy.

Barry Penner is a former park ranger turned lawyer, politician, and BC’s Minister of Environment. Known for major changes including North America’s first broad-based carbon tax, Barry brings tons of experience navigating climate policy, climate action and public trust.

Barry's tenure as British Columbia's Minister of the Environment was marked by significant strides in environmental policy, including the introduction of North America's first broad-based carbon tax and innovative programs for renewable energy. He shares the triumphs and hurdles of his career, from spearheading emissions reduction initiatives to managing personal health challenges and the emotional closure of a local courthouse. He offers valuable insights into the complexities of climate policy and the persistent struggle to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

As we explore the future of energy management in British Columbia, Barry discusses the importance of transparency and accountability in the energy sector.

In this episode:

• Barry’s beginnings in Kitimat, Chilliwack and early politics
• How a rallying campaign secured his first nomination
• Introducing North America's first carbon tax and the Climate Action Plan
• Are emissions higher now than pre-Covid?
• The BC Supreme court call that threatened his career
• Bringing together an 800 person protest
• Navigating a cancer diagnosis and career pivot
• Why BC Energy is a black box…
• Why is BC importing electricity? And what are the hidden costs?

🔔 Hit Subscribe for more in-depth discussions on the future of energy.

Links mentioned:
Energy Futures Institute: https://energyfuturesinstitute.ca/

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@BarryPenner1 on X /Twitter
@sjmuiron X /Twitter
Stewart Muir on Linkedin

Power Struggle:
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🎧 For audio versions of our podcast visit powerstruggle.ca and listen on the go in your favourite podcast app!
Video available on Power Struggle’s YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@PowerStrugglePod

Send us a text

Reach out to us with thoughts, questions, or ideas at info@powerstruggle.ca

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🎧 For audio versions of our podcast visit powerstruggle.ca and listen on the go in your favourite podcast app!
Video available on Power Struggle’s YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@PowerStrugglePod