Abstract

One of the truly dominant challenges facing mankind today is mitigation against the consequences of climate change and global warming. This involves major transformations of our economic and energy systems. This is a complex challenge, requiring transformations in virtually every sector of our society. Dr. Oskar Sigvaldason will be giving a presentation on approach and methodology developed and applied in Canada. This includes defining long-term “pathways” with associated strategies, for transforming energy systems, for satisfying increasingly stringent GHG mitigation targets. These include a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030, relative to 2005 (Paris Accord – 2015), and an 80% reduction by 2050 (Canada’s strategic plan presented at COP 22 meeting – 2016).

Biography

Oskar Sigvaldason worked with Acres International, a global consulting engineering and management services company, for 38 years, including nine years as President. His career included managing preparation of national investment and strategic development plans for energy and electricity supply, with funding from international agencies. These included preparation of long term Master Plans for Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan and Ghana. He has also worked on major hydro developments, including the Churchill Falls Project in Labrador, the Schrumm Project (Bennett Dam) in British Columbia, the Three Gorges Project in China (Advisory Board), and as Project Manager for the Karnali Project in Nepal (for dedicated electricity export to India). 

More recently, he served as Project Manager for the Trottier Energy Futures Project (TEFP). The primary goal of the TEFP was to derive minimum cost solutions, to 2050 and beyond, for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for all of Canada, and for each of its thirteen provincial and territorial jurisdictions. 

He is a Director (former Chair) of the Energy Council of Canada and a former Member of a World Energy Council Committee on “Global Energy Scenarios to 2060”. 

He has served as Director or Trustee for approximately 25 publically traded companies, private corporations, regulatory agencies, University, and advocacy organizations.