The CANSTOREnergy team is disrupting the current paradigm of technology development by integrating policy and community engagement in the early stages of design and execution of energy systems. The team aims to re-envision energy systems and storage technologies to address the diverse needs and perspectives of urban and rural communities in Canada, with attention to energy access, control, and governance. We are engaging in conversations with community partners about energy futures and energy justice to inform the development of energy technology, specifically a suite of carbon conversion technologies. We are engaging with two distinct regions and communities in Canada, Hamilton in Southern Ontario and the Yukon territory.

With guidance from communities that might use such technology, CANSTOREnergy is exploring how to convert carbon emissions, or CO₂, into high energy-density synthetic fuels and chemical feedstocks. The conversion process relies on the use of excess renewable or low-carbon energy. The outcome could be a net-zero carbon means of storing renewable energy that merges with existing community and municipal infrastructure. For these systems to reduce fossil fuel extraction and consider equity concerns, we need to consider the diverse needs and goals of both urban and rural communities in creating new energy futures. Such integration of social considerations into technology development will enable Canada to lead in achieving just energy transformations and ambitious climate goals.