Teaching the next generation about energy sustainability, governance and infrastructure is no small task. It’s even more challenging given that this system sits at the heart of one of today’s most urgent questions: how do we transition it toward a low-carbon future?
To explore these transitions, students need to pair theory with practice and move beyond the classroom. That’s where community partnerships with industry leaders like Bruce Power and Enbridge have been essential. In a new course offered by the Faculty of Environment, ENVS 474: Energy and Society in Ontario, Waterloo students have gained rare access to these key provincial energy sites to learn how nuclear and wind systems are being built, managed and operated.
Inside the province’s nuclear backbone
As governments and experts debate the future of energy both in Canada and globally, nuclear power is once again in the spotlight and seen by many as a key player in achieving net-zero goals. For this reason, visiting Bruce Power in Kincardine was an essential stop.
“Today, nuclear energy is the backbone of Ontario’s electricity sector, reliably providing 55 per cent of the province’s power, while generating zero carbon emissions, which helps keep our air clean,” says Dwight Irwin, Manager of Community Relations at Bruce Power, whose team hosted the students.
“Despite 50 years of providing Ontario’s baseload power, the technology and industry isn’t well understood,” Irwin added. “That’s why we partner with educators, like Waterloo, so students can better understand where their power comes from, Ontario’s electricity system, the breadth of career opportunities in nuclear, and why, when they flip a switch or plug in their electric vehicle, the power they need will be there.”
A closer look at wind energy in Ontario
As part of their in-field exploration, students also visited the Underwood and Cruickshank Wind Farm and toured a wind turbine. They met with the plant manager and gained insight into the inner workings of wind energy.
To prepare for the visit, students explored the broader role wind plays in the province’s energy mix and examined the social and environmental debates that have shaped public opinion, both in support of and in opposition to wind development. This diverse background knowledge set the stage for a rich discussion on site, where they could connect theory to practice, ask informed questions, and reflect on how renewable energy projects are shaped by technology, policy, and local relationships.
“At Enbridge, community…
Read More: Industry connections enhance energy literacy at Waterloo | Waterloo News
