Alberta's Energy Transition

In a world increasingly focused on climate change, where does that leave Alberta’s oil and gas industry? Can we continue the ways of the past, or how will Alberta need to adapt to changing energy demands? What changes can we expect, and what are we seeing already, in Alberta’ electricity system? And how should Alberta best position itself for the future?

These are some of the questions Prof. Blake Shaffer will discuss using the latest international energy modelling and recent policy developments. Come for a lively discussion!

Alberta Energy Transition Presenter Slides (PDF)

Speaker: Dr. Blake Shaffer

Blake Shaffer is an assistant professor in the department of economics and school of public policy at the University of Calgary. His work focusses on electricity markets, climate policy and energy transitions. He uses empirical methods to evaluate policy effectiveness and better understand consumer and firm behaviour.

Prior to returning to academia, Shaffer had a 15 year career in energy trading, specializing in electricity, natural gas and emissions markets. He holds a PhD in economics from the University of Calgary, Master of Philosophy in economics from the University of Cambridge and a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences from Queen’s University. He has recently held visiting scholar and Fulbright postdoctoral scholar positions at the Toulouse School of Economics and Stanford University.