opinion: it's time to depolarize the conversation about energy - energy storage solutions

On a recent cold, snowy Calgary morning, about 150 oil and gas executives, renewable energy entrepreneurs, indigenous leaders, environmental activists and others gathered in a conference room to explore how to talk about energy.
These leaders and innovators were asked to discuss how to take advantage of the polarized views and engage in more productive dialogue around energy issues, including pipelines, carbon taxes and climate change.
In order to build a framework for dialogue, participants were asked how they would create "the energy system that will need us in the future ".
One suggested the abolition of capitalism.
Some say a carbon tax is a market failure.
Others have raised fears about the future, challenges for energy storage and consumer consumption on supertankers.
The only comprehensive consensus on the floor is the general commitment to "listen to the middle voice.
The debate over energy among Canadians is fierce.
Many people's views are deeply rooted and often do not find common ground with those who hold other views.
Angry protests, numerous shouting contests on social media, and intense exchanges across provincial borders.
But the reality is that if we are to create an energy system for the future, we need to find common ground.
That's why the Energy Futures Lab has invited many different voices to come together to discuss this at our first EFL summit.
That's what we do.
EFL is from Alberta. based, multi-
Benefit cooperation to build bridges and connections for innovators in different areas of the energy system.
Alberta is at the center of this complex, divided and divided debate.
With the help of our companions
A group of smart and determined innovators and influencers
We have formed a vision of how Alberta can lead the energy dialogue.
Our vision for 2050 is to make Alberta and Canada home to the world's most innovative, entrepreneur and responsible energy citizens.
This vision sees us using the web.
Carbon neutral energy for the world
Leading energy technologies and productshow and future-
Suitable for hydrocarbons.
It sees US leading the way in energy.
A partnership for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples of Canada was established.
Our researchers are involved in dozens of different projects that are working to achieve this vision, including the acquisition of geothermal energy from oil wells, the promotion of the cycle of carbon nanoparticles, and the removal of hydrocarbons
We are laboratories, so we have to do experiments.
We try new things.
In February, we tried a "mobile dialogue" to help address the growing polarization in discussions around energy.
This is a simple exercise.
The participants stood up from the conference table and moved to an open space.
People have expressed their views on how to create a future energy system.
If you agree with this, you are closer to the speaker.
If you do not agree, you will leave the person who speaks.
Everyone can see in real time whether they get together or separate. In some cases —
For example, "focus on energy efficiency" and "face the challenges we face honestly "--
Participants moved to the speaker like a group of fish. In others —
"The pipeline is not part of the future"
When the conversation about how today's pipeline to move fossil fuels can move hydrogen in the future breaks out, there is a retreat.
When one suggested "breaking the view of polarization, not creating fear", someone flocked to him.
Everyone tried to understand where each speaker came from and fully understood the different points expressed.
Everyone is trying to find a deeper common goal.
Everyone in the room is working towards a bold vision.
The EFL is deepening our work in Alberta and exploring how to expand our initiatives across the country.
We hope to speed up.
We want to address the urgent need for action and address the growing polarization around energy issues.
We hope to continue to bridge the different points of view, expand our community in Canada and encourage brave leadership.
Creating an energy system that will require us in the future is an ambitious goal.
But we believe with passion that we can do it.
It starts with using diversity to develop creative solutions.
Alison Cretney is the managing director of the Energy Futures Lab.