Research summary
Transitioning to a net-zero energy system requires the ability to accurately model energy supply, demand and investment strategies. But current frameworks overlook key uncertainties in these areas, leading to costly inefficiencies. As Canada Research Chair in Uncertainty Informed, Net Zero Energy System Modelling, Dr. Kristen Schell is developing advanced models that account for variability in wind power generation and the energy demands of heavy industry to improve the accuracy of net-zero energy planning.
By integrating these uncertainty models directly into energy optimization frameworks for Alberta and Ontario, she and her research team are helping policy-makers and industry leaders make more cost-effective investment and deployment decisions. The result will be fewer decision errors, lower overall costs, and a more efficient path for Canada to meet its net-zero energy goals.