#133 COP26: The Legacy of the Lac Megantic Disaster

Early in the morning of 6 July 2013 a freight train carrying 7.7 million litres of crude oil derailed, destroying downtown Lac Megantic, a small town in Quebec, Canada. The disaster claimed 47 lives and destroyed over 30 buildings and condemning a further 36.  As part of the rebuilding efforts, the town saw an opportunity to build back better and decided to embrace the green economy. A large part of the plan involved the creation of a microgrid. This is the second episode of our series in the run-up to the climate conference COP26, to be held in Glasgow from next week. In this episode we will learn about the ‘sad opportunity’ of Lac Megantic, the efforts to rebuild in keeping with the principles of sustainability, and the strategic position microgrids could hold in the electricity networks of the future. Guests Ioannis Andronikidis, Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Storage Lead, WSP in the UK David-Olivier Goulet, Project Engineer for Integrating New Technologies, Hydro Quebec Simon Pelchat, National Lead – Battery Energy Storage and Microgrids, WSP  Mathieu Pepin, Project Manager – Downtown Reconstruction, Ville Lac Megantic Stephane Vachon, Director of the Economic Development Bureau, Ville Lac Megantic Resources For a WSP case study on the Lac Megantic project, click here and for one by Hydro Quebec, click here For analysis on the upsurge in microgrid development, click here For information on the municipality of Lac Megantic (in French), click here Partner The partner for this episode is WSP. As one of the world’s leading engineering professional services consultancies, WSP brings clarity and vision to complex challenges. Our team of global technical specialists and strategic advisers ensure innovative solutions solve complex problems for our clients and the communities we serve, meeting both the needs of today and addressing the challenges of the future.The post #133 COP26: The Legacy of the Lac Megantic Disaster first appeared on Engineering Matters.

NOW PLAYING

0:00 35:23

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

gerald_russ_on_wm42

Jun 20, 2026 ·31m

gerald_roberts_is_live_with_tiffani_avatar

Jun 20, 2026 ·24m

gerald_roberts_is_live_with_steven_person

Jun 20, 2026 ·42m

gerald_roberts_is_live_with_shamir_dinero

Jun 20, 2026 ·26m

gerald_roberts_is_live_with_ruthie_jay

Jun 20, 2026 ·22m

gerald_roberts_is_live_with_pj_savage

Jun 20, 2026 ·37m

Similar Podcasts

Hyperfluent Hypio Hyperfluent transmits straight from the heart of Hyperliquid, where culture, creativity, and capital converge. Anchored by the architects of Hypio—the decentralized cultural virus—each episode archives the minds engineering the blockchain built to house all finance. These conversations are traceable artifacts in HyperEVM’s evolution: not just what’s being built, but why it matters, how it mutates, and where it’s taking us next. Listen in for the blueprints, the blind spots, and the narrative weapons shaping tomorrow’s markets.Hyperfluent: learn the language, ride the wave, spread the strain. Mobile Money by moomoo Mobile Money by moomoo Hear from seasoned traders, financial influencers, and industry insiders as they discuss money matters and market news and share their personal finance stories.Disclaimers: https://www.moomoo.com/us/support/topic4_523 Somali Motivation podcast Istahil Aideed At the heart of the Somali Motivation Podcast lies a profound mission: to uplift, inspire, and catalyze personal growth in the lives of our listeners. With a steadfast dedication to mental health awareness and domestic abuse awareness, our podcast embraces vulnerability, encourages healing, and fosters resilience within the Somali community and beyond. Through heartfelt conversations, expert insights, and shared experiences, we create a warm and welcoming space where every voice matters. Join our transformative journey as we embark on a quest to empower our community, spark meaningful change, and weave a tapestry of hope and strength. Together, we can make a difference, one episode at a time. The Up and to the Right | Small Business | Practical, Actionable, Sustainable Improvements beyond50percent Welcome to Up and to the Right, the no-nonsense podcast where we blend your passion with proven business principles and practical tips, empowering you to create the impact and success you envision.Hosted by Stephen Krausse, the show covers what matters to small business owners, startups, and people interested in becoming entrepreneurs. No buzzwords and no hyped-up trends!A graduate of Colorado State University's College of Business, Stephen has an academic background that compliments over 25 years of business operations and management experience. He started his first business as a freshman in college in 1987, recording and producing demo tapes for local bands. Since that time, he’s been involved with numerous successful small businesses, including the operation and management of a niche high-tech company with customers and suppliers worldwide.As a business professional by education and trade, he works with select business owners to blend their passion with proven principles, givi

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Engineering Matters?

This episode is 35 minutes long.

When was this Engineering Matters episode published?

This episode was published on October 27, 2021.

What is this episode about?

Can I download this Engineering Matters episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!