EcoFactors EP 1 - What the Real New Brunswick Energy Transition Looks Like - with Moe Qureshi

Unlock the Full Potential of Renewable Energy in New Brunswick—Before It's Too LateAre we truly harnessing the most abundant, cheapest resources for our energy future? If you care about climate, affordability, and resilient communities, this episode is your wake-up call.In this compelling conversation, Moe Qureshi—Director of Climate Research and Policy at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick—reveals how outdated policies and internal planning are holding back revolutionary change. He discusses why the common perception of energy transition as merely replacing fossil fuels with wind turbines is incomplete. Instead, Moe introduces a holistic system redesign that includes smarter grid management, decentralized renewables, storage innovations, and demand-side strategies.You'll discover:How New Brunswick can leverage its vast solar and wind potential to reach over 90% renewable energy, saving billions in the processWhy current centralized projects like nuclear and coal, even when converted, are less sustainable and more costly long-termThe power of distributed energy resources (DERs) and community-led projects that build resilience, especially in rural and Indigenous communitiesThe critical importance of transparent, inclusive planning processes—what's missing in the province's internal strategies and how opening them up can lead to smarter, more affordable decisionsPractical policy reforms that can modernize regulations, empower citizens, and accelerate the energy transition toward net-zero by 2035Timing is everything. Delaying these shifts risks escalating costs, deepening climate crises, and locking in outdated infrastructure. Moe's insights challenge us to rethink not just what our energy sources are, but how we design, regulate, and community-build around those sources.Perfect for policy makers, environmental advocates, energy consumers, and anyone eager to see a cleaner, more resilient future—this episode provides a clear roadmap to transform New Brunswick’s energy system sustainably and equitably.Tune in and learn how bold, systemic change can turn our abundant resources into affordable, reliable power—and set a precedent for the entire country. The future of energy is in our hands. Will we seize it?Guests: Moe Qureshi is the Director of Climate Research and Policy at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, bringing extensive expertise in renewable energy, policy analysis, and climate mitigation. His work focuses on transforming the province’s energy landscape with innovative, community-driven solutions.