Stephen Mooney | Energy Security, Indigenous Ownership & Northern Innovation (AIIS Ep. 5)

In this episode of the Arctic Indigenous Investment Series, host Blair Hogan sits down with Stephen Mooney for a wide-ranging conversation about northern innovation, energy security and the growing role of Indigenous ownership in building the Yukon’s future.Stephen reflects on his career across technology, applied research, Cold Climate Innovation and First Nations investment. He shares lessons from evaluating new technologies for northern conditions, supporting entrepreneurs and helping move promising ideas from early-stage concepts into practical projects.The conversation explores biomass, small hydro, geothermal, wind energy, small modular reactors, district heating and the challenges facing Yukon’s electricity system. Blair and Stephen also discuss how First Nations development corporations can work together to own long-life infrastructure and strategic assets in aviation, energy, telecommunications and other sectors.Topics include:Validating technology for northern and cold-climate conditionsThe importance of local project champions and informed risk-takingTeslin’s biomass experience and community-scale energy systemsYukon’s winter energy constraints and the need for greater resilienceSmall hydro, geothermal, wind and small modular reactorsDistrict heating, demand management and community energy ownershipThe Yukon First Nations aerial leasing and medevac partnershipOpportunities for a First Nations power corporationTelecommunications, fibre infrastructure and Arctic securityHousing, food and energy as the foundations of a strong northern economyThe Arctic Indigenous Investment Series is presented by the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce. The series features long-form, unscripted conversations with the people actively shaping Indigenous economic development, investment and ownership across the North.These conversations are exploratory and educational. AIIS is not a pitch, solicitation platform or deal room. The focus is on practical experience, lessons learned and the systems required to build lasting Indigenous and northern prosperity.