Dave LovekinAdvisor, Renewables in Remote Communities

Dave Lovekin is an advisor to the Pembina Institute's renewables in remote communities program; he was director of the program until 2023.

In his years with the Institute — Canada’s leading energy think tank — he has managed numerous corporate, community and government projects focusing on research and analysis to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions in Canada.

Dave has worked with stakeholders in small businesses, industry, indigenous communities, government and non-governmental organizations on projects related to shifting focus from non-renewable to renewable energy technologies (including solar PV, wind, biomass, biogas and biofuel technologies, geothermal and overall energy efficiency solutions). He has conducted numerous life cycle assessments for various energy technologies and is certified to conduct greenhouse gas accounting through the Greenhouse Management Institute.

He holds a master's degree in systems design engineering from the University of Waterloo and is currently on the WWF Arctic renewable energy expert committee and the advisory committee for NRCan developing standards for biomass fuels and equipment in Canada.

Dave Lovekin's Recent Publications

Budget 2023 and remote communities: more support needed More support will help accelerate the clean energy transition in rural communities.

Blog April 26, 2023- By Dave Lovekin

As part of our Budget 2023 analysis, we’re turning our attention toward commitments made to remote Indigenous-led clean energy projects across Canada. Based on this review, we note that although Budget 2023 broadly showcases some positive investments for Indigenous clean energy projects, direct funding and program recapitalization for remote and community-led projects will create the necessary conditions for a faster and stronger transition in rural and remote communities.

More needed to meet GHG targets and decarbonize the NWT Indigenous-driven projects, electric vehicles and heating need to be prioritized in the Energy Action Plan

Blog Dec. 12, 2022- By Dave Lovekin, Emily He

Green Budget Coalition Recommendations for Budget 2023

Publication Nov. 9, 2022- By Cedric Smith, Simon Dyer, Colton Kasteel, Scott MacDougall, Binnu Jeyakumar, Dave Lovekin, Tom-Pierre Frappé-Sénéclauze

The Green Budget Coalition, comprising 21 of Canada’s leading environmental organizations, urges the federal government to continue to seize this opportunity to transform society to address the twin climate and biodiversity crises, create sustainable jobs and ensure enduring prosperity and well-being for all. This document provides a comprehensive package of timely budget and fiscal recommendations.

Independent Power Producer policy in Nunavut Nunavut IODI champion and Pembina Institute feedback

Publication Oct. 31, 2022- By Alex Ittimangnaq, Dave Lovekin, Katarina Savic, Emily He

Delivery of the IPP policy in Nunavut has been slow, resulting in the delay of several renewable energy projects across the territory. The situation has created uncertainty for Inuit businesses, communities and developers who are ready to advance projects. This forthcoming policy must create clarity and certainty in addition to prioritizing Inuit-led projects.

Recommendations on energy policy in the NWT Briefing note to the Government of NWT

Publication Oct. 31, 2022- By Richard Nerysoo, Chris Severson-Baker, Dave Lovekin, Emily He

This briefing note provides context and recommendations for climate and energy related reports that are anticipated to be discussed at the Fall Sitting of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories from October 13 to November 3, 2022. We hope that the Government of NWT will commit to supporting Indigenous-led clean energy systems and consider the following recommendations while developing policies and programs.