Emily He is an analyst with the renewables in remote communities program at the Pembina Institute. At Pembina, Emily’s work focuses on unlocking opportunities for and addressing barriers to the clean energy transition in Canada’s remote communities.

With a background in engineering consulting, Emily has contributed to renewable energy and/or energy efficiency projects in over 25 countries, several of which being located in remote and northern climates. Her expertise ranges from performing prefeasibility studies to due diligence assessments for stand-alone and hybrid power systems (primarily solar PV, wind, waste-to-energy, and batteries).

Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Waterloo, where she led a study on the joint implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency systems to the existing infrastructure in Ulukhaktok, NWT. Outside of the office you can find Emily hiking, creating visual art, experiencing live music, and getting through her to-read list.

Contact Emily He

cell: 647-996-9621 • email: emilyh@pembina.org

Emily He's Recent Publications

Remote communities transitioning to clean energy need better housing Governments must prioritize energy efficiency to successfully reduce diesel dependency

Blog July 20, 2022- By Emily He

Over half of the total diesel consumed in remote, often northern, communities is associated with heating buildings and homes. For federal and provincial governments to meet their commitments to support Indigenous communities to get off diesel, they must take a quality housing first approach.

Transforming the Utility Business Model Options to improve services and opportunities for clean energy in remote communities

Publication April 8, 2022- By Emily He, Grace Brown, Dave Lovekin

Canada’s commitment to transitioning remote communities off diesel power is hampered by the way utilities operate in those areas. While the number of clean energy projects has increased, renewables are not being implemented at the speed and scale needed to meet climate commitments, while Indigenous energy proponents lack opportunities to implement projects. Our report presents alternative business models that can be adopted by utilities to support climate action and Indigenous-led clean energy.

From diesel dependency to energy empowerment Six energy service models that could fast-track climate action in remote communities

Publication Feb. 9, 2022- By Emily He, Madeleine Whitestone

Systemic barriers continue to prevent clean energy projects from moving ahead in remote communities across Canada. This paper presents six Energy Service Models that offer options for clean energy proponents to develop, build, and operate projects by alleviating some of the challenges associated with lack of capacity and capital.

Why we need fair prices for Indigenous-led renewable energy Utilities and investors can support rates that account for the benefits of clean energy

Blog Nov. 3, 2021- By Dave Lovekin, Emily He

Between 2015 and 2020, the number of renewable energy projects in remote communities across Canada nearly doubled. Yet, despite this growth in renewables, as much as 79 per cent of the electricity used in remote communities is still generated using diesel fuel. Fair and equitable prices for Indigenous-led clean energy allow projects to be sustainable and account for the social and environmental benefits of using less diesel and advancing Indigenous energy sovereignty.

When business-as-usual is a barrier to clean energy In remote communities, utilities need to change to meet climate goals and consumer needs

Blog Sept. 13, 2021- By Emily He

The way utilities deliver energy to remote communities and generate revenue discourages the purchase of renewable energy as well as the implementation of energy efficiency measures. For Indigenous communities to realize a clean energy future this needs to change.