Emily He is a senior 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

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.

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.