Katarina SavicSenior Analyst

Katarina was a senior analyst in the renewables in remote communities program at the Pembina Institute until 2023.

Prior to joining Pembina, for nearly five years Katarina worked at an Indigenous-led organization conducting research about the Indigenous economy. She led studies on procurement, trade and export, Indigenous economic development corporations, and more. Through this experience, she gained a strong understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and policies needed to support the growing Indigenous economy in Canada.

Katarina holds a master’s degree in environmental studies specializing in community energy planning and a bachelor’s degree in political science and business, both from York University. For her master’s major research paper, she explored how First Nation-owned renewable energy projects can contribute to reconciliation and self-determination.

Katarina Savic's Recent Publications

Government action on UNDRIP and the clean energy transition Upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples is key to the energy transition in remote communities

Blog May 31, 2023- By Arthur Bledsoe, Katarina Savic

Indigenous communities continue to face persistent economic, regulatory, and political barriers as they seek to reduce diesel dependency and realize energy sovereignty. Confronting these barriers through a commitment to the inclusion of Indigenous leadership within decision-making and design processes can support the advancement of multiple government priorities. Key among them include the implementation of UNDRIP into Canadian law.

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.

The case for investing in clean energy in remote communities Recommendations on how to improve access to capital

Publication April 22, 2022- By Katarina Savic

Indigenous-owned clean energy projects in remote areas face chronic barriers to accessing private capital to help fund the development of renewable energy. In this report we summarize the key barriers facing renewable energy deployment in remote communities as they relate to accessing capital and recommend government policies, programs, and tools that could be used to attract market capital and improve the business case for renewables in remote areas.

Three clean energy options that could help replace diesel Hydrogen, small modular reactors and energy generated by the ocean are all under consideration in remote communities

Blog March 23, 2022- By Katarina Savic, Dave Lovekin

In remote communities across Canada, low-carbon power sources such as hydrogen, nuclear, and energy generated by movement in the ocean are being studied more closely. Each of these clean energy technologies are options under consideration as remote Indigenous communities further their efforts to eliminate dependence on diesel power.

Recommendations to the Government of Nunavut to accelerate clean energy projects Improving policies to meet energy needs and climate goals

Publication Feb. 10, 2022- By Dave Lovekin, Katarina Savic

Nunavut is almost entirely dependent on diesel power for meeting its electricity and heating needs and has the highest diesel dependency of all territories and provinces. Policies that regulate the terms and conditions, as well as the rates paid to power producers, can be significantly improved so that producers are incentivized to develop clean energy projects that are sustainable, profitable, and contribute to reducing reliance on diesel power.