Will NoelAnalyst

Will Noel is an analyst with the Pembina Institute's electricity team. He holds both a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta. His thesis explored the economics of wind-driven green hydrogen for long-duration energy storage in Alberta. During his graduate education, he also assisted in the data collection for the Canadian Wind Turbine Database and was lead author for a publication on Canada’s evolving wind fleet. Before joining the Pembina Institute, Will worked at Greenplanet Energy Analytics, where he focused on life-cycle analysis and energy modeling in the green energy and sustainability space.

Will is a strong advocate for the deep decarbonization of Canada’s electricity grids through a combination of technology, renewable energy and energy storage; policy, emission pricing and credible carbon offsets; and innovation, energy efficiency and grid modernization. A lifelong Albertan, he relaxes with cross stitching or playing video games, and enjoys Edmonton’s craft beer scene.

Contact Will Noel

cell: 587-327-2662 • email: willn@pembina.org

Will Noel's Recent Publications

Zeroing In Pathways to an affordable net-zero grid in Alberta

Publication June 29, 2023- By Will Noel, Binnu Jeyakumar

Our report explores six scenarios that demonstrate how Alberta can decarbonize its grid by 2035 in a cost-effective and reliable manner. Our analysis finds decarbonizing Alberta’s grid reduces energy costs for Albertans and allows Alberta to become a net exporter of clean electricity by 2025.

Improving the flexibility of the Clean Electricity Regulations Pembina Institute comments and recommendations

Publication March 15, 2024- By Will Noel, Scott MacDougall

We provide several recommendations on the proposed changes to Canada's Clean Electricity Regulations to maximize the regulations' effectiveness while supporting a an affordable and reliable transition to a net-zero grid.

Grid-Locked Risks of unabated gas-fired electricity for a clean grid in Alberta

Publication Nov. 23, 2023- By Karambir Singh, Will Noel, Scott MacDougall

Despite already having enough gas on the grid to meet current and future energy demand in Alberta, unabated gas is increasing. This puts the province at risk of locking in costly emissions for decades. Report examines the trends in Alberta's gas-fired electricity sector and explores the implications for ratepayers and a future net-zero grid.

Modelled aspects of the Alberta electricity system Peaking capacity, supply adequacy and simple cycle gas plant operations

Publication Nov. 2, 2023- By Will Noel, Binnu Jeyakumar, Ben Thibault, Scott MacDougall

The federal Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) are a key part of the suite of policies, incentives and regulations to support decarbonizing our electricity grids as we move towards a net-zero economy. This modelling forms the appendices to Pembina Institute’s response to the draft Clean Electricity Regulations, submitted to Environment and Climate Change Canada on November 2, 2023.

Pembina Institute response to draft Clean Electricity Regulations Submitted to Environment and Climate Change Canada

Publication Nov. 2, 2023- By Will Noel, Binnu Jeyakumar, Ben Thibault, Scott MacDougall

As Canada joins several other peer countries in implementing its commitment to a net-zero grid by 2035, the federal Clean Electricity Regulation (CER) is a much-needed regulatory tool to attract low-cost financing to the investments that are needed in the grid. The Pembina Institute submitted its comments and recommendations to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on the draft CER.