Renewable Energy Development and Implementation (REDI) Lab

Research focus

The REDi lab researches and explores renewable energy transitions within the bio-economy and the circular economy.

We collaborate with private sector and government for the advancement of sustainable policies and programs to meet national and global energy and environmental challenges.

To achieve our mission of exploring and fostering renewable energy transitions, sustainable policies and collaborations, the REDi lab utilizes research tools and techniques including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA).  

The REDi Lab is actively pursuing research in the following areas:

• Brownfield development
• Hydropower
• Forest biorefining
• Natural Heritage Systems
• Waste to energy
• Woody biofuels

Background

The Renewable Energy Development and Implementation (REDI) Laboratory focuses on understanding the challenges with transition to a renewable economy. Our group has amassed geo-referenced data on Canadian renewable resources and developed specialized tools for managing these resources. Extensive databases on policy and institutional support mechanisms related to renewable energy development are also available.

Vision

Conducting and contributing to innovative, multi-disciplinary research that informs transformative energy, environment and sustainability policies that lead to renewable energy development, implementation and transitions to a bio-based, circular economy future that we share with colleagues globally. 

Research Project

A major research project that we have undertaken is an evaluation of renewable energy opportunities and challenges specific to Eastern Ontario, which we have proposed as Canada’s first Renewable Energy Region.

This will allow us to take a case study approach in examining policy for renewable energy options, and will provide a framework for expert advice to both federal and provincial governments on the development of strategies to reduce our reliance upon fossil energy sources.

This research approach builds on international examples, in Sweden, Germany, Japan, and elsewhere, of successful regional strategies to develop renewable energy solutions.