2025 EPt Student Paper Award

Winner!

Karan Wadhwani

MSc Sustainable Energy Development, University of Calgary

My research focuses on the problems faced with RE on FNL, especially as we need more clean energy sources in Canada, particularly the need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in remote and Indigenous communities and ensure the legal landscape represents that change. Through my research, I have identified the barriers to renewable project generation on First Nations Lands in Alberta, such as lack of policy development around the laws and financial assurances for reclamation and remediation of RE on FNL, and access to capital as a significant barrier for some First Nation communities. My research is collected through various sources and organizations, research institutions, governments, and arms-length associations, including rules, laws, and regulations that govern the country, province, cities, and First Nations communities. 

Land Acknowledgment

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we recognize all Nations who live, work and play on this land and honour and celebrate this territory.