Port Community Energy Transformations
Port communities face uniquely complex energy transformations that involve three interconnected systems: the community, the port, and the energy transformation happening in shipping.
Traditional community energy planning tools aren't designed for this triple complexity. Port communities need frameworks and tools that can disentangle these three energy transformations while recognizing their deep interconnections and dependencies.
This project uses system mapping tools to make sense of these three entangled transformations, then applies them to real-world case studies to create actionable recommendations.
This research focuses on three key case studies that represent different scales, geographies, and energy challenges. Each case study will help us understand how community, port, and maritime energy systems interact and influence each other.
Our framework and tools can be adopted by policymakers and stakeholders to conduct their own energy transformation analysis, potentially accelerating sustainable energy transformations in port communities nationwide.
Dr. Simone Philpot
Dr. Simone Philpot is a Fellow with the Polycrisis program. She combines systems modelling with qualitative research, focusing on conflict modeling and decision analysis. She has previously applied her expertise to water resources management, aggregate mining, and marine shipping. She holds a PhD in Geography and Environmental Management, from the University of Waterloo.
Three systems
Community, port, maritime
Multi-province
Variety among case studies
Global impact
Exportable framework
This research is supported by the Accelerating Community Energy Transformation initiative, to which the Cascade Institute brings system theory analysis and complex problem-solving experience, unlocking high-leverage interventions including ultradeep geothermal to accelerate community energy transformation.
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