Towards Net-Zero Energy Systems In Canada: A Key Role For Hydrogen

David B. Layzell is an Energy Systems Architect with the Transition Accelerator, a Faculty Professor at the University of Calgary, and Director of the Canadian Energy Systems Analysis Research CESAR Initiative. Between 2008 and 2012, he was Executive Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy (ISEEE), a cross-faculty, graduate research, and training institute at the University of Calgary. Before moving to Calgary, he was a Professor of Biology at Queen’s University cross appointments in Environmental Studies and the School of Public Policy), and Executive Director of BIOCAP Canada, a research foundation focused on biological solutions to climate change. While at Queen’s he cofounded a scientific instrumentation company called Qubit Systems Inc and was elected ‘Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC) for his research contributions.

Cameron Young, P.Eng., MSc is an Energy Systems Analyst at CESAR. He joined CESAR to help create a hydrogen economy in Canada. His work will include research on different pathways for hydrogen production, transmission, and distribution to provide pragmatic information for industry and policy makers. He hopes his work will help develop projects that convert Alberta’s resources into a sustainable source of hydrogen fuel. Cameron has a Chemical Engineering & Management double-major bachelor’s degree from McMaster University, a Masters in Sustainable Energy Development from the University of Calgary and is registered as a Professional Engineer with APEGA. He has 10 years of process engineering and project development experience in Alberta’s energy sector.

Jessica Lof is a Research Lead for the Canadian Energy Systems Analysis Research (CESAR) Initiative at the University of Calgary with a special interest in low carbon transition pathways for Canada’s transportation systems. Jessica is also actively exploring hydrogen economy ecosystems and evaluating system-level opportunities and trade-offs while connecting with stakeholders.
Jessica joined CESAR with more than a decade of business experience in the railway and trucking sectors. Throughout her career, she has designed transportation and logistics solutions that enable economic potential and drive operational efficiency in a vast array of industries, including wind energy, oil and gas, automotive and global trade.
Jessica has a Master of Science degree in Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV), a Bachelor of Commerce degree, and a professional designation with the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation.