2025 Finalist: Indigenous-led Entrepreneurship & Contributions to Knowledge
Exploring energy needs for First Nations communities and building stronger partnerships with Alberta and Canada.
Karan Wadhwani is a research student in his Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development at the University of Calgary, focusing on energy needs for First Nations Lands (FNL)/ communities and how to build better partnerships with Alberta, Canada and First Nation Communities.
His research advances renewable energy on First Nations lands in Alberta to reduce fossil-fuel reliance in remote and Indigenous communities and align laws with the energy transition. Key barriers identified: policy gaps on reclamation/remediation and financial assurances for RE projects, and limited access to capital for some Nations. Findings draw on cross-jurisdictional rules, laws, and regulations, plus data from governments, research institutions, and arm’s-length organizations.
