The province of Nova Scotia, located on Canada’s Atlantic coast, is known for its strong winds and potential for clean energy development. However, discussions about energy development often exclude Indigenous perspectives and are inaccessible to the wider community. To address this, IBM has partnered with nonprofit Net Zero Atlantic to democratize climate information and empower Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada.
Making climate tech user-friendly
Net Zero Atlantic’s Atlantic Canada Energy System (ACES) Model is a valuable tool for analyzing energy generation and infrastructure scenarios. However, it can be difficult for users without technical knowledge to navigate. To make the model more accessible, IBM and Net Zero Atlantic have collaborated on a user-friendly application called ACES Lite. This application prioritizes user experience and utilizes IBM technology and expertise to simplify data interpretation.
Two-eyed seeing and collaboration
The project with Net Zero Atlantic and IBM incorporates the concept of “two-eyed seeing,” which combines Western science and Indigenous knowledge. By engaging with the Mi’kmaq community and the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources, the project aims to have a positive impact on the environment. Collaboration with IBM and various stakeholders has been crucial in developing ACES Lite and ensuring its potential applications across the province.
Future developments
IBM and Net Zero Atlantic will continue piloting ACES Lite with user groups in Cape Breton and exploring new innovations. Feedback from the community will help improve the user experience, including enhancing visualization and economic impact representation. The goal is to make ACES Lite available to the public by the end of 2024 and potentially deploy it in other regions undergoing energy transitions.
Learn more about the IBM Sustainability Accelerator
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