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Introduction I. Anticipated climate impacts on Canadian energy infrastructure II. The concept of "critical infrastructure " III. Translating climate impacts into corporate risk 1. Economic risks 2. Corporate management and [...], Recent climate events such as Hurricane Harvey in Texas foreshadow the dangers that could result from critical energy infrastructure failure in Canada due to physical impacts caused by climate change. This article examines the types of climate impacts that could affect critical energy infrastructure in Canada. The article argues that these impacts translate into three types of corporate risk to the owners and operators of the critical asset: economic risks to the infrastructure asset; management and operational risks to the corporation; and risks arising from corporate disclosure obligations. Applying the theoretical approach of "risk management," the article concludes that, on this approach, any effects of climate impacts on the critical infrastructure asset will be limited to a narrow corporate risk. By contrast, the paper argues that by applying an expanded understanding of the critical energy infrastructure asset&apos;s context, one where the critical infrastructure asset is viewed as existing within its broader economic, social, and environmental geography, a climate impact on the infrastructure asset is thus also a climate impact on the infrastructure&apos;s environment. On this broader understanding, the risk of a climate impact may not fall solely upon the corporation, and the public and governments may seek to expand their influence over what adaptive measures are required to ensure resilience of the asset. It can be anticipated that increased public interest in the adaptation of critical energy infrastructure will result in uncertainty and potential resistance by corporations. A new corporate risk is likely to emerge. Des evenements climatiques recents comme I&apos;ouragan Harvey, au Texas, laissent presager les dangers qui pourraient resulter d&apos;une defaillance des infrastructures energetiques essentielles au Canada en raison des impacts physiques cause&apos;s par les changements climatiques. Le present article examine les types d&apos;impacts climatiques qui pourraient affecter les infrastructures energetiques essentielles au Canada. L&apos;article fait valoir que ces repercussions se traduisent par trois types de risques pour les proprietaires et les exploitants des infrastructures essentielles : les risques economiques lies aux infrastructures, les risques operationnels et de gestion pour les societes et les risques decoulant des obligations d&apos;information qu&apos;ont les societes. En appliquant I&apos;approche theorique de la << gestion des risques >>, I&apos;article conclut que, selon cette approche, les effets des impacts climatiques sur les infrastructures essentielles seront limites a un risque limite pour les societes. En revanche, l&apos;article soutient qu&apos;en appliquant une comprehension elargie du contexte des infrastructures energetiques essentielles, c&apos;est-a-dire un contexte dans lequel ces infrastructures sont considerees comme faisant partie d&apos;un ensemble economique, social et environnemental plus large, les impacts climatiques sur les infrastructures sont done egalement des impacts climatiques sur I&apos;environnement des infrastructures. Dans cette optique plus large, le risque d&apos;un impact climatique peut ne pas incomber uniquement a la society, et le public et les gouvernements peuvent chercher a etendre leur influence sur les mesures d&apos;adaptation ndcessaires pour assurer la resilience de I&apos;actif. On peut s&apos;attendre a ce que I&apos;interet accru du public pour l&apos;adaptation des infrastructures energetiques essentielles entraine de l&apos;incertitude et une resistance potentielle de la part des entreprises. Un nouveau risque d&apos;entreprise est susceptible d&apos;apparaitre.

The oil and gas and renewable energy sectors are increasingly coming together as traditional hydrocarbon producers are exploring the large-scale integration of renewables in fossil-fuel projects. One option is the electrification of oil and gas production platforms in the offshore environment utilizing offshore wind energy to power the asset's operations. This article assesses the rationale for such a shift as well as regulatory avenues and barriers to the electrification of offshore oil and gas assets through offshore wind energy technology. While the article's explorations are of a general conceptual nature, this article studies existing and planned developments in Norway and Atlantic Canada. This article discusses key factors to determine the legal nature of different electrification project models and proposes solutions to identify the likely legislative and regulatory regime(s) which will govern. The article concludes that reforms for a forward-thinking legal and regulatory environment for the offshore space will have to re-examine the role of existing (platform) and new (wind but also oil and gas) offshore infrastructure and the associated regime that applies to these projects. Currently, in the Norwegian and Canadian contexts, these discussions are somewhat exploratory. They do, however, underline the importance of planning the co-development of offshore wind energy projects with existing and future oil and gas projects and to highlight the need for greater clarity in the evolving design of legal and regulatory frameworks to support the future of the global offshore energy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The expansion of electric vehicle technologies and renewable energy storage will increasingly depend on lithium-ion batteries. Current lithium extraction operations are far from the environmentally and socially compliant operations desired by the 'clean-tech' industry. However, an innovative and more compliant lithium extraction process has emerged. Several companies are actively working on scrubbing lithium from lithium-enriched brines by purifying wastewater from oil and gas operations or through standalone extraction facilities. This paper examines the legal considerations and risks associated with the development of a novel lithium brine extraction industry in Western Canada, primarily focused on Alberta as a traditional oil and gas jurisdiction. Our analysis of Alberta's subsurface regimes identifies and discusses ambiguities that the Alberta government may need to address for this emerging subsurface industry. Similarly, we identify unique contractual considerations for counsel to contemplate when advising parties involved in this new industry. We conclude that the current legal landscape in Alberta, from both a regulatory and a contractual perspective, needs further clarification in order to attract a large-scale and viable industry. Nevertheless, we emphasise that Western Canada is ripe with opportunity to commercialise on a new lithium extraction industry and take note of the increased governmental interest in the development of this emerging industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]