Community Energy
Innovation Centre

Powering Canada’s energy future together

The Community Energy Innovation Centre (CEIC) at NorQuest College helps Alberta—and Canada—lead the way in energy transition. We bring people, ideas, and policy together to create practical solutions that support affordability, resilience, and public confidence in energy diversification.

As energy systems evolve, communities and industries need more than just new technologies. They need inclusive, people-first models that work on the ground. That’s where we come in.

CEIC is led by Dr. Martin Boucher, Research Chair in Sustainability. Based in Alberta and connected across Canada, Martin is recognized for his work on energy governance, policy design, and the social dimensions of the transition. With over 15 years of experience in applied research, stakeholder engagement, and advising governments and energy organizations, his team brings a clear, credible, and collaborative approach to this national conversation. 

What we do

We turn ideas into action to support the people and communities affected by new technologies and energy diversification in Alberta and across Canada. Our work includes:

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  Applied research & policy innovation

  Our research tackles key social and policy challenges in the energy transition—such as affordability, energy poverty, governance, and public trust. We develop evidence-based tools and strategies that help shape responsive, inclusive energy policies.

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  Public & stakeholder engagement

  We lead consultations, surveys, and workshops that build understanding and momentum for change. From town halls to site visits, we create spaces where communities and partners can share knowledge and shape decisions together.

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  Training & professional development

  We offer custom training, workshops, and microcredentials for professionals, community leaders, and students. Our programs build the skills needed to lead in today’s evolving energy landscape.

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  Student internships & applied learning

  NorQuest students play a key role in CEIC’s work. Through internships, capstone projects, and research placements, they contribute directly to planning, data collection, and solution-building in real communities.

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  Technology collaboration

  We help industry align their innovations with real-world implementation. Whether it’s CCUS, SMRs, hydrogen, or solar, we connect emerging technologies with the community planning and governance models needed to succeed.

Partnerships with purpose

Our partners often face challenges in public engagement, governance, and long-term planning. We help solve those problems with trusted, practicalstrategies.

CEIC collaborates with:

• Small municipalities and Indigenous communities
• Energy companies and utilities
• Emerging tech firms related to Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS), Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Hydrogen
• Community organizations, co-ops, and non-profits
• Government and policy makers
• Post-secondary and research institutes

Our approach

• We focus on the social side of energy
  We help communities navigate governance, public trust, and engagement—critical elements often overlooked in technical energy projects.
• Community-Focused, Agenda-Free
  We don’t promote specific technologies or political ideologies. Our work is grounded in what communities need and choose.
• We’re people-first
  We help design inclusive models that reflect local demographics, economic needs, and public sentiment.
• We’re a bridge between technology and community
  CEIC connects emerging technologies with policy, community-led planning, and applied learning to make real change possible.

Ready to collaborate, learn more, or support our work?

If you’re interested in partnering with us on research, accessing energy planning support, or exploring how your community or company can lead in the energy transition, we’d love to hear from you.

Use our contact form or reach out directly to our team. We’re here to help build Alberta’s energy future, together.