Fostering Cross-Border Cooperation for a Sustainable Future

*Various speakers from the 2024 PNWER Annual Summit. Copyright PNWER*

The Pacific Northwest Economic Region’s (PNWER) recent 2024 Annual Summit in Whistler, BC brought together policy and business leaders from across the U.S. and Canadian Pacific Northwest (including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Northwest Territories, Oregon, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and Washington) to address pressing regional issues and explore opportunities for cross-border cooperation. This year's summit was particularly noteworthy for its focus on several time-critical themes: hosting games for the World Cup in 2026, supply chain issues in energy production, the manufacturing and adoption of hydrogen for energy, and the innovation needed to achieve zero-carbon goals.

World Cup 2026: A Cross-Border Celebration

One forcing function for collaboration between B.C. and Washington state is the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be held across North America. Seven games will take place in Vancouver and six in Seattle. This event underscores the importance of seamless cross-border cooperation. Discussions highlighted the logistical challenges, such as transportation, security, and infrastructure, and the shared benefits, including economic boosts and increased tourism. It was noted that when both Taylor Swift and the Blue Jays were in Seattle last year the line to cross the border into the U.S. was over five hours long! Work is being done to be ready for the hosting duties, which include disaster preparedness and smooth border crossings, but continued cooperation and communication will be important for this effort.

Addressing Supply Chain Issues in Energy Production

A critical issue discussed at the summit was the supply chain challenges in energy production, particularly in the context of achieving decarbonization goals. Utility companies are under immense pressure due to the limited availability of carbon-free energy sources relative to the burgeoning demand. This disparity creates bottlenecks in the supply chain, hindering the transition to a sustainable energy grid. The conversation at PNWER underscored the need for enhanced coordination and investment in the supply chain infrastructure to facilitate the efficient production and distribution of renewable energy. This includes expanding the manufacturing capacity for solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems, as well as developing robust logistics networks to ensure these components can be delivered where they are most needed. By addressing these supply chain issues, the region can more effectively meet its decarbonization targets and support a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

Hydrogen Market Creation

A particularly forward-looking aspect of the summit was the discussion on the production and adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Experts presented on the latest advancements in hydrogen technology, its potential to reduce carbon emissions, and the infrastructure required to support its widespread use. The summit highlighted successful pilot projects and the explored the emerging market between the Canadian hydrogen supply and U.S. demand for new carbon free energy sources. This topic now has targeted efforts behind it in the form of the Pacific NW Hydrogen Hub and the recently awarded $1B to build out Phase 1.

Innovating Towards Zero Carbon Goals

Innovation emerged as a central theme, crucial for making progress on zero-carbon goals. The summit featured several sessions dedicated to technological advancements and policy initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints. From the development of carbon capture and storage technologies to the promotion of electric vehicles and sustainable urban planning, the discussions showcased a wide range of innovative solutions. Participants agreed that achieving zero-carbon goals would require not only technological breakthroughs but also robust policy frameworks and cross-border partnerships.

Conclusion

The PNWER 2024 Annual Summit highlighted the significant strides being made in cross-border cooperation to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. By focusing on shared goals and collaborative solutions, the region is poised to make meaningful progress in hosting global events, enhancing energy infrastructure, adopting clean energy technologies, and driving innovation for a sustainable future. As we look ahead, the lessons and initiatives from this summit will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the region's path towards a more integrated and sustainable future.

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Recap of the PNWER 2024 Annual Summit