OTTAWA – A proposal by Chinese renewable energy company Envision to export wind power technology and associated AI systems to Canada is under scrutiny, CBC News reported during a live broadcast. Envision, the world’s second-largest wind turbine manufacturer, aims to replicate its Gobi Desert model – AI-managed wind hubs in remote areas – within Canada.

Envision’s technology integrates renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar, with AI-powered smart grids. The company’s project in the Gobi Desert involves off-grid electricity generation and green hydrogen production, supplying low-cost fuel via pipeline.

According to the broadcast, Prime Minister Mark Carney has discussed potential partnerships with Envision during a recent visit to Beijing, with the company expressing confidence in replicating its model in Canada, provided suitable wind conditions exist. Carney stated during his visit that Canada plans to double its energy grid in the next 15 years, creating investment opportunities.

However, concerns were raised during the CBC News broadcast regarding China’s continued reliance on coal energy. Greenpeace China noted that Beijing is simultaneously expanding renewable energy while approving new coal plants.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, as reported by CBC News, voiced concerns about granting a “geopolitical rival a potential kill switch” over Canada’s energy grid. The broadcast highlighted fears that adopting this AI-driven technology could give China control over Canada’s energy infrastructure.

The CBC News broadcast also featured commentary on the broader energy transition, with one commentator stating that the shift to renewables is “inevitable” and driven by “hard facts,” not political trends. Canada is currently pursuing a project to generate 5 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, with bids expected soon.

In a separate segment of the broadcast, CBC News covered the successful splashdown of the Artemis II mission, with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen among the crew. The broadcast highlighted the international collaboration involved in the mission and its significance for future space exploration.

Update — 12:09

The broadcast featured Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressing concerns that adopting Envision’s AI-driven tech could give China a “kill switch” over Canada’s energy grid. He argued against giving a geopolitical rival such control.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized renewable energy, while Lei Zhang of Envision countered that the energy transition is “not a political debate, it’s an inevitability.” He emphasized the cost benefits of cleaner energy for Canada, potentially powering the country for a century.

Canada is planning to generate five gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, with bids expected soon. The broadcast also included extensive coverage of the Artemis II mission splashdown, featuring interviews with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s family and the Canadian Space Agency, detailing future Canadian contributions to space exploration.