OTTAWA – A proposal by Chinese renewable energy company Envision to export wind power technology and associated AI systems to Canada is facing increased 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, creating an off-grid loop for industrial energy access and a low-cost hydrogen fuel source for the rest of the country via pipeline. Prime Minister Mark Carney recently discussed potential partnerships with Envision during a visit to Beijing, stating Canada will double its energy grid in the next 15 years, creating opportunities for Chinese investment.

However, concerns have been raised regarding China’s continued reliance on coal energy despite its investment in renewables. Greenpeace China noted that Beijing continues to approve new coal plants as a “security blanket” against power shortages, operating on “two parallel tracks” of renewable energy expansion and coal development.

Beyond energy production, the adoption of AI-driven technology from China raises security concerns. Ontario Premier Doug Ford argued that granting a geopolitical rival control over Canada’s energy grid through a potential “kill switch” is a risky proposition. Questions were raised during the broadcast about protecting against the exploitation of data and control systems.

Despite these concerns, Envision expressed confidence in replicating its model in Canada, stating that remote locations are not an obstacle as long as wind resources are available. The broadcast also highlighted Canada’s plans to generate 5 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, with bids expected in the coming months.

The CBC News broadcast also covered the successful splashdown of the Artemis II mission, featuring Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, marking a historic moment for space exploration. The mission is expected to pave the way for future lunar missions and the establishment of a moon base.

Update — 14:08

The broadcast provided further details on Envision’s technology, noting its AI-driven smart grid manages complexity beyond human tracking and creates green hydrogen via an off-grid loop in the Gobi Desert. Lei Zhang, Envision’s founder, likened the technology to the impact of papermaking, aiming to lower the cost of knowledge.

Concerns were raised by Ontario Premier Doug Ford regarding potential security risks, specifically the possibility of China having a “kill switch” over Canada’s energy grid. Envision stated they are working with local partners and regulators to ensure transparency.

The broadcast also detailed the successful splashdown of the Artemis II mission, featuring Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, in the Pacific Ocean on November 23rd. The mission included a flyby of the far side of the moon and is a precursor to landing astronauts on the moon by 2028. NASA plans further Artemis missions to build a lunar base.