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. Concerns were raised during the broadcast regarding the potential for China to gain control over Canada’s energy grid through this technology. Ontario Premier Doug Ford reportedly argues that granting a geopolitical rival a potential “kill switch” over Canada’s energy supply is a detrimental idea.

The CBC News broadcast highlighted a duality in China’s energy policy, with the country simultaneously investing heavily in renewable energy while continuing to approve new coal plants. Greenpeace China stated that Beijing remains reliant on coal as a safeguard against power shortages.

During the broadcast, it was noted that adopting Envision’s AI-driven technology would mean Canada is not simply purchasing turbines, but also a Chinese operating system for its energy grid. The broadcast also touched on the successful splashdown of the Artemis II mission, with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen on board, and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz involving Iran and the U.S.

Update — 13:09

The broadcast revealed that China surpassed coal as its primary energy source in 2025, with wind and solar capacity exceeding coal for the first time. Envision CEO Lei Zhang likened his company’s technology to China’s ancient papermaking innovation, aiming to lower the cost of knowledge. He is currently in discussions with Canadian figures like Prime Minister Mark Carney about replicating Envision’s Gobi Desert model in Canada.

Despite its renewable energy investments, China continues to approve new coal plants, maintaining coal as a “security blanket” against power shortages, according to Greenpeace China. Concerns remain about potential Chinese control over Canada’s energy grid via Envision’s AI systems, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford warning against giving a geopolitical rival a “kill switch.”

Canada is planning to double its energy grid in the next 15 years, with the first bids for a 5 gigawatt offshore wind energy project expected in the coming months. The broadcast also included extensive coverage of the successful Artemis II mission, featuring Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, and future Artemis program plans including lunar base construction.