Søren Hermansen, a “world-class energy magician,” is on a mission to prove that going 100% renewable is a viable energy option for communities around the world.

Beginning in 1997 on his home island of Samsø, Denmark, Søren - then a high school environmental studies teacher - has been a driving force for creating energy change. Once powered by coal and oil, Samsø now boasts an impressive and diverse portfolio of sustainable power from wind turbines and district heating plants to vegetable-oil-powered tractors and solar panels.

Søren now is the director of the Samsø Energy Academy, a research centre for clean power that consults around the globe. He is also an adjunct professor at Aalborg University in Denmark and is the recipient of the Gothenburg Prize, the environmental equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

Join Søren for an engaging and interactive discussion about community driven sustainable energy projects.

Representatives from the Region of Waterloo will be on hand to discuss an emerging energy strategy for Waterloo Region.

Watch Søren on The Green Interview.

Parking: Limited parking is available at Perimeter Institute. Free 2 hour parking is available in UpTown Waterloo within walking distance.

Waterloo Global Science Initiative is bringing organizations in the Waterloo Region with an interest in sustainability and energy issues together under the #PowerShiftWR banner for a week of public programming that will engage all ages in discussions about our energy choices.

Learn more about all #PowerShiftWR events at wgsi.org/powershiftwr