Maike Althaus

Brought on to support the development of Ontario's hydrogen sector

Accomplishments:

• Successfully advocated for the renewal, expansion and increase of a provincial funding program dedicated to the hydrogen sector which resulted in a $30M envelope for the province's hydrogen ecosystem.  
• Successfully advocated for a ministerial directive that mandates the IESO to redesign a program that will impact the price of hydrogen which is a key strategic lever for the industry's success. 
• Engaged with H2ON's members and other key stakeholders across industries (steel, oil & gas, cement, auto-manufacturing, agriculture, chemical production) to establish shared advocacy and regulatory priorities, culminating in a comprehensive 5-year plan addressing the production, storage, transportation, and end-use of hydrogen and its derivatives.
• Provided critical input into national advocacy initiatives aimed at revising the Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit (CHITC) and shaping the Clean Fuels Fund 2.0.

Brought on to help de-risk clean technology investments

Accomplishments:

• Spearheaded a strategic advocacy campaign engaging stakeholders across sectors which led to the implementation of several clean technology tax incentives. I received the Clean50 Award for this accomplishment.
• Established impactful partnerships and coalitions with a broad range of industry associations spanning multiple sectors at the federal and provincial levels, as well as think tanks in the climate and energy transition space around common advocacy goals expanding the organization's reach and influence from coast-to-coast.
• Secured new public and private funding, increasing the organization's revenue by 200% and enabling the implementation of key initiatives.
• Increased awareness of the cleantech sector's challenges among federal policy makers through targeted stakeholder engagement efforts.

Brought on to improve the business environment for Ontario's clean technology companies

Accomplishments:

• Developed and executed targeted communications strategies, building thought leadership and strengthening OCTIA’s role as a champion for Ontario’s clean technology sector.
• Fostered connections between clean technology companies and key stakeholders such as investors, buyers, municipalities and public funding agencies, provincially, federally and globally, resulting in productive conversations, business transactions and/or funding.
• Increased OCTIA's membership by 300% between 2020 and 2023.

Selected projects/clients:

• Increased a solar company's external visibility.
• Spearheaded the planning and execution of Energy Storage Canada's Annual Conference and increased the number of attendees by 30% through targeted marketing and stakeholder engagement.

Brought on to support and facilitate Senvion's growth across North America.

Accomplishments: 

• Led stakeholder engagement with municipalities, local / indigenous communities and economic development agencies to establish business critical manufacturing capabilities, secure social licence and support project approvals.
• Strategically engaged with key policymakers, associations and industry stakeholders leading to an additional renewable energy RFP in Québec after a period of stalling, which secured further business for the company. 
• Reporting to the CEO, I worked with cross-functional internal teams to determine the company's policy priorities and to develop targeted stakeholder engagement, communications and government relations strategies.  
• Elevated Senvion's profile and visibility across Canada and the U.S. through targeted communications initiatives and by effectively conveying complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Represented Senvion and its North American CEO in high-profile advocacy organizations, think tanks, and industry groups, aligning efforts towards common advocacy goals which enhanced the company's influence.

Brought on to co-design and facilitate public consultation & stakeholder engagement initiatives and to manage their outreach activities.

Selected Projects/Accomplishments:

• Designed and implemented multi-stakeholder engagement programs for a large utility (E.ON) seeking social license for large infrastructure projects, requiring coordination with municipal leaders, unions, business and public interest groups.
• Co-created a stakeholder engagement initiative targeting municipalities to increase the adoption of energy efficiency technologies and managed its media outreach which enhanced overall awareness and acceptance.

As part of my diploma requirements, I devised an integrated communications strategy for Citelum's entry into the German public lighting market. Citelum is a subsidiary of Électricité de France (EDF).

Interdisciplinary studies in Political Science, International Law and French Linguistics.

I serve as a Board Director and liaison between AHA and the Canadian Hydrogen Association (CHA).

I serve as a Board Director of the RXN Reaction Hub, a sustainable chemistry and advanced materials processing commercialization hub.

As Council Member I helped organize WRISE events and programs in Canada and provided counsel to the Chair.

As Board Director, I provided long-term strategic direction to OSEA. As marketing committee chair, my role was to lead the development of a strategy to reposition OSEA. 

I established the Quebec branch of Women of Wind Energy (today known as Women in Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy) to provide women a platform to network, and to give and receive mentorship.

As a member and treasurer of this francophone Toastmasters Club, I had the opportunity to regularly train and improve my presentation and public speaking skills. I also oversaw the organization’s finances.