Energy Transformation Forum Canada

Data centre development presents a huge opportunity for Alberta’s economy. With robust support from the Government of Alberta, Alberta’s AI Data Centre Strategy outlines a path for $100 billion worth of artificial intelligence (AI) data centre infrastructure within the next 5 years. However, due to AI’s energy intensive nature, managing grid reliability and lowering emissions will be key to the long-term success of AI data centres. Topics of discussion will include:

• Defining the economic impact for Alberta and Canada
• Discussing strategies for managing emissions through carbon capture storage and renewable natural gas
• Assessing the role of off-grid natural gas, geothermal energy, and battery storage to power data centres
• Debating the feasibility of Kevin O’Leary’s proposed Wonder Valley data centre

Alberta’s energy market structure has remained the same for over two decades. However, the AESO Restructured Energy Market (REM) initiative will provide notable change from Alberta’s current electricity market structure by adding newer energy sources including solar and utility-scale solar (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to the market. What will the expanded market mean for consumers, and how will Alberta’s energy market evolve as a result? Topics of discussion will include:

• Defining the role of Power Purchase Agreements in energy storage
• Debating how the AESO Restructured Energy Market (REM) initiative will allow for greater participation of energy storage, loads, and renewables
• Assessing the opportunities for solar, BESS, and cogeneration in Alberta and other provinces

Canada possesses immense potential for LNG due to easy trade access via the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and strong existing Indigenous partnerships. However, complex regulatory frameworks and project delays have led to 11 LNG projects being cancelled or abandoned and estimates being $224 billion in lost revenue from these projects. With LNG Canada, Canada’s first large-scale LNG export facility coming online in mid-2025, Canada’s opportunity to showcase its LNG potential has arrived. Topics of discussion include:

• Defining what LNG investors are looking for Canada to provide
• Examining new LNG innovations that may expedite exports and build capacity
• Showcasing Indigenous-led LNG projects as success templates for future energy projects

This fun and interactive showcase competition offers emerging energy innovators a platform to present their innovative ventures to potential investors and industry leaders. With an expert panel selecting the winner and the audience choosing their favorite, this showcase highlights groundbreaking ideas while fostering meaningful connection and investment opportunities!

The Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit is one of five ‘clean economy’ investment tax credits from the federal government. The ITC provides a refundable tax credit up to 30% on qualifying clean technology property acquired and put into use after March 27, 2023. With a federal election expected by early May and a predicted recession, how will Canada’s clean energy policies be impacted? Topics of discussion will include:

• Examining Federal Direct Air Capture protocols vs. provincial DAC protocols
• Differentiating between compliance and voluntary carbon markets
• Discussing how Canada can compete against other nations that do not have carbon compliance pricing

Hard-to-abate sectors include cement, steel, aviation, chemicals, heavy-duty trucking, shipping, and iron. These industries are vital but incredibly energy intensive; accounting for approximately one-quarter of the world’s energy consumption and nearly one-fifth of total CO2 emissions. Topics of discussion will include:

• Analyzing how hydrogen and carbon-capture technologies are being integrated to decarbonize cement and steel
• Assessing the viability of sustainable aviation fuels and biofuels for decarbonizing aviation and heavy-duty trucking
• Reviewing which solutions have been most effective at reducing emissions and increasing revenue

Ongoing tariff threats from the United States have led to a growing political consensus that it is time for Canada to unlock its economic potential by acquiring new trade partners and reducing its trade reliance on the United States. However, Canada will need to improve its ability to attract investment, address skilled labour shortages, and improve its regulatory environment to remain competitive with its G7 peers. Topics of discussion will include:

• Strategizing for how to reduce inter-provincial trade barriers
• Developing economic partnerships with Indigenous communities
• Boosting connectivity to support trading outlets in Europe and North America

Canada possesses the knowledge and expertise to be a hydrogen export leader, but does it have the supply chain capacity to compete on the global stage? As foreign markets seek hydrogen to enhance their energy security and affordability, Canada has an excellent opportunity to meet this demand by supplying clean hydrogen to foreign and domestic markets. Topics of discussion will include:

• Examining the role of Artificial Intelligence and digital innovation for scaling up production
• Discussing how existing supply chains can pivot to accelerate development
• Assessing barriers to implementation on the supply and demand side

Landfills are responsible for over 23 percent of methane emissions in Canada.

With Alberta investing $2.8 million from the industry-funded TIER program, Alberta’s government is advancing Canada’s first industrial-scale waste-to-energy facility using technology. With operations expected to begin in 2027, the facility is expected to capture and store approximately 185,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the emissions from over 43,000 vehicles annually. Topics of discussion will include:

• Reviewing lessons learned from other waste-to-energy projects
• Assessing the role of waste-to-energy conversion as a solution towards Canada’s climate goals
• Determining technological advancements require for waste-to-energy to get to scale

Canada’s Carbon Management Strategy provides a comprehensive road map for Canada to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Perhaps realizing that industry was not being rewarded for their emissions reduction efforts, the CCUS Investment Tax Credit (ITC) was established to incentivize businesses that have incurred eligible CCUS expenses investments from 2022 to 2040. As the global political climate continues to evolve, carbon pricing will play a key role in maximizing Canada’s export potential. Topics of discussion will include:

• Reviewing the information that needs to be included on Climate Risk Disclosure Reports
• Examining how carbon markets are evolving and opportunities for potential growth
• Assessing potential limitations of investment tax credits

Canada’s energy transformation is creating exciting new opportunities for young professionals in energy. But what careers are they looking for, and how can industry support their professional development? Topics of discussion will include:

• What are the main challenges facing young leaders when starting their career journeys?
• What is needed to attract and retain more young leaders in energy?
• What are post-secondary institutions doing to support students in their development in terms of upskilling, recertification, and mentorship?
• How will automation and artificial intelligence be integrated to address expected labour shortages?

Share your thoughts and unique perspectives on the current state and future of energy transformation in Canada.