Calgary Energy Roundtable Conference

Panel discussion: The energy outlook

The 2026 energy outlook points to rising natural gas prices, increased oil and gas capital spending driven by better market access and overall economic growth with an optimistic Alberta provincial government focus on energy development and diversiFication, despite lingering trade uncertainty. While the MOU signed between Alberta and the federal government has put relations on much more solid ground, the key question for Canadian producers continues to be political and regulatory risk around major projects, including for market access. The panel will provide perspectives on oil and gas development in Canada going forward.

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Fireside chat: Is the Canada-Alberta MOU a game changer?

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Panel discussion: What to do with all this natural gas?

Utility executives have long called natural gas a “bridge” to carbon-free power and heating. The power demand boom accelerated by things such as artificial intelligence has all but killed off the analogy. Many executives now say gas will remain central to their plans for years to come. Canada holds vast natural gas reserves and potential to power LNG plants with hydroelectricity, allowing Canada to produce low-emission, LNG and ship to Asia, where demand is highest. Canadian producers expect the basis differential between Canadian and U.S. natural gas to narrow as new LNG export comes online. This discussion will address how Canada can utilize its gas reserves, diversify energy export markets and drive forward Indigenous economic participation and prosperity.

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Fireside chat: the data centre opportunity

The power demand boom accelerated by AI has made all types of generation central to utilities plans for years to come. These applications require a massive energy consumption network that powers AI’s increasing capabilities and reach. Data centres and hyperscaler facilities are the infrastructure meeting AI’s growing energy demands. The discussion will examine how Canada, and most notably Alberta, can provide the reliable, affordable, and lower-carbon energy needed to power AI’s future.

• Avik Dey, President & CEO, Capital Power 

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Discussion: Investor perspectives on Canadian energy

Since 2015, the Canadian oil and gas industry has been challenged to attract capital from Canadian, U.S. and international investors. For most of this time, Canadian institutional investors, particularly the large public pension funds, expressed concerns regarding how their stakeholders would view supporting the fossil fuel industry.  During the same period, American investors found the regulatory environment in the U.S. more supportive of the energy sector than in Canada. International investors largely abandoned the sector altogether.  Is investor sentiment changing?  The discussion will focus on recent developments in the Canadian regulatory framework, the relative economic dynamics between Canada and the U.S. industry and steps the industry can take to make itself more attractive to the investment community.

• Adam Waterous, Executive Chair, Strathcona Resources
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Keynote address

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Panel discussion: Can carbon be the next great Canadian industrial sector?

Innovation is driving a, profound, and necessary transformation in Canada’s oil and gas sector, focusing on decarbonization, efficiency, and digital integration to meet emissions goals. It is not just oil and gas – the development of large-scale capture facilities for cement and clean fuels also has momentum. Canada ranks globally in planned carbon capture, storage and utilization capacity, leveraging its geology for storage, with strong federal and provincial support for innovation. This panel will explore how cutting edge business models can help overcome adoption barriers, turn planned capacity into shovel in the ground projects, attract capital and position Alberta, and Canada, as a hub for a carbon industrial sector.

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Panel: Energy and technology   

The energy industry is locked in a relentless process of cutting costs and driving efficiencies. Central to this process is the implementation of new technologies, smart systems and advanced industrial processes. Tech is driving innovation for advanced materials and manufactured inputs, efficient extraction and transportation and generation and distribution of power. Companies on this session have a track record of successfully deploying advanced technologies in the energy sector that help to fuel competitiveness and sustainability. This panel will explore how to overcome adoption barriers, attract capital, and continue to position Alberta, and Canada, as a hub for energy technology and innovation.

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Fireside chat: Power and utilities – grid modernisation is an anchor for all energy

Plentiful electricity provides a tremendous potential competitive advantage in a world focused on carbon reduction, including in the resource sector. Canada and its trading partners are locked in an intense competition to draw high value resource extraction, manufacturing and services to their jurisdictions. Electrification will be key to supporting this, including major mining and energy projects. For example, the North Coast Transmission Line in British Columbia will deliver electricity to coastal communities and enable new industrial developments such as the proposed Ksi Lisims LNG facility in British Columbia. Panelists will examine how we can expand grid infrastructure to support a competitive, innovative ecosystem for citizens and industrial consumers alike.

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Panel discussion: The critical nexus of energy and mining

The nexus of energy and mining in Canada is defined by the critical minerals strategy, which aims to power the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy while strengthening industrial supply chains. This intersection involves significant investment, with 67 mining projects valued at $72.4 billion focused on extracting minerals like lithium, nickel, and copper for electric vehicles (EVs) and green technologies. Prime Minister Carney announced a batch of infrastructure and resource development projects recently, marking the second phase of the government’s economic strategy. The initiative aims to diversify Canada’s trade relationships and boost domestic self-sufficiency. At the heart of the plan is a focus on mining and energy development. The panel will discuss how Canada can develop its significant mining reserves, diversify export markets and support energy and other resources development through increased electrification of operations.

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