Information on the 2024 National Energy Roundtable conference in Toronto will be available shortly.
The 8th annual National Energy Roundtable conference gathered business leaders, entrepreneurs and policy makers in Toronto for discussions on: Tranforming Canada’s Energy Systems – How Fast and How Far?
Canada and the world have a collective challenge – to develop our infrastructure and energy mix in a way that is affordable whilst significantly decarbonizing. Canada’s diverse landscape and energy mix presents the potential to become a global leader in transforming its energy systems. However, carbon emissions continue to rise and consensus on what the country’s energy future should look like has proven elusive.
As Canada’s energy needs expand, technological innovation and energy system optimization will be crucial. It is estimated that more than $2 trillion in energy and transport investments will be required over the next twenty years to replace aging infrastructure and develop the next generation of energy systems.
Conference discussions fell under four main topics: energy system reliability, affordability, sustainability, and innovation and competitiveness.
SOCO Ballroom, Delta Hotel, 75 Lower Simcoe Street – Thursday, November 16
| MC | Jason Langrish, President, The Energy Roundtable | |
| 7:45 am | Registration opens. Breakfast served and hosted by  |
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| 8:30 am | Welcome remarks | |
| 8:40 am | The energy outlook (video address)
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| 9:00 am | Panel discussion: Energy system reliability and affordability From increasing decarbonization, electrification, and distributed generation, to more frequent extreme weather events from climate change, the electric power system is undergoing immense change. These factors impact how the grid is planned and operated to maintain safe and reliable power. System planners and architects have to balance a diverse range of interests, including is there enough power to meet consumer needs, is this power coming from sustainable sources, what technologies does the grid invest in and perhaps most importantly, how much will it all cost? The panel will examine what an integrated energy plan looks like and how it can ensure a balance between grid reliability and affordability.
Discussion led by: Bonnie Hiltz, Vice President and Head of Energy, Sussex Strategy Group |
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| 9:50 am | How can Ontario prepare for the energy transition?
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| 10:15 am | Networking break | |
| 10:45 am |
Panel discussion: Innovative energy infrastructure solutions The energy transition is not just about sourcing clean energy, but investing in innovative infrastructure that will support a low-carbon economy. The energy infrastructure sector is uniquely positioned to leverage sustainable opportunities that can lower carbon emissions for the sector, its customers and the broader economy. From renewable fuels, to carbon capture, renewable power or efficiency improvements, companies are exploring a multitude of options while keeping their eyes on returns on capital. The appetite for sustainable energy options continues to increase and the sector is well positioned to widen its service offering toward low-carbon initiatives given the low cost of capital, existing infrastructure and development experience. The panel will discuss approaches to infrastructure investment to achieve net zero goals and trends for the sector.
Discussion led by: Nate Heywood, Managing Director, Equity Research, Energy Infrastructure, ATB Capital Markets |
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| 11:30 am | Panel discussion: Energy system sustainability Discussions on energy transition and sustainability are often framed around what we need to cut in the decades ahead—oil production, carbon pollution etc. Equally important is the conversation around what we need to build and how we can best utilize these assets. And build we must. The federal government has committed to have 90 per cent of Canada’s electricity coming from non-emitting sources by 2030, up from 80 per cent now. In addition, provincial and federal mandates, coupled with consumer choice, are driving demand for use of electricity in transportation. The panel will examine how we can best optimize existing assets while bringing online non-emitting sources of electricity to ensure a meaningful, and sustainable, transformation in the energy sector.
Discussion led by: Jim Reid, Executive Vice President, Sustainability and Chief Legal Officer, Fortis Inc. |
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| 12:15 pm | Networking luncheon hosted by  |
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| 1:05 pm | Provincial Energy Minister discussion A discussion regarding energy trends, challenges, and opportunities from a provincial energy minister perspective.
Discussion led by: Chris Benedetti, Managing Partner, Sussex Strategy Group Session introduced by: Gary Wasslen, Partner, Utilities, IBM Consulting |
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| 1:40 pm |
Keynote address: Indigenous participation and ownership in major projects
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| 2:10 pm | President & Chief Executive panel discussion A discussion regarding energy trends, challenges, and opportunities from a chief executive perspective.
Discussion led by: Dr. Lance Mortlock, Managing Partner, Energy, EY Canada |
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| 3:00 pm | Networking break | |
| 3:15 pm |
Panel discussion: Energy and industrial competitiveness
Canada and its trading partners are locked in an intense competition to draw high value manufacturing, including for ZEVs and other decarbonizing technologies, to their jurisdictions. These global investors typically have a mandate to source their electricity inputs from non-emitting sources. Panelists will examine to role of market design and corporate PPAs in creating a competitive ecosystem for major industrial consumers and investments.
Discussion led by: Lisa Raitt, Vice-Chair, Global Investment Banking, CIBC Capital Markets |
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| 4:00 pm4:15 pm | PCL and USNC announcement and signing Panel discussion: Is energy the new superpower? Energy security determines a nations productivity, impact’s its industrial capabilities, determines wealth and support’s social programs, and ultimately impacts food supply and price stability. The wealth of a nation is now measured, and determined by access to energy. The war in Ukraine is a wake-up call to western nations regarding the potential impacts and consequences of not considering and preparing for the geopolitics of energy security. Is Canada ready? Can we play a leading role in shaping global energy security? This panel examines both domestic and international implications of energy security, from nuclear power to traditional fossil fuels, and Canada’s role in this new paradigm shift.
Session chair: Olivia MacAngus, President & CEO, Colliers Project Leaders |
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| 5:00 pm | Close by Jason Langrish, President, The Energy Roundtable | |
| 5:15-7:00 pm | Networking reception hosted by  |
*Programme is subject to change
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Click here for photos from the 2019 National Energy Roundtable
