Powering Progress: Clean Energy, Innovation, and Equity in Focus at the 2025 Smart Energy Conference 

The 2025 Smart Energy Conference—Canada’s leading event for clean technology and innovation—took place this spring in Halifax, Nova Scotia, uniting energy leaders, innovators, policymakers, and community advocates from across the country. The central theme was clear: to accelerate decarbonization and lead the energy transition, Canada must embrace cleantech, collaboration, and people-centered solutions. 

The event kicked off with a full day dedicated to exploring hydrogen’s potential in Atlantic Canada, followed by the Canadian CleanTech Awards—an evening celebrating outstanding innovation and leadership in the clean energy sector. 

Over the two main days, the conference offered a rich lineup of concurrent sessions covering an impressive range of topics. Our team took a broad approach, diving into sessions on emerging technologies, inclusive policy development, community-driven energy planning, and scalable financing strategies. With so many valuable discussions happening simultaneously, deciding where to go next was often the hardest part. 

A key thread throughout the event was the emphasis on collaboration—and the need to rethink energy systems with people, communities, and equity at the forefront. One standout session, “The Grid is a Key Link to Sustainability,” addressed major infrastructure and regulatory challenges facing our energy systems, such as aging assets, limited energy storage, and affordability. But it also underscored the solution: cross-sector innovation backed by collective action. 

Between sessions, the fast-paced “Bob Talks” brought new ideas to life in a TED-style format, fostering energetic dialogue and sparking inspiration in a welcoming and optimistic atmosphere. 

Key Themes and Takeaways 

1. Local Clean Energy Solutions 
   Sessions like “Atlantic Canada: The World’s Clean Energy Innovation Hub” and “Unlocking Offshore Wind in Canada” highlighted the growing role of regionally driven clean energy strategies. Experts shared how forward-looking policies, renewable technologies, and new infrastructure projects—like offshore wind and hydrogen—are transforming Atlantic Canada into a clean energy export powerhouse. 
2. Technological Integration and Innovation 
   Smart technologies such as AI, IoT, and advanced analytics are shaping the future of energy. In sessions like “Enhancing Cybersecurity in Energy” and “Digitization of Energy Management,” speakers showcased how digital solutions are increasing resilience, optimizing grid operations, and providing real-time insights to engage consumers more effectively. 

1. Community Engagement and Trust 
   Building public trust is essential to the energy transition. In “Bridging the Gap,” speakers examined how inclusive planning processes can align infrastructure development with local priorities—social, environmental, and economic—creating stronger, more sustainable outcomes. 
2. Inclusive and Accessible Energy Solutions 
   Equity was front and center. Sessions like “Energy Poverty and Equity” spotlighted the connection between energy security and social justice. Meanwhile, “The Benefit of Purposefully Designed Procurement Policies…” emphasized how thoughtful policies can support diverse businesses and inclusive economic growth while delivering results. 
3. Grid Modernization 
   The evolving role of the grid was explored through sessions such as “Beyond Grid-Scale” and “Powering Canada: Financing Resilient, Reliable and Affordable Non-Emitting Energy Systems.” These discussions addressed how distributed energy resources, innovative financing, and Indigenous leadership are key to building a smarter, more flexible and reliable grid. 
4. Industrial Decarbonization 
   Industry leaders shared tangible results and scalable models. In “Delivering Industrial Facility Energy Savings…” Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Industrial Energy Managers showcased their success in cutting emissions and boosting competitiveness. Another session, “Industrial Demand Response,” provided case studies on how large-scale energy users are stabilizing the grid and supporting national decarbonization goals. 🏭 Looking to upskill in this space? CIET offers the a full Industrial Facilities training program —ideal for professionals leading energy performance in large facilities. 

The 2025 Smart Energy Conference left a clear message: Canada's path to a clean, inclusive, and resilient energy future depends on bold innovation, inclusive leadership, and a shared commitment to collaboration. From regional success stories to national strategy discussions, this event laid out a roadmap for transforming our energy systems—together. 

Author

Senior Consultant, CIET