This opening keynote offers executive insights on hydrogen’s role in Canada’s energy future, highlighting executive perspectives, policy direction, and the decisions shaping a competitive hydrogen economy.

Hydrogen is delivering tangible decarbonization solutions in Canada’s heavy transport sector, from freight, municipal fleets, and industrial equipment, yet challenges remain. From the high cost of building refueling infrastructure and the complexities around storage, to regulations and supply chain readiness, this session explores how hydrogen-powered transport is confronting the realities of scaling up infrastructure, ensuring safety, and driving down costs.

Hydrogen is rapidly emerging as a transformative energy carrier for utilities, offering a pathway to deep decarbonization while enhancing system resilience and flexibility. This panel will explore how utilities across Canada and beyond are integrating hydrogen into power generation, grid balancing, and long‑term energy storage strategies. Leaders from the sector will discuss technical readiness, regulatory considerations, infrastructure needs, and the economic drivers shaping hydrogen’s role in future utility planning. Together, they will examine both the opportunities and the practical challenges of scaling hydrogen solutions within existing and evolving utility frameworks.

Join a dedicated discussion with Rueben George, Chairman and a co-founder of Salish Elements, on leadership journeys, visions, and strategies, revealing executive thinking that drives Canada’s hydrogen future.

Canada’s first natural hydrogen well in Saskatchewan has opened a new frontier in clean energy. But can this resource move from proof of concept to commercial reality? This session examines the business case for ‘white hydrogen’, asking what scale and costs are realistic? How will natural hydrogen integrate with Canada’s hydrogen hubs and existing infrastructure? Could it complement green and blue hydrogen, or disrupt them? And what role should government and industry play in accelerating development while managing risk?

Hydrogen is emerging as a critical pathway for aviation decarbonization, particularly for regional and short-haul flights. Featuring perspectives from aircraft manufacturers, simulation and training leaders, airport operators, and hydrogen demonstration programs, including Boeing or Airbus, CAE, Edmonton International Airport (YEG) through the H2CanFly initiative, and representatives from government and research institutions (such as the Government of Alberta, NRC, Transport Canada, or the Department of National Defence), the discussion will highlight real progress, lessons learned, and near-term opportunities.

Speakers will examine where hydrogen makes the most sense today, the enabling infrastructure and policy conditions required, and how collaboration across the ecosystem is accelerating innovation. The session will also explore Canada’s unique role in advancing hydrogen aviation, from testing and certification to operational deployment.

Atlantic Canada is emerging as a hub for hydrogen, with flagship projects and strategic infrastructure positioning the region at the forefront of Canada’s energy transition. This session highlights how initiatives are moving from vision to reality and examines domestic applications of hydrogen, tackling the critical questions shaping the sector: how is hydrogen being used, how are production costs being addressed, and what will drive adoption across Canada?

Canada’s renewable fuels sector is diversifying. From hydrogen, biofuels, renewable diesel, to SAF and RNG, these fuels are critical for hard‑to‑abate sectors like aviation, shipping, and heavy industry, while strengthening resilience and energy security, creating jobs, and cementing Canada’s role as a global clean energy leader. Amid international market shifts, including canola oversupply and falling biodiesel prices, how can Canada harness these dynamics to drive demand and unlock new opportunities, particularly for hydrogen as a renewable fuel?