Past Summit

Banff 2024

September 22–24, 2024
Kinnear Centre for Creativity & Innovation Banff, Alberta

Foundational Dialogue on the Future of Energy

Editorial Overview

The inaugural Future of Energy Global Summit in Banff marked the launch of a new cross-sector forum dedicated to open, substantive dialogue on the evolving global energy landscape.

Bringing together political leadership, industry executives, innovators, and policy experts, the 2024 Summit established the foundation for ongoing conversations addressing energy security, technological innovation, investment frameworks, and the realities of energy transition.

Discussions reflected a broad spectrum of perspectives across conventional and emerging energy systems, emphasizing practical solutions grounded in economics, science, and responsible development. The Banff gathering set the tone for future editions of the Summit — collaborative, candid, and focused on meaningful progress.

Key Themes

  • Hydrogen and emerging clean energy systems
  • Wind, solar, geothermal, and alternative energy solutions
  • The future of liquefied natural gas (LNG)
  • Energy infrastructure and cybersecurity
  • Artificial intelligence and energy demand
  • Energy finance, capital markets, and policy incentives
  • Advancements in nuclear energy

Featured Speakers

Selected voices from the Banff 2024 Summit
Lord David Howell
Former UK Energy Secretary
Summit: London 2026

Lord David Howell is a distinguished member of the UK House of Lords and former Secretary of State for Energy. Over several decades of public service, he has held senior ministerial roles addressing international relations, trade policy, and global energy security.

He previously chaired the House of Lords International Relations Committee and has authored numerous works examining geopolitical change and the future of global energy systems. His career reflects deep engagement with international diplomacy and economic strategy.

Lord Howell remains a leading voice on global energy cooperation, market stability, and geopolitical risk. His participation brings a global policy perspective to discussions surrounding energy transition, international investment flows, and the strategic importance of reliable energy supply within an increasingly interconnected world.

Jag Singh
Director, Business Development
Summit: London 2026

Jag Singh is an industrial systems engineer turned business development leader specializing in Industry 4.0 and smart automation. He helped scale a German automation start-up in Chicago from 3 to 20+ employees over five years, developing new products and strategic partnerships. Over the past 3+ years at SBI/Golu-H2, Jag has focused on hydrogen commercialization—securing OEM partners, strategic collaborators, and clean energy funding, while leading global campaigns and accelerator engagements including Plug and Play (Japan, Alberta, and Silicon Valley) and Startup Buddy, alongside initiatives supported by Global Affairs Canada. He has spoken at the Global Energy Show, RE+, ADIPEC, and the Canadian Hydrogen Convention. Golu received awards at the Canadian Hydrogen Convention (2025), Carbon Capture Canada (2024), the 2024 EGYPES Cleantech People’s Choice Award, and the 2023 NRG Excellence in Energy (Sustainability). He is also involved with the Stanford Hydrogen Initiative.

Eugene Lapotac
President, Global Indigenous for the Future of Energy
Summit: London 2026

Eugene Lapotac is the President of Global Indigenous for the Future of Energy, where he supports the advancement of Indigenous perspectives and participation within the global energy sector. His work focuses on fostering collaboration between Indigenous communities, industry, and government to support responsible energy development and long-term economic opportunities. Eugene is committed to strengthening dialogue and building partnerships that contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable energy future.

Participating Speakers

Additional contributors to the Banff 2024 summit dialogue
Image (Jessica Kennedy)
Partner, Bennett Jones LLP
Summit: Banff 2024

Jessica Kennedy is a partner at Bennett Jones LLP specializing in energy regulation, commercial transactions, and infrastructure development. She advises companies and investors operating across Canada’s resource and energy sectors on complex legal and policy matters.

Her work focuses on project structuring, regulatory compliance, and negotiation of commercial agreements supporting large-scale industrial development. She has extensive experience assisting clients navigating evolving environmental requirements and governance frameworks.

Ms. Kennedy contributes legal insight into the policy and regulatory environments that shape investment decisions, emphasizing the importance of predictable frameworks that support innovation while maintaining responsible development practices.

Kim Lauritsen
Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
Summit: Banff 2024

Kim Lauritsen is an executive with Ontario Power Generation, one of North America’s largest electricity producers. Her work supports operational leadership across nuclear, hydroelectric, and renewable generation assets that provide reliable power to millions of customers.

She has extensive experience managing complex electricity systems while advancing modernization initiatives aligned with evolving environmental and regulatory expectations.

Ms. Lauritsen contributes operational perspective on grid reliability, large-scale generation management, and the role diversified power portfolios play in supporting stable and resilient energy systems.

Mikki Arends
Enbridge Inc.
Summit: Banff 2024

Mikki Arends is an executive at Enbridge Inc., a leading North American energy infrastructure company operating pipelines, renewable assets, and energy transportation networks. Her work contributes to maintaining safe, reliable delivery systems connecting producers to global markets.

She has been involved in initiatives supporting infrastructure modernization, operational safety, and evolving energy transportation strategies. Her experience reflects the importance of midstream systems within integrated energy supply chains.

Ms. Arends brings industry insight into how infrastructure investment, operational excellence, and technological innovation ensure reliable energy delivery during periods of industry transformation.

Adam Burley
Chief Strategy Officer, The Automated Group
Summits: Banff 2024, Banff 2025

Adam Burley is Chief Strategy Officer at The Automated Group, specializing in industrial automation, private wireless networks, and digital transformation solutions supporting modern infrastructure environments. His work focuses on helping organizations integrate advanced communications systems, automation technologies, and data-driven operations into industrial and energy sectors.

He collaborates with executive leadership teams implementing next-generation connectivity solutions that improve operational efficiency, safety performance, and asset management. His experience spans enterprise technology strategy, infrastructure deployment, and innovation adoption across multiple industries.

Mr. Burley contributes perspective on how automation, connectivity, and emerging digital technologies are reshaping industrial productivity and influencing future energy consumption patterns.

Debjyoti Sen
Red Deer Polytechnic
Summits: Banff 2024, Banff 2025

Debjyoti Sen leads applied research initiatives at Red Deer Polytechnic focused on advanced manufacturing, industrial innovation, and workforce development. His work connects academic research with industry application, helping organizations adopt emerging technologies that enhance productivity and operational performance.

He collaborates with energy companies, manufacturers, and technology developers to accelerate commercialization of new processes and equipment solutions. His leadership supports talent development aligned with evolving industry needs.

Mr. Sen contributes insight into how education, applied research, and workforce innovation play a critical role in supporting long-term competitiveness across energy and industrial sectors.

Vivian Krause
Author & Researcher
Summit: Banff 2024

Vivian Krause is a Canadian researcher and author known for her work examining environmental advocacy, public policy, and international funding influences shaping energy debates. Her research has contributed to public discussions surrounding regulatory policy, transparency, and stakeholder engagement within natural resource development.

She frequently presents analysis addressing how public narratives influence investment decisions, policy formation, and industry perception. Her work encourages evidence-based dialogue and informed policy discussion.

Ms. Krause contributes a unique analytical perspective to energy conversations, highlighting the importance of transparency, critical thinking, and balanced public discourse in shaping sustainable energy policy outcomes.

Christopher Brown
Helios Corp.
Summit: Banff 2024

Christopher Brown is an executive at Helios Corp., specializing in energy investment strategy and technology-driven infrastructure development. His work focuses on advancing innovative solutions supporting efficient energy production and modernization of industrial systems.

He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams integrating finance, engineering, and operational planning to accelerate project execution and technological adoption. His experience reflects the increasing role innovation plays in shaping future energy markets.

Mr. Brown contributes perspective on how capital investment, emerging technology, and operational strategy combine to enable resilient and adaptable energy systems.

Cara Wolf
Ammolite Security
Summit: Banff 2024

Cara Wolf is an executive at Ammolite Security specializing in cybersecurity strategy and risk management for critical infrastructure sectors. Her work addresses emerging threats facing energy systems, industrial operations, and digital infrastructure networks.

She supports organizations in strengthening resilience through advanced security frameworks, threat mitigation strategies, and operational preparedness initiatives. Her experience highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity within interconnected energy environments.

Ms. Wolf contributes essential insight into safeguarding energy infrastructure as digitalization increases system complexity and operational vulnerability.

Mark Summers
Alberta Innovates
Summit: Banff 2024

Mark Summers works with Alberta Innovates, supporting commercialization of emerging technologies across energy, environmental, and industrial sectors. His work connects researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners to accelerate innovation deployment and economic diversification.

He contributes to initiatives advancing clean technology adoption, digital transformation, and industrial efficiency improvements. His leadership emphasizes collaboration between academia, government, and private industry.

Mr. Summers provides perspective on how innovation ecosystems enable energy-producing regions to remain competitive while adapting to evolving technological and environmental expectations.

David Nagy
eCommerce Canada
Summit: Banff 2024

David Nagy is Founder and CEO of eCommerce Canada, specializing in digital transformation strategy and technology adoption. His work focuses on helping organizations leverage data-driven platforms, automation, and online infrastructure to drive business growth.

He contributes expertise on how digital economies influence energy consumption patterns through data centers, logistics networks, and emerging technology ecosystems.

Mr. Nagy brings insight into the intersection between digital commerce expansion and evolving global energy demand.

Chris Gall
Arc Pure Energy
Summit: Banff 2024

Chris Gall works with Arc Pure Energy, contributing to development of innovative energy technologies designed to improve efficiency and emissions performance. His work focuses on advancing solutions that integrate sustainability objectives with operational performance requirements.

He collaborates with industry partners implementing technologies that enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact.

Mr. Gall contributes practical industry perspective on how innovation adoption supports responsible energy development and long-term operational resilience.

Andy Brooks
Had To Holdings Ltd.
Summit: Banff 2024

Andy Brooks is an energy industry executive with experience spanning investment, project development, and corporate leadership within Canada’s resource sector. His work focuses on advancing projects through strategic partnerships and operational execution.

He has contributed to initiatives supporting economic growth while navigating evolving market conditions and regulatory environments.

Mr. Brooks brings practical industry insight into the opportunities and challenges facing energy developers operating within increasingly complex global markets.

Fred Rumak
CO₂ Coalition
Summit: Banff 2024

Fred Rumak contributes to research and public dialogue surrounding climate science, energy policy, and environmental economics through his work with the CO₂ Coalition.

His analysis focuses on examining assumptions underlying climate policy and encouraging informed discussion grounded in scientific and economic perspectives.

Mr. Rumak provides analytical insight into energy transition debates, emphasizing the importance of balanced evaluation and open dialogue in shaping long-term energy strategies.

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor
Image (Caledonian Midstream Corp.)
Co-Sponsor
Image (Kinnear Financial Limited)
Sponsors

Closing Statement

The Banff 2024 Summit established the foundation of what has since evolved into a recurring international forum. By convening diverse leadership voices in an open and collaborative environment, the inaugural gathering set the direction for future cross-Atlantic dialogue shaping the global energy conversation.

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