Spotlight on Energy Tech

Published on December 11, 2018

Carl Burlock / Senior Vice-President and Global Head Financing & International Growth Capital - Export Development Canada

Todd Parker / CEO - Blue Spark Energy

Wayne Sim / CEO - Aucerna

Harrie Vredenburg / Professor & Suncor Chair in Strategy & Sustainability - Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary

Canadian energy companies have long been recognized as a global players in the production of energy resources, but especially in the development and implementation of technology that improves efficiency and reduces environmental impacts. Canada’s international energy brand is strong and there are strong export opportunities for our homegrown energy tech. But how can we best leverage our experience, know-how and energy innovations for our economic future – and for the future of energy in a low-carbon high-energy global economy?

This Spotlight looks at how Canada and its energy and cleantech companies should position themselves internationally to make the most of what these energy tech export opportunities offer.

Key Takeaways & Calls to Action

Canada’s significant experience with renewable energy generation, energy transmission and resource extraction has given rise to a vibrant cleantech and energy tech sector that is focussed on increasing sustainability.
The Middle East and the Pacific Rim countries are huge potential markets for Canada’s energy technology sector in the short and long run. Canada’s excellent reputation, and experience in developing solutions in difficult operating conditions and complex infrastructure and logistics are a clear competitive advantage.
Canadian energy tech companies need to be less conservative and must start developing their commercialization strategy, build their global go-to-market organization, and generate local sales capability from day one.
Canada has a competitive advantage in developing and exporting technology that reduces emissions from, and lowers the costs of, oil and gas production. This, rather than renewables development, is Canada’s true cleantech opportunity and what Canada should focus on exporting internationally.

Watch and Read the Experts’ Full Interviews:

The Export Facilitator Carl Burlock Senior Vice-President and Global Head Financing & International Growth Capital - Export Development Canada "High growth markets like China and India, which are spending hundreds of billions on clean technology, are promising options for Canadian companies in the sector."

The Energy Tech Innovator Todd Parker CEO - Blue Spark Energy "Diversity of industry coupled with Canada’s high education levels and its smaller market size necessitates innovation, which makes us incredibly entrepreneurial as a culture."

The Digital Energy Disruptor Wayne Sim CEO - Aucerna "There is almost no place in oil and gas where digital transformation is not going to add value in terms of driving better decisions, more efficient executions and a smarter use of capital. We need to transform the entire industry from the top down."

The Academic Harrie Vredenburg Professor & Suncor Chair in Strategy & Sustainability - Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary "Since oil prices have fallen in Canada, Canadian oil companies are venturing out and bringing advanced technology to access resources more cheaply and with lower emissions. That is Canadian cleantech."