Program Overview
Marine Renewables Canada’s 2025 Conference & Exhibition represents the largest and most significant event of the year for Canada’s marine renewable energy industry. Join us in Halifax, Nova Scotia for the only conference in Canada that brings together visionaries, experts, and pioneers in tidal, offshore wind, wave, and river current energy and delivers the most up-to-date information on marine renewables! Over the course of three days, industry leaders and experts will provide insight on market opportunities, current industry activity and progress, and work underway to enable sector growth
Below you’ll find the full conference program, including session descriptions, speakers, and timing.
Member Day and Pre-Conference Activities: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
9:30 AM
Convention Level Hall
International ROUNDTABLE & Networking LUNCH
(open to MRC members & international conference attendees)
With promising natural resources and an experienced offshore and maritime supply chain, Canada’s marine renewable energy sector is an emerging market to watch. At the same time, market intelligence and insight from more mature marine renewables markets at these earlier stages is critical for building a thriving and sustainable Canadian marine renewable energy industry.
This Roundtable will provide attendees with 2 sessions covering updates on emerging and expanding offshore wind markets and associated supply chain opportunities, and provide valuable international insights on key topics, opportunities, and challenges in advance of project development in Canada.
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM
Room C1
Speakers:
10:15 AM – 11:05 AM
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Room C1
Chair: Neil McIntosh, Managing Director, Aberdeen International Associates (AIA)
Presentations:
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM
Room C1
Open to International Roundtable participants only
MRC Member Workshops
At MRC 2025, members will have the chance to learn directly from industry experts through an enhanced selection of MRC Member Sessions. These specialized workshops will provide in-depth discussions on key topics, offering valuable insights, practical knowledge, and interactive learning experiences tailored to the evolving needs of the sector.
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Room C4
Exploring how Mi’kmaq leadership, practices, values and knowledge can be meaningfully integrated into marine renewable energy projects. Focused through the lens of Netukulimk (respectful resource use) and Etuaptmumk (two-eyed seeing), this workshop will draw from lived experiences to share practical insights on partnership-building and respectful engagement.
Welcoming Remarks: Amanda White, Senior Director Operations & Member Services, Marine Renewables Canada
Host: Marina Winterbottom, Principal & Sr. Marine Biologist, Bluedot Environmental Ltd.
Speakers:
2:30 PM – 3:45 PM
2:30 pm – 3:45 PM | Room C4
Taking a closer look at the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) insights from Marine Renewables Canada’s 2025 Atlantic Supply Chain Study. Focused on the findings of the study, this workshop will describe new ways to improve data practices to build a more diverse supply chain for renewable energy.
Welcoming Remarks: Elise Malicki, Events & Member Services Officer, Marine Renewables Canada
Speaker:
2:30 PM – 3:45 PM | Room C3
Exploring the similarities and differences between offshore wind development in Nova Scotia and the northeastern United States. Focusing on real-world offshore wind projects, this workshop will explore opportunities for stakeholders to connect with one another and discuss trends that will affect offshore wind development in Atlantic Canada.
Welcoming Remarks: Claire Kleinknecht, Research & Engagement Officer, Marine Renewables Canada
Speakers:
4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
4:00 PM – 5:15 PM | Room C3
Addresses the misinformation surrounding species at risk in offshore wind energy development. Exploring the intersection of renewable energy initiatives and ecological conservation, this workshop will provide an overview of local species at risk population that overlap with offshore wind projects. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with marine biology and environmental impact specialists and discuss practical solutions for co-existence.
Welcoming Remarks: Elise Malicki, Events & Member Services Officer, Marine Renewables Canada
Speakers:
4:00 PM – 5:15 PM | Room C4
Analyzing existing experience of offshore site conditions for what future developers in energy infrastructure need to consider when collecting site condition data in the long term. Exploring the effective use of data for maximum benefit of projects, this workshop will consider factors such as weather and metocean parameters, seabed challenges, ice conditions, and seismicity.
Welcoming Remarks: Claire Kleinknecht, Research & Engagement Officer, Marine Renewables Canada
Speakers:
Member Appreciation Reception
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
This exclusive reception for MRC members will take place at Durty Nelly’s on November 12th, offering a perfect setting to network, share experiences, and strengthen relationships within the marine renewable energy community.
This reception is our way of thanking you for your continued support and involvement with Marine Renewables Canada. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating together!
Day One | Thursday, November 13, 2025
7:30 AM
Convention Level Hall
9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Room C5
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Room C3-C4
Opening Plenary
9:00 AM – 9:05 AM
Room C1
9:05 AM – 9:25 AM
Room C1
9:25 AM – 9:45 AM
Convention Level Hall
Industry Track
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Room C1
Global market shifts, economic pressures, and shifting trade dynamics are reshaping the energy transition, bringing both new opportunities and emerging challenges for marine renewable energy. While international offshore wind markets have been facing challenges that offer valuable lessons, Canada is charting its own path with a renewed focus on nation-building projects and growing clean energy economy. This session will explore what these trends mean for Canada’s marine renewable energy sector and how we can remain competitive, resilient, and positioned for investment and growth.
Chair: Anne-Marie Belliveau, Principal, Projectable Consulting
Speakers:
Research & Technical Track
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Room 108
Moderator: Levi Morrison, Director, Innovation, COVE
Presentations:
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Room 109
Moderator: Cameron Wade, Principal, Sutubra Research
Presentations:
Refreshment break
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Sponsored by:
Industry Track
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Room C1
As Atlantic Canada advances its offshore wind ambitions, transmission development will be critical to unlocking the sector’s full potential. Efficient, coordinated transmission planning is essential not only to connect projects to the onshore grid, but also to deliver power affordably to customers, meet provincial and federal clean energy targets, and access export markets seeking reliable, large volumes of clean energy. This session will explore how coordinated grid planning can de-risk offshore wind projects and offer insights on strategies and next steps that could be taken to realize the region’s massive offshore wind potential.
Chair: Dawn MacDonald, Global Offshore Wind Market Sector Lead, AECOM
Speakers:
Research & Technical Track
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Room 108
Moderator: Graham Daborn, Emeritus Professor, Acadia University
Presentations:
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Room 109
Moderator: Sven Scholtysik, Director, Research, Net Zero Atlantic
Presentations:
keynote address
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Room C1
Keynote Speaker:
Networking Lunch
12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Sponsored by:
Industry Track
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Room C1
Meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities is essential to the sustainable growth of Canada’s marine renewable energy sector. This session will explore how Indigenous leadership—through supply chain participation, equity ownership and partnerships, and early engagement—can strengthen projects and create lasting benefits. Speakers will share perspectives on how inclusive approaches and genuine partnership can help advance marine renewable energy while supporting community priorities.
Chair: Tanya Martinez, Founder & Vision Keeper, Mi’kma’ki Energy
Speakers:
Research & Technical Track
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Room 108
Moderator: Dr. Anna Redden, Director, Acadia Tidal Energy Institute
Presentations:
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Room 109
Moderator: Matthew Asplin, Ph.D, Director, Metocean and Arctic Strategic Partnerships, ASL Environmental Sciences Inc.
Presentations:
AECOM – Sustainability Sponsorship
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Room C1
Speaker:
Refreshment Break
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Sponsored by:
Industry Track
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
Room C1
Tidal energy is steadily gaining global momentum, with new projects and technological advances worldwide demonstrating its potential as a reliable, predictable, and increasingly competitive source of clean power. Exploring Canada’s tidal energy advances alongside global progress, this session highlights opportunities to scale up and build a resilient, diverse clean energy future.
Chair: Lindsay Burns, Vice President, Iris Communications
Speakers:
Research & Technical Track
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | Room 108
Moderator: Laura Williamson, Head of Science, HiDef Aerial Surveying
Presentations:
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | Room 109
Moderator: Jordan Eamer, Research Scientist, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
Presentations:
Welcome Reception
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Hosted by:
This welcome reception will help kickstart the beginning of the 2025 MRC Conference & Exhibition. Open to all attendees and delegates, this event will be hosted at The Lord Nelson Hotel. There will be live music, as well as drinks and hors d’oeuvres, to encapsulate the continuously growing connections and networks in the future of offshore renewable energy in Canada.
Venue: The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites ~ Imperial & Regency Ballrooms
Address: 1515 South Park St, Halifax, NS B3J 1G9
Day Two | Friday, November 14, 2025
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Room C1
Sponsored by the British High Commission and the Government of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, this session will highlight emerging opportunities for collaboration between the UK and Canada in the marine renewable energy sector.
Speakers:
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Room C5
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Room C3-C4
Opening Plenary
9:30 AM – 9:40 AM
Room C1
9:40 AM – 10:15 AM
Room C1
In this dynamic session, leading voices in the offshore wind sector will share their perspectives on the future of the industry in Canada and globally. Through an engaging conversation, they’ll explore key challenges, what’s needed to drive progress—from policy and investment to innovation—and what excites them most about the opportunities ahead. Gain insights from those at the forefront of development as they discuss how offshore wind can become a cornerstone of Canada’s clean energy future.
Chair: Elisa Obermann, Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada
Speakers:
Industry Track
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Room C1
Growth of Canada’s offshore wind sector depends on more than turbines at sea—it requires a strong foundation across the supply chain. Canada is already gaining valuable experience by supporting international offshore wind projects, strengthening the expertise and skills that will drive our future offshore wind and marine renewables sector. This session will feature leaders from across the value chain who will discuss how these emerging strengths can be leveraged and how international lessons learned can help build the strong backbone needed to seize the opportunities ahead.
Chair: Phil Nash, Operations Manager, Waterford Energy Services Inc. (WESI)
Speakers:
Research & Technical Track
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | Room 108
Moderator: Paul Ryan, Academic Director – Master of Technology Management Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Presentations:
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | Room 109
Moderator: Natasha MacAdam, Senior Geophysicist, Nova Scotia Department of Energy
Presentations:
Refreshment break
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Sponsored by:
Industry Track
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Room C1
Canada’s extensive marine resources offer untapped potential for renewable energy solutions. This session will explore how innovative technologies and collaborative partnerships can help unlock these off-grid market opportunities. Speakers will highlight successful Canadian initiatives and discuss pathways for integrating marine renewable energy into community energy systems. Attendees will gain insights into practical approaches for scaling projects, fostering local partnerships—including with Indigenous communities—and driving sustainable energy transitions in off-grid settings.
Chair: Jonathan Robinson, Senior Policy Advisor, Marine Renewables Canada
Speakers:
Research & Technical Track
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM | Room 108
Moderator: Claire Kleinknecht, Research & Engagement Officer, Marine Renewables Canada
Presentations:
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM | Room 109
Moderator: Guy Wellard, Partner, Cox & Palmer
Presentations:
Keynote Lunch
12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Room C1
With opportunities for offshore wind advancing in Canada, Minister Fraser will share insights on regional economic opportunities, Canada’s steps to advance clean growth and the path forward for marine renewable energy development.
Keynote Speaker:
**Keynote address begins at 1:30 pm
Sponsored by:
Industry Track
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Room C1
Clear, predictable policies are key to unlocking Canada’s marine renewable energy potential. Policymakers and regulators will share recent initiatives and ongoing efforts that reduce uncertainty, accelerate project timelines, and foster sustainable growth. Their insights will give attendees a clear picture of Canada’s policy and permitting framework, helping developers, investors, and stakeholders navigate potential opportunities and challenges.
Chair: Abigail Lixfeld, Senior Director, Natural Resources Canada
Speakers:
Research & Technical Track
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Room 108
Moderator: Magnus Harold, Senior Marine Energy Technical Manager, ORE Catapult
Presentations:
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Room 109
Moderator: Nathaniel Pearre, Research Engineer, Renewable Energy Storage Laboratory, Dalhousie University
Presentations:
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Room C1
Closing Remarks: Elisa Obermann, Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada
Post Conference Mixer
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
This reception for MRC conference attendees will take place at Durty Nelly’s on November 14th, offering a perfect round-up of the 2025 MRC Conference. Providing an atmosphere for delegates to continue to build connections and to celebrate the completion of yet another successful event!
Research & technical committee
We’re excited to introduce a dedicated Research & Technical Stream at the MRC 2025 Conference. This new stream will highlight the latest advancements in offshore wind, tidal, wave, and other marine renewable energy technologies — with a focus on applied research, innovation, and real-world solutions.
To help shape the program, we’ve established a Research & Technical Committee made up of industry experts and researchers. This committee is guiding the development of session topics and reviewing abstract submissions to ensure the stream reflects the most relevant and impactful work in the field.
Thank you to our Research & Technical Track Partner
