The MRC2026 program
Planning is underway for another dynamic Marine Renewables Canada Conference, and we’re excited to share a first look at the program for the 2026 Conference & Exhibition in Ottawa, November 17-19, 2026.
Check out the Program Preview below ⬇️
The Industry Track anchors the conference’s headline discussions over two days, while the Research & Technical Track runs concurrently with more specialized sessions for delegates seeking deeper technical insights.
Introduced last year, this dual-track format gives attendees greater flexibility to tailor their conference experience.
To stay informed about conference developments – including program announcements, speaker reveals, registration updates, and more – subscribe to our newsletter and follow Marine Renewables Canada on LinkedIn.
| Milestone | Key Date |
|---|---|
| Submission Deadline | May 29, 2026 |
| Review Period | June 8 – July 10, 2026 |
| Selection Completed | July 24, 2026 |
| Notify Submitters | Week of July 27-31, 2026 |
| Final Program Published | August 13, 2026 |
Stay tuned – the Research & Technical Track, International Business Development & Member Day, and the final MRC2026 program will be announced soon!
International Business Development & Member Day: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
9:00 AM
4th Floor – Foyer
Oceans of Opportunity: International Business & Networking Program
(open to MRC members & international conference attendees)
Canada is emerging as one of the world’s most exciting marine renewable energy markets, with world-class offshore wind, tidal, wave, and river current resources, a globally recognized offshore and maritime supply chain, and growing momentum across the sector.
Building a globally competitive industry, however, depends on strong international collaboration. By connecting with experienced markets and industry leaders from around the world, Canadian organizations can gain valuable market intelligence, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate business growth.
Ocean of Opportunities is Marine Renewables Canada’s international business development program, designed to connect Canadian and international delegates through targeted networking and strategic business engagement.
The program includes:
- International Business Development Session featuring global market insights and supply chain & partnership opportunities (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
- Networking Lunch for Ocean of Opportunities participants only (12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.)
- B2B platform to facilitate connecting international delegates with MRC members and Canadian organizations (B2B meetings will be scheduled for November 18 – 19)
International Business Development & Networking LUNCH
10:00 AM -10:15 AM
Confederation Ballroom
10:15 AM – 11:05 AM
Confederation Ballroom
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Confederation Ballroom
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Confederation Ballroom
Open to International Business Development program participants only
MRC Member Workshops
At MRC2026, 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 – 2:00 PM
Governor General Ballroom
As Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) become increasingly recognized in Canadian legislation, regulation, and public policy, understanding how to engage with and apply Indigenous knowledge respectfully has become essential. This workshop will explore the role of IKS in regulatory and commercial decision-making, with a focus on Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec. Participants will gain a better understanding of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, their relationship to Aboriginal and Treaty rights, and key considerations for the respectful collection, protection, and use of Indigenous knowledge. Drawing on work by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC), the session will share practical recommendations for meaningful Indigenous engagement and decision-making.
Speakers:
2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
2:15 pm – 3:30 PM | Governor General Ballroom
Building a Canadian offshore wind industry requires a skilled workforce and resilient supply chain ready to deliver projects at scale. In this interactive workshop, participants will work through a real-world offshore wind case study to identify critical occupations, supply chain dependencies, and workforce challenges across the project lifecycle. Together, they will assess regional workforce capacity, explore practical talent pipelines, and develop strategies to address priority skills gaps. Through facilitated discussion and collaborative exercises, participants will gain a clearer understanding of offshore wind workforce demand and identify actionable approaches to strengthen industry readiness and accelerate project delivery in Canada.
Speakers:
2:15 pm – 3:30 PM | Governor General Ballroom
As offshore wind projects grow in scale, understanding and managing environmental risks has become a strategic business priority. This workshop introduces practical approaches for integrating nature-related considerations into project planning and decision-making, drawing on the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework. Through real-world project examples, participants will explore how environmental risks can influence project viability, timelines, permitting, and stakeholder confidence. The session will also highlight emerging tools and data platforms that support early risk identification and better project outcomes, equipping participants with practical insights to embed nature-aware thinking into offshore wind development.
Speakers:
- Stephen Penton, Director, Engineering Consultancy, Aker Solutions
- Rebecca Clayton, Director, ESG Services, Entr, an arm of Aker Solutions
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM | Governor General Ballroom
As marine renewable energy projects move closer to commercial scale, effective communication is essential to building public understanding and support. This interactive workshop will explore practical strategies for engaging communities, media, policymakers, and other non-technical audiences. Through facilitated discussion and peer exchange, participants will share experiences and discover best practices in social media, media relations, visual storytelling, message development, and crisis communications. The session will focus on elevating the sector’s profile, addressing misinformation, navigating challenging conversations, and strengthening organizational reputation through clear, credible, and compelling communications that build lasting public trust.
Speakers:
- Sarah Clark, Marketing and Media Manager, Orbital Marine Power
- Anastasia Smolentseva, Senior Director, Communications, Marine Renewables Canada
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM | Governor General Ballroom
Offshore wind development at scale depends on modern transmission infrastructure that can connect new generation to domestic and export markets. This workshop will explore the legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks needed to advance strategic transmission projects in Atlantic Canada and beyond. Participants will learn about interprovincial collaboration, permitting, environmental assessment, and the role of Canada’s Major Projects Office in streamlining project delivery. Featuring perspectives from legal, utility, and industry experts, the session will discuss how coordinated planning, investment frameworks, and regulatory alignment can support a more resilient, interconnected electricity system and unlock Canada’s offshore wind potential.
Speakers:
- Mohammad Ali Raza, Partner, Cox & Palmer
- Danna Donald, Partner, Project Development and Finance, Osler
- John A.D. Vellone, Partner and National Co-leader, Energy and Power Group, BLG
- Sarah Powell, Partner, Davies
- Mary Ellen Greenough, Director, Legal and Regulatory, Eastern Clean Energy Initiative, Nova Scotia Power Inc.
- Marc Beaubien, Partner, Cox & Palmer
Reception on the Hill
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
By invitation only to MRC members and special guests.
Day One | Wednesday, November 18, 2026
7:30 AM
4th Floor – Foyer
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Confederation Ballroom Foyer & Provinces Ballroom
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Governor General Room II
Opening Plenary
9:00 AM – 9:05 AM
Confederation Ballroom
9:05 AM – 9:25 AM
Confederation Ballroom
9:25 AM – 9:45 AM
Confederation Ballroom
Industry Track
Timing TBD
Confederation Ballroom
Nova Scotia is setting the pace for Canada’s offshore wind future, advancing policy, market design, and early development pathways that are laying the foundation for a national industry. With the country’s first offshore wind areas identified, a target to lease 5 GW by 2030, and more than 60 GW of long-term potential, Atlantic Canada is emerging as the country’s hub for offshore wind development, supply chain growth, and global investment. This session will examine how that momentum can translate into national growth.
Ontario is exploring offshore wind opportunities in the Great Lakes, supported by a strong manufacturing base, while British Columbia is assessing floating offshore wind potential aligned with industrial decarbonization and Pacific supply chain strengths.
Speakers will consider regional advantages, Indigenous leadership, and the national policy outlook needed to build a coordinated offshore wind sector that supports economic development and clean energy goals across Canada.
Speakers:
- Jonathan Dogterom, Director, AKS Wind Energy Corporation
- Scott Keating, CEO, Trillium Wind Power Corp
- Tanya Martinez, Founder & Vision Keeper, Mi’kma’ki Energy
Research & Technical Track
Timing TBD
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Presentations:
- Unlocking Canada’s Seabed Data for Offshore Wind: From Early Site Investigation to Lifecycle-ready Digital Assets, Romain Clavaud, Fugro
- A Ground Model-Based Site-Wide Assessment of Offshore Wind Turbine Foundation Suitability and Constructability for the Designated Offshore Wind Energy Areas in Nova Scotia, Proserpine Peralta, Fugro
- USA Marine, Inc. Integrated Sediment Characterization Workflow for Offshore Wind Development, Kelly Bates, Senior Professional Geoscientist, Geosyntec Consultants Inc (GEMS)
- Integral Consulting From Wind Resource to Ground Risk: Building Confidence in Offshore Wind Projects, Sougata Halder, Senior Business Development Manager, TGS
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Presentations:
- OSIP Launch: Building a Next-Generation Monitoring Platform for High Flow Tidal Environments, Dr. Aidan Bharath, Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE)
- Novel Modeling Approaches for a Submerged, Moored Tidal Turbine Platform, Douglas Slocum, Naval Architect, Kelson Marine Co.
- Composite Mooring System for a Floating Tidal Turbine Platform in Shallow High-Velocity Currents, Blake Holowaty, Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED)
- Performance Modeling of an Articulated Tidal Turbine for Hydraulic Energy Generation and Storage Applications, Rezvan Rakhshan, Research Engineer, University of Victoria – Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED)
Refreshment break
Sponsored by:
Industry Track
Timing TBD
Confederation Ballroom
Canada is a global testbed for tidal energy innovation, with real-world deployments, environmental monitoring breakthroughs, and community-scale projects demonstrating what is possible in some of the world’s most energetic waters.
This session will explore how lessons from Canadian and international experience can inform a pathway to scaling tidal energy to 1 GW by 2050. Discussions will highlight advances in environmental monitoring technologies, insights from demonstration projects, and emerging commercialization strategies for both utility-scale and community-driven tidal development. Together, these perspectives will outline what it will take to move tidal energy from promising pilot projects to a reliable, impactful component of Canada’s clean energy future.
Moderator: Lindsay Bennett, Executive Director, Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE)
Speakers:
- Dr. Anna Redden, Director, Acadia Tidal Energy Institute
Research & Technical Track
Timing TBD
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Presentations:
- Predicting Acoustic Effects: The Need to Include Sediments in Sound Field Estimates of Marine Animal Exposure, Cristian Graupe, INSPIRE/Venterra
- Wind farms, Lost Fishing Gear and Marine Mammals: Considering Potential Entanglement Risk, Steven Benjamins, Senior Lecturer in Marine Vertebrate Ecology, Scottish Association for Marine Science
- A Coordinated Approach to Marine Mammal and Seabird Surveys in Canada’s First Designated Offshore Wind Energy Areas, Hilary Moors-Murphy, Research Scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- A Framework for Assessing Cumulative Effects of Offshore Wind Energy Development on Wildlife: A Case Study on Northern Gannets in Atlantic Canada, Stephanie Avery-Gomm, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Presentations
- Scaled Physical Modelling of Buried Cables for Offshore Wind Farms, Timothy Newson, Professor of Civil Engineering, Western University
- 3D Geospatial Approach to Cable Burial Risk Assessments, Kieran Hill, Senior Engineer, Global Maritime
- Innovation Beneath the Waves – How Subsea Power Technology Can Reduce Cost and Risk, Håkon Eidsvik, Senior Specialist Engineer, Aker Solutions
- Beyond the Envelope – How Floating LiDAR Technologies can be Qualified and Interpreted with New Standards in New Regions, Sam Cressall, Venterra Group
Timing TBD
Networking Lunch
Sponsored by:
Industry Track
Timing TBD
Confederation Ballroom
As Canada integrates more renewables into the electricity mix, the need for predictable and stabilizing energy sources is growing. Marine renewables—tidal, wave, and offshore wind—offer generation profiles that complement onshore wind, solar, and energy storage, providing system benefits that extend well beyond traditional cost metrics. Their predictability can support baseload needs, reduce energy storage and firming requirements, and strengthen resilience in both large grids and remote or microgrid systems.
This session will examine how utilities, system operators, and analysts are modelling marine renewable energy’s full system value, and how technology developers, community leaders, and storage experts are demonstrating these benefits in practice.
Discussions will explore emerging market mechanisms, planning approaches, and integration strategies that recognize marine renewables as essential assets in a reliable, decarbonized energy system.
Moderator: Bryson Robertson, Director of the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems, University of Victoria
Research & Technical Track
Timing TBD
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Presentations:
- Iceberg Hazards and Offshore Renewables: Leveraging Historical Data for Safer Development, Denise Sudom, National Research Council of Canada
- From Habitat Maps to Habitat Function: The Role of SPI/PV in Canadian Marine Renewable Energy Projects, Anntonette Zembrzuska JD, Vice President of Strategic Growth, INSPIRE Environmental, a Venterra Group Company
- Effort vs. Insight: Maximising Power in Marine Digital Aerial Surveys, Dr Laura Williamson, Head of Science, HiDef Aerial Surveying
- Estimating Seabird Flight Heights from Digital Aerial Surveys for Offshore Wind Assessment, Dr Laura Williamson, Head of Science, HiDef Aerial Surveying
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Presentations:
- Optimizing Subsea Power Collection Architectures for Floating Offshore Wind, Richard Barratt, Siemens Energy
- Integrating Wind into Complex Power Systems — Grid, Storage, and Real Operations, Remco Boersma, Director Contracting & Construction, Ventolines, & Chad Fowlow, Angler Solutions
- Local Supply Chain Development and Lessons Learned from the First Offshore Converter Station in North America, Ken Bavis, Hook Up Manager (Sunrise Project), Aker Solutions
- Atlantic Canada Offshore Wind: Grid Integration and Transmission Considerations, Alisdair McLean, Net Zero Atlantic
Refreshment break
Sponsorship opportunity available
Industry Track
Timing TBD
Confederation Ballroom
Canada’s ability to scale marine renewables will depend on a clear, investable framework that supports projects at every stage—from early demonstration and community-scale deployments to full commercialization.
This session will examine the evolving financial landscape for marine renewable energy, exploring how risk-sharing models, revenue mechanisms, and policy certainty can unlock investment across tidal, wave, and offshore wind technologies.
Investors, financial institutions, government funders, analysts, and Indigenous economic development leaders will discuss what global capital providers look for, how early-stage risks can be reduced, and which market structures can position Canada as a competitive destination for investment. The conversation will explore what true investment readiness looks like for a marine renewable energy sector seeking to scale responsibly, attract international capital, and accelerate deployment across a diverse range of project types.
Moderator: Philip Bassil, Managing Director, NORTHGREEN CAPITAL
Research & Technical Track
Timing TBD
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Presentations:
- The Atlantic Canada Offshore Wind Readiness Program, Dan Hasselmann, Net Zero Atlantic
- The Seabed as Shared Infrastructure: Co-Designing Site Investigation Surveys to Simultaneously Serve Engineering, Environmental, and Fisheries Coexistence Needs in Nova Scotia, Jordy Uzio, Fugro
- How to consider metocean conditions and accessibility in site prospection and LCOE estimations: An example from the Gulf of St Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico, Jacob Royle, Ramboll
- Improving Offshore Energy Environmental Data Sharing and Value, Sarah Courbis, Principal Environmental Scientist, EPI Group
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Presentations:
- The Socio-Economic Impacts of Offshore Wind in Nova Scotia, Amy MacKenzie, Managing Associate Partner, 21FSP Advisory Inc.
- Powering Independence: Pathways to Energy Resilience in Remote and Indigenous Communities, Niandry Moreno, Senior Digital Solutions Analyst, AECOM
- Advancing Fisheries Mitigation Frameworks: Lessons from U.S. Offshore Wind for Atlantic Canada, Maria Hartnett, Principal, Epsilon Associates
- A Replicable Framework for Offshore Wind Fisheries Research Tracking and Gap Analysis: Lessons from the U.S. Atlantic, Patricia Perez, Responsible Offshore Science Alliance
Welcome Reception
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Hosted by:
Wrap up the first official day of MRC2026 with our welcome reception at the National Gallery of Canada. There will be live music, a selection of drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and plenty of time to catch up with colleagues and meet new faces. It offers the ideal setting to continue the day’s discussions, meet new people, and ease into the rest of the conference.
Venue: The National Gallery of Canada ~ Scotia Bank Hall
Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4
Day Two | Thursday, November 19, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Confederation Ballroom Foyer & Provinces Ballroom
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Room C3-C4
Opening Plenary
9:00 AM – 9:05 AM
Confederation Ballroom
9:05 AM – 10:30 AM
Confederation Ballroom
Indigenous leadership is foundational to responsible marine renewable development in Canada. This fireside chat brings together Indigenous leaders for an open conversation about what is truly needed to advance energy sovereignty and economic reconciliation in the marine renewable space.
The discussion will explore the growing role of Indigenous‑owned projects, emerging equity participation models, and co‑development frameworks that reflect Indigenous rights, values, and decision‑making authority. Speakers will also reflect on the capacity‑building pathways—technical, financial, governance, and community‑driven—that ensure long‑term benefits remain with Indigenous Nations.
Moderator: Ken Paul, Principal / Owner, Pokiok Associates
Industry Track
Timing TBD
Confederation Ballroom
Canada’s ability to unlock marine renewable energy at scale depends on building the transmission and interties that can move clean power from coastal regions to major load centres. With electricity demand forecasted to double, or even triple, in the coming decades, now is the time for a conversation on coordinated planning, commercial development pathways, and the infrastructure needed to connect marine renewable energy resources to markets.
This session will focus on the practical steps ahead—developing shared transmission solutions, sequencing investments, aligning regulatory processes, and creating commercial frameworks that avoid the inefficiencies of project‑by‑project build‑out. Speakers will examine how emerging cross‑border interest, provincial planning, and federal policy can converge to unlock marine renewables at scale—laying the groundwork for a modern, interconnected grid that supports Canada’s clean‑energy future.
Research & Technical Track
Timing TBD
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Refreshment break
Sponsorship opportunity available
Industry Track
Timing TBD
Confederation Ballroom
Offshore wind and other marine renewables are global industries, but no region can scale them on its own. Europe leads in turbine and foundation manufacturing, Asia-Pacific anchors high-voltage equipment and complex steel fabrication, and North America holds vast natural resource potential. The movement of vessels, components, capital, and expertise across these regions increasingly determines which projects get built.
This session will explore how Canada can build the domestic supply chain capacity needed for large-scale offshore wind and marine renewable energy while effectively collaborating with global partners. The discussion will focus on how Canadian suppliers, marine operators, and fabrication facilities can integrate into established international supply chains, support future domestic projects, and meet developer expectations for cost, reliability, timelines, safety, and innovation.
The session will also examine the infrastructure required to deliver projects at scale, including marine construction capabilities, specialized vessels, fabrication and assembly facilities, port upgrades, and logistics systems designed for high-volume offshore activity.
The goal is to understand how Canada can leverage global partnerships, attract investment, and build a competitive, future-ready supply chain capable of delivering its marine renewable energy ambitions.
Research & Technical Track
Timing TBD
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Networking Lunch
Sponsored by:
Industry Track
Timing TBD
Confederation Ballroom
The success of marine renewable energy depends on building lasting benefits for coastal communities and the working oceans that make the sector possible. This session will explore how offshore wind, tidal, and wave projects can coexist with fisheries, respect Indigenous and traditional ocean uses, and contribute to long‑term local prosperity.
The discussion will examine planning, policy, and regulatory approaches that support sustainable ocean activity, while also highlighting the pathways for community benefits—local jobs, revenue sharing, workforce development, and durable partnerships that reflect community priorities. Real-world examples will illustrate how responsible development can enhance coastal livelihoods and create shared value across regions.
Speakers:
- Shauna Kelly, Offshore Wind Coordinator, Newfoundland & Labrador, Atlantic Offshore Wind Coalition
Research & Technical Track
Timing TBD
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Timing TBD | Governor General Ballroom
Timing TBD
Confederation Ballroom
Closing Remarks: Elisa Oberman, Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada
Post Conference Mixer
Time & Location TBD
Wrap up MRC2026 with one final opportunity to connect before heading home – in a more relaxed environment.
Join us for an informal post-conference mixer to reflect on the insights and discussions made throughout the week.
Research & technical committee
Following the standout success of the Research & Technical Track at the 2025 Conference, we’re pleased to bring it back for MRC2026! Showcasing innovation, technical expertise, and real-world project experience, the track will highlight the leaders and advancements driving offshore wind, tidal, wave, and river-current energy forward.
A dedicated Research & Technical Committee made up of industry experts and researchers help shape the Technical Track program. This committee guides the development of topics and reviews abstract submissions to ensure the track reflects the most relevant and impactful work in the field.
Thank you to our Research & Technical Track Partner
Committee Co-Chairs: Anna Redden (FERN) & Brad Buckham (University of Victoria)
Committee:
- Claire Kleinknecht, Marine Renewables Canada
- Matt Asplin, ASL Environmental
- Paul Ryan, Marine Institute of Memorial
- Levi Morrison, COVE
- Jinxing Huang, CanmetEnergy / NRCan
- Daniel Hasselman, Net Zero Atlantic
- Magnus Harold, ORE Catapult
- Lindsay Bennett, FORCE