Canada’s Energy Future: Sovereignty, Grid Integration, and Strategic Alliances
Presented by: Student Energy SFU
In Partnership with: PNW Climate Week, Engineers Without Borders SFU Chapter
Sponsored by: SFU School of Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE), Hub International, ClimateDoor
📍Location: Segal Graduate School of Business
🗓 Date & Time: 5:00 - 7:30 PM, July 22
🎟 Limited seats — register early!
🔥 About the Panel
As climate urgency intensifies and global energy dynamics shift, Canada stands at a pivotal crossroads:
Can we build a connected, resilient, and sovereign energy system that puts Canadians first—while also leading globally in clean energy?
This panel brings together experts to explore how we can strengthen national energy sovereignty through better grid integration and smarter global partnerships.
🧭 What We’ll Cover
⚡ PANEL 1 - Energy Sovereignty & National Grid Integration
Building east-west energy corridors & a unified national grid
Enhancing grid reliability and reducing foreign energy dependence
The role of policy in enabling (or constraining) integration
🌍 PANEL 2 - Global Alliances, Regional Realities, & Policy Whiplash
Canada’s collaborations with the U.S. and EU on critical minerals & cleantech
How international partnerships both support and test domestic resilience
BC’s identity as a cleantech pioneer and LNG exporter—what that means for Canada’s global positioning
🎤 Speakers
Edward (Eddy) Chiang
CEO and Co-Founder of Moment Energy, a cleantech company repurposing EV batteries to expand access to clean energy. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, he leads strategy and growth while driving innovation in battery reuse and energy storage. Eddy is also a licensed pilot and youth mentor.
Bryan Taylor, P.Eng., MPPGA
COO of Fuse Power Management and a global leader in energy, tech, and finance. With a background in the UN and large-scale infrastructure programs, he now focuses on Vehicle-Grid Integration to strengthen grid resilience and scale fleet electrification.
Kwatuuma Cole Sayers
Member of the Hupačasath Nation and a respected leader in clean energy. Guided by the principles of hišimłuwa (working together) and ʔiisaak (respect), he supports First Nations in navigating the energy transition. Known for his work on Indigenous-led clean energy projects and progressive energy policy, Cole is a strong advocate for reconciliation, climate action, and economic development.
Chad Rickaby
Public policy and government relations expert focused on climate finance and sustainable development. At ClimateDoor, he helps businesses and communities unlock funding through strategic partnerships with governments, Indigenous groups, and global institutions. With experience spanning the UN, international trade, and blended finance, Chad brings a collaborative, systems-level perspective to advancing Canada’s energy future.
Barinder Rasode
CEO and Co-Founder of Tersa Earth Innovations, which uses carbon-neutral tech to recover metals from mining waste. A serial entrepreneur, she also co-founded HAVN Life Sciences and Kyn bioscience incubator. Her work bridges sustainability, health innovation, and social impact. Barinder is a recognized changemaker and community leader.
Dean Chamberland
RBC’s Regional Manager, Environmental Impact, overseeing environmental support and philanthropy across Western and Northern Canada. Formerly VP of Cleantech Banking at RBCx, he now helps advance Canada’s net-zero transition. Dean sits on SFU’s Sustainable Energy Engineering advisory board and actively supports cleantech innovation and community leadership.
Jae Mather
Chief Innovation Officer at ClimateDoor and a cleantech leader with over 25 years of experience across Europe and North America. A former Executive Director of the Clean Energy Association of BC, he’s led renewable energy partnerships with 15 First Nations. Jae brings deep expertise in climate policy, infrastructure, and sustainability innovation.
Pooria Norouzi
Systems Engineer at Schneider Electric, specializing in grid-connected energy systems, solar, and storage. He brings deep technical expertise in Distributed Energy Resources (DER) integration, product validation, and power conversion systems. Pooria works at the intersection of innovation and infrastructure, advancing Canada’s clean energy transition and grid modernization.
🎤 Moderator
Both panels will be moderated by our incredible Dr. Zafar Adeel. He is Director of the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering at SFU, with over 25 years of experience in environmental policy and international development. A former UN official, he has led global efforts on water security, climate resilience, and governance, including chairing UN-Water and co-chairing the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment on desertification. His current work focuses on the intersection of sustainability, energy systems, and policy—bringing a global perspective to discussions on Canada’s energy sovereignty and the future of national infrastructure.
Schedule
5:00 - 5:30 PM: Registration and Catered Reception
5:30 - 5:45 PM: Opening remarks
5:45 - 6:30 PM: Panel 1 - Energy Sovereignty and National Grid Integration
6:30 - 6:40 PM: Break
6:40 - 7:25 PM: Panel 2 - Global Alliances and Regional Realities
7:25 - 7:30 PM: Closing Remarks
7:30 - 8:00 PM: Networking
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded Traditional Coast Salish Lands including the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), Tsleil-Waututh(səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ) and Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) Nations.
📌 Important Info
Please cancel your registration if you can’t attend—spaces are limited and we want to make room for everyone.
By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of PNW Climate Week, receive communications about PNW Climate Week, and acknowledge that photos/videos may be taken for promotional use.