The New Brunswick Energy Cluster (NBEC) proudly hosted its inaugural Member Network Meeting on Nov. 26, 2024, at the Delta Brunswick in Saint John. Nearly 200 energy innovators, industry leaders and community partners gathered to connect, collaborate and explore solutions to advance New Brunswick’s clean energy future.

The day began with an opening ceremony featuring Elder Tulley Paul of Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation and welcoming remarks from event MC David Campbell of Jupia Consultants Inc.

A Day of Insight, Innovation & Collaboration

The agenda included a range of engaging panels, presentations and discussions that addressed key opportunities and challenges shaping the province’s energy future:

• Building the Future Together: Eric Lloyd of Sunny Corner Enterprises and Styve Dumouchel of Lorneville outlined NBEC’s mandate and vision to drive innovation, foster collaboration and accelerate growth.
• Keynote Address: Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, delivered an inspiring keynote on the power of clusters in driving innovation, economic development and collaboration within Canada’s energy ecosystem.
• NB Power’s Energy Transition Developments: Brad Coady of NB Power presented updates on the province’s energy transition, highlighting developments that are helping move the sector forward.
• Renewable Energy Panel: Michelle Robichaud of Atlantica Centre for Energy moderated a discussion on challenges and opportunities in renewable energy. Panellists Robert Apold (Natural Forces), Jonathan Levesque (Groupe Savoie), Mark McAloon (The Smart Energy Company) and Ryan Dunbar (SOAR Professional Services) shared insights on advancing clean energy projects.
• Technology & Innovation Panel: Moderated by Troy Kearns of NB Power, this session explored how technology is accelerating the energy transition. Speakers included Glen Fillmore (Saint John Energy), Pierre Mullin (Siemens), Christina Schneider (NB Power) and Winston Morton (Climative).
• Gas & Hydrogen Solutions Panel: Claire Harris of Clean Energy Connections Inc. led a discussion on the role of gas and hydrogen in bridging energy gaps. Panellists Gilles Volpé (Liberty Utilities New Brunswick), Dave Seely (Saint John LNG LP), Jesse Cameron (ABO Energy) and Jennifer Cleversey Moffitt (Port of Belledune) offered their expertise.
• R&D as a Catalyst for Change: Diane Botelho of the Research and Productivity Council moderated a panel on leveraging research and development to accelerate the energy transition. Speakers included Brad McPherson (University of New Brunswick), Pauline Roy (Université de Moncton) and Cal Doucette (ARC Clean Technology).
• Funding for Clean Energy Panel: David Campbell led a discussion on funding opportunities. Panellists Steve Milbury (Opportunities NB), Sharonne Katz (Natural Resources Canada) and Josh Jenkins (ACOA New Brunswick) provided guidance on accessing funding to enable clean energy projects.
• The Next Chapter: Board members Mark McAloon (The Smart Energy Company) and Troy Kearns (NB Power) outlined the next steps related to electing the Board of Directors in 2025.

The afternoon wrapped up with roundtable discussions where attendees shared ideas on collaboration and priorities for the cluster.

Moving Forward

Participants praised the event for its energy, high-quality discussions and opportunities to connect. Feedback emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration, measurable outcomes and a focus on regional strengths to drive meaningful progress.

With more than 100 member organizations and growing, NBEC continues to build momentum. The success of this inaugural event sets a strong foundation for what’s to come. NBEC will continue to bring members together for future events and initiatives, strengthening partnerships and driving progress toward a sustainable energy future for New Brunswick.

Save the Date: Our Annual General Meeting will be held Monday, February 3, 2025. More information to follow.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this milestone event—we look forward to what’s next!