Speakers
Aaron Long
Alternative Resource Energy Authority
Session 4C - Panel - Putting solar in communities, or community in solar?
For the past decade, Aaron has focused his attention on strengthening and creating new revenue sources for Nova Scotia municipalities in the transition to decarbonized energy supplies. He is one of the original architects of the Alternative Resource Energy Authority, an organization owned entirely by the small towns of Antigonish, Mahone Bay and Berwick. AREA led these towns, along with Riverport, to unique compliance status with the 2020 NS RES of 40% renewable supply by building the 23.5MW Ellershouse Wind Farm. Aaron also plays a significant role assisting the municipal electric utilities with their many affairs and ambitions.
Session 4C - Panel - Putting solar in communities, or community in solar?
For the past decade, Aaron has focused his attention on strengthening and creating new revenue sources for Nova Scotia municipalities in the transition to decarbonized energy supplies. He is one of the original architects of the Alternative Resource Energy Authority, an organization owned entirely by the small towns of Antigonish, Mahone Bay and Berwick. AREA led these towns, along with Riverport, to unique compliance status with the 2020 NS RES of 40% renewable supply by building the 23.5MW Ellershouse Wind Farm. Aaron also plays a significant role assisting the municipal electric utilities with their many affairs and ambitions.
Alexander Wolf
Frankensolar
Session 3A - Battery Storage in context of Canadian Electrical Code
Alexander Wolf, Dipl.-Ing., is a Product and Solutions Engineer at Frankensolar Americas Inc. With a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Stuttgart, Germany, specializing in power electronics, Alexander has been involved in the renewable energy industry since 2011. He began his career as a hardware developer for 3-phase commercial string inverters and contributed to the design of string inverters with a total worldwide installed capacity of approximately 5 GW. In his role at Frankensolar, Alexander focuses on introducing new high-quality products to the company's portfolio and developing customer-specific, innovative system solutions.
Session 3A - Battery Storage in context of Canadian Electrical Code
Alexander Wolf, Dipl.-Ing., is a Product and Solutions Engineer at Frankensolar Americas Inc. With a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Stuttgart, Germany, specializing in power electronics, Alexander has been involved in the renewable energy industry since 2011. He began his career as a hardware developer for 3-phase commercial string inverters and contributed to the design of string inverters with a total worldwide installed capacity of approximately 5 GW. In his role at Frankensolar, Alexander focuses on introducing new high-quality products to the company's portfolio and developing customer-specific, innovative system solutions.
Allison Clark
ICTC - Information Technology & Communications Council
Session 5C - Labour Market Trends of the Clean Economy: Jobs and Skills for Future Leaders
Allison Clark is a Research and Policy Analyst at ICTC. Allison has a broad background in environmental sustainability, with research experience in climate change and clean energy. Allison holds a BSc in Biology and Environmental Science from Mount Allison University and is pursuing a master's degree in Sustainability from Brock University.
Session 5C - Labour Market Trends of the Clean Economy: Jobs and Skills for Future Leaders
Allison Clark is a Research and Policy Analyst at ICTC. Allison has a broad background in environmental sustainability, with research experience in climate change and clean energy. Allison holds a BSc in Biology and Environmental Science from Mount Allison University and is pursuing a master's degree in Sustainability from Brock University.
Anirudh Kshemendranath
Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors
Session 2A - Unlocking the Potential of Behind-the-Meter Solar in Nova Scotia to Meet Net Zero by 2050
Session 4C – Panel – Putting solar in communities, or community in solar?
Anirudh is a consultant with expertise in modelling and over ten years of experience in energy storage, energy storage policy, market entry strategy, and electricity wholesale markets. At Dunsky, Anirudh provides analytical and strategic consultation on energy storage, solar adoption, the value of DERs, utility planning, and rate design. Before joining Dunsky, Anirudh worked in California and Texas for over seven years. During that time, he assisted policymakers in creating clean energy roadmaps, helped energy developers evaluate the financial viability of their projects, and advised corporate clients on market entry strategies for new or existing energy products.
Session 2A - Unlocking the Potential of Behind-the-Meter Solar in Nova Scotia to Meet Net Zero by 2050
Session 4C – Panel – Putting solar in communities, or community in solar?
Anirudh is a consultant with expertise in modelling and over ten years of experience in energy storage, energy storage policy, market entry strategy, and electricity wholesale markets. At Dunsky, Anirudh provides analytical and strategic consultation on energy storage, solar adoption, the value of DERs, utility planning, and rate design. Before joining Dunsky, Anirudh worked in California and Texas for over seven years. During that time, he assisted policymakers in creating clean energy roadmaps, helped energy developers evaluate the financial viability of their projects, and advised corporate clients on market entry strategies for new or existing energy products.
Anna Gorman
Clean Foundation
Session 3C - Panel - Making Solar more Inclusive - EDI & the Energy Transition
Anna is an Engagement Specialist at Clean Foundation, working primarily with the Clean Energy and Equity Network. She holds a Master’s in Planning from Dalhousie University, and brings experience in community engagement and community-based climate change research to her work at Clean Foundation. She is passionate about supporting an equitable green transition in Canada.
Session 3C - Panel - Making Solar more Inclusive - EDI & the Energy Transition
Anna is an Engagement Specialist at Clean Foundation, working primarily with the Clean Energy and Equity Network. She holds a Master’s in Planning from Dalhousie University, and brings experience in community engagement and community-based climate change research to her work at Clean Foundation. She is passionate about supporting an equitable green transition in Canada.
Arash Yazdani
PRI Engineering
Session 1C - Panel – Building Resilient Solar Projects
Arash is the founder of PRI Engineering, and a designated professional engineer/consulting engineer and has been working in the field of materials testing, geotechnical engineering and hydrogeology for over fifteen years. He recently was designated as a Fellow of Engineers Canada recognizing ten years of volunteering with the engineering profession. Arash has overseen the detailed design of hundreds of foundation designs for solar mounting structures across North America. As far north as Inuvik, Nunavut to Barbados in the Caribbean as well as a number of projects in Atlantic Canada. He is a licensed engineer in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and all of the territories.
Session 1C - Panel – Building Resilient Solar Projects
Arash is the founder of PRI Engineering, and a designated professional engineer/consulting engineer and has been working in the field of materials testing, geotechnical engineering and hydrogeology for over fifteen years. He recently was designated as a Fellow of Engineers Canada recognizing ten years of volunteering with the engineering profession. Arash has overseen the detailed design of hundreds of foundation designs for solar mounting structures across North America. As far north as Inuvik, Nunavut to Barbados in the Caribbean as well as a number of projects in Atlantic Canada. He is a licensed engineer in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and all of the territories.
Benjamin Doucet
Dillon Consulting
Session 1B - Implementation of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and their roles & benefits in the Built Environment
Benjamin, a seasoned electrical engineer, possesses extensive expertise in designing electrical building systems with a specialized focus on energy transition and its seamless integration into the built environment. Presently, he is a valuable member of Dillon Consulting, holding the prestigious role of Regional Account Lead for Atlantic Canada related to energy system transformations in their Facilities service line. Additionally, he played a key role in establishing and shaping their Energy Transition Service Offering.
Brendon Henderson
Nova Scotia Power
Session 4B - Increasing transparency in photovoltaic (PV) hosting capacity to improve project readiness
Session 4B - Increasing transparency in photovoltaic (PV) hosting capacity to improve project readiness
Brendon has worked with Nova Scotia Power since 2015 in various roles in Distribution System Operations, Protection and Control, and System Planning. Currently he is the Senior Engineer of the Distribution Planning team, responsible for the execution of distribution system modelling and studies related to capacity planning and interconnection impacts.
Brent Staeben
NB Power
Session 4C - Panel - Putting solar in communities, or community in solar?
Session 5A - Battery Storage with Utility Integration
Brent is NB Power’s leader of the Smart Grid Atlantic projects and is part of the founding group of smart energy business leaders who created the Smart Grid Innovation Network in 2015. With a career spent working across various executive positions in communications, marketing and customer experience, he’s spent the past five years pursuing opportunities to site innovative new smart grid projects in New Brunswick. Brent’s primary interest in the energy transition is leveraging New Brunswick’s leadership position in this space to the benefit of local companies and in helping New Brunswickers understand the challenges the province will face as it manages its way through this revolution in the energy sector.
Session 4C - Panel - Putting solar in communities, or community in solar?
Session 5A - Battery Storage with Utility Integration
Brent is NB Power’s leader of the Smart Grid Atlantic projects and is part of the founding group of smart energy business leaders who created the Smart Grid Innovation Network in 2015. With a career spent working across various executive positions in communications, marketing and customer experience, he’s spent the past five years pursuing opportunities to site innovative new smart grid projects in New Brunswick. Brent’s primary interest in the energy transition is leveraging New Brunswick’s leadership position in this space to the benefit of local companies and in helping New Brunswickers understand the challenges the province will face as it manages its way through this revolution in the energy sector.
Brian Douglas
Charge Solar
Pre-Summit Workshop - Commercial Solar Installation in Atlantic Canada: A Comprehensive Guide
Brian leads the national sales team at Charge Solar. With over eighteen years in solar PV, Brian has contributed in areas from logistics to accounting to design and ultimately sales. He served on CanSIA's board from 2016 to 2018 and advocated for solar policies at Ontario's legislative assembly. As a respected voice on solar programs and net metering's future in Canada, Brian is focused on working with Canada's installers to continue to the solar PV industry.
Pre-Summit Workshop - Commercial Solar Installation in Atlantic Canada: A Comprehensive Guide
Brian leads the national sales team at Charge Solar. With over eighteen years in solar PV, Brian has contributed in areas from logistics to accounting to design and ultimately sales. He served on CanSIA's board from 2016 to 2018 and advocated for solar policies at Ontario's legislative assembly. As a respected voice on solar programs and net metering's future in Canada, Brian is focused on working with Canada's installers to continue to the solar PV industry.
Brian Nash
Nash Renewables
Session 2C - Panel - Enabling Battery Storage Panel
Brian is an award-winning battery-based technologist and entrepreneur specializing in advanced off grid and hybrid grid tied battery-based systems. Brian has been recognized for landmark battery-based projects that exemplify a high degree of technological innovation, uniqueness, and economic feasibility.
Brian created an educational center and alternative energy park in Haliburton, Ontario for the public to promote awareness, provide education, and to demonstrate various energy options. Brian currently manages Nash Renewables a Canadian Battery Based BESS consulting firm.
Session 2C - Panel - Enabling Battery Storage Panel
Brian is an award-winning battery-based technologist and entrepreneur specializing in advanced off grid and hybrid grid tied battery-based systems. Brian has been recognized for landmark battery-based projects that exemplify a high degree of technological innovation, uniqueness, and economic feasibility.
Brian created an educational center and alternative energy park in Haliburton, Ontario for the public to promote awareness, provide education, and to demonstrate various energy options. Brian currently manages Nash Renewables a Canadian Battery Based BESS consulting firm.
Carl Duivenvoorden
Change Your Corner - Moderator
Session 2C - Panel - Battery Storage
Session 2C - Panel - Battery Storage
Carl is a speaker, writer and sustainability consultant based in Upper Kingsclear, New Brunswick. In 2007, he became one of the first Canadians to be trained by former US Vice President Al Gore to present live versions of "An Inconvenient Truth", Mr. Gore's Academy Award-winning slideshow. He’s presented to over 400 audiences since, to help build understanding of the challenge of climate change and to help people and organizations learn how they can save money, energy and our environment.
Chris Turner
Sustainability & Global Cleantech Expert
Morning Keynote - How to Be a Climate Optimist
Chris Turner is one of Canada’s leading voices on climate solutions and the global energy transition. His latest book is How To Be A Climate Optimist, a survey of the first two decades of progress on solving the climate crisis. His previous books on climate, energy and technology include multiple bestsellers and winners of the National Business Book Award, the W.O. Mitchell Book Prize, and the Writers’ Union of Canada’s Freedom to Read Award. His essays and features on energy, climate and technology have appeared in The New Yorker, The Guardian, The Globe & Mail, Maclean’s, and many other publications, and won 10 National Magazine Awards.
Morning Keynote - How to Be a Climate Optimist
Chris Turner is one of Canada’s leading voices on climate solutions and the global energy transition. His latest book is How To Be A Climate Optimist, a survey of the first two decades of progress on solving the climate crisis. His previous books on climate, energy and technology include multiple bestsellers and winners of the National Business Book Award, the W.O. Mitchell Book Prize, and the Writers’ Union of Canada’s Freedom to Read Award. His essays and features on energy, climate and technology have appeared in The New Yorker, The Guardian, The Globe & Mail, Maclean’s, and many other publications, and won 10 National Magazine Awards.
Dan Hoile
Solar Edge
Pre-Summit Workshop - What’s New at SolarEdge? Optimized Inverters and Smart Energy Management for Homes and Business
Pre-Summit Workshop - What’s New at SolarEdge? Optimized Inverters and Smart Energy Management for Homes and Business
Dan has been an active professional in the Canadian solar PV landscape for over 14 years. From residential and commercial project execution to wholesale distribution and power electronics manufacturing, Dan brings a wide range of experience and insights to industry stakeholders. In his current role Dan manages the Canadian market on behalf of SolarEdge, the worlds #1 optimized solar inverter manufacturer with over 3.5 million systems monitored and over 120 million power optimizers shipped worldwide.
Dennis Gillis
Saint Mary's University
Session 1B - Implementation of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and their roles & benefits in the Built Environment
Session 1B - Implementation of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and their roles & benefits in the Built Environment
Dennis is a professional engineer that works as the senior director of facilities management at Saint Mary’s University. Dennis previously held roles responsible for capital planning and campus development at the Nova Scotia Health Authority and Dalhousie University. He is an avid runner and enjoys playing the fiddle.
Drew Bernard
Lennox Island First Nation
Session 3C - Panel - Making Solar more Inclusive - EDI & the Energy Transition
Drew is the Energy Lead and proud member of Lennox Island First Nation.
After graduating from Energy Systems Engineering Technology at Holland College in 2021, Drew began to chart a path to net-zero for his small but mighty Indigenous community on PEI's north shore. Today, he is utilizing his position and experience to make significant impacts not only in his own community, but in Prince Edward Island's energy mix as a whole.
Session 3C - Panel - Making Solar more Inclusive - EDI & the Energy Transition
Drew is the Energy Lead and proud member of Lennox Island First Nation.
After graduating from Energy Systems Engineering Technology at Holland College in 2021, Drew began to chart a path to net-zero for his small but mighty Indigenous community on PEI's north shore. Today, he is utilizing his position and experience to make significant impacts not only in his own community, but in Prince Edward Island's energy mix as a whole.
Geoff Osborne
Capstone Infrastructure
Session 2C - Panel - Enabling Battery Storage Panel
Session 4A - Hybrid Battery Expansions - Ratepayer Savings Opportunity
Geoff is focused on origination, strategy, and partnerships at Capstone Infrastructure, one of Canada’s leading renewable energy companies. Prior to Capstone, he was Director, Strategy & Operations at NRStor, a company he helped to found in 2012. For over 10 years with NRStor Geoff was involved in all aspects of the business including development, operations, strategy and fundraising. This included several first of kind battery, flywheel, CAES and virtual power plant projects in Canada, as well as leading various aspects of the 250MW/1,000MWh Oneida Energy Storage Project. Geoff is an advocate for regulatory reform to enable new technologies and business models through organizations including ESC, CanREA, CESA, etc.
Session 2C - Panel - Enabling Battery Storage Panel
Session 4A - Hybrid Battery Expansions - Ratepayer Savings Opportunity
Geoff is focused on origination, strategy, and partnerships at Capstone Infrastructure, one of Canada’s leading renewable energy companies. Prior to Capstone, he was Director, Strategy & Operations at NRStor, a company he helped to found in 2012. For over 10 years with NRStor Geoff was involved in all aspects of the business including development, operations, strategy and fundraising. This included several first of kind battery, flywheel, CAES and virtual power plant projects in Canada, as well as leading various aspects of the 250MW/1,000MWh Oneida Energy Storage Project. Geoff is an advocate for regulatory reform to enable new technologies and business models through organizations including ESC, CanREA, CESA, etc.
Giles Counsell
Siemens Canada
Session 5A - Battery Storage with Utility Integration
Giles is the Smart Energy lead for Siemens Energy Business Advisory, working with government, business and industry to realize opportunities from the transformational changes facing the energy sector driven by digitalization, decarbonization, electrification and changing customers choices. With extensive experience in smart grid technologies and grid modernization, Giles is a recognized expert and trusted advisor to electric utilities with a specific focus on grid edge solutions enabling the use of energy flexibility to support the grid, create value across the energy ecosystem and realize climate goals.
Session 5A - Battery Storage with Utility Integration
Giles is the Smart Energy lead for Siemens Energy Business Advisory, working with government, business and industry to realize opportunities from the transformational changes facing the energy sector driven by digitalization, decarbonization, electrification and changing customers choices. With extensive experience in smart grid technologies and grid modernization, Giles is a recognized expert and trusted advisor to electric utilities with a specific focus on grid edge solutions enabling the use of energy flexibility to support the grid, create value across the energy ecosystem and realize climate goals.
Haley MacFarlane
Stantec
Session 4C - Panel - Panel - Putting solar in communities, or community in solar?
Haley is an Electrical Engineering Technologist with Stantec Consulting. As a recent graduate, Haley has seamlessly transitioned into the renewable energy industry with an unwavering commitment to shaping a sustainable future. Haley brings a fresh and unique perspective to the industry and her dedication to harnessing the power of renewable resources shines brightly. Her work experience spans from drafting and designing renewable energy systems to project coordination and technical writing.
Session 4C - Panel - Panel - Putting solar in communities, or community in solar?
Haley is an Electrical Engineering Technologist with Stantec Consulting. As a recent graduate, Haley has seamlessly transitioned into the renewable energy industry with an unwavering commitment to shaping a sustainable future. Haley brings a fresh and unique perspective to the industry and her dedication to harnessing the power of renewable resources shines brightly. Her work experience spans from drafting and designing renewable energy systems to project coordination and technical writing.
Jeff MacAulay
Charge Solar
Pre-Summit Workshop - Commercial Solar Installation in Atlantic Canada: A Comprehensive Guide
Session 5B - From Diesel to Solar: Empowering a Northern First Nations Community with a Transformative Transition
Jeff, the CEO of Charge Solar, is a leader in Canada's energy transformation focusing on solar power for homes and businesses. With 20 years of renewable energy industry experience, Jeff has focused on technology development and deployment in the hydrogen, wind, solar, battery storage, EV charging, and virtual power plant sectors. In addition to his leadership role at Charge Solar, he also serves as a board member for Canada’s Renewable Energy Association focusing on powering Canada’s journey to net-zero by 2050. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) degree from the University of Victoria.
Pre-Summit Workshop - Commercial Solar Installation in Atlantic Canada: A Comprehensive Guide
Session 5B - From Diesel to Solar: Empowering a Northern First Nations Community with a Transformative Transition
Jeff, the CEO of Charge Solar, is a leader in Canada's energy transformation focusing on solar power for homes and businesses. With 20 years of renewable energy industry experience, Jeff has focused on technology development and deployment in the hydrogen, wind, solar, battery storage, EV charging, and virtual power plant sectors. In addition to his leadership role at Charge Solar, he also serves as a board member for Canada’s Renewable Energy Association focusing on powering Canada’s journey to net-zero by 2050. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) degree from the University of Victoria.
Lisa Oelke
Lisa Oelke Consulting
Session 3C - Panel - Making Solar more Inclusive - EDI & the Energy Transition
Lisa is an entrepreneur with a passion for the environment. She has spent the past 13 years focusing on utility scale and residential solar. She has worked on initiatives to bring off-grid solar and storage to children in a remote orphanage in Tanzania. Sustainable solutions fueled Lisa to launch her consultancy business in 2020, to drive future low carbon initiatives. Lisa is avid volunteer, supporting women lead initiatives such as an Advisory Board for Women in Renewable Energy. She currently sits on the board of StepUp in Energy Management, a not for profit aiming to improve gender equity in the transition to a low carbon economy.
Session 3C - Panel - Making Solar more Inclusive - EDI & the Energy Transition
Lisa is an entrepreneur with a passion for the environment. She has spent the past 13 years focusing on utility scale and residential solar. She has worked on initiatives to bring off-grid solar and storage to children in a remote orphanage in Tanzania. Sustainable solutions fueled Lisa to launch her consultancy business in 2020, to drive future low carbon initiatives. Lisa is avid volunteer, supporting women lead initiatives such as an Advisory Board for Women in Renewable Energy. She currently sits on the board of StepUp in Energy Management, a not for profit aiming to improve gender equity in the transition to a low carbon economy.
Louis Dionne
Efficiency Nova Scotia
Session 1B - Implementation of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and their roles & benefits in the Built Environment
Session 1B - Implementation of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and their roles & benefits in the Built Environment
Louis is a senior mechanical engineer who works as the energy manager for Saint Mary’s and Mount Saint Vincent Universities as part of Efficiency NS’ team. Louis investigates facility improvement opportunities leading to energy and GHG emissions reductions and supports Facility Management projects. His previous experience includes facility planning in health care and mechanical systems design for the energy, marine and industrial sectors. Louis enjoys running and cycling, and tackles home renos that can never end soon enough.
Matthew Upton
Marsh Insurance
Session 2B - Ground Mounted and Rooftop Solar PV – Insurance and Risk Management Strategies
Matthew is a Senior Client Executive specializing in renewable energy and indigenous business. He is responsible for new project business and managing a variety of accounts. Matthew is a highly experienced claims adjuster and examiner who has spent over a decade handling multi-lines of insurance for a variety of high-profile clients. Throughout his career, he has taken on a range of roles, including Commercial Account Executive, Commercial Insurance Producer, Casualty Claims Examiner, and Claims Specialist. With his clear, concise, and informative approach, Matthew is a trusted partner to his clients, helping them navigate complex claims with ease and ensuring they receive the support they need throughout the process.
Session 2B - Ground Mounted and Rooftop Solar PV – Insurance and Risk Management Strategies
Matthew is a Senior Client Executive specializing in renewable energy and indigenous business. He is responsible for new project business and managing a variety of accounts. Matthew is a highly experienced claims adjuster and examiner who has spent over a decade handling multi-lines of insurance for a variety of high-profile clients. Throughout his career, he has taken on a range of roles, including Commercial Account Executive, Commercial Insurance Producer, Casualty Claims Examiner, and Claims Specialist. With his clear, concise, and informative approach, Matthew is a trusted partner to his clients, helping them navigate complex claims with ease and ensuring they receive the support they need throughout the process.
Michael Maracle-Polak
Akwekon Sustainable Energy
Lunch Keynote - Bringing the Sacred Aspect to Clean Energy Projects
Lunch Keynote - Bringing the Sacred Aspect to Clean Energy Projects
Michael is Mohawk, Bear Clan with Ancestry in Tyendinaga on his Mother’s side and Polish on his Father’s side. He currently serves as; Board of Directors, Glooscap Ventures, Executive Director, Pictou Landing First Nation and President, Akwekon Enterprises. Michael is a person of principles, passionate about solving problems, innovation, design, and traditional Indigenous teachings. Persistently curious, Michael enjoys attempting to understand the mechanics of human made systems and how align them better with nature made systems.
Patrick D. Bateman,
PD Bateman & Associates
Session 2C - Panel - Enabling Battery Storage
Session 2C - Panel - Enabling Battery Storage
Session 3B - Solar Nova Scotia – Member Engagement Session
Patrick is the Principal Consultant & Strategic Advisor with PDBateman & Associates Inc. He provides strategy, research and analysis at the convergence of electricity markets and climate policy to project proponents and stakeholders in Canada. He is a recognized energy transition expert and advocate, with fifteen years of industry experience and a large circle of influence. Patrick holds an: MSc Renewable Energy from the School of Construction Management & Engineering, Reading (UK); a BSc Environmental Biology from the School of Biology & Environmental Science, Dublin (Ireland); and an Indigenous Canada certificate from the Faculty of Native Studies, University of Alberta. He is also currently working toward an Executive LLM in Energy & Infrastructure Law from York University.
Patrick is the Principal Consultant & Strategic Advisor with PDBateman & Associates Inc. He provides strategy, research and analysis at the convergence of electricity markets and climate policy to project proponents and stakeholders in Canada. He is a recognized energy transition expert and advocate, with fifteen years of industry experience and a large circle of influence. Patrick holds an: MSc Renewable Energy from the School of Construction Management & Engineering, Reading (UK); a BSc Environmental Biology from the School of Biology & Environmental Science, Dublin (Ireland); and an Indigenous Canada certificate from the Faculty of Native Studies, University of Alberta. He is also currently working toward an Executive LLM in Energy & Infrastructure Law from York University.
Peter Craig,
Province of Nova Scotia
Session 1A – Nova Scotia Government Update on Solar
Peter Craig is the Manager for the Clean Electricity Team at Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources and Renewables. This team has been working tirelessly to improve access to solar energy for Nova Scotians and to transition Nova Scotia’s electricity system from coal to renewables.
Session 1A – Nova Scotia Government Update on Solar
Peter Craig is the Manager for the Clean Electricity Team at Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources and Renewables. This team has been working tirelessly to improve access to solar energy for Nova Scotians and to transition Nova Scotia’s electricity system from coal to renewables.
Rob Milliken
Charge Solar
Pre-Summit Workshop - Commercial Solar Installation in Atlantic Canada: A Comprehensive Guide
With over two decades of experience in the solar PV industry, Rob is a seasoned professional who has seamlessly navigated roles from Business Development to Operations. As the Vice President of Operations at Charge Solar, he focuses on optimizing supply chains and managing distribution warehouses across Canada. Before his solar voyage, Rob's prowess shone on the ice rinks, transitioning from a University of Alaska scholar to a professional hockey player.
Pre-Summit Workshop - Commercial Solar Installation in Atlantic Canada: A Comprehensive Guide
With over two decades of experience in the solar PV industry, Rob is a seasoned professional who has seamlessly navigated roles from Business Development to Operations. As the Vice President of Operations at Charge Solar, he focuses on optimizing supply chains and managing distribution warehouses across Canada. Before his solar voyage, Rob's prowess shone on the ice rinks, transitioning from a University of Alaska scholar to a professional hockey player.
Rob Boone
Nova Scotia Power
Session 5A - Battery Storage with Utility Integration
Rob is a Professional Electrical Engineer with Nova Scotia Power in Halifax, N.S. Over the last decade, Rob has held key leadership roles in transformational projects and initiatives including Smart Grid Atlantic, Intelligent Feeder Project, which deployed the first grid-scale BESS in Nova Scotia, as well as broad reaching Work and Asset Management system upgrade projects. Rob’s foundation as a Senior Engineer in operational roles including a portfolio of smart grid, distribution protection and automation, GIS and asset management provides a well-rounded basis for shaping the future of grid modernization in Nova Scotia.
Session 5A - Battery Storage with Utility Integration
Rob is a Professional Electrical Engineer with Nova Scotia Power in Halifax, N.S. Over the last decade, Rob has held key leadership roles in transformational projects and initiatives including Smart Grid Atlantic, Intelligent Feeder Project, which deployed the first grid-scale BESS in Nova Scotia, as well as broad reaching Work and Asset Management system upgrade projects. Rob’s foundation as a Senior Engineer in operational roles including a portfolio of smart grid, distribution protection and automation, GIS and asset management provides a well-rounded basis for shaping the future of grid modernization in Nova Scotia.
Sarah Riley
R&G Strategic - Moderator & Event Emcee
Session 3C - Panel - Making Solar more Inclusive - EDI & the Energy Transition
Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at R&G Strategic, a women-founded and led agency seamlessly blending a creative communications and sustainability consultancy into one unique offering. Sarah’s work and R&G’s mission focus on helping purpose-led organizations activate their impact strategies and inspire transformative change by using storytelling to shift cultural narratives and engage communities in clean energy, climatech, and solutions for environmental and social good. She is a recipient of a UN Global Compact award for her contribution toward the SDGs (Goal 17), and one of Canada's Clean50 for 2024.
Session 3C - Panel - Making Solar more Inclusive - EDI & the Energy Transition
Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at R&G Strategic, a women-founded and led agency seamlessly blending a creative communications and sustainability consultancy into one unique offering. Sarah’s work and R&G’s mission focus on helping purpose-led organizations activate their impact strategies and inspire transformative change by using storytelling to shift cultural narratives and engage communities in clean energy, climatech, and solutions for environmental and social good. She is a recipient of a UN Global Compact award for her contribution toward the SDGs (Goal 17), and one of Canada's Clean50 for 2024.
Sean Kelly
SKC Consulting - Moderator
Session 4C - Panel - Panel - Putting solar in communities, or community in solar?
Session 4C - Panel - Panel - Putting solar in communities, or community in solar?
Sean Kelly is an award-winning professional with over 30 years of experience in program development and management, strategic planning, inclusive leadership, communications, and adult education. Currently a strategic consultant, he has worked for organizations including Clean Nova Scotia Foundation (first as Manager of Communications and then as Director of Clean Energy Programs), Cuso International, the Lester Pearson Institute for International Development, and the Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia.
Todd Leger
ICTC - Information Technology & Communications Council
Session 5C - Labour Market Trends of the Clean Economy: Jobs and Skills for Future Leaders
Session 5C - Labour Market Trends of the Clean Economy: Jobs and Skills for Future Leaders
Todd is an Economist and Research Analyst at ICTC. Todd has experience in export development strategies supporting the adoption of clean technologies. Todd is a Certified International Trade Professional, has an MBA from Cape Breton University and a BA in Economics and Criminology from St. Thomas University.
Tom St. Onge
PRI Engineering
Session 1C - Panel – Building Resilient Solar Projects
Tom brings 20+ years of leadership experience in progressive assignments and roles. He has led and successfully delivered projects and programs in support of deliberately planned construction and infrastructure efforts, disaster and emergency relief, renewable energy, digital transformation, and military operations. Tom has advanced degrees in Electrical Engineering and Construction Engineering Management and is a graduate of the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College Seminar Program. Tom resides in Fredericton, New Brunswick and is currently the Director of Operations for PRI Engineering.
Session 1C - Panel – Building Resilient Solar Projects
Tom brings 20+ years of leadership experience in progressive assignments and roles. He has led and successfully delivered projects and programs in support of deliberately planned construction and infrastructure efforts, disaster and emergency relief, renewable energy, digital transformation, and military operations. Tom has advanced degrees in Electrical Engineering and Construction Engineering Management and is a graduate of the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College Seminar Program. Tom resides in Fredericton, New Brunswick and is currently the Director of Operations for PRI Engineering.
Vishal Lala
Polar Racking
Session 1C - Panel – Building Resilient Solar Projects
Vishal is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Polar Racking. Over the past 14 years, Vishal has grown Polar Racking to be Canada's leading manufacturer of mounting systems and engineering services for the solar industry. Vishal's attributes his continuous focus on developing high quality products and exceptional customer service to Polar Racking success. Vishal has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University and holds a Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute.
Session 1C - Panel – Building Resilient Solar Projects
Vishal is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Polar Racking. Over the past 14 years, Vishal has grown Polar Racking to be Canada's leading manufacturer of mounting systems and engineering services for the solar industry. Vishal's attributes his continuous focus on developing high quality products and exceptional customer service to Polar Racking success. Vishal has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University and holds a Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute.
Wesley Johnston
CanREA
Session 2A - Unlocking the Potential of Behind-the-Meter Solar in Nova Scotia to Meet Net Zero by 2050
As CanREA’s Vice President, Business Development, Finance and Operations, Wesley provides business and organizational leadership. In his previous role as President and CEO at the Canadian Solar Industries Association, he led its merger with CanWEA to form CanREA in 2020. Wes has been passionate about renewables ever since installing a solar water-heating system on his first home in PEI, back in 2004. Wes is based in Ottawa.
Session 2A - Unlocking the Potential of Behind-the-Meter Solar in Nova Scotia to Meet Net Zero by 2050
As CanREA’s Vice President, Business Development, Finance and Operations, Wesley provides business and organizational leadership. In his previous role as President and CEO at the Canadian Solar Industries Association, he led its merger with CanWEA to form CanREA in 2020. Wes has been passionate about renewables ever since installing a solar water-heating system on his first home in PEI, back in 2004. Wes is based in Ottawa.