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Summary of the Energy NL Conference and Exhibition 2026, provided by Energy NL.
Energy Opportunity Takes Centre Stage
Our flagship energy event has concluded and what an exciting week it was for attendees of the Energy NL Conference & Exhibition 2026. The theme of this year’s conference was Energy Opportunity: From the Atlantic to the World, emphasizing the evolving role of Newfoundland and Labrador in supplying responsibly produced energy to the world. From June 2-4, approximately 1,000 delegates, speakers, exhibitors, and industry leaders joined us at the St. John’s Convention Centre to learn and share insights on the Newfoundland and Labrador energy industry and its role in an ever-changing energy landscape.
Global Outlooks and Local Opportunity
The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, addressed the Energy NL Conference & Exhibition 2026 for the first time, opening conference with a clear message about the importance of Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy industry and its role in driving economic growth, investment, and long-term opportunity for the province. Premier Wakeham announced a new approach to seeking offshore oil and gas investment, including direct discussions with potential operators led by the Oil and Gas Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (OilCo).
Following Premier Wakeham was Kerry Moreland, President of ExxonMobil Canada, who, after nearly three years in our province, made her goodbyes as she prepares to depart for a new role in Houston, TX. She spoke about ongoing activities in the offshore, project developments, and the company’s continued commitment to Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy industry. Hibernia, the gift that keeps on giving, continues to demonstrate the long-term value of Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore industry, producing approximately 10,000 barrels per day.
In Session One – The More Things Change: Industry and Economic Outlook, attendees heard from Graeme Bagley, Head of Global E&A at Westwood Energy, who shared insights on global trends in the offshore sector. Jim Keating, CEO of OilCo, complimented those remarks with an overview of the offshore oil and gas industry of Newfoundland and Labrador and further details on OilCo’s role in seeking investment through direct negotiation.
Later in the morning, Energy NL CEO Charlene Johnson sat down one-on-one for an engaging fireside chat with The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Federal Minister of Finance and National Revenue, during which they discussed the national economy and the strategic role the Newfoundland and Labrador energy industry will play in advancing it.
Local Content Matters
In Session Two – Local Content: Why it Matters, panelists Zach Kaplan, Managing Director of Teneo, Andrew Corbett, Asset Manager (Pre-Operations), BW Offshore, and Matt Adams, CEO of NetBenefit Software, explored how local content is impacting the global energy industry, how nations are altering their approach, and how local content can be measured and monitored in Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure impactful participation by Energy NL members.
The opening day lunch keynote speaker was Lana Payne, National President of Unifor. She provided a compelling perspective into energy development and the important role of workers on Canada’s economy. She then participated in a fireside chat with Charlene Johnson. Her discussion brought a timely and relevant viewpoint through her recent appointment to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Advisory Committee on Canada–U.S. Economic Relations, offering important commentary on the evolving relationship between energy, trade, workforce development, and economic resilience in Canada.
And in the afternoon, attendees heard from presenters visiting from Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island on the future of clean energy in the U.S.
“It is clear that Newfoundland and Labrador is exceptionally well positioned to be a global leader in lower carbon energy supply. I look forward to building on the momentum of this week and striving to reach our potential, and to planning for our next conference which will also help us recognize 50 years of Energy NL.”
– Charlene Johnson, CEO, Energy NL
Project Updates Showcase Momentum Across the Sector
Day two of the Energy NL Conference & Exhibition 2026 included project updates from Jim Beresford, Vice President of Equinor Canada; Tracey Power, Chief Financial Officer of North Atlantic; and Jeff Jeworski, Senior Vice-President, Atlantic Region with Cenovus Energy. Jim provided the latest information on the Bay du Nord project; Tracey shared the story of growth and scale that is North Atlantic, including their $1.9 billion wind and clean fuels project and refinery in France; and Jeff highlighted our newest offshore oil and gas project, the West White Rose Concrete Gravity Structure and the ingenuity required to make the project a reality.
Building a More Efficient Regulatory Environment
In Session Three – Regulatory Review: Legislative Approaches Working for You, Scott Tessier, Chief Executive Officer of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator, and Terry Hubbard, President of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, participated in an insightful discussion about the Canadian regulatory process and how regulators are reforming to advance projects more efficiently, while ensuring environmental and safety rigour remain.
We were pleased to welcome Energy NL members led by Indigenous leaders and working with Indigenous partners to Session Four – The Path from Engagement to Inclusion: Indigenous Success Stories. Speakers Hilda Broomfield Letemplier, President of Pressure Pipe Procurement & Management Services, Michael Rose, District Director for East Coast Catering, and Sheila O’Neill, Indigenous Relations Manager with Horizon Naval Engineering, shared perspectives on moving beyond consultation toward long-term collaboration, ownership, and economic participation, while showcasing successful Indigenous partnerships and business initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador. Their discussion highlighted the growing importance of meaningful Indigenous inclusion in energy development and the opportunities created through strong partnerships and shared leadership.
A Powerful Reminder of Offshore Safety
Our day two luncheon featured keynote speaker Chris Lemons, who shared his remarkable story of survival; in 2012, Chris became stranded on the ocean floor during a North Sea diving operation. His survival is largely owed to the quick thinking and training of his team. Chris’s story left a huge impact on conference attendees, reminding us of the harsh realities of working offshore, and the importance of keeping safety and training as top priorities.
The afternoon concluded with a timely session on strengthening cooperation between Norway and Canada on offshore safety, regulation, and industry solutions.
Looking Outward: Atlantic Canada’s Global Energy Role
The final day began with an address from the Honourable Lloyd Parrott, Minister of Energy and Mines, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, who reiterated Premier Wakeham’s opening remarks on the provincial government’s strong commitment to Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy industry. He also spoke to the important role the province can play in the global energy landscape, highlighting our world-class resources, skilled workforce, and growing opportunity to supply responsibly produced energy to international markets.
Kirk Goobie, Vice President East Coast, Suncor Energy shared information on their latest activities offshore Newfoundland and Labrador, and Gail Randell, VP of Major Projects for Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, provided members with an overview of the capital works planned by the utility. Session Five – Opportunity Atlantic: Powering the World, featured Fred Bergman, Senior Policy Analyst at the Atlantic Economic Council, David MacGregor, Associate Deputy Minister of the Office of Priorities and Planning, Government of Nova Scotia, and Marc Bisaillon, Global Director, eGrid, Hatch who engaged in a discussion about future energy opportunities in Atlantic Canada.
During the final session of conference, attendees also heard from a wide range of leaders and experts representing renewable energy, hydrogen development, CCS and energy storage. Speakers included Ravi Sood, Chairman and Co-Founder of EVREC, Jamie MacKay, Senior Project Manager at Angler Solutions Inc., Frank Davis, Canada Country Head for Pattern Energy, and Julie Lemieux, CEO & Director of Triple Point Resources.
Their discussions were frank, insightful, and forward-looking, highlighting both the importance of collaboration and the significant opportunities ahead for the province.
Our conference concluded with keynote lunch speaker Elizabeth Wademan, President and CEO of Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV), which manages the Government of Canada’s 8.5% share of Hibernia. Elizabeth spoke candidly about Canada’s long-term energy competitiveness and how Newfoundland and Labrador can help the country take advantage of the moment.
Energizing the Next Generation
Over 50 students joined us on the last day of the conference and were excited to visit our exhibition area, which featured over 70 exhibitors this year. Students also had the chance to meet Minister Parrott, who participated in an engaging discussion with these future energy leaders.
“The Energy NL Conference & Exhibition 2026 was an incredible success,” said Conference Committee Chair and Board Past Chair Richard Mandeville. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the hundreds of Energy NL members and delegates who attended, along with the outstanding speakers whose insight and expertise shaped our discussions.”
Energy NL is extremely grateful for the support of our sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and, of course, our Conference Committee, which developed a thoughtful and impactful agenda that reflected the key opportunities and challenges facing our industry.
“It is clear that Newfoundland and Labrador is exceptionally well positioned to be a global leader in lower carbon energy supply,” says CEO Charlene Johnson. “I look forward to building on the momentum of this week and striving to reach our potential, and to planning for our next conference which will also help us recognize 50 years of Energy NL.”
For more information about Energy NL and our future events, visit www.energynl.ca.
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