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Supply, security-focused environments and the impact of global markets on infrastructure were topics discussed at the (GES) 2026 at the BMO Centre in ��֦��Ƶ, which brought together energy-sector representatives from across the globe from June 9-11.

The event, for which the ��֦��Ƶ was a sponsor, united leaders in oil and gas, hydrogen, renewables, clean tech, digital innovation, and energy transition. This year, GES welcomed more than 30,000 attendees from more than 100 countries, including representatives from the university. 

, U��֦��Ƶ vice-president (research), highlighted the 60-year history of energy research excellence at U��֦��Ƶ and its contribution in driving economic prosperity in Alberta. “When we’re working together on shared challenges, we make a far greater impact than we do alone,” Ghali, BSc’87, MD’90, said at the event.

“The Global Energy Show allows us to have conversations in a more international context, which is important, especially with all of the changes happening in the energy sector,” says , PhD, associate dean, Community and Innovation, with the . 

U��֦��Ƶ’s innovations in the energy sector

U��֦��Ƶ’s presence was prominent at the GES, with two different faculties hosting interactive booths on the tradeshow floor in the Decarbonization Zone. 

The  showcased its  demonstrating their robotic arm and 3D printers, while the Faculty of Science showcased ��֦��Ƶ Framework 20 (CALF 20). CALF 20 is a U��֦��Ƶ-developed carbon-capture material was highlighted by the Nobel Committee for its unprecedented ability to capture carbon dioxide on an industrial scale.

“The university is not just discovering new things, but is also committed to use these findings in ways to make real-world impact,” says Kennepohl.

Strengthening connections in the community

Researchers from the university were further highlighted at the Executive Reception hosted by U��֦��Ƶ. The event brought together a community of academics, industry, and government to network. Speakers included the Hon. Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals, and U��֦��Ƶ representatives including Ghali and Drs. Milana Trifkovic and Stephen Hubbard, both PhD.

Hubbard underscored the Energy Science degree, the first in Canada, as an example of the university’s commitment to working with industry partners to design programs, train students and pursue research.

Giving an insight into U��֦��Ƶ’s future, he also spotlighted the new Multidisciplinary Science Hub and increased potential it will bring to our community.

“Looking ahead, our new Multidisciplinary Science Hub will bring experts together from across fields to continue to tackle the challenges that matter most to Alberta’s economy,” Hubbard said. “This is about breaking down silos and accelerating discovery where it counts most.”

Informing the conversation

Contributing to the bigger conversation, , PhD, dean of the Schulich School of Engineering, participated in a leadership roundtable entitled Coordinating Canada’s Energy Workforce: Building Mobility and Talent Supply Chains. This roundtable brought industry, government, education and Indigenous communities together to discuss strengthening Canada’s energy talent.

In the discussion panel, The Efficiency Edge: Running Data Centres Smarter, moderated by Kennepohl, experts in the field talked about managing energy use in real time in data centres. 

“No matter what industry you are in, artificial intelligence is going to have a dramatic impact,” says Kennepohl.

U��֦��Ƶ is making strides in energy research while also educating the leaders of tomorrow, meeting the needs of the energy industry as it evolves. “Together, we are aligning science with workforce needs — ensuring that our graduates are not only career-ready, but future-ready,” says Hubbard.

Learn more about U��֦��Ƶ’s impact on the energy industry