
Energy Transitions Networking Forum
Who will lead the clean energy transition? You will.
Get inspired, get connected and get a glimpse into your potential future career in clean energy. Join us for an interactive event where you’ll meet with industry leaders and alumni working on the front lines of the energy transition. Gain exclusive insights from clean energy expert Chris Henderson on accelerating Canada’s shift to a low-carbon future.ÌýLearn about the sector’s most pressing challenges, explore your options, and start building the network and knowledge to launch your career.
This is your chance to explore where your degree could take you and how you can help shape a cleaner energy future.
The Energy Transitions Networking Forum is hosted by the Faculty of Environment and isÌýthe first event in our Sustainable Futures for Tomorrow’s Leaders Series; linking student talent and industry to shape a changing workforce and drive economic prosperity and sustainability.ÌýÌý
Schedule
Time | Activity |
9:30 a.m. | Welcome |
9:45Ìý²¹.³¾. | Keynote with Chris Henderson |
10:30Ìý²¹.³¾. | Break |
10:45 a.m. | ±·±ð³Ù·É´Ç°ù°ì¾±²Ô²µÌý |
12:00Ìý±è.³¾. | Break |
12:30Ìý±è.³¾. | Lunch and panel:ÌýTackling Canada's Biggest Energy Challenges |
1:30Ìý±è.³¾. | Closing remarks and networking |
Important registration information
- This is a free event.Ìý
- Undergraduate and graduate students from all faculties are welcome to register.
- Industry partners are encouraged to RSVP.Ìý
- There is limited capacity and spots will be allocatedÌýon a first-come, first-served basis.
- Lunch will be provided and dietary needs will be accommodated.Ìý
- Please emailÌýChinweike Anastasia Ike-OrjiÌý²¹³ÙÌýcaikeorj@uwaterloo.caÌýshould you have any questions or concerns.Ìý
Keynote speaker

Chris HendersonÌýis a Canadian eco-entrepreneur and environmental innovator. Among the country’s foremost energy transition commentators, he has held a spectrum of prominent leadership positions at the intersection of clean energy, Cleantech, climate change, Indigenous sovereignty, and sustainable prosperity for over four decades. He offers transformative analysis to accelerate Canada and the world’s transition to a clean energy future.
Henderson is curator of the global clean energy dialogue platform, Transformative Energy,Ìýand is authoringa trilogy of books presenting ground-breaking energy transformation ideas and insights to catalyze national and global dialogue – fostering just and impactful collaborations.Ìý
His thought-provoking keynote address on accelerating Canada’s shift to a low-carbon future will draw on his extensive experience in corporate sustainability and definitive action on climate, while also touching on Indigenous clean energy and catalyzing societal shifts. He will highlight bold strategies to reimagine energy systems, advance innovation, and build more resilient communities. This session offers fresh insights into the opportunities and challenges of creating a clean energy future that is economically-abundant, socially-inclusive, and ecologically-integral.
Panelists

Sir Andrew SteerÌýis the former President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund, a $10 billion initiative launched by Jeff Bezos in 2020 to address climate and environmental challenges.ÌýPrior to this role, he served as President and CEO of the World Resources Institute for eight years, held key leadership positions at the World Bank, and was Director General at the UK Department for International Development. With a decade of experience in East Asia, he played a pivotal role in shaping global climate policy and sustainable development initiatives. He was knighted in 2024 for his contributions to sustainable development and was recognized by Forbes as one of the 50 most impactful climate leaders.

Tracy Primeau is a proud member of Nipissing First Nation and a trailblazer in Canada’s nuclear industry. She is one of the few women—and the only Indigenous person—to become a CNSC-licensed operator at Bruce Power, having servied as its first female Shift Manager to rise from the shop floor. Through her company, Agile Bear, Tracy speaks on diversity, women in STEM, and Indigenous relationship-building. She serves on several boards, including Women in Nuclear Canada, Ontario Power Generation, Ingenium, and the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ, and champions clean energy access for remote Indigenous communities and equity partnerships for economic reconciliation.She strives to use the Seven Grandfather teachings in her leadership every day.

Tej Gidda, PhD, P.Eng., is an environmental engineer who has been in the professional services and consulting business for more than 20 years. He works for GHD, a global consulting firm, where he is a vice-president and global leader for Future Energy. He employs a deliberate approach to engaging in the intricacies, challenges and possibilities of the energy transition around the world across existing and emerging technologies.
Panel moderator

Ian RowlandsÌýis a professor at the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability and is cross-appointed to the Global Governance Program with the Balsille School of International Affairs.ÌýDr. Rowlands has research and teaching interests in the areas of energy management strategies and policies, international environmental relations, and international education. His research has been published in many international journals, includingÌýEnergy Policy,ÌýEnergy Research & Social Science, Environmental Politics,ÌýRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,ÌýandÌýReview of Policy Research.ÌýHaving served as UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓÆµâ€™s Associate Vice-President, International for eight years, Dr. Rowlands participated in international, national, and provincial consultations convened by organizations including the International Energy Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and the Ontario Power Authority. Locally, he was one of the founders of Reep Green Solutions, served on the Board of Sustainable À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Region for six years, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors for À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Region Community Energy.
Location Information
200 University Avenue West
À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ, ON, CA N2L 3G1