A prominent Canadian delegation from seven provinces traveled to Bilbao to participate in the largest meeting of the energy sector, Enlit Europe (November 18-20), with the aim of strengthening bilateral collaboration with Spain in crucial areas such as energy innovation, smart grids and digitalization.
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La transatlantic collaboration In the energy sector, it received a significant boost in Bilbao, where a broad representation of organizations and companies from Canada —coming from key regions such as Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick— actively participated in a busy schedule of B2B and institutional meetings.
The Canadian deployment had the fundamental support of Trade Commissioner Service from the Government of Canada and the collaboration of Gedeth NetworkA Spanish consultancy specializing in internationalization and foreign investment. This firm facilitated the strategic business connections and served as a link with the main institutions of the Spanish energy ecosystem.
Strengthening Smart Grid Technologies
A central component of the delegation was the presence of Jennifer Bowes and Greg Robart, representatives of the Smart Grid Innovation Network (SGIN)This organization is a leader in the development of advanced technologies for smart grids in Canada, and its participation in Bilbao opens the door to new opportunities. collaboration opportunities en digitalization, Energy Efficiency , network resilience and the development of multinational pilot projects.
Ontario positioned itself as a benchmark in innovationhighlighting its firm strategy for the internationalization of its technology and energy sectors, which seeks to increase its presence in the European innovation ecosystems.
The Canadian delegation reaffirmed its interest in using Spain as a platform for accessing the European market, thanks to its strategic position, its industrial clusters, and European innovation and funding programs.
Sustainability and First Nations on the Agenda
Another highlight was the growing role of First Nations (indigenous communities) in Canadian high-impact sectors such as responsible mining, renewable energy and sustainable management of natural resourcesBoth parties—Spain and Canada—identified clear opportunities to promote a sustainable cooperation that is respectful of indigenous communities and their territories.
Institutional Agenda and Strategic Value of Spain
The institutional agenda in the Basque Country included high-level meetings with the Basque Energy Cluster’s most emblematic landmarks, the Basque government and other entities linked to industrial innovation. The topics covered were the energy storage, digitalization, R&D projects and smart grids. Also Suzanne FraserThe Nova Scotia government presented the attractions of its province as investment destination, with emphasis on marine energies and applied innovation.
The Canadian delegation reaffirmed its strategic interest in considering Spain as a key platform for accessing the European market, citing as advantages its geographical location, the strength of its industrial clusters and its participation in European innovation and funding programs.
In this context, Juan Millán, CEO of Gedeth, he emphasized the potential of the meeting: “This edition of Enlit has highlighted the enormous possibilities for collaboration between Spain and Canada in technology and energy. We are facing a great opportunity to promote joint projects that combine innovation, sustainability, and international growth.”
