6th edition of the Forum on the Digital Transformation of Energy Systems

On February 24 and 25, 2027, the AIEQ will host the 6th edition of its Digital Forum under the theme “Building Tomorrow’s Energy Infrastructure.”

As electricity demand continues to rise and energy infrastructure must evolve at an unprecedented pace, digital transformation has become an essential driver of grid modernization, improved asset management, the integration of new energy sources, and the accelerated delivery of major projects.

Over two complementary days, the Forum will bring together representatives from Canadian utilities, technology companies, engineering firms, experts, and stakeholders across the energy ecosystem to share their experiences and explore solutions for building smarter, more resilient, and higher-performing infrastructure.

On February 24, the day will begin with a working session bringing utilities together to address the major challenges of grid modernization. For this session, the AIEQ will be supported by Smart Grid Innovation Network Canada. Key findings from these discussions will help shape the afternoon program, which will be open to the broader industry and will focus on interoperability, cybersecurity, digital asset management, and emerging approaches to better support decision-making.

On February 25, discussions will expand to the major challenges set to transform the energy sector over the next decade: the evolution toward smart grids, renewable energy integration, data value creation, growing energy demand, digital skills development, and the transformation of how major infrastructure projects are designed and delivered.

Panels, presentations, workshops, and strategic discussions will bring together perspectives from utilities and industry and, above all, connect technology, infrastructure, and execution capabilities.

Program at a Glance:

Wednesday, February 24, 2027 — Sun Life Building

Morning — Private Working Session with Utilities

8:00–8:30 a.m. — Welcome and coffee

8:30–9:00 a.m. — Welcome remarks and opening

9:00–9:30 a.m. — Setting the Stage for the Day: Innovation Challenge (SUPI) and Modern Grid Framework

9:30–10:45 a.m. — Breakout Working Sessions — Part 1
Three utility groups addressing grid modernization challenges

10:45–11:00 a.m. — Break

11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. — Breakout Working Sessions — Part 2
Identifying utilities’ challenges and priorities

12:15–1:15 p.m. — Lunch

Registrations are subject to confirmation by the event organizer.

Space is limited.

Afternoon — Forum Open to the Industry

12:30–1:30 p.m. — Registration and welcome

1:30–2:00 p.m. — Key Challenges Identified by Utilities

2:00–2:45 p.m. — Panel: Interoperability and Cybersecurity — Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure

2:45–3:15 p.m. — Networking Break

3:15–4:00 p.m. — From Digital Twins to Decision-Making: Better Asset Performance and Risk Management
Predictive maintenance, asset aging, investments, risk, and planning

4:00–4:45 p.m. — Inspirational Keynote

4:45–8:00 p.m. — Networking Cocktail Reception
 

Thursday, February 25, 2027 — Centre Mont-Royal

7:30–8:45 a.m. — Registration and Breakfast

8:45–9:00 a.m. — Opening Remarks

9:00–10:00 a.m. — Panel: From Digital Substations to Smart Grids — What Are the Priorities for Canadian Utilities?

10:00–10:30 a.m. — Networking Break

10:30–11:30 a.m. — Panel: Renewable Energy Integration — Technical Challenges and Opportunities for Industry

11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Presentation: Data-Driven Decision-Making
From Data to Decisions: How Can We Create Value from Data?

12:00–1:20 p.m. — Networking Lunch

1:20–2:20 p.m. — Thematic Sessions

Theme 1 — Data Centres, Electrification, and Industry: Meeting Growing Energy Demand

How can we reconcile growing demand, grid constraints, faster grid connections, and risk management?

Theme 2 — Developing the Skills Needed for Digital Energy Infrastructure

Workforce development, digital skills, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and continuing education.

2:20–2:50 p.m. — Networking Break

2:50–3:40 p.m. — Panel: Designing and Delivering Tomorrow’s Energy and Transportation Infrastructure

How is digital technology transforming the design and delivery of major projects?

3:40–4:25 p.m. — Closing Conversation: Turning Ambitions into Action — The Next Ten Years of the Energy Transition

4:25–4:35 p.m. — Closing Remarks

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Preliminary program, subject to change. 

Register Now!

You may also be interested in this event:

To view the program for the Roundtable Discussion on Digital Substations (IEC 61850)