Every year, CERAWeek draws over 11,000 of the world’s most influential minds in the energy sector to Houston, Texas.
The 2026 CERAWeek agenda was a real-time map of global investor priorities. According to Sightline Climate’s analysis of the agenda, sessions on AI, data centres, and power demand more than tripled year over year. Topics on Power, grid, and electrification nearly tripled, and there was also a notable increase in conversations around natural gas and LNG, as well as critical minerals and mining. The evolution of CERAWeek’s agenda paints a picture of compounding demand across the energy sector and beyond.
Jurisdictions that land high-impact energy investments deliver progress reliably, at scale, and on a timeline that meets global demand. And #TeamAlberta attended CERAWeek to help make that case for Alberta as an energy leader.
The world wants more of what Alberta has to offer
Invest Alberta’s Chief Corporate Development Officer, Denis Painchaud, kicked off CERAWeek by joining Premier Danielle Smith to open Alberta House – Team Alberta’s home base for hosting investor engagements throughout the week.
The opening of Canada House brought together federal and provincial leadership to deliver a unified message to a global audience: Canada is ready to lead as a trusted energy partner in an increasingly complex geopolitical climate.
The discussion featured Premier Danielle Smith, federal Natural Resources Minister Timothy Hodgson, and the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Tony Wakeham, moderated by Invest in Canada CEO, The Hon. Laurel Broten. Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Mark Wiseman, reinforced the depth of the Canada-U.S. energy relationship.
There was a clear and consistent message across the panel: Canada, and especially Alberta, has the resources, expertise, and political will to produce and deliver ethically sourced energy the world needs. Canada’s Asian trading partners are also actively seeking greater access to Canadian energy resources, and the geopolitical climate has advanced energy security as a top priority.
Premier Smith took to CERAWeek’s Spotlight series to present Alberta’s case as a key player in global energy security with clarity and ambition. She framed Alberta’s resources as not just an economic opportunity, but a critical stabilizing force for North America and allied nations navigating an increasingly unpredictable global energy environment.
120 days. Certainty by design.
A prominent announcement from the Government of Alberta at CERAWeek was new provincial legislation to establish a firm 120-day approval timeline for major projects, announced by Alberta’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Brian Jean.
“In an increasingly unstable global environment, there is a growing need for a reliable and responsible energy producer. Taking this step shows the world Alberta is ready to help meet this demand.” – Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals
Alberta has already eliminated approximately 220,000 unneeded regulations since 2019, saving businesses an estimated $3 billion and earning the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’s Golden Scissors Award. If passed, this legislation raises the bar further, building investment certainty directly into law.
The work continues
Global interest in Alberta isn’t new, but there is a new wave of urgency behind it. Invest Alberta’s efforts throughout the week advanced real opportunities with investors and industry leaders across energy, technology, and beyond.
The conversations that started in Houston will drive decisions that shape Alberta’s economic trajectory for years to come.
Looking to continue the conversation from CERAWeek? Connect with the Invest Alberta team.
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