Canadian Waterpower Week
October 01, 2025 - October 03, 2025
Canadian Waterpower Week: Powering Canada, Empowering the Future
A National Platform for Hydropower Innovation and Energy Sustainability
Canadian Waterpower Week is the premier annual gathering for Canada's hydropower sector—bringing together industry leaders, technical innovators, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to explore the dynamic role of waterpower in shaping Canada's energy future. Organized by WaterPower Canada, the event takes place at The Westin Ottawa in the heart of the nation’s capital, setting the stage for collaboration, innovation, and forward-looking discussion.
With the theme Powering Canada, Empowering the Future, this year’s event highlights how hydropower—Canada’s largest source of renewable energy—continues to provide energy security, economic strength, and environmental leadership in a time of global transition.
From national grid resilience to community empowerment, Canadian Waterpower Week reaffirms waterpower’s essential place in both current and future energy strategies.
A Diverse Lineup of Exhibitors and Thought Leaders
One of the most exciting aspects of Canadian Waterpower Week is its multifaceted exhibition floor, which hosts leading organizations pushing the boundaries of hydropower innovation. The diversity of technologies, services, and expertise on display reflects the rich ecosystem that supports this crucial sector.
Notable exhibitors at this year's event include:
ANDRITZ – A global leader in hydroelectric equipment and digital automation
BBA – Experts in engineering, consulting, and sustainable infrastructure
AtkinsRéalis – Delivering transformative hydropower projects across Canada
Natel Energy – Innovators in eco-friendly, fish-safe hydro turbine systems
These companies, along with many others, will showcase advanced solutions for plant modernization, grid integration, water management, and climate resilience. Their presence at the expo represents a strong commitment to evolving hydropower into a cleaner, more efficient, and more inclusive energy resource.
Themes and Topics Shaping the 2025 Edition
Hydropower is no longer just a legacy technology—it’s a driving force behind Canada’s low-carbon energy transition. This year’s sessions, panels, and technical presentations will cover a wide array of timely topics that reflect the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry.
Key themes at Canadian Waterpower Week include:
Decarbonization and Net-Zero Commitments
The role of waterpower in achieving provincial and national net-zero targets
Hydropower as a complement to wind, solar, and storage
Emission reduction strategies across the energy value chain
Hydropower Modernization and Upgrades
Digital controls, predictive maintenance, and plant automation
Refurbishment of aging assets for improved efficiency and reliability
Integration of pumped storage to support grid flexibility
Reconciliation and Indigenous Partnerships
Collaborative project development with Indigenous communities
Capacity building, ownership models, and long-term stewardship
Sharing best practices in ethical engagement and governance
Environmental Stewardship and Climate Adaptation
Balancing energy production with ecosystem preservation
Climate modeling and hydrological forecasting
Fish passage, sedimentation control, and biodiversity
This robust program ensures attendees will gain practical insights, strategic knowledge, and valuable connections to help advance their work in the evolving clean energy landscape.
Why Hydropower Matters More Than Ever
Hydropower accounts for nearly 60% of Canada’s electricity generation, making it a cornerstone of national energy infrastructure. But beyond the numbers, waterpower provides critical benefits that extend well beyond the grid.
Hydropower’s broader impact includes:
Economic Growth: Sustaining thousands of jobs in construction, operation, and research
Energy Security: Providing stable, dispatchable baseload power for a resilient grid
Climate Action: Supporting Canada's leadership in reducing carbon emissions
Regional Development: Driving economic activity in rural and Indigenous communities
Innovation Leadership: Fueling global best practices in clean power development
As the energy sector moves toward electrification and decarbonization, hydropower’s unique attributes—renewability, reliability, and storability—make it an irreplaceable part of the solution.
A Week of Networking, Learning, and Inspiration
Canadian Waterpower Week goes far beyond the exhibition floor. It offers a dynamic environment for networking, mentoring, and policy dialogue. Attendees can participate in keynote speeches, breakout sessions, fireside chats, and informal meetups that allow for both structured and organic knowledge exchange.
Attendees will benefit from:
Access to senior leaders from utility companies, government agencies, and engineering firms
Peer-to-peer networking with project developers, regulators, and financiers
Workshops and roundtables on regulatory frameworks and technical innovations
Opportunities for young professionals through career events and industry mentorship
The event’s atmosphere fosters the cross-sector collaboration needed to tackle today’s complex energy challenges and to design the clean energy systems of tomorrow.
A Commitment to Collaboration and Equity in Energy
A standout feature of Canadian Waterpower Week is its emphasis on inclusive dialogue and the social dimensions of energy development. This includes focused sessions on gender equity in STEM, diverse leadership in energy governance, and the role of Indigenous voices in shaping sustainable projects.
Waterpower is not just about technology—it’s about people, communities, and future generations. By centering diverse experiences and perspectives, the event helps ensure that the transition to sustainable energy is just, inclusive, and enduring.
Join the Movement at Canadian Waterpower Week
In an era defined by climate urgency, energy volatility, and technological transformation, Canadian Waterpower Week stands out as a rallying point for those committed to a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy future.
Whether you're a hydropower veteran, a policymaker shaping tomorrow’s energy landscape, a startup innovating for climate resilience, or a student looking to enter the field—this event offers inspiration, knowledge, and opportunity.
