Last January, the Atlantica Centre for Energy suggested that 2024 could be a pivotal year for the energy sector if some of the ‘politics’ can be removed to give Atlantic Canadian businesses more confidence to make investments.

By the end of 2024, the federal government finalized the Investment Tax Credits for many types of clean energy investments as well as the Clean Electricity Regulations. The final iteration of these two specific federal policy initiatives were much more in tune with business’ needs, affordability for consumers, and existing infrastructure flexibility. These policies moved toward what many in Atlantic Canada’s energy sector felt were achievable.

While there is still much more work to be done, such as finding flexibility with the proposed oil and gas sector emissions cap, there was a significant retreat of politics from some key energy policies.

Given the current state of politics in both United States and Canada at the beginning of 2025, it is understood that politics will continue to dominate much of the energy conversation. So, for its 2025 commentary, the team at the Atlantica Centre for Energy took a different approach. Here are the predictions for what the energy sector’s turning points could be this year.

Emily Al-Harazi, Director of Communications and Operations

Indigenous Partnerships and Collaboration

In 2025, the energy sector will see continued focus on meaningful partnerships and collaboration with Indigenous communities. Driven by a growing recognition of the importance of co-creating energy transition and communication strategies with Indigenous leaders, fostering trust and mutual understanding. By incorporating culturally relevant messaging, such as using Indigenous languages and traditions, energy projects will resonate more deeply with local communities.

Jonathan Alward, VP Policy

Renewed focus on energy security

In 2025, a renewed priority is placed on energy security in Atlantic Canada. Reliability continues to be the top energy priority for residents across the region, but a greater emphasis is placed on ensuring the region has its own sources of electricity generation, refined petroleum products, and natural gas. The ability to import enough natural gas dependably raises concern and awakens the debate about developing some natural gas reserves in New Brunswick, but only progress with Indigenous leadership and support from communities.

Michelle Robichaud, President

Working to find workers

In 2025, workforce constraints emerge as the top impediment to building and operating new energy projects in Atlantic Canada and elsewhere in the country. Atlantic colleges and universities place a priority on expanding programs and attracting new students, industry prioritizes retraining existing workers and developing new partnerships to meet evolving workforce needs. Innovative micro credential opportunities help existing employees fill skills gaps within local companies.

Stephen MacMackin, Chair

US and Canada make amends

The world’s strongest trading relationship bends but does not break by the end of 2025. Residents and businesses are quickly reminded how much stronger the two countries’ economies are by trading freely together. Politicians and policy makers adjust accordingly to find a renewed, and perhaps strengthened, free-trade relationship.

Atlantic Canada finds its voice in Ottawa

In 2025, the four Atlantic provinces establish a unified energy vision for the region and bring it to Ottawa. The collaboration helps define the region’s place not only in Canada’s energy future, but also Atlantic Canada’s strategic role in the geopolitical landscape. The vision demonstrates how Atlantic Canadians can thrive and establish generational economic prosperity through growth in the energy sector.

Whether all these predictions come to fruition or not, it is clear that 2025 will be another pivotal for Atlantic Canada’s energy sector.