The Arctic Energy Alliance and the Wood Pellet Association of Canada are excited to be hosting the Arctic Bioenergy Summit and Tour—Sustainable Bioenergy for Northern Communities: Reliable. Affordable. Local. in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, January 26-28, 2026.
Sponsored by the Government of Northwest Territories and supported by media sponsor Canadian Biomass, this in-person event replaces the 2026 edition of Northwest Territories Biomass Week, which is traditionally held the last week of January.
Join us for a full-day tour of biomass installations in Yellowknife, followed by a two-day Summit.
- Visit local facilities that have bioheat and district heat systems.
- Learn about bioenergy in the context of the North. Hear about lessons learned from successful (and unsuccessful) projects both domestically and internationally.
- Discover the supply chain challenges and opportunities, as well as the practical skills and support needed to incorporate bioenergy into the North.
- Engage with other participants in discussing next steps for advancing bioenergy in your community.
If you want to make a week of it, Arctic Energy Alliance will also be hosting a two-day NWT Biomass Boiler and Heating Plant Training Session on January 29-30, 2026. Information available soon.
What you should know
Where: Chateau Nova, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Tour: January 26 | Summit: January 27-28
Register: NWT Bioenergy Summit and Tour
Accommodation: Chateau Nova 4571 48 Street, Yellowknife, NWT. $204/night.
To book a room, please contact the hotel directly at 867-766-6682, ext. 503, 506, or 502. Deadline: December 28, 2025.
Sponsors and Exhibitors
Interested in exhibiting or sponsoring, please contact:
Gordon Murray
E: gord@pellet.org
P:250-837-8821
Speakers
David Dubois is Manager of Business Development at Fink Machine Inc, Canada’s leading supplier of commercial biomass boilers, a role he has held since 2017. A recognized thought leader in biomass heating, David has presented at numerous national and international conferences, including the International District Energy Association Conference, Canadian Bioenergy Conference, and International Biomass Conference. In 2025, he received the Canadian Biomass Champion Award.
David contributes to industry standards through the Canadian Standards Association, serving on the mirror committee to ISO/TC 238 and participating in updates to CSA B145.1-10 for solid-fuel heating appliance performance testing. He also designed and teaches a second-year bioenergy course at Lakeland College and has edited multiple biomass heating guides.
Previously, David served as Chief of Engineering and Technical Outreach Specialist for the Community Energy Association (2015–2017), supporting local governments on energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and renewable energy policy. Earlier, he coordinated the Wood Waste to Rural Heat project, completing over two dozen feasibility studies for biomass heating initiatives. His background includes roles in commercial finance with GE Commercial Distribution Finance and research in biomass filtration technologies.
David holds a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Alberta.
Rathco’s CEO & Co-Founder, John Rathbone, is a Professional Engineer with over 18 years’ experience as an engineering consultant. The vast majority of this experience is in energy systems, most specifically renewable energy systems. John has led local and international teams in the feasibility, detailed design, and commissioning of dozens of renewable energy systems across Canadian jurisdictions, from the single-building scale to the community scale.
John has experience with district energy systems, biomass systems, geo-exchange systems, sewer energy exchange systems, heat recovery systems, energy transfer stations, heat pumps, heat exchangers, boilers and chillers and other components of energy infrastructure. He also has experience leading and designing emergency generator systems and various other aspects of central plants.
Dr. Fahimeh Yazdan Panah is the Associate Executive Director at WPAC and a research associate at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She has over 15 years of experience in bioenergy, managing numerous bioenergy projects for governments, manufacturers, and technology developers. For the past decade, she has spearheaded research studies on biofuel densification, pretreatment, storage, and handling. She has co-authored more than 80 technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. Yazdan Panah also serves as the project lead within the ISO Technical Committee 238 (Solid Biofuels) and previously chaired the ISO Technical Committee 300 (Solid Recovered Biofuels).
Dr. Yazdan Panah earned her PhD and MASc from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at UBC and holds a bachelor’s degree from Amirkabir University of Technology. She is a registered Professional Engineer with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia and a certified Project Management Professional with the Project Management Institute.
Mark Heyck, who was born and raised in Yellowknife, is the Executive Director of the Arctic Energy Alliance. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from McGill University in Montreal, and worked at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre as the Website and Multimedia Coordinator from 2000 to 2012.
Mark served three terms on Yellowknife City Council from 2003 to 2012, was Deputy Mayor from 2006 to 2012, and was elected Mayor in 2012 and re-elected in 2015. During his time on Council, Mark chaired the City’s Heritage Committee and Community Energy Planning Committee. From 2007 to 2017, Mark served on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund Council. He was also on the Board of Directors of the NWT Association of Communities, representing the Cities, Towns, and Villages of the Northwest Territories. Mark joined the Arctic Energy Alliance as Executive Director in the fall of 2018.
Dr. Jamie Stephen is the Managing Director of TorchLight Bioresources, a decarbonization strategy advisor and project developer that provides value to governments, utilities, large industrial emitters, the transportation sector, property owners, and investment funds. Projects range from the development of energy facilities to national net-zero strategies.
Jamie has over two decades of experience in the bioenergy and carbon management industry, working at the interface of the energy, forestry, agriculture and waste sectors. He holds a PhD in Forest and Energy Economics and a Master’s in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of British Columbia. After growing up in the prairies and spending over a decade in Ontario, Jamie now resides with his wife and four daughters in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.
Gordon Murray is the Executive Director of the Wood Pellet Association of Canada. Having been on the ground in sawmill and woodlands operations, as well as the corporate finance aspect of the industry—working in mergers, acquisitions, and project financing, Gordon joined the WPAC in 2009.
Today, he works as an ardent advocate on behalf of Canadian producers, traders, ports, terminals, shipping companies, equipment suppliers and all those who want to participate in growing a safe and prosperous wood pellet industry. Gordon Murray has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. He is a registered professional forester and a chartered professional accountant.
Robert Sexton is the President of the Board of Directors for the Arctic Energy Alliance and the Director, Strategic Energy Policy and Program, Department of Infrastructure with the Government of the Northwest Territories. He provides public sector leadership on a variety of energy and climate change issues at senior management and board governance levels. He advises executive management and elected officials on critical public policy issues and provides clear and concise advice to solve problems.
A public policy practitioner and energy professional, Robert has 20 years of government experience and five years of industry experience. He is skilled and experienced in public policy and program development, including research, analysis, advice, development, implementation, and evaluation.
Robert Sexton was appointed as Director of Energy in 2016. Before joining the GNWT in 2013, Robert held energy and climate change policy roles with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and served as the Director of Energy for the Government of Nunavut. Before joining the public service, he spent four years in the biopharmaceutical industry doing research on new therapeutic drugs.
Robert has been the President of the Board of Directors for the Arctic Energy Alliance for over six years.
Robert has a Master of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He also has a postgraduate certificate in Renewable Energy from the University of Toronto and has certificates in Executive and Senior Management Leadership Development, Energy Utility Regulation, and Program Evaluation.
Agenda
Please return frequently, as the agenda is continually updated.
Monday, January 26
Site Tours
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Biomass Installation Tour
Join us for a full-day tour of projects in Yellowknife that have incorporated biomass heating systems into their buildings. Meet in the Chateau Nova lobby.
Tour facilities in Yellowknife that have biomass installations and district heating systems. Confirmed visits include:
- Łıwegǫ̀atì Building (Stanton Legacy) Primary Care Centre
- Yellowknife Fieldhouse & Multiplex (district heat system)
- Ruth Inch Memorial Pool, Yellowknife Community Arena and Aquatic Centre
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Opening Reception
Network with other participants at our opening reception.
Tuesday, January 27
Summit: Setting the Stage and Exploring the Supply Chain
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Registration, Networking and Breakfast
Meet participants and explore exhibitor booths.
9:00 am – 9:30 am
Welcome Remarks
Moderator: Mark Heyck, Executive Director, Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA)
Speakers:
- Mayor Ben Hendriksen, City of Yellowknife
- Robert Sexton, President, AEA and Director of Energy, Department of Infrastructure, Government of Northwest Territories
- Gordon Murray, Executive Director, Wood Pellet Association of Canada (WPAC)
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Bioenergy in Canada’s North
This session explores the evolving landscape of bioenergy in Northern Canada, highlighting regional strategies, technological advancements and policy frameworks that support sustainable energy development in remote and Indigenous communities.
Moderator: Sheena Adams, Project Manager, Energy Infrastructure, Government of Northwest Territories
Speakers:
- Fahimeh Yazdan Panah, Associate Executive Director, WPAC
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Break and Networking
Meet participants and explore exhibitor booths.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Biomass Success Stories and Lessons Learned
Learn about practical applications of bioenergy in Northern Canada, including successful projects and the valuable lessons gained from their implementation. Insights into the challenges, innovations and community impacts of biomass energy systems will be included.
Moderator: Derek Erasmus, Project Coordinator, AEA
- Ken Miller, Owner, JR Mechanical
- Mischa Malakoe, Manager, Housing Projects, Government of Northwest Territories
- Geoffrey Cartwright, Community Energy Coordinator, Teslin Tlingit Council
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Lunch and Networking
Meet participants and explore exhibitor booths.
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Supply Chain Challenges and Opportunities
Experts from industry, government and academia will share insights into current barriers and innovative solutions for improving access to sustainable energy in remote communities, with a focus on logistics, production and distribution of biomass fuels.
Moderator: Tanner Nygaard, Energy Management Specialist, AEA
Speakers:
- David Dubois, Manager of Business Development, Fink Machine Inc.
- Omid Gholami, Post Doctoral Fellow, University of British Columbia
- Sheena Adams, Project Manager, Energy Infrastructure, Government of Northwest Territories
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Break and Networking
Meet participants and explore exhibitor booths.
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
International Experience
Learn about success stories and lessons learned from international leaders in sustainable energy. Participants will gain insights into how different regions are leveraging biomass and district energy systems to meet climate goals, enhance energy security and support rural economies.
Moderator: Fahimeh Yazdan Panah, Associate Executive Director, WPAC
Speakers:
- Jamie Stephen, Managing Director, TorchLight Bioresources
- Hannes Tuohiniitty, Sector Manager, The Bioenergia Association of Finland
- Tim Kalke, General Manager, Sustainable Energy, Galena Alaska
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Day 1 Wrap Up
Speaker: Mark Heyck, Executive Director, Arctic Energy Alliance
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Reception
Network with other participants and exhibitors.
Wednesday, January 28
Summit: From Technology to Community Action
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Registration and Breakfast
Meet participants and explore exhibitor booths.
9:00 am – 10:15 am
Advancing Combined Heat and Power and District Heating Systems
With a focus on practical applications, technological innovation and policy support, explore how biomass district energy and combined heat and power can contribute to energy independence, economic development and climate resilience in northern and remote communities.
Moderator: Sheena Adams, Project Manager, Energy Infrastructure, Government of Northwest Territories
Speakers:
- Jamie Stephen, Managing Director, TorchLight Bioresources
- John Rathbone, CEO & Co-Founder, Rathco
10:15 am – 10:45 am
Break and Networking
Meet participants and explore exhibitor booths.
10:45 am – 11:45 am
Panel Session: community Benefits and Co-Benefits
Panelists will share the wide-ranging benefits of bioenergy projects in northern and remote communities, going beyond energy generation to highlight economic, social, health and environmental impacts.
Moderator: Derek Erasmus, Project Coordinator, AEA
Speakers:
- Michelle Leger, Program Coordinator, AEA
- Ken Miller, Owner, JR Mechanical
- Geoffrey Cartwright, Community Energy Coordinator, Teslin Tlingit Council
- Murray Sibbeston, Fort Simpson
- David Dubois, Manager of Business Development, Fink Machine Inc.
11:45 am – 1:00 pm
Lunch and Networking
Meet participants and explore exhibitor booths.
1:00 pm – 2:20 pm
Practical Skills and Support
Explore the hands-on knowledge, tools, and partnerships needed to successfully plan, fund, install and maintain bioenergy systems in northern and remote communities. Experts and practitioners will share real-world experiences and resources that support community-led clean energy initiatives.
Moderator: Tanner Nygaard, Energy Management Specialist, AEA
Speakers:
- Dana Tizya-Tramm, Director, Nadlii Society
- David Dubois, Manager of Business Development, Fink Machine Inc.
- Jason Collard, CEO, Gonezu Energy
- Tim Kalke, General Manager, Sustainable Energy, Galena Alaska
2:20 pm – 3:00 pm
Forests, Carbon and Bioenergy
Experts will discuss how sustainable forestry practices and bioenergy systems can contribute to climate mitigation, wildfire resilience, and community well-being.
Moderator: Sheena Adams, Project Manager, Energy Infrastructure, Government of Northwest Territories
Speakers:
- Jamie Stephen, Managing Director, TorchLight Bioresources
- Nicolas Mansuy, Forest Landscape Restoration Researcher, Natural Resources Canada
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Speaker: Mark Heyck, Executive Director, AEA
NWT Biomass Boiler and Heating Plant Training
(NOTE: Separate Registration)
Information on how to register for the training coming soon.
Thursday, January 29
Parts and Functions
Topics include:
- Benefits of biomass boilers
- Relationships between biomass, oil and propane-based boilers
- Core safety consderations when operating a biomass boiler
- Biomass boiler parts and their functions
Friday, January 30
Operations Topics
Topics include:
- Operating a biomass boiler plant
- Inspection
- Cleaning
- Maintenance procedures
- Inspection cleaning and maintenance tasks
- Troubleshooting common problems
Accommodation
Chateau Nova
4571 48 Street
Yellowknife, NTW X1A 0E2
A block of rooms has been booked at the Chateau Nova hotel.
Rate: $204/night.
Nights available: Sunday, January 25 – Thursday, January 29
Booking Deadline: December 28, 2025
To book a room: please get in touch with the hotel directly at 867-766-6682 ext. 503, 506 or 502. Mention that you want to be part of the Arctic Bioenergy Summit and Tour room block.