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
Agenda
Please return frequently, as the agenda is continually updated.
Monday, January 26
Site Tours
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Biomass Installation Tour
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:
- Robert Sexton, President, Arctic Energy Alliance 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
- 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: Jamie Stephen, Managing Director, TorchLight Bioresources
Speakers:
- 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
Potential for Biomass Electricity and Combined Heat & Power (CHP) in Northern and Remote Communities
With a focus on practical applications, technological innovation and policy support, explore how biomass electricity generation 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
- David Dubois, Manager of Business Development, Fink Machine Inc.
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
- 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:
- 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
3:15 pm – 4:00 pm
Final Opportunity to Meet Speakers and Exhibitors
Have the opportunity to ask the speakers questions and have a final conversation with exhibitors. Refreshments will be served.
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.