SGIN Leads Successful Canadian Delegation to Enlit Europe 2025

Written By Jenn Bowes

The Smart Grid Innovation Network Canada (SGIN) led a successful Trade & Learning Mission to Enlit Europe 2025 which took place in Bilbao, Spain, from November 16–20, 2025. 

The mission brought together 23 companies and energy-sector stakeholders from across Canada supporting them in exploring international business opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and gaining market intelligence in the smart energy sector on an international level. The summary achievements from this mission include:  

  • SGIN signed an International MOU with the Basque Energy Cluster. 

  • Canada-Spain networking reception with 100+ energy professionals at the Ontario pavilion  

  • Innovation Tour to TECNALIA Research & Innovation. 

  • 50+ Meetings with global utilities, innovators, clusters, and technology partners. 

  • Presented Canada's electricity opportunities and utility perspectives at the Basque Trade & Investment event. Greg Robart (SGIN) and Glen Fillmore (Saint John Energy) both spoke on separate panels. 

  • Strengthened Canada’s presence in European energy markets. 

  • Promoted Canada’s smart energy solutions and expertise. 

  • Opened doors for collaboration and new partnerships. 

  • New SGIN members. 

A look at the week

On Monday morning, delegates visited TECNALIA, the largest applied research and technological development centre in Spain, a European benchmark and member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance. With 1,525 experts from 28 nationalities, its mission is to transform technological research into prosperity, and its vision is to anticipate the future as the leading agent of transformation in companies and society, adapting them to the challenges of an ever faster evolving world.  

On Monday evening our delegation participated in a Basque Trade & Investment event focused on Global Energy Opportunities. International delegations from Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, the UK, and others came together for:

  • Market presentations

  • Utility investment insights

  • Discussion of smart grid opportunities across Europe

  • Cross-border networking to build business alliances

SGIN (Greg Robart) and Saint John Energy (Glen Fillmore) shared Canada’s clean energy strengths and project success stories on two expert panels.

Before Enlit started on Tuesday, delegates participated in an Export Café . This was a nice opportunity for our delegates to connect with the Canadian Trade Commissioners, gather market intelligence, and discuss possible opportunities before the show officially started. Trade commissioners from Spain, the Netherlands, Latvia / Baltic States, Hungary & Slovenia, Germany/ Other European Markets attended. Delegates had the opportunity to sit with each trade commissioner for ten minutes and then rotated around the room.  

SGIN coordinated a dedicated Canadian presence at Enlit Europe, one of the largest global events focused on smart grids, energy transition technologies, utilities, and clean energy innovation. The delegation participated in: 

  • Conference sessions, technical panels, and thematic briefings using their Summit Passes. 

  • Networking events hosted by Global Affairs Canada and international partners. 

  • Participated in meetings with European utilities, technology firms, energy clusters, and solution providers (in the dedicated ATIGS funded meeting room in the Enlit Hall 5) 

  • Exhibition floor activities, including technology demonstrations, pavilion tours, and self-guided walking tours. 

This provided organizations with direct exposure to current European energy trends and was incredibly valuable for the SMEs to bring the knowledge gained back to Canada. 

A key factor in the mission’s success was SGIN’s collaboration with the B2B Consultant, the Gedeth Network, the Government of Ontario (Lindsay Patel), and the regional Trade Commissioner Service team. Through this support: 

  • Delegates each received B2B schedules tailored to their needs and export interests. 

  • Delegates were introduced to a variety of organizations such as utilities, integrators, municipalities, technology partners. 

  • Follow-up conversations and partnership opportunities were initiated both during and after the mission indicated in the exit surveys. 

  • The B2B matchmaking component significantly enhanced the overall impact of the mission – it is always a key to success.  

Key Outcomes and Opportunities:  

  • Canadian organizations strengthened their international presence, identified new opportunities, and deepened relationships with Canadian and international partners, positioning them for future export growth in the smart energy sector and overall supporting Canada. 

  • A significant outcome of the mission was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SGIN and the Basque Energy Cluster. Both SGIN and the Basque entered this agreement because they recognize the critical role of advancing and implementing holistic, clean and sustainable energy related technologies and services to support Canada’s transition towards net-zero. Both organizations agreed to cooperate on a non-exclusive basis, focusing on providing strategic advice and services, supporting each other's mandates as and where possible, to enhance the contribution that each organization can make to Canada and Spain’s energy sector. Below is a picture of both parties signing the MOU during the Canadian reception at Enlit Europe. 

Signing of the SGIN and the Basque Energy Cluster MOU at the Canadian Reception

The mission not only opened doors for participating companies but also deepened SGIN’s strategic ties with European partners.

The newly signed MOU with the Basque Energy Cluster solidifies cooperation on smart grid innovation, clean energy technologies, and shared opportunities to support both countries’ transition to net-zero.

  • SGIN will continue building on the momentum of Enlit Europe 2025 by:

  • Facilitating post-mission follow-ups, introductions, and market insights

  • Supporting Canadian SMEs as they navigate international markets

  • Developing collaborative projects through new partnerships such as the Basque Energy Cluster

  • Planning future Trade & Learning Missions to support Canada’s clean energy innovation ecosystem

This mission reinforced the strength of Canadian innovation and demonstrated the global demand for smart, sustainable energy solutions. We look forward to continuing this important work with our partners, our members, and our growing international network.

Canadian Delegation:

  • Green Power Labs 

  • North Shore Mi’Kmaq Tribal Council 

  • Sunreport Canada Inc. 

  • Saint John Energy (NB) 

  • Engineered Intelligence (AB) 

  • Energylink Corporation (ON) 

  • ENDVR Energy (ON) 

  • Survalent (ON) 

  • SenPilot AI (ON) 

  • Pulsenics Inc. (ON) 

  • Invest Ontario (ON) 

  • Invest Nova Scotia (NS) 

  • SUBNET Solutions (AB) 

  • UtiliSmart Inc. (ON) 

  • University of Saskatchewan (SK) 

  • University of Moncton (NB) 

  • Simon Fraser University (BC) 

  • Delta-X Research (AB) 

  • Armstrong Fluid Technology (AB) 

  • ESMIA Consultants Inc. (QC) 

Jenn Bowes
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