Kochi: The Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit 2025, held on March 12–13, 2025, in Kochi, Kerala, brought together policymakers, energy experts, industry leaders, researchers, and international stakeholders to discuss the future of renewable energy and sustainable development. During the summit, Scott Matthies, Managing Director, Saskatchewan India Office, Canadian High Commission, New Delhi, shared insights into Saskatchewan’s energy transition journey and highlighted opportunities for collaboration between Canada and India in clean energy technologies.
Addressing the gathering, Matthies emphasized the importance of international partnerships in accelerating the global energy transition. He noted that Saskatchewan’s experience in leveraging its strengths in agriculture, mining, and energy provides valuable lessons for regions seeking to balance economic growth with sustainability goals.
Saskatchewan’s Energy Transition Journey
Speaking about the Canadian province’s transformation, Matthies highlighted Saskatchewan’s efforts to diversify its energy mix through investments in renewable energy, innovation, and advanced technologies. While traditionally known for its strong agricultural and mining sectors, the province is increasingly focusing on sustainable energy solutions, including solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, and hydrogen.
He noted that Saskatchewan has adopted a pragmatic approach to energy transition by building on existing industrial strengths and integrating emerging technologies into its long-term development strategy.
Focus on Innovation and Carbon Reduction
A key element of Saskatchewan’s energy transition has been its investment in innovation and carbon reduction technologies. Matthies highlighted the province’s leadership in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) initiatives, which are playing an important role in reducing emissions while supporting industrial growth.
He noted that continued investments in research, development, and technology deployment are helping create new opportunities across the clean energy value chain and contributing to long-term sustainability objectives.
Hydrogen Emerging as a Strategic Opportunity
Discussing the growing importance of hydrogen, Matthies highlighted Saskatchewan’s efforts to develop hydrogen technologies and strengthen its position within the emerging global hydrogen economy. He pointed to the increasing role of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier capable of supporting industrial decarbonisation, transportation, and energy storage applications.
According to him, companies and research organisations in Saskatchewan are actively working on hydrogen-related innovations and exploring opportunities for international collaboration. He also referred to ongoing partnerships that connect Canadian expertise with clean energy initiatives in India.
Lessons for the Global Energy Transition
Matthies outlined several key lessons from Saskatchewan’s experience that could be relevant for other regions pursuing clean energy ambitions. These include leveraging existing economic strengths, investing in research and innovation, fostering collaboration between governments and industry, and creating supportive policy environments.
He emphasised that successful energy transitions require coordinated action across multiple sectors and levels of government, combined with long-term investments in infrastructure and technology development.
Strengthening India–Canada Cooperation
The summit discussions also highlighted the growing potential for cooperation between India and Canada in areas such as renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, sustainable agriculture, critical minerals, and clean technology innovation.
Participants explored opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint research initiatives, workforce development, and private sector partnerships aimed at accelerating clean energy adoption and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Building a Sustainable Future Through Collaboration
The event provided a platform for dialogue among policymakers, investors, researchers, and industry leaders committed to advancing renewable energy and hydrogen technologies. Discussions focused on strategies to enhance energy security, reduce emissions, and create resilient energy systems capable of supporting future growth.
Matthies commended Kerala’s efforts in advancing renewable energy and hydrogen initiatives, noting that collaborative approaches and innovation-driven policies will be critical to achieving global sustainability goals.
The summit reinforced the importance of international partnerships in shaping the future of clean energy and highlighted how regions such as Saskatchewan and Kerala can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient global energy landscape.