in association with
OVERVIEW
An Energy Roundtable + Legal Innovation Forum program focused on challenges and opportunities facing the North American energy sector in today’s volatile, risk-on ecosystem
The global energy industry is facing unprecedented risk in an era of geopolitical instability, regulatory uncertainty, supply chain challenges and tariffs impacting cross-border trade. Forward-thinking energy companies – both north and south of the border – are bolstering risk mitigation strategies as they strive for business resilience.
Houston is recognized as the energy capital of the world – not only in the established oil and gas sectors, but also for renewable sources such as wind and solar power – making it the ideal location for this half-day live event.
Through a series of panel discussions, fireside chats, and presentations, we will bring together leading energy companies, law firms and service providers to examine the key drivers and trends in this dynamic sector and shed light on successful strategies for mitigating risk and driving business growth in these uncertain times.
Structure + Audience
- Half-day event held in Houston on December 3, 2025
- Hosted @ Clifford Chance’s Houston Office
- 125 attendees: C-Suite + risk leaders from US and Canadian energy companies, and leaders from financial services firms (banks, institutional investors), law firms, professional services firms and other industry specialists
- The forum will run from noon to 5pm, with panels, presentations, networking breaks + lunch
THEMES + AGENDA
Panel 1: KEY DRIVERS + TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GLOBAL ENERGY SECTOR
- Trade: How are cross-border trade policies, tariffs, and geopolitical sanctions impacting energy flows? For example, what do initiatives like Trump’s deal with the Europeans to buy $750 billion in energy over the next three years mean for US producers?
- Market volatility and financial risks: Navigating fluctuations in oil, gas, and electricity prices due to global supply-demand imbalances, and overcoming capital allocation uncertainty
- Growth in renewable energy: Adapting to the rapid growth of solar, wind, and hydro and the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles as consumer demands evolve
Panel 2: CROSS-BORDER RISK + OPPORTUNITIES: WORKING WITH CANADIAN SUPPLIERS TO DRIVE US BUSINESS GROWTH
- The Canadian impact: As the largest external supplier of energy products to the US, what role does Canada play in driving business growth for energy companies south of the border? How has Trump’s trade affected the bilateral energy trade?
- Canada as a contrarian play: Despite having world-class energy resources and favorable shipping times to buyers in the Americas and Asia, Canada is seen as a contrarian play due to the regulatory hurdles in developing new energy infrastructure. However, this is changing with the passage of Bill C5 by the new Carney Government, legislation that will fast-track projects of national interest. This change in sentiment complements Canadian producers that have steady cash flow, high yields and efficient operations and significant mid and downstream opportunities.
- AI datacentres: A massive growth of renewables and gas-fired power generation across North American markets is spurring competition to draw massive AI data centres. The province of Alberta, for example, has a merchant power market, ample space, inexpensive and plentiful gas-fired generation and renewables, cool weather, and big plans to locate $100 billion in data-center operations in that jurisdiction.
- Expanding renewable supply chains: Best practices for capitalizing on US demand for Canadian renewable technology, materials, and expertise.
- Market dynamics: Identifying key energy sectors where Canadian suppliers can meet US demand.
- Strategic partnerships: Building cross-border alliances to access larger markets, joint infrastructure projects and clean energy programs.
- Capitalizing on Canada’s vast, untapped reserves of critical minerals essential for EVs, batteries, and defense.
Panel 3: MANAGING SUPPLY CHAIN AND TRADE RISK
- Advising on trade compliance + strategy: Guiding the business amid cross-border tariffs, ensuring compliance with shifting regulations, and exploring legal avenues such as exemptions and reclassifications
- Supply chain disruption: Navigating shifting trade policies, resource availability, and transportation routes
- Handling trade disputes and litigation matters to protect the business from risk
- How are supply chain vulnerabilities affecting equipment, materials, and skilled labor in the energy sector?
Panel 4: NAVIGATING POLITICAL RISK AND FLUCTUATING GEOPOLITICAL ALLIANCES
- Regulatory policy uncertainty: Managing compliance challenges amid frequent changes in climate policies, environmental regulations, emissions targets, and permitting processes
- Geopolitical instability: How are successful energy companies overcoming rising commodity prices driven by global conflicts and trade tensions?
- Reviewing and modifying contracts: Ensuring compliance with new trade agreements in volatile times
- Scenario planning: Conducting geopolitical risk assessments and stress-testing business models against political disruptions
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