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The next session of the Energy Fundamentals for Leaders Certificate Program will begin Oct. 23, 2025 and run to May 16, 2026.
The energy sector impacts our social, environmental and economic realities. Organizations, agencies and firms can improve their competitiveness by developing a leadership team that understands the complexities of the energy sector and its impact.
Individuals can improve their employability, increase opportunities for advancement and enhance their careers across a variety of sectors by understanding the complexities of the energy sector.
Facilitated by the Atlantica Centre for Energy as part of its energy literacy mandate, the Centre’s goal is to foster sustainable growth related to energy opportunities in Atlantic Canada. As the proactive voice of energy in the region, students will gain access to its extensive network within industry, government, and the education and research sectors, for valuable insights on current events impacting the sector.
The Energy Fundamentals for Leaders Program combines in-class instruction with interactive exercises, expert panels and applied case studies, offering exposure to all major forms of energy and energy production through site visits and hands-on learning experiences.
Energy Fundamentals for Leaders is designed for professionals, leaders, and managers who work directly or indirectly in the energy sector. Business development professionals, business owners, project managers, planners, facility or plant managers, health, safety & environment or sustainability managers, engineers, energy analysts, and management consultants will benefit from this program.
This program provides participants with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of complex energy and related industries to help them make informed decisions about energy issues affecting their or their clients' organizations.
You will:
Your employer will:
The program consists of 6 modules, each currently scheduled for 2.5 days (full day on Thursday and Friday plus half day on Saturday. Half day on Saturday will sometimes be substituted with a half day's worth of work leading up to the module). The program begins in October and runs until May (no modules in December and March). Participants are expected to attend and participate fully in each module, which is typically held in Saint John, NB. A required and integral component of the program includes physical tours of energy assets and related facilities during each module. Tours typically include a nuclear generating station, oil refinery, liquified natural gas (LNG) import terminal, manufacturing facility, renewable installation and a natural gas production site.
The certificate program tuition is $7,500 per participant and includes meals, transportation to/from tours and all materials.
This module will introduce concepts and terminologies fundamental to understanding complex energy issues and working within energy and energy related sectors. It also provides a global context and an advanced energy vocabulary to support enhanced professional decision making and strategy development.
This module examines the business side of energy, including investment and risk management requirements, as well as the impact of energy across a variety of sectors and economies. It will also examine energy from an input perspective, investigating the business and social impact of energy price volatility. Environmental issues will be highlighted, including the economic and social perspectives of energy efficiency and alternate sources of energy.
This module examines policy planning, development and implementation processes, creating an understanding of jurisdiction, process and impact assessment. Participants will be exposed to existing and contemplated policies and regulations impacting the energy sector and related industries and applications.
This module explores the complex relationship between energy use, consumer behavior, and climate change. Participants will gain insights into what drives energy consumption, how to engage the public through effective communication and social media tools, and how to correct common misconceptions that shape energy choices. The module also examines Indigenous governance in New Brunswick, offering guidance on respectful collaboration, and equips learners with public relations and crisis communication strategies. Finally, it introduces tools for measuring public opinion to support informed, evidence-based energy leadership.
This module provides participants with a forward-looking view of Atlantic Canada’s evolving energy landscape. It covers the lifecycle of emerging technologies, regional progress toward net-zero goals and climate adaptation. The module addresses the growing need for system resilience, especially during critical peak events and emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency and demand-side management. Through a strategic planning exercise and a dynamic panel with utility executives, participants will gain practical insights into how innovation, politics, and global events are shaping the future of energy in the region.
Applying concepts and learning from the first five modules, participants will work in a group to analyze a current energy issue facing our region. The group will be asked to make recommendations for addressing the issue with consideration for various perspectives and constraints involved.
For any questions, contact Lindsay at 506-648-5599 or sjcol@unb.ca.