Delegation trip to Canada - review

From October 5 to 11, 2025, a top-class delegation from Bavaria embarked on an exciting trip to Canada to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy and construction. Leonard Höcht represented Bayern Innovativ and contributed valuable ideas from the Free State to the talks. The trip began with a joint meeting at Munich Airport, where the participants and organizers got in the mood for the upcoming program.

Day 1: Toronto - energy supply in transition

The first day was all about energy supply in Ontario. During the visit to IESO, the independent grid operator, it became clear how complex the management of supply and demand in the state of Ontario is due to its geographical characteristics. Hydro One, the almost monopolistic transmission system operator, presented ambitious plans to double electricity production by 2050. Particularly exciting: the expansion of SMRs for the production of green steel and rolling grid planning for individual districts. Bavarian companies could score points here with KRITIS technologies and decentralized energy supply solutions. Siemens Energy is already represented with a Battery HUB in Toronto. In the evening, a private visit to the Amsterdam Brewery and a stroll through the city rounded off the day.

Day 2: Networking and discovering technologies

Hydro One provided further insights into infrastructure planning. At the ETC trade fair, the delegation met numerous exhibitors from the solar, wind and safety technology sectors. The networking event in the Hockey Hall of Fame and the business dinner with Tobias Gotthart provided an opportunity for an intensive exchange between the delegation travelers and the Canadian specialist companies.

Day 3: Industry meets innovation

The MaRS Discovery District was visited first. A center for start-ups and companies. The AI center "Vector Institute" located here also showed that Canada could compete with Silicon Valley. A highlight was the subsequent visit to the Max Aicher rolling mill, which is to be supplemented by its own steelworks in the future. The future use of industrial waste heat to supply heat to the region was also an exciting prospect for the future. Afterwards, we took the ferry to Bishop Airport and continued on to Montreal.

Day 4: Matchmaking and pitches

The fourth day was characterized by direct exchange: First, Hydro-Quebec and Innergex were visited and the challenges of energy supply in the federal state of Quebec were highlighted. In contrast to Ontario, Quebec does not rely on nuclear power, but on hydropower, wind and solar plants. Specific opportunities for cooperation between Bavarian and Canadian companies were explored in pitching and matchmaking sessions.

were explored. In the evening there was a speech by Minister Gotthardt (which was held entirely in French) in which he emphasized the friendship with Canada. The Quebec Minister for International Affairs struck the same tone and confirmed the good economic relations on an equal footing.

Day 5: AI, high voltage and port logistics

At CanmetENERGY, a decentrally supplied measuring station that can be operated self-sufficiently for 2-3 years was presented. During the subsequent visit to Hitachi Energy, the huge transformers weighing up to 500 tons were impressive. The high-voltage test laboratory (IREQ) with up to 1.5 million volts was also a technical highlight. The subsequent trip to the port of Montreal and the Mount Royal sightseeing spot rounded off the day. At the final debriefing, Mr. Gotthardt emphasized the importance of political discussions as a framework for future cooperation.

After intensive days full of impressions and valuable contacts, the delegation boarded the return flight to Munich.

The trip showed how great the potential is for Bavarian-Canadian cooperation in the field of energy and construction. Leonard Höcht was able to provide important impetus and gain new perspectives for Bayern Innovativ. You can find pictures of the trip in the attached slide.