Within the framework of the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting, organized by the Canadian Presidency in Toronto, Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin and his Canadian counterpart, Tim Hodgson, co-chaired the first meeting of the Italy–Canada Bilateral Energy Dialogue. The initiative was established under the joint declaration signed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis last June.
The Dialogue aims to strengthen the energy security of both countries and provides a bilateral coordination mechanism to pursue shared priorities in the fields of energy and natural resources, as well as to identify joint initiatives.
At the core of the discussions was Italy’s interest in cooperating with Canada in the field of nuclear energy, given Canada’s significant expertise in this area, particularly in the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Equally significant was the focus on cooperation in the strategic sector of critical minerals, where Italy and Canada intend to work closely, building on the G7 Partnership for Critical Minerals Production and with the support of Special Envoys. The objective is to foster responsible, secure, and resilient supply chains.
To this end, the Ministers acknowledged the importance of encouraging bilateral industrial partnerships, involving Italian companies such as ENI, Alkeemia, and Cogne Acciai Speciali S.p.A., which have expressed strong interest in the opportunities offered by Canada in this sector.
Discussions also covered areas such as LNG, sustainable fuels—including renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and sustainable biofuels—renewable technologies, decarbonization, and carbon management. In this regard, the Ministers recalled the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Italian Hydrogen Association (H2IT) and its Canadian counterpart, the Canadian Hydrogen Association (CHA).
The launch of the Bilateral Dialogue marks the beginning of a structured and ongoing exchange on energy issues, involving senior officials, industry, and experts. The next meeting will take place on the sidelines of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention, scheduled for March 2026 in Toronto.
In the coming months, reciprocal missions to Canada and Italy will also be organized to promote commercial ties.
These initiatives will further strengthen the strategic bilateral partnership between Italy and Canada.
