Imad Khaled, Director of Engineering and Construction Services at Apex Utilities Inc.
The Canadian Gas Association has had a long-standing awards program to recognize its members’ leadership and commitment to safety and innovation. In 2022, CGA enhanced this program to honour its members’ work in areas such as customer care, and environmental stewardship.
The Young Business Leader of the Year Award recognizes emerging leaders (40 years of age and under) in the gaseous energy industry who have demonstrated their potential to guide/pilot the gaseous energy industry of the future from a business, environmental, regulatory and/or public service perspective. We interviewed the five recipients of this award to get their perspectives on working in the natural gas industry and what the future holds for the sector.
The recipient for CGA’s 2023 Young Business Leader of the Year Award is Imad Khaled, Director of Engineering & Construction Services at Apex Utilities Inc.
Imad Khaled holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the American University of Beirut and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta in Alberta.
He has been working in the Natural Gas Utility industry since 2012 and has worked in different leadership roles between Engineering, Operations, Construction, Research & Innovation, and Operational Audit.
Imad is the Director of Engineering and Construction Services at Apex Utilities and overlooks the Energy Innovation team which is developing decarbonization strategies and sustainable energy solutions to support the evolving energy transition.
Imad lives in Edmonton, Alberta. He enjoys being active whether it is running or biking, taking advantage of the river valley in Edmonton or the mountains between Alberta and BC. If not working or on a trail, Imad will be on a plane with his wife traveling to explore new places around the world.
What motivated you to join the energy industry?
While pursuing my bachelor’s degree in engineering, I was fortunate enough to do my co-op terms in different parts of the world; gaining exposure to a variety of industries and valuable experience in diverse domains. I moved to Alberta to do my Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering where I got more exposure to future looking industries. It was fascinating to see the research and work being done by the energy industry to advance existing technologies, lower emissions, and provide better solutions that would meaningfully improve our societies. As I finished university, it was exciting to join an industry that is agile, innovative, and directly impacts the people around me.
In your opinion, how do you see the role of natural gas infrastructure changing in the next 30 years?
For decades, the natural gas industry has provided safe, reliable, and affordable energy to Canadians through a vast network of infrastructure. This network will continue to grow and play a key role in providing Canadians with the energy they need especially in the cold climate we have. While the gas in the pipe might evolve in the future to contain renewable natural gas and hydrogen, utilizing existing infrastructure will be instrumental to ensure affordable solutions are provided to Canadians and will be pivotal in advancing the economy on the local, national, and international stages.
How do you think the Canadian energy industry can contribute to domestic and global energy security?
Canada is the sixth largest energy producer in the world with exports reaching more than 100 countries globally. As the energy demand continues to grow globally, Canada can continue to play a key role in meeting the domestic and global energy needs. Backed by enabling policy, the innovative Canadian energy sector is fully equipped to ensure the growing global energy demand is met with responsibly produced energy that can help to reduce the global emissions.
What advice would you give to young professionals today who are interested in joining the energy industry?
Follow your passion. This is one of the most exciting times to join the energy industry. The world is evolving with security of energy supply and emission reductions being paramount. This offers great opportunities to be part of an industry that has a track record of being innovative and providing cutting edge technology to meet the challenges that our societies face. The energy industry has all the elements to fulfill your passion about making the world a better place while ensuring the local communities and Canada continue to prosper.