At Orennia, employees work on tech’s leading edge

Progress happens quickly at Orennia Inc. Julia Mackey had just graduated from the chemical engineering program at Queen’s University when she moved to Calgary to begin work as an analyst. “I began by analyzing data to identify key insights. Within my first month, I was collaborating with the team to publish my first research report to subscribers based on that data,” says Mackey, now senior associate.

Headquartered in Calgary, Orennia offers an analytics platform for energy transition, the shift toward clean, renewable energy sources. It provides all-in-one data, analytics and insights to inform capital allocation decisions.

“It’s fast-moving,” says Ryan Benoit, chief technology officer. “Employees may work on new functionality and it can be in front of the customer in a few days. They can see the impact.”

At Orennia, Benoit finds employees avoid working in silos. “Our technical teams work closely with our analysts, who are subject matter experts,” he says. For instance, analysts may become experts on energy transition in the hydrogen space, or power markets such as solar or wind development.

“It’s collaborative,” says Benoit. “This way, we understand the challenges our customers are asking us to address. And we use cutting-edge technology to provide analytics.” His team works on everything from data or platform engineering to data science, and from AI development to project management.

When Mackey started with Orennia two and a half years ago, it was a company with 30 employees. “Now, there are more than 100 of us,” says Mackey. “Things change but the fun culture has remained.”

In the office, the CEO works in the same area as the rest of the team. “I sit two seats down from him,” Mackey says. “There is always office banter. And we’re a competitive group.”

A steps challenge last summer had some employees working with under-desk walking pads. Others good-naturedly declared that outdoor steps should reign supreme. Halloween found employees dressing up with their pets for a staff meeting. Those without pets judged their colleagues’ costumes and pet tricks. And there is an annual ski trip, complete with a rousing game of Canadian Trivia.

There is no shortage of opportunities for employees to meet – some in-person and some remote. Orennia’s employees are mostly in western Canada, but some are based across Canada or elsewhere. Everyone attends an annual team summit in Calgary.

Before graduation, Mackey completed an internship with another company in Calgary. She liked the city and wanted to come back. From the get-go, she knew she wanted to work in a small company in a growing industry. “I’m passionate about climate change and a growing company in the energy transition space is a great fit.”

At Orennia, her manager has been a mentor. And female leaders – the chief financial officer and others – offer support in a male-dominated industry. This year, Orennia flew all female employees into Calgary. “We had breakfast and got to know each other. There were social activities and we listened to a motivational speaker,” says Mackey. “We plan to continue this women’s network though remote events and communication.”

Mackey has had opportunities for development, from conferences where she has the chance to speak with industry professionals about the work she does every day, to a certificate in carbon capture she intends to take at SAIT.

“Orennia is a purpose-driven organization where employees are supported to work on the leading edge,” says Benoit.

“It’s great to be surrounded with like-minded individuals,” says Mackey. “At Orennia, you can be 100 per cent yourself and know that people want to help you to progress in your career.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Alberta’s Top Employers winners, published January 28, 2025 in the Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.