2020 Agenda - Energy Leadership Summmit

2020 Agenda Details

Track A

Business

Grid Reliability, Resilience, and Climate Adaptation

Details:

Safeguarding the grid’s physical and cyber security have become ever more challenging due to severe weather events brought about by climate change and the relentless cyberattacks that threaten the security of our bulk power system. Panelists will explore how utilities are responding to things like aging infrastructure, cyber security threats, extreme environmental events, and changing social expectations while at the same time working towards decarbonization.

Moderator:

J. Thomas Ranken, J. Thomas Ranken

Speakers:

Daniel Kirschen, University of Washington Clean Energy Institute
Elaine Markham, Puget Sound Energy
Matthew Smith, Itron

Messaging Hackathon for Clean Energy Businesses

Details:

Your online presence is more important than ever in the wake of COVID-19. Digital marketing has soared upwards of 44% just in the last few months. Companies that deliver the right message, to the right person, at the right time, will have a huge advantage in the marketplace. The problem is most clean energy companies struggle to find the right words to clarify their message. They end up confusing their customers and worse, losing the sale.

In this fun, interactive session Messaging Strategist and CEO of Mind Over Markets, Carolyn Parrs, will “message hack” several clean tech website homepages LIVE. A message hack is a shortcut to increase the clarity and success of your marketing message. You will see first hand how to distill confusing or jargoned content into easily understandable copy that leads customers on a clear path to engagement and conversion.

Moderator:

Carolyn Parrs, Mind Over Markets

Participating Companies & Organizations:

Beta Hatch
E8
Retrolux, Inc.

Zero Net Energy: Scaling Solutions

Details:

Net zero energy, a model that is generally applied to ultra-efficient individual buildings, is beginning to transform the built environment in a more holistic way. While not a new concept, net zero energy is now being thought of in the context of entire neighborhoods or districts that include green buildings, carbon-free transportation options, and scalable renewable energy systems to create more sustainable and resilient communities. Panelists will share perspectives on the growth of net zero energy at scale including policy drivers; changing societal behavior; advanced design and operational practices; and emerging technologies.

Moderator:

Jack Newman, Säzän Environmental

Speakers:

Haley Gardner, International Living Future Institute
Lawrence Tsang, Convergent Energy + Power
Hanna Waterstrat, Washington State Dept. of Commerce

Track B

Policy

The Equity Imperative: Advancing Environmental Justice in the Clean Energy Economy

Details:

There is an intensifying imperative shaping our vision for a carbon-free future that’s bringing to light critical issues like ratepayer equity; equitable distribution of energy benefits; and access to jobs. Explore what environmental justice means in the clean energy context and how it can be addressed through both policy and market mechanisms.

Moderator:

Ankur Tohan, K&L Gates LLP

Speakers:

Adrian Anderson, Microsoft
Andrea Axel, Spark Northwest
John Wycherley, Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC

The Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) One Year Later

Details:

In May of 2019 Governor Inslee signed into law the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA), which boldly commits Washington State to an electricity supply free of greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Panelists will examine the implementation progress of this landmark law one year after being enacted and will consider the rule making process; equity areas; reporting procedures and assessments; the role of other agencies and stakeholders; and more.

Moderator:

Eric Christensen, Beverage & Diamond PC

Speakers:

Glenn Blackmon, Washington State Dept. of Commerce
Joni Bosh, NW Energy Coalition
Arne Olsen, Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. (E3)

Looking Ahead: Washington’s 2021 State Energy Strategy

Details:

Washington is developing the 2021 State Energy Strategy to support the state’s ambitious goals to protect the climate, safeguard consumers, and promote a green economy. Our panel of thought leaders will discuss the plan’s strategic goals; policies and actions; implementation strategy; and more.

Moderator:

Tony Usibelli, Special Advisor

Speakers:

Reeves Clippard, A&R Solar
Michael Furze, Washington State Dept. of Commerce
Nancy Hirsh, NW Energy Coalition

Track C

Innovation

Energy Storage: Connecting Renewable Supply and Resilient Demand

Details:

On the supply side, energy storage is key to renewable generation being dispatchable according to the needs of the grid and customers. On the demand side, energy storage is also key to microgrids and distribution systems that are resilient. A next step in the clean energy transformation is to connect these two sides, in an “end-to-end” strategy. Panelists will explore and examine what it takes to implement this strategy, including leading examples of the technical solutions, project development, and engineering and manufacturing.

Moderator:

Russ Weed, CleanTech Strategies LLC

Speakers:

Terry Judge, Hotstart Thermal Management
Bob Kirchmeier, Washington State Dept. of Commerce
Russ Weed, ARES North America

The Next Step in Transportation Electrification: Medium-duty and Heavy-duty Vehicles

Details:

Our region is taking bold steps to electrify the transportation system through initiatives that not only include private passenger applications but also medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicle fleets. Panelists will discuss the state of the technology and the work underway to accelerate the electrification of this vital transportation sector.

Moderator:

Jeff Allen, Forth

Speakers:

Jonathan Harris, Puget Sound Energy
David Logsdon, Seattle City Light
Peter Tuckerman, The Lion Electric Company

Washington Maritime Blue: Maritime Clean Energy Future Through Collaboration & Joint Innovation

Details:

Washington State Maritime Blue is working to implement the state’s strategy for the Blue Economy and accelerate the growth in Maritime’s contribution to our clean energy future. Panelists will discuss HOW we’re working together across industry, utility, government, and research sectors to accelerate innovation and investment through Joint Innovation Projects. We will provide project examples for shore power and vessels using alternative fuels and technologies such as batteries and hydrogen. Come learn how Washington State is a leader in maritime clean tech innovation that supports a growing maritime economy in all sectors with increased living-wage jobs, a healthy environment, and resilient communities.

Moderator:

Joshua Berger, Maritime Blue

Speakers:

Matthew Lankowski, Glosten
Cam LeHouillier, Tacoma Power
Jennifer States, Maritime Blue

Featured Plenary Session

Hot Topic Debate: How Best to Modernize the Grid System to Achieve Carbon Reduction Goals

The U.S. centralized grid system has been in place for nearly a century. And during that time much has changed in how we use energy, the amount we use, and the resources we rely on to generate power. These changes, combined with global warming and environmental impacts, are raising fundamental questions about the viability of the traditional grid and utility systems, and whether they need to be overhauled and/or reimagined to achieve our carbon reduction and energy security goals and address environmental and social equity concerns.

Thought leaders Curt Kirkeby, Fellow Electrical Engineer at Avista Utilities, and Dawn Weisz, CEO of Marin Clean Energy, will share and debate their opposing views on these key issues and related questions. Tune in to see who makes the best case!

Buck Endemann
^Partner
^{K&L Gates LLP}

Curt Kirkeby
^{Fellow Electrical Engineer}
^{Avista Utilities}

Dawn Weisz
^CEO
^{Marin Clean Energy}