2021 Agenda

Clean energy has become central to U.S. economic growth as the current administration’s plan seeks to create jobs while simultaneously addressing carbon emissions and the climate crisis. Moreover, the pursuit of carbon neutrality by many industries and economic sectors is driving a vital workforce transformation. As we move towards our clean energy future, a large, diverse, and skilled workforce will be needed to meet our zero carbon emissions goals across all sectors, both public and private.

Moderator:

Jason Selwitz, South Puget Sound Community College

Speakers:

Gail Alexander, Cascadia College
Steve Abercrombie, South Seattle Community College
Jared Knode, Energy Northwest

The demand for energy storage from utilities, power producers, commercial and industrial businesses, and microgrids is now steeply increasing, as long hoped and predicted. A leading market analysis firm forecasts 153GWh of energy storage will be deployed in the U.S. itself between 2021-2026, at an equipment price of $45B. (To note, that’s a $300/kWh average).

With the demand for energy storage accelerating, there is a differentiation occurring of the market’s needs for different types of energy storage systems (ESS). Lithium-ion batteries have got covered what is now short duration ESS (0-4 hrs). To meet the market’s increasing needs for medium duration ESS (4-10 hrs), flow batteries with higher technology readiness levels (TRL’s) are now being commercially deployed. Gravity-based storage systems (on top of existing pumped hydro) are becoming available to address medium duration as well, along with long duration ESS (10-100 hrs). We also need seasonal energy storage. The broad range of ESS solutions required will come from a number of technologies, including electro-chemical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical. All of these ESS are necessary to decarbonization, resiliency, and reliability.

With the burgeoning demand for energy storage, and the accompanying differentiation of the ESS supply into different duration types including short, medium, long, and seasonal, we can see forming the requirement of a substantial energy storage infrastructure. This substantial energy storage infrastructure is needed to match up to and enable very large renewable electric generation, as well as the extensive distribution and transmission grid infrastructure required.

Moderator:

Russ Weed CleanTech Strategies

Speakers:

Bob Kirchmeier, Washington State University Energy Program
Forrest Watkins, Washington State Department of Commerce
Marshall Worth, PowerSecure, Inc.

The mounting need for raw materials used in clean energy manufacturing is leading to an enormous global demand for critical minerals. Mining companies around the world are experiencing unprecedented growth while at the same time facing pressure to commit to net-zero carbon emissions. Hear how the mining industry is responding to the challenge to become more sustainable in its efforts to support our renewable energy transition. 

Moderator:

Bryce Campbell, Consulate General of Canada

Speakers:

Amber Bieg, Warm Springs Consulting, LLC
Andrew Ghattas, Natural Resources Canada