Tomorrowland in Anaheim: Smart Energy Week Adds New EV Integration Show April 30, 2020 | By Erika Myers, Principal, Transportation Electrification at SEPA and Jennifer Jenkins, Director, New Market Development at Solar Power Events Come September, tens of thousands of energy professionals will convene in Anaheim, California, home to a magical wonderland filled with excitement, opportunity, and cutting edge technology. We’re talking of course about Solar Power International (SPI), Energy Storage International (ESI) and North America Smart Energy Week – although many will also swing by DisneylandⓇ for some non-energy related fun! This year, show organizers from the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) have announced an exciting addition to the largest energy trade show in North America. Electric Vehicle International (EVI), a new co-located event in partnership with Forth, will showcase the integration of charging solutions and electric vehicle (EV) technologies into the modern grid. EVs and the path to a carbon-free future As more states implement renewable energy requirements, more companies announce ambitious sustainability pledges, and more utilities announce commitments to carbon reduction, electric vehicles represent a large opportunity to better align and balance a power supply that is increasingly diverse, decentralized, clean, and intermittent with a flexible source of demand. Industry forecasts predict that by 2030, over 20 million EVs will be on the road, consuming 93 TWh of electricity annually. When paired with vehicle-grid integration (VGI) technologies such as managed charging and vehicle-to-grid, EVs can further the adoption of renewable energy as a complementary technology to stationary storage. VGI can reduce emissions by aligning aggregated EV charging with surplus renewable generation, and provide grid benefits such as capacity upgrade deferrals and ancillary services. Source: Forth Likewise, technologies such as on-site solar, microgrids, and energy storage are valuable tools that support EV charging infrastructure by providing low-carbon energy, reducing costs, and maintaining reliability and resiliency. These technologies will be on full display in Anaheim, making Electric Vehicle International the hub for the integration of solar and other renewable energy sources with EV charging infrastructure and fleet services. More than your typical EV trade show This year is not the first time we’ve incorporated EV education into the show. Electric Vehicle International is the culmination of three years of well-received EV programming. Previous Smart Energy Week attendees from the EV industry included exhibitors and speakers from companies such as EVgo, Siemens eMobility, EVConnect, EnelX, Nissan, Tesla, XOS Trucks, Amply Power, Black & Veatch, and EVMatch. Panel on the future of transportation electrification at North America Smart Energy Week 2019 In 2020, EVI will feature an EV Theater and Installer Theater on the show floor, where attendees can tap into business-building education and workshops to explore infrastructure solutions for EVs and fleet management. EVI will leverage the transportation electrification expertise of SEPA and Forth to develop a world-class education track for all participants. Beyond EVs EVI is not a standalone event. Attendees and vendors alike will benefit from a diverse intersection of complementary programming, new business opportunities and industry networking. If you work at a solar company, EV charging equipment manufacturer, utility or other related business, you’ll have access to industry participants that will shape the future of your business. Further, a strong connection exists between solar and EVs, as customers often want both, offering up new collaborative business opportunities for attendees. No matter your position in the energy or transportation ecosystem, North America Smart Energy Week has you covered. SEPA’s Erika Myers at the EV Experience Theater at North America Smart Energy Week 2019 The key industry event of the year Like the multifaceted and dynamic industries it represents, North America Smart Energy Week continues to expand its scope to meet the current and future needs of all clean energy professionals. We couldn’t be more excited to bring the show back to California, the epicenter of the energy transition, as we officially debut EVI. We hope to see you in Anaheim! Registration is now open at www.smartenergyweek.com/evi Share Share on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn About the Author Erika Myers Principal, Transportation Electrification Erika H. Myers joined SEPA in 2015 and leads SEPA’s transportation electrification research. She has 16 years of experience in the clean energy sector and specializes in the nexus between the grid, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. Erika currently serves on an electric vehicle (EV) steering committee for the U.S. Department of Energy and is an EV advisor for the National Energy Foundation, a non-profit organization developing curriculum to increase EV literacy in K-12 schools. She was awarded the 2019 Public Utility Fortnightly “Fortnightly Under 40” award for her work on vehicle-grid integration. Prior to joining SEPA, Erika worked as a consultant with ICF International where she helped electric utilities and local governments develop EV readiness plans. She also served as the Renewable Energy Manager for the South Carolina Energy Office and was a Clean Cities Coordinator for the Palmetto State Clean Fuels Coalition. In these roles, she oversaw the development and execution of key state renewable energy and clean transportation policies, regulations, and grant programs. Erika has a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina with a specialization in clean energy and climate science. In her spare time, Erika volunteers for her city’s Energy Transition Subcommittee where she identified donations for the city’s first bank of public EV chargers. She also volunteers as a regular guest speaker for the Clean Energy Leadership Institute and mentors young professionals interested in a clean transportation career. Follow Erika Twitter LinkedIn
Skip to content