RE+ 24 Celebrating 20 Years

• Erin Kempster, Director, Decarbonization, Opinion Dynamics

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) can feel like a buzzword that means everything and nothing all at once. The reality of our current energy system is that certain communities access programs, experience savings, and are resilient in times of grid strain and certain communities have energy burden up to three times higher than their counterparts. And people’s identities, socioeconomic status, and geography overwhelmingly impact which camp they’re in—especially when it comes to solar energy. The American-Made Challenge Solar Prize wants you to help change that. Attend this session to understand how Solar Prize can help you impact communities who are often left behind in solution development engage with solar energy.

Speakers

• Quinn Parker, Encolor
• Ashley Arhin, Encolor

SEPA sits down with two clean hydrogen experts for an educational and engaging “hot take” on the key technology, policy, and project development aspects to know about. There will be something for everyone, whether you are here to learn about clean hydrogen for the first time, or an expert in your own right.

Speakers

• Ann Collier, Senior Manager, Emerging Technologies, SEPA
• Dan Esposito, Manager, Electricity, Energy Innovation
• Megan Reusser, Manager, Technology, Burns & MacDonnell

This presentation will highlight Puget Sound Energy’s suite of residential and commercial Transportation Electrification (TE) program journey and their successes. We will cover the business problems and mandates they faced, how they evolved their programs over time to address them and how PSE leveraged software solutions from Clean Power Research (CPR) to streamline and scale the administration of these offerings, lessons learned and program results. By focusing on their envisioned future state while building their initial pilot programs, PSE effectively futureproofed their program administration using CPR’s PowerClerk™, the utility industry’s leading program management software to handle rapidly increasing program interest and complexity. As their programs have evolved, grown, and become more innovative, PSE has been able to maintain quick turnaround and expedited project processing to the delight of their customers and regional transportation electrification stakeholders.

Speakers

• Joe Beer, VP, Product Management & Customer Success, Clean Power Research
• Danielle Kievit, Product Manager, Puget Sound Energy

This workshop aims to shed light on the practical applications of cutting-edge technologies within the context of changing state building performance laws such as Washington’s clean building act (HB1257) and California Title 24. Through an insightful case study, we will delve into the outcomes of the Franklin Pierce School District, Tacoma Power, and Community Energy Labs’ collaboration funded by a Washington Department of Commerce Grid Modernization Grant. Over the course of a year, these entities embarked on a comprehensive exploration of various new and evolving energy technologies (microgrid, BESS, solar, EV charge management and building controls). Their objective was to identify which technologies were most suitable for the unique challenges and opportunities present within Washington schools. Attendees of this workshop will gain a deep understanding of the real-world implications of these technologies, enabling them to separate fact from fiction.

Speakers

• Tanya Barham, CEO, Community Energy Labs

Join Jared Leader, Senior Director of Resilience at SEPA for an engaging presentation on key topics, such as evaluating resilience, resilience metrics and planning, integrating DERs, and more!

Speakers

• Jared Leader, Senior Director, Research & Industry Strategy, SEPA

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is a once in a generation opportunity to facilitate a just transition. A program out of the Inflation Reduction Act, it’s purpose is to provide clean energy investments across the country by prioritizing low-income and disadvantaged communities. The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs is a sub-awardee of the Justice Climate Fund (JCF). The JCF was awarded $940M from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, Clean Communities Investment Accelerator program. This funding will be leveraged with private capital to assist CDFIs and MDIs with technical assistance and capacity building necessary to develop the green economy for the Black community.

Speakers

• Nia Jones, Environment and Climate Director, The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs

This groundbreaking workshop explores the critical intersection of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the renewable energy sector. As we celebrate RE+’s 20th anniversary, this session will challenge participants to reimagine the future of clean energy through an equity lens, providing practical strategies to create a more inclusive and innovative industry. Following the workshop, join Samira Abdul Karim, CEO of Hyphens + Spaces, for a Q&A with this seasoned DEI expert who can answer questions, concerns, and challenges related to engaging diverse stakeholders, improving team communication, resolving conflict, creating fair and equitable processes, and so much more.

Speakers

• Samira Abdul-Karim, CEO, hyphens and spaces

The increasing demand for a larger green energy workforce is especially evident in the Lone Star State. Join Tatianna Cannon, Executive Director of CleanTX and Co-Founder of The Green Workforce Collaborative, and Kenneth Thompson, Founder and CEO of KT Klean Energy Consulting, as they explore “Advancing Equitable Green Workforce Development in Texas and Beyond.” This session will highlight the critical efforts of local nonprofits and the newly founded Green Workforce Collaborative to meet the growing demand for a diverse green workforce, ensuring that underrepresented communities play a pivotal role in the rapidly growing clean energy transition.

Speakers

• Tatianna Cannon, Clean TX
• Ken Thompson, KT Clean Energy Consultants

The Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI) is a people accelerator for mission-driven practitioners in the clean energy ecosystem. We believe that the most effective pathway to making change is to invest in the people powering transformation in our current energy systems. Human systems are the social, cultural, and organizational frameworks that govern how people interact and make decisions. They are distinct from technology, policy, and markets, but are deeply interconnected with these elements. Addressing climate change effectively requires a leadership approach that considers not just technological innovation, policy supports, and economic mechanisms, but also the human systems that enable or hinder progress. Join us for a rapid deep dive into adaptive leadership.

Speakers

• Esther Morales, Clean Energy Leadership Institute

In recent years, the number of hydrogen projects has increased dramatically, with over $300 billion in projects announced globally as of early 2021. Hydrogen has the potential to help decarbonize our energy economies and create the potential for long-term storage on our power grids. This development would facilitate the integration of more renewables. Today, though, there are many technical and economic challenges to overcome before green hydrogen can reach its full potential. This course will explain why green hydrogen may be so critically important to the clean energy economy of tomorrow, and the challenges of bringing the hydrogen solution at scale to U.S. and global power grids.

Speakers

• Peter Kelly-Detwiler, Co-Founder, NorthBridge Energy Partners, LLC

Led by representatives of power systems engineering, original equipment manufacturing, and regulatory representatives, this workshop seeks to explore how inverter based resources play a key role in optimizing utilities’ long-term plans. Collaborative strategies among ISOs, NERC, and utilities are necessary to ensure seamless integration. Participants will explore how understanding power system modeling and dynamic load modeling can enhance grid reliability and resiliency. The workshop will focus on harnessing inverter based resources’ capabilities to mitigate disturbances and ensure smooth transmission planning. Additionally, attendees will learn about navigating compliance and collaboration by developing robust NERC compliance programs. Stakeholders collaboration will be essential to leverage best practices in forecasting, scenario planning, and data utilization for maximizing the value stack of renewable energy resources.

Speakers

• To Be Announced, SEPA

Accelerate your knowledge with our comprehensive workshop, ‘Introduction to Electric Vehicles,’ designed to power your understanding of EV technology. Explore the electric revolution and gain essential insights into the future of transportation

Speakers

• To Be Announced, SEPA

Unlock the potential of emerging tech in distributed energy resources with our cutting-edge workshop! This year’s session will provide attendees with practical and actionable insights on AI and Virtual Power Plants designed to enhance your understanding of key trends, learnings and strategies to optimize your resources for a sustainable future.

Speakers

• Peter Kelly-Detwiler, Co-Founder, NorthBridge Energy Partners, LLC
• Lakin Garth, Director, Emerging Technologies, SEPA
• Ann Collier, Senior Manager, Emerging Technology, SEPA

The SEPA Utility Business Institute is a three-and-a-half-hour interactive group learning activity designed to equip up-and-coming energy industry leaders including manufacturers, developers, consultancies, IT, finance, and electric companies with the tools and techniques to evaluate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop as culturally agile leaders to support the distributed energy system of the future.

Speakers

• Darsweil Rogers, Partner, CFP Innovation
• Darrell Kleinke, Partner, CFP Innovation

Join us for a dynamic workshop where industry leaders share insights on managed charging. Learn from real-world collaboration by national lab scientists, software developers, and utility partners to gain valuable knowledge to shape the future of EV charging.

Speakers

• Ashley Lyn Qua, Senior Manager, Transportation Electrification, SEPA
• Carolyn Elaine Dougherty, Senior Analyst, Research and Industry Strategy, SEPA

Polls and wires have long been the backbone of the electricity grid, but as we move forward, AI, machine learning, and software are poised to enable a more flexible, responsive, and connected grid. During this session, panelists will discuss how these new technologies are reshaping utility operations and grid management. Attendees will learn about AI’s role within the electricity sector, grid management, and the significant opportunities and potential risks associated with AI, machine learning, and software in enhancing grid operations.

Speakers

• Ann Collier, Senior Manager, Emerging Technology, SEPA

This session will explore the landscape of emerging solutions designed to propel the grid towards a future characterized by heightened electrification and cleaner energy sources. But what does the future have in store? Panelists will uncover the truth about the technologies shaping the grid’s future. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the innovations driving this transition and learn how to navigate the complexities of tomorrow’s energy infrastructure with confidence.

Speakers

• Peter Kelly-Detwiler, Co-Founder, NorthBridge Energy Partners, LLC

This session will keep you at the forefront of grid resilience efforts by sharing insights of climate change’s effect on grid stability, and exploring case studies that showcase the role of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). During this session, panelists will discuss what’s in store as we work towards a resilient future. This discussion will cover the role of solar and storage in enhancing resilience, the effect ‘new’ technologies have on traditional planning and operations, and explore the significance of siting in environmental justice and underserved communities.

Speakers

• Jared Leader, Research & Industry Strategy, Senior Director, Resilience, SEPA

SEPA sits down with two clean hydrogen experts for an educational and engaging “hot take” on the key technology, policy, and project development aspects to know about. There will be something for everyone, whether you are here to learn about clean hydrogen for the first time, or an expert in your own right.

Speakers:

• Ann Collier, Senior Manager, Emerging Technologies, SEPA
• Dan Esposito, Manager, Electricity, Energy Innovation
• Megan Reusser, Manager, Technology, Burns & MacDonnell

During this interactive session, attendees will immerse themselves in the perspective of customers and learn what types of education and support they need from industry, utilities, and other stakeholders at RE+. This session will guide participants through the process of helping customers understand electrification and aid them in selecting the products or solutions that best fit their unique needs. After attending this session attendees will have an understanding of what customers need to navigate this transition.

Speakers

• Garrett Fitzgerald, Senior Director, Research & Industry Strategy, Transportation & Electrification, SEPA

This QuickTalk will take a deep dive into the complexities of data risk within utility-scale solar development. As the industry experiences rapid global expansion, the scarcity of qualified designers and engineers has led developers to increasingly rely on software automation. However, outdated data formats and fragmented software platforms have created challenges. Consequently, developers are forced to juggle numerous data sets across different platforms, risking data quality and project viability. This degradation in data quality has resulted in significant financial losses and diminished trust in solar assets, hindering progress towards decarbonization goals. This session will explore potential solutions through collaborative efforts and technological innovations, such as centralized platforms and digital twins, to mitigate these risks and propel the industry towards sustainable growth.

Speakers

• Rhaman Johnson, Project Manager, Standards and Interoperability, SEPA

Are you interested in understanding how smart panels can support building electrification? What role can smart panels play in bringing together separate distributed energy resources, like storage, solar, EVs, and smart devices? This session will outline the benefits that smart panels provide over traditional, less expensive load centers – especially in the transition towards all electric, grid connected buildings.

Speakers

• Ashley Lynn Qua, Senior Manager, Transportation Electrification, SEPA

The QuickTalk will provide an exploration on how to use federal, state and local funding to ensure the buildout of long duration energy storage. Included in the session will be an overview of financing sources available for project developers to develop long duration energy storage, a critical component of building up capacity for the terawatts of renewable power needed for the energy transition.

Speakers

• Salam Baniahmed, Director, Energy Strategy, SEPA

Clean energy production needs to grow rapidly to meet our country’s climate goals of 100% renewable energy by 2035. With greenfields serving as a continued area of interest for developers creating projects, the co-location of solar, grazing and agriculture emerges as an important piece of the puzzle. Throughout the session, participants will gain valuable insights into critical logistical considerations such as site selection, design, pollinator seed-mix deployment, solar-grazing techniques, and carbon sequestration. Panelists will discuss real-world examples showcasing successful co-located solar and agricultural ventures, offering tangible strategies for sustainable land use practices.

Speakers

• Carolyn Elaine Dougherty, Senior Analyst, Research and Industry Strategy, SEPA

As we drive toward a carbon free grid, there’s a pressing need to coordinate EV and grid modernization planning in a way that supports both sides of the capacity equation. This case study will demonstrate how coordinated planning – inclusive of EV fleets, infrastructure, and storage development projects – can maximize project budgets and yield grid solutions that build value for fleets as a grid asset beyond just transportation.

Speakers

• Janne Knieke, Analyst, Research and Industry Strategy, SEPA

The pathway to a viable market and continued consumer adoption of distributed energy resources includes the development of virtual power plant (VPP) programs. VPPs can leverage new and existing assets to provide valuable grid services by aggregating fleets of interconnected DERs, such as behind-the-meter solar plus battery storage, smart thermostats and appliances, and managed EV charging. This panel will discuss best practices, VPP policies, and lessons learned from existing pilot projects.

Speakers

• Lakin Garth, Director, Emerging Technologies, SEPA

A significant number of people that want to take part in clean energy do not have access to state or utility programs for community or rooftop solar, leaving them without an opportunity to do so. This lack of access disproportionately impacts low-income communities that are burdened by high energy costs. But, many corporate sustainability initiatives now incorporate environmental justice alongside carbon reduction targets, creating new avenues for action. In addition, ambitious federal policy and private partnerships offer a promising solution to address both environmental justice and energy cost burdens. This panel will explore how innovative business models, accelerated by the Inflation Reduction Act, can transcend state and policy limitations and increase access to low-income communities.

Speakers

• Mary Palmer, Director, Energy Equity & Inclusion, SEPA

Governments and utilities are striving to cut emissions, and electric vehicles are emerging as a key solution to meet climate goals and bolster grid stability. The surge in EV charging infrastructure, both public and private, enables utilities to use large-scale charging to support peak demand periods. Yet, installing chargers, especially in multifamily buildings where a significant portion of the population resides, presents challenges. This panel will define the critical opportunity that demand response programs provide to EV owners, building owners, and utilities to accelerate the energy transition equitably amongst all stakeholders.

Speakers

• Brittany Blair, Senior Analyst, Research & Industry Strategy, SEPA

Grid interconnection requirements for Inverter-based resources (IBRs) are evolving rapidly, presenting challenges for both new and existing projects. System operators, such as ERCOT, are responding to increased IBR trips during grid events by implementing stricter standards. Updates to NERC PRC requirements and discussions around standards like IEEE 2800 further complicate the landscape. This QuickTalk presentation will address steps project owners can take to enhance their readiness for compliance with these evolving grid requirements. Attendees will hear about the discrepancies between inverter-level and plant-level requirements and panelists will offer strategies for specifying inverter-level requirements to OEMs, ensuring project compliance through collaboration.

Speakers

• Daisy Chung, Senior Manager, Technical Programs, SEPA

Utilities are revising projections for load growth based on a host of factors, including the spread of electric vehicles, building electrification and the load from data centers and other high demand nodes. This session will explore ways in which this will impact the appetite to include more investments in renewables and particularly in customer-sited distributed assets. Does projected load growth create more opportunities to deploy community solar+storage. How does projected load growth from electrification impact revenue requirements and rate design in Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) and Distribution System Planning (DSP)?

Speakers

• Aaron Smallwood, VP, Research & Industry Strategy, SEPA

As the energy landscape evolves, grid planning must adapt to become more flexible. This session will investigate the critical need for holistic planning that integrates transmission and distribution planning while addressing the concerns of various stakeholders, including utilities, ISOs, regulators, EJ groups, and project developers. Additionally, this discussion will highlight jurisdictions at the forefront of adopting a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to grid planning, offering valuable insights into best practices and emerging trends in the field.

Speakers

• Yok Potts, Director, Research & Industry Strategy, Policy, SEPA