7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Registration |
8:30-10 a.m. MORNING KEYNOTE |
Pathways to Meet Corporate Demand for Clean Power |
10 - 10:30 a.m. Break and Exhibit Hall |
10:30 a.m. - Noon CONCURRENT SESSIONS |
Track: Residential Homes/Clean Transportation
Supporting Low-Income Homeowners with Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Access to renewables and energy efficient upgrades to affordable housing has been out of reach to most low to moderate income buyers. Recent government programs have opened access and created a road map for affordable housing programs to include renewable energy, at construction. This panel will discuss a 2022 ARPA program that assisted in the installation of eight projects for Habitat for Humanity homeowners. The panel includes individuals who are involved directly with laying the groundwork for easier access to renewables for the populations who can benefit the most.
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Track: Commercial & Industrial Buildings
Incentives for Commercial and Industrial Buildings
This must be the perfect time to invest in cleaner facilities with all the commitments on energy efficiency and renewable energy federal spending over the past two years, but what's available to businesses now? How are the federal and state incentives expected to stimulate the commercial and industrial sector? How can North Carolina facilities take advantage of them?
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Track: Governmental & Institutional Buildings
EO 271 & the Public Sector's Role in the Future of ZEV in North Carolina
Learn about the Governor's vision for electric vehicles in North Carolina, and the various government funding available for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) through the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, & more! (NEVI, Corridor & Community Charging Grants, the VW Settlement, EV Buses & Clean Heavy Duty Vehicle Programs).
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Track: Renewable Energy
Workforce Diversification in Clean Energy
The clean energy industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in North Carolina's economy, employing nearly 104,000 individuals across the state. While the total number of clean energy employees is exciting, it's important to note that we still have a lot of work to ensure the workforce is representative of our diverse population at large. In fact, Black and African-Americans are under-represented by nearly 60% in the clean energy economy. As the industry continues to grow, we'll need to identify strategies to recruit new workers from all walks of life. Tune in to hear more about the current status of the workforce, and efforts underway to diversify the energy economy.
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Track: Utilities & Infrastructure
Grid Investment and Cost Allocation to Accommodate More Clean Energy
Transitioning North Carolina to a clean energy based economy in the coming decades will require large amounts of new offshore wind, expanded utility- and distributed- scale solar PV and other renewable generation resources. Transmission, distribution, interconnection and control strategies will play an important part in the success of this effort. This session will cover the needs and strategies to accelerate infrastructure investment to support the state's clean energy goals.
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Track: Innovative Technology & Deployment
Beneficial Electrification: Emerging Trends and Technology
From electric vehicles to agriculture and home heating, beneficial electrification has the potential to impact multiple sectors and dramatically reduce carbon emissions. As the adoption of electrification expands, technology is needed to ensure carbon-free electrons are delivered to consumers. End users, both residential and commercial, need innovative solutions that leverage electricity and produce similar results as carbon-based fuels. This panel will address some of the current challenges and solutions associated with beneficial electrification and the role technology will play as we decarbonize point and nonpoint sources of emissions.
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Noon - 1:45 p.m. Lunch & KEYNOTE SESSION |
Live Recording of Squeaky Clean Podcast - How Federal Action Has Created NC Funding Opportunities
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1:45 - 2 p.m. Break and Exhibit Hall |
1:30 - 3 p.m CONCURRENT SESSIONS |
Track: Residential Homes/Clean Transportation
Achieving kW and kWh Savings Through Innovative Technologies
As technology around energy efficiency improves, the opportunity for kW and kWh reduction increase. This panel will discuss recent studies for energy efficient technology at many price points and through utility programs that can help homeowners and utilities lower energy consumption.
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Track: Commercial & Industrial Buildings
Grid Responsive Buildings
Buildings are being considered assets to the grid with electrification and grid responsive technology, not just loads on the grid as in days past. This session will include a discussion about microgrids and vehicle to grid applications including specific policies and incentives that, if adopted, would improve the economics of deploying this technology.
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Track: Governmental & Institutional Buildings
A Bold Choice - Geothermal Central Energy Plant at Wake Tech Community College
This will be a case study in the performance criteria, priorities, practical limitations, energy savings and costs associated with a geothermal central energy plant, recently completed, for a new installation to serve Wake Tech’s new 106-acre Eastern Wake Campus. This presentation will detail the owner’s vision, objectives, reliability needs, and NetZero aspirations and includes unique combinations of exciting technologies including geothermal wells, heat recovery chillers, low temperature district heating water, chilled water, photovoltaics and even emergency power. All monitored by their new enterprise Energy Management Information System.
Presenters will include the owner, engineer and contractor. The owner will discuss the objectives for the plant, exploring NetZero, energy efficiency, reliability needs, all in a climate built for education. The engineer will discuss the decision making process and the role of an LCCA, energy modeling, carbon emissions, and similar drivers for system selection. They will also explore how they tackled these aspirations, what systems were considered and how the system selection evolved over time to be the best compromise of many different performance criteria. System considerations were a traditional boiler and chiller district energy system, thermal storage, and geothermal system with heat recovery. The project delivery for this building is Design Build and Skanska is the contracting team partner. The contractor will talk about the delivery model, coordinating with the first three buildings on campus that won't be completed until AFTER the central plant is complete and how that impacts testing. The presentation seeks to encourage community colleges, universities, state agencies, and other public entities to explore different central plant options and to be bold in their expectations. Geothermal energy in North Carolina is a viable approach to many central energy plant needs.
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Track: Renewable Energy
What's Next for the Carbon Plan? Programs, Implementation, and Updates
Join this panel conversation as we dive into the details of the carbon plan order issued by the NC Utilities Commission at the end of 2022. We'll cover what was in the order, the programs and proceedings that will stem from the order, and next steps on the path to updating the plan every two years. On the panel, you'll hear from the various stakeholders involved in the recent carbon plan proceedings, along with those responsible for implementing the order issued by the commission.
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Track: Utilities & Infrastructure
New Challenges to Resiliency: Bullets + Bombs (Cyclones)
Many North Carolinians have developed the quality of personal resilience in withstanding grid outages due to natural causes, with severe tropical storms. In the December 2022 bomb cyclone, we saw the near collapse of the electrical grid for a large part of the state on Christmas Eve. Earlier in the month, a gunfire attack on an electric substation in Moore County resulted in 45,000 customers losing power, some for over a week. What can be done to minimize these types of events and the impacts felt by citizens and communities?
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Track: Innovative Technology & Deployment
Carbon Capture: Emerging Technologies and Innovative Applications
Carbon capture has the potential to be a key factor in reaching global carbon reduction goals and those outlined in the NC Carbon Plan. There are few carbon capture technologies commercially available but a great deal of exciting research and development in progress. North Carolina companies are leading the way in creating new and innovative technologies that will remove, replace, and reuse carbon on a massive scale. This panel will provide insight and perspective from the leaders in the carbon capture market that are working to enable a cleaner future for North Carolina and beyond.
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3:30 - 5 p.m. Break and Exhibit Hall |
3:30 - 5 p.m CONCURRENT SESSIONS |
Track: Residential Homes/Clean Transportation
Exploring Partnerships and New Methods to Increase the Impact of Weatherization
Utilities are looking for a path to reduce energy for their customers and Weatherization Assistance Providers are looking for more qualified applicants. This panel discussion will include new ideas for how to improve the results of Weatherization, as well as offering new ideas and concepts for increasing the impact and reach of Weatherization through innovative technologies and partnerships. Piedmont EMC and Piedmont Triad Regional Council have worked together to create a winning relationship for both organizations which carries over directly to their low to moderate income community.
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Track: Commercial & Industrial Buildings
Show Me the Workforce
National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s conservative 2022 estimates for workforce needed in North Carolina are five times by 2030 for building energy efficiency and triple in 2030 for battery electric storage. What is the on ramp for the workforce needed to help facilities meet decarbonization goals and manage increasingly complex facilities? This session will include a discussion of the workforce development efforts in North Carolina and how to overcome barriers on the way to a robust clean energy workforce.
This session will examine ways in which the industrial sector can effectively progress toward decarbonization.
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Track: Governmental & Institutional Buildings
Energy Conservation Measure Potpourri
Learn about innovative technologies that are driving real energy/utility savings in various vertical markets in the public sector, to include: Combined Heat and Power, Secondary Transformers, Water Control for Correctional Facilities and Ceramic Window Film Technology
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Track: Renewable Energy
Land Use and Permitting Constraints
Recent policy and regulatory actions, along with wide-scale private investments have chartered a path towards significant renewable deployment over the coming years. In light of this momentum, energy stakeholders have elevated the need for additional transmission buildout in order to accommodate more renewable generation. In this panel, we'll cover the investment and permitting hurdles on the transmission side, while also covering the more frequent permitting and zoning challenges facing renewable projects at the local level.
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Track: Utilities & Infrastructure
Electric Vehicles and the Grid
This session will discuss the possible impacts of increasing numbers of light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty electric vehicles on the grid. Speakers will discuss ways to ensure grid stability in the face of increasing electrification of the transportation sector.
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Track: Innovative Technology & Deployment
Innovative Municipal Clean Energy Deployments
Local governments throughout North Carolina are committed to the clean energy transition. As a bridge between industry, state and federal governments, and local communities, municipalities can accelerate progress toward the achievement of carbon reduction goals. This panel will highlight innovative projects that cities, towns and counties throughout North Carolina have implemented to reduce energy and climate impacts and enhance sustainability.
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5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m KEYNOTE PLENARY |
North Carolina Energy Policy in 2023: Different Perspectives on What's in Play |
6 - 7:30 p.m. Reception in Exhibit hall featuring  |
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Registration |
8:30-10 a.m. MORNING KEYNOTE |
Looking to the Future, Emerging Technologies & Opportunities
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10 - 10:30 a.m. Break and Exhibit Hall |
10:30 a.m. - Noon CONCURRENT SESSIONS |
Track: Residential Homes/Clean Transportation
Planning for Sustainability, Equity, and Economic Development in Transportation
This session will focus on transportation planning considerations to help regions and municipalities promote sustainability, equity, and economic development as goals.
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Track: Commercial & Industrial Buildings
Energy Audits for Decarbonization
About 30% of large companies have decarbonization goals, but the vast majority (94%) are not on track to meet 2030 carbon reduction goals. In order to meet national decarbonization goals, we need to ramp up energy retrofits from less than 1% to more than 3% per year. Energy assessments are an important part of the solution, but how can end-users scale the energy assessment process to identify deeper energy retrofits?
This session is focused on approaches that have delivered value for C&I customers in North Carolina. Topics include advanced analytics and energy-as-a-service.
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Track: Governmental & Institutional Buildings
Microgrid Case Studies for the Public Sector
Resiliency has become critical for North Carolinians and Microgrids are one option to provide increased resiliency for our state. Learn about examples of public sector Microgrids to support buildings, EV charging, and critical services, as well as the various sources of funding that have become available for Microgrids through the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.
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Track: Renewable Energy
Customer Clean Energy Programs
Across the state, large corporations, municipalities, and educational institutions are striving to achieve ESG goals through the use of clean energy. In this session, we'll talk about some of the legacy front of the meter programs like Green Source Advantage, while covering what could potentially be coming for new customer programs in North Carolina. On the residential side, we'll also briefly cover how demand-side management and community solar programs can be viable options to increase customer affordability and accessibility.
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Track: Utilities & Infrastructure
What Could New Nuclear Resources Look Like in NC in 2050?
Nuclear energy is recognized as a resource for meeting future electricity demands with zero air emissions. Learn about small modular reactors, micro reactors, advanced reactors and other concepts that will provide potentially more flexible and feasible nuclear resources.
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Track: Innovative Technology & Deployment
Energy Storage: What’s Next?
Battery Energy Storage Systems open the possibilities for a cleaner, more efficient, and more reliable grid. However, market-dominant lithium batteries face potential supply shortages as the demand for lithium-ion based storage increases. New and innovative storage technologies are needed to enhance the reliability of solar, wind, and other forms of renewable energy at scale. Storage technologies can help us better manage the mismatch between renewable generation and the periods of peak demand. This panel will highlight emerging energy storage technologies, which could further advance the adoption of clean energy technologies including flow batteries, hydrogen, and potential enhancements to lithium energy storage.
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Noon - 1:45 p.m. Lunch & KEYNOTE SESSION |
$109 Billion Opportunity for East Coast States via Offshore Wind: Who's Going to Get It?
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1:15 - 1:30 p.m. Break and Exhibit Hall |
1:30 - 3 p.m CONCURRENT SESSIONS |
Track: Residential Homes/Clean Transportation
Planning for Demand Charges for Electric Vehicles
The costs of implementing electric vehicles can vary greatly depending on the how fleet managers and facility managers plan for managing demand charges. This panel will discuss options for managing demand charges.
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Track: Commercial & Industrial Buildings
NC Carbon Plan: C+I Implications
The North Carolina Carbon Plan puts the utility industry on track to meeting net zero by 2050. How does this influence corporate carbon goals?
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Track: Governmental & Institutional Buildings
The Intersection of IAQ and Energy Savings: Smart Labs, Outdoor Air Management and More
Post-COVID, there is a renewed interest in indoor air quality. Explore opportunities to improve indoor air quality, while cutting costs in energy.
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Track: Renewable Energy
Renewable Federal Funding Guidance and Distribution
Over the past year and half, historic amounts of federal funding have been invested into the clean energy sector. After months of stakeholder engagement and funding guidance development through various federal agencies, funds are starting to be distributed. This session will cover the latest guidance on federal funding programs available for clean energy and recap some of the progress made with funds already distributed.
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Track: Utilities & Infrastructure
Decarbonizing Gas Infrastructure to Reach Net-Zero
Investing in development of hydrogen and renewable biogas and the infrastructure to deliver these resources is vital to meeting North Carolina's clean energy goals. Of key importance is supplying zero carbon fuels to utility generation, industrial plants, boilers and heavy trucks to decarbonize all levels of our economy.
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Track: Innovative Technology & Deployment
North Carolina Universities: Leading Clean Energy Innovation
North Carolina is an energy innovation leader, with programs across multiple universities focused on developing solutions that enable a cleaner energy future. In many cases, collaboration across various universities and community stakeholders helps drive innovation. These collaborative efforts and multi-disciplinary teams have the capability to develop solutions while also educating students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the workforce demands of the clean energy industry. This panel will highlight the leaders from both academia and industry who are working together to drive innovation, break down silos, and build a strong clean energy innovation ecosystem.
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3:30 p.m. Conference Adjourns |
