Reimagining Resilience

In a world where extreme weather events are increasing in severity and frequency, prioritizing energy resilience for homes, businesses, and communities is the only path forward to maintain a reliable and accessible supply of energy. Done properly, resilient energy systems can also improve health, comfort, and affordability.

The 11th Hawai’i Energy Conference (HEC) explored cutting-edge solutions to improve resilience in the face of a rapidly changing climate. Hear from experts on topics such as whether biofuels can really support resilience while lowering carbon emissions, and how resilience planning can prioritize historically marginalized and disadvantaged communities. There was also an update from the Legislature and discuss the pros and cons of undergrounding and insulating electrical lines.

Distributed energy resources (DERs), including PV coupled with batteries, are critical tools for strengthening energy resilience in this volatile operating environment and we expect to highlight some of the flexible and wide-ranging applications for DER already deployed to support housing on Maui since the August 2023 fires.

The HEC brings together experts and thought leaders to connect and explore the latest advancements shaping the energy landscape world-wide.

Watch the replays to hear how we “talk story” about risk management, grid stability, and adaptive solutions that ensure a reliable and resilient energy supply.

Highlights

PHOTOS

Photos – Day 1, Wednesday May 22, 2024

2024 Program Committee

Colton Ching | Senior Vice President, Planning & Technology, Hawaiian Electric
Jacqui Hoover | Chair, Conference Program Committee; Executive Director and COO Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB); and President Hawaii Leeward Planning
Damien Kim | Business Manager/Financial Secretary, International Brotherhood Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1186
Jonathan Koehn | Director, Climate Initiatives Department, City of Boulder
Doug McLeod | Member, DKK Energy Services, LLC
Robert “Rocky” Mould | Executive Director, Hawaii Solar Energy Association
Maria Tome | Managing Director, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hawaii State Energy Office
Wren Wescoatt | Director of Development, Hawaii Longroad Energy
Julie Yunker | Director of Sustainability, Government and Community Affairs, Hawaii Gas
Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter | Director, Government and Community Relations, Hawaiian Electric