Hawaii Energy Conference 2024 – 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.
Join us May 22-23 for the 11th Hawai’i Energy Conference (HEC) as we explore 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. We will also provide 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. Join us on Maui as we “talk story” about risk management, grid stability, and adaptive solutions that ensure a reliable and resilient energy supply.
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
1 Cameron Way
Kahului HI 96732 View Map
Who should attend?
- Renewable energy industry professionals
- Developers and contractors interested in microgrids and off-grid
- Workforce development experts and organized labor representatives
- Those interested in the intersection between energy and housing
- Climate and energy policymakers and regulators
- Entrepreneurs and innovators
- Environmentalists and sustainability advocates
PRESENTED BY
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation established in 1982 with a mission to diversify Maui County’s economy, building pathways to innovation, jobs and opportunity for our residents. Through partnerships with the public and private sector, MEDB undertakes projects that assists growth industries with navigating and thriving in our county, educates and trains residents for new careers, and engages our community in forums that determine future economic directions.
ABOUT THE HAWAII ENERGY CONFERENCE
The Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) brings together experts on energy policy, strategies, leadership and innovation from Hawaii, the Continental U.S., Asia-Pacific and more to exchange ideas on how to better serve our communities in today’s rapidly changing power generation and delivery environment.
The first Energy Conference on Maui was held in 2014 to explore the challenges and opportunities in our nation’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Maui is a locus for major energy initiatives. The island has attracted leading national and international energy players and leads the nation with the highest density of EV usage. Hawaii was the first state to set a goal of being 100% renewable with a target of 2045 and is among the highest in the nation per capita for PV installations.
Originally titled the Maui Energy Conference, the name was changed to Hawaii Energy Conference in 2019 to reflect what it has always been–the premier Energy Conference in Hawaii focused on statewide interests as seen through the prism of national and international developments in energy. From 2020 through to 2022 the conference was held virtually due to COVID-19.
A program committee establishes a theme for each conference, identifies speakers and develops the program featuring keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking and exhibits. Topics covered have included: the future of electric utilities, Hawaii’s progress toward becoming 100% renewable, decarbonization, energy equity, innovation in the industry and more.
Meet the 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 | Chief Sustainability & Resilience Officer, 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
Past Conference Topics
2023 | Back at the MACC (a return to in-person conference)
2022 | Electrification: Where are we now? What does the future hold?
2021 | The Energy Transition in Hawaii: Focus on investments in people and projects
2020 | Imagining a Just Recovery. What would that look like for the grid? (Virtual)
2019 | Innovation in Practice
2018 | Decarbonization: A Business Opportunity for Innovative Communities
2017 | All Things Energy: Pursuing New Opportunities for Electricity and Beyond
2016 | 100% Renewable Energy in Hawaii: It’s No Longer A Matter of When
2015 | A Focus on the Customer
2014 | Electric Utilities: The Future Is Not What It Used to Be