We had so much to talk about, as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Hawaii Energy Conference. Finally back live and in person at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center May 24-25, 2023.
Is getting to 100 % Renewables still desirable, still doable, still worth the price?
How can we get clean energy projects permitted, interconnected, and operational in a reasonable period of time?
What is the next step in our efforts toward decarbonized energy, and what role does hydrogen play?
What are the energy related priorities of the Hawai’i Legislature and the Governor?
What is Energy Equity and how do we achieve it in the pursuit of state energy goals such as 100% renewables and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions?
Colton Ching | Senior Vice President, Planning & Technology, Hawaiian Electric Celeste Connors| Executive Director, Hawaii Green Growth Jacqui Hoover | Chair, Conference Program Committee; Executive Director and COO Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB); and President Hawaii Leeward Planning 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 Stephany Vaioleti | Community Engagement Navigator, Hawaii Energy Wren Wescoatt | Director of Development, Hawaii Longroad Energy Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter | Director, Government and Community Relations, Hawaiian Electric
The 2023 Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) Program is shaping up to be an exciting event for those interested in sustainable energy practices and the future of renewable energy. The conference will be held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center from May 24-25 and will bring together experts in the field to share their knowledge and experiences.
“One of the major themes of the conference is the role of renewable energy in Hawaii’s future.” said Sandy Ryan, conference director. “The state has set a goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2045, and the conference will explore how this goal can be achieved.” Topics such as energy storage, grid modernization, and community-based renewable energy projects will be discussed. The speakers and panelists include energy industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
The conference will open with a keynote by Daphne Frias, a 25-year-old youth activist from New York, who will speak to the innate resiliency of disabled people and how that relates to adaptation and sustainability. Day 2 kicks off with a conversation with Shelee Kimura, President & CEO of Hawaiian Electric and Alicia Moy, President & CEO of Hawaii Gas discussing “Sharing our visions, opportunities and challenges in the energy industry.” The discussion will include a look at the importance of diversity in the energy sector, including in leadership.
Murray Clay, President of Ulupono Initiative, will moderate a panel exploring community-engaged approaches to renewable energy to empower residents. From Molokai’s recently approved community-based renewable energy project to a new “participatory budgeting” model to determine community benefits, Hawaii is attempting a new way of engagement.
The community focus continues with a talk on energy efficiency and solar energy. Hawaii has some of the highest electricity rates in the country, and energy efficiency measures can help to lower these costs.
Mark Glick, Chief Energy Officer of the Hawaii State Energy Office will moderate a discussion with Hawaii legislators. Senator Lynn DeCoite and Representative Nicole Lowen will discuss solutions to allow more participation by the community in energy decisions and ways to address the high cost of electricity. DeCoite is the chair on the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, and Lowen is the Chair on the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection.
Alicia Moy, President & CEO, Hawaii Gas
Shelee Kimura, President & CEO , Hawaiian Electric
Mark Glick, Chief Energy Officer, Hawaii State Energy Office
Murray Clay, President, Ulupono Initiative
Senator Lynn DeCoite, State of Hawaii
Representative Nicole Lowen, State of Hawaii
The second focus area of the 2023 program will question whether we are moving fast enough towards renewable goals. Islands and other areas subject to extreme weather events need more resilient energy systems. Are the goals realistic?
Panels include a look at the building permit process, a review of the data measuring different “100% goals” plus a developer’s roundtable will discuss what it will take to develop and build utility-scale clean energy in Hawaii.
The third focus area on new tools and technologies in energy include discussions on use of hydrogen in Hawaii; decarbonization pathways; the risks and benefits of energy storage PLUS the potential of geothermal resources in Hawaii.
In addition to the general sessions, the conference will also provide networking opportunities for attendees. There will be an exhibit venue featuring the latest renewable energy technologies and services, as well as social events to facilitate networking and collaboration.
The 2023 Hawaii Energy Conference promises to be a valuable and engaging event for anyone interested in the future of energy and sustainability. With a diverse range of speakers and topics, attendees can expect to gain new insights and knowledge about the latest developments in the industry and connect with other professionals and stakeholders. The conference represents an important step forward in the global effort to transform energy systems and build a sustainable future for all.
Program details and registration can be viewed at www.hawaiienergyconference.com. An advance rate offers savings to those registering before May 17.
The HEC is presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) with the support of the County of Maui Office of Economic Development. 2023 Sponsors are: Johnson Controls, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI), FranklinWH, Hawaiian Electric, AES, Ameresco/Bright Canyon Energy, Brookfield Renewables, Burns & McDonnell, Hawaii Energy, Par Hawaii, Aloha Charge, Generac Power Systems, Hawaii Gas, Hawaii State Energy Office, Kamehameha Schools, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Moss & Associates, Osmose Utility Services, RE+ Events, Sol-Ark, STEM Energy and Sunrun.
After three years of virtual streaming, the Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) is returning to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center May 24-25, 2023 for an in-person gathering. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the conference is presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and will feature a mix of keynote speakers, panel discussions, case studies and an exhibit venue.
Daphne Frias, Youth Activist, will keynote the 10th annual Hawaii Energy Conference
The conference will open with a keynote by Daphne Frias, a 25-year old youth activist who is a loud champion for the disabled community. Born and raised in West Harlem, NYC, Daphne has seen how minority communities are disproportionally affected by climate change — she has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair to ambulate. Daphne will speak to the innate resiliency of disabled people and how that relates to adaptation and sustainability.
“Energy is a complex topic, and it is easy to get lost in the details. We rarely get to talk about the bigger purpose of our work,” added Doug McLeod, of DKK Energy Services and a member of the HEC Program Committee. “In the first ten years of this conference, the discussion evolved from whether our planet was experiencing climate change to whether our energy policies will be enough to avoid excessive climate change. Our keynote speaker this year is part of the next generation of climate leaders. Her story and her message are inspirational.”
In 2019, Daphne was appointed as one of the North American Regional Focal Points for Sustainable Development Goal 16 at the U.N. Major Group for Children and Youth. In this position, she works to highlight and represent the voice of her fellow youth and the work they are doing to become pivotal peacemakers. As a freelance organizer, she spends her time speaking at various colleges, summits, and panels. In addition, she consults with non-profits, crafting engaging campaigns highlighting the voices of Gen-Z.
“Daphne is a really great spokesperson for personal resilience, for accessibility and she does an amazing amount of community organizing,” said Jonathan Koehn, a founding member of the HEC Program Committee and Chief Sustainability & Resilience Officer, City of Boulder. “I think it’s a good opportunity for the conference to kick-off with a discussion oriented to those who are most vulnerable in our communities.”
Daphne’s presentation will segue into a segment of panels that focus on community engagement and empowerment as it relates to energy. The discussion will look at new ways of engagement including the new participatory budgeting model and Molokai’s recently approved community-based renewable energy project.
A second focus area of the 2023 program will look at Hawaii’s clean-energy goals in which panels will question:
It takes how long for a building permit? A discussion on the challenges and solutions of permitting for distributed energy resources like rooftop PV and lithium-ion batteries.
What does the data say? This panel will discuss the different “100%” goals involving Renewable Energy, Carbon, and sustainability, whether Hawaii is on track to meet them and whether the focus needs to change?
Why are large scale renewables across the US coming online slower than expected, and often at higher cost? Wren Westcoatt of Longroad Energy will lead this developers’ roundtable.
A third focus area of the 2023 Hawaii Energy Conference will look at new tools and technologies in the renewable energy domain, including geothermal, aviation fuel, energy storage, and use of hydrogen.
The HEC consistently attracts energy leaders from Hawaii, the Continental U.S., Asia-Pacific, and more exchange ideas on how to better serve our communities in today’s rapidly changing power generation and delivery environment. It is supported by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development and 2023 Sponsors: Johnson Controls, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaiian Electric, AES, Kamehameha Schools, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Sunrun and STEM Energy.
More program details can be viewed at www.hawaiienergyconference.com. Registration is now open with early bird rates available until March 31.
After three years of virtual streaming, the Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) is returning to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center May 24-25, 2023 for an in-person gathering. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the conference is presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and will feature a mix of keynote speakers, panel discussions, case studies and an exhibit hall.
There is so much to talk about when we meet in person again, both the formal panel discussions and all the informal ‘talk story’ conversations that occur away from the stage and during the breaks,” said Doug McLeod of DKK Energy Services and a lead member of the HEC Program Committee. “It was good that we could continue to have some dialogue while meeting virtually but we all know the conversation is more lively in person.”
“The survey results we get always emphasize networking as an important feature of the Hawaii Energy Conference and important connections can build from a chance meeting during a break.”
The Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) brings together experts on energy policy, strategies, leadership and innovation. Energy leaders from Hawaii, the Continental U.S., Asia-Pacific and more exchange ideas on how to better serve our communities in today’s rapidly changing power generation and delivery environment.
The Hawaii Energy Conference panel discussions bring together experts on energy policy, strategies, leadership and innovation
The Exhibit Hall at the Hawaii Energy Conference offers networking and an opportunity to connect with sponsors
The first conference was held in 2014 to explore the challenges and opportunities in our nation’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Since its launch, the conference has almost doubled in size. It has covered topics including the future of electric utilities, Hawaii’s goal of becoming 100% renewable by 2045, decarbonization, and innovation in the industry.
The 2023 program committee have identified key topics for discussion at this years conference including:
Is getting to 100 % Renewables still desirable, still doable, still worth the price?
How can we get clean energy projects permitted, interconnected, and operational in a reasonable period of time?
What is the next step in our efforts toward decarbonized energy, and what role does hydrogen play?
What are the energy related priorities of the Hawai’i Legislature and the Governor?
What is Energy Equity and how do we achieve it in the pursuit of state energy goals such as 100% renewables and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions?
Energy companies will enjoy being back at the MACC with the opportunity to showcase their products and services in the Exhibit Hall. The networking sessions are social and high-energy. “It’s much easier to attract someone to your exhibit booth at a live event,” says Sandy Ryan, HEC Conference Director. “Attendees are more attentive and committed to participating fully in the conference than they are in a virtual environment.”
We have so much to talk about! Save the date for 2023 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hawaii Energy Conference. Finally back live and in person at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center May 24-25, 2023.
Is getting to 100 % Renewables still desirable, still doable, still worth the price?
How can we get clean energy projects permitted, interconnected, and operational in a reasonable period of time?
What is the next step in our efforts toward decarbonized energy, and what role does hydrogen play?
What are the energy related priorities of the Hawai’i Legislature and the Governor?
What is Energy Equity and how do we achieve it in the pursuit of state energy goals such as 100% renewables and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions?
and more….
The HEC brings together experts on energy policy, strategies, leadership and innovation. Energy leaders from Hawaii, the Continental U.S., Asia-Pacific and more exchange ideas on how to better serve our communities in today’s rapidly changing power generation and delivery environment. Registration launching next month.
Exhibit space is available for sponsors to display products and services, present hands-on demonstrations to highlight new technologies, and promote your organization. Learn more
