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
The 9th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) returned to the virtual stage with 368 participants joining the conversation on “Electrification: Where are we now? What does the future hold?”.
Presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and supported by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, the online two-day conference May 10 and 12 brought together experts on energy policy, strategies, leadership and innovation to revisit all the aspects of electrifying the grid and transportation—current successes, potential pitfalls, and future opportunities.
The Hawaii Energy Conference provides a forum for the exchange of ideas on how to better serve the community in today’s rapidly changing power generation and delivery environment. In his opening welcome. Mayor Victorino stated, “Hawaii is a leading state for solar energy in the nation with a goal of 100-percent renewable energy by 2045. Our famous trade winds can help generate electricity and we have the potential to capture wave energy and geothermal for our energy needs. We have sustainable energy, and an abundance of sunshine and resources to help us. We look to the engineers, scientists, and other experts at this conference to help the people of Hawaii make a transition to renewable energy sooner than later.”
The virtual conference featured keynotes, panel discussions, interviews, networking, and exhibits. Panel’s discussed Electrification in relationship to — the Community; Transportation; Battery Storage; Carbon, Climate Resiliency, Energy Efficiency and more.
Hosts for the 9th Hawaii Energy Conference (L to R): Leslie Wilkins, MEDB; Jacqui Hoover, HI EDB; Frank De Rego, Jr. MEDB.
Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO said, “Electrification will completely impact how we approach the issues of energy, production, distribution, energy equity, resilience, and more. Our program focused on the challenges and opportunities before us all in building a resilient, sustainable, affordable, secure, and equitable energy future.”
The opening keynote was presented by Abigail Anthony of the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission. She spoke on the topic “When Tradewinds Blow: Maintaining Course during the Energy Transition.” In an interview format Commissioner Anthony said, “Rhode Island, the smallest state in the country, roughly the size of Oahu, asserts that right rates and benefits are needed in order to encourage residents to convert to electrification. Electrification is no longer just for early adopters; it is ready to go to scale. We are focused on advancing equity, by making sure our customers are paying only for things that they can benefit from as well as afford.”
Electrification and Energy Efficiency
Caroline Carl, newly appointed Executive Director of Hawaii Energy, gave a Spotlight Talk on Energy Efficiency. She said “The role of energy efficiency is important in the movement to electrify almost everything. Hawaii Energy, the rate-payer-funded energy efficiency program serving the islands of Maui, Oahu, Hawaii, Molokai, and Lanai, operates directly under contract with the public utilities commission. Our mission is to help local families and businesses make smart energy choices.”
This model began when Hawaii’s first clean-energy initiative was formalized in 2008 when the state committed to achieving 70 percent clean energy by 2030. Forty percent was to be from renewable generation and 30 percent from energy efficiency and conservation. This led to the establishment of the state’s energy efficiency portfolio standards, which set a reduction goal of 4300 gigawatt hours by 2030. The Hawaii Energy programs were created to help realize these goals.
“Today the Hawaii Energy programs have saved the people of Hawaii more than a billion dollars off their energy bills by helping them make smart energy choices,” Carl pointed out. “Nevertheless, the programs of the past decade are not what the programs of the next ten years will look like. We are facing a time of significant change across the entire energy landscape. Our programs will need to respond to the impact associated with the number of external drivers. As we face power plant retirements on Oahu and Maui, increasing concerns around capacity reserve shortfall and the Covid pandemic economic impacts remain significant even though looking ahead the outlook appears positive as the global economy continues to recover. Despite all these competing forces, at Hawaii Energy we believe the efficiency programs are key to helping customers and transforming the market for clean energy.”
Day 2 – Keynote Amy Jaffe
Day 2 kicked off with a keynote presentation by Amy Myers Jaffe. The Research Professor and Managing Director of the Climate Policy Lab at the Fletcher School of Tufts University is a leading expert on global energy policy and sustainability.
Considering the question ‘Why Electrification.’, Jaffe said, “We are about to face a major shortfall of diesel fuel throughout the global commodity market. With Hawaii being vulnerable to the volatility in the price of diesel fuel, it does seem that energy security is going hand in hand with decarbonization in thinking about the impetus for electrification.”
“And everything is digital today, everything is connected to your smartphone, it’s all automated, based on data and therefore everything runs on electricity.” she added.
A Conversation with Shelee Kimura
Later on Day 2 Jacqui Hoover, Executive Director at Hawaii Island Economic Development Board and HEC Program co-chair, interviewed Shelee Kimura, the newly appointed President and Chief Executive Officer for Hawaiian Electric. Kimura currently leads Hawaiian Electric’s strategy to provide safe, affordable, reliable clean energy for customers on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai and Molokai. With her leadership, Hawaiian Electric plans to cut carbon emissions from power generation 70-percent by 2030. Kimura’s vision is to generate electricity with zero or very little carbon emission by 2045, if not sooner.
“Meeting our 2030 commitment will be a stretch, but it is achievable if public policies and community priorities are aligned to ensure that this energy transformation leaves no one behind,” Kimura explained. “Equity is an important issue at Hawaiian Electric. We have been focused on it for many years and we look at it in many ways. From a financial perspective, we want to make sure everyone can afford our transition to renewable energy. Also important is equity from a geographic perspective. We need to integrate many megawatts of renewable energy and we know that takes a lot of land. These conversations about where the projects will be sited, how they will be sited, the relationship with community—these are all really important topics that we have been trying to nurture over the last several years. We know that as we put more and more renewables on the electric power system there will be challenges. It is an issue that the entire energy eco-system cannot ignore.”
In addition to watching the presentations live, participants were able to connect and network with each other and sponsors through the virtual platform. Participating sponsors and exhibitors were: Hawaii Natural Energy Institute; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaiian Electric; Kauai Island Utility Cooperative; Burns & McDonnell; Elemental Excelerator; G70; Hawaii Energy; Hawaii Gas; Innergex; Progression Hawaii Offshore Wind; Shifted Energy; and AES.
“There is no doubt that the push to electrification will affect our way of life,” concluded Frank De Rego, Jr., Director of Business Development Projects, MEDB, and Co-Chair of the Conference Program Committee. “Electrification demands attention, among other things, to upgrading the grid, working out a reasonable and responsive regulatory framework, and responding to community needs and concerns, including equity.”
The Hawaii Energy Conference is planning a return to an in-person event on Maui in 2023.
Abigail Anthony, Commissioner, Rhode Island PUC gave the keynote on Day 1 of the Hawaii Energy Conference
Caroline Carl, Executive Director of Hawaii Energy spoke about Energy Efficiency
Amy Jaffe of the Climate Policy Lab at the Fletcher School of Tufts University gave the keynote on Day 2 of the Hawaii Energy Conference
Shelee Kimura, President & CEO, Hawaiian Electric Company addressed the Hawaii Energy Conference on Day 2
Johnathan Koehn (bottom left), Chief Sustainability & Resilience Officer, City of Boulder; Interim Director, Climate Initiatives Department, City of Boulder moderated a panel on “The Role of Electrification in a Climate Resilient Future” Panelists from top left were Rachel Golden, Carbon-Free Buildings, RMI; Karl R. Rábago, Rábago Energy LLC; and Craig Lewis, Clean Coalition
The 9th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference will feature two keynote speakers to headline each of the days of May 10 and 12 as it explores the theme “Electrification: Where are we now? What does the future hold?” The conference will open with Abigail Anthony, Commissioner, Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission speaking to the topic “When Tradewinds Blow: Maintaining Course during the Energy Transition.”
Commissioner Abigail Anthony is currently the Chair of the Commission on Energy Resources and the Environment of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the President of the Board of the New England Utility Cybersecurity Integration Collaborative. Previously, she was the director of Acadia Center’s Grid Modernization and Utility Reform Initiative, and the organization’s Rhode Island director. During her time as director of Acadia Center, Anthony was appointed to the Rhode Island Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council, where she served from 2010 to 2017 overseeing the implementation of the state’s energy efficiency programs and policies.
On Day 2, Amy Myers Jaffe, Research Professor and Managing Director of the Climate Policy Lab at the Fletcher School of Tufts University will address the conference. Jaffe boldly declared recently in the Wall Street Journal, “The electrification of (almost) everything is coming, and we’re just not ready for it.”
A leading expert on global energy policy and sustainability, Jaffe previously served as senior advisor for sustainability at the Office of the Chief Investment Officer at the University of California, Regents and as executive director for energy and sustainability at University of California, Davis where she led research on low or zero carbon fuels and transportation policy. Jaffe has taught energy policy, business, and sustainability courses at Rice University, University of California, Davis, and Yale University.
Widely published, Jaffe is the author of “Energy’s Digital Future: Harnessing Innovation for American Resilience and National Security” and is co-author of “Oil, Dollars, Debt and Crises: The Global Curse of Black Gold.” She is chair of the steering committee of the Women in Energy Initiative at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy policy and a member of the Global Future Council on Net Zero Transition at the World Economic Forum (Davos).
Presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and supported by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, the Hawaii Energy Conference will be virtual and in addition to the keynotes will feature panel discussions, interviews and exhibits over the two days.
The program includes a conversation with Shelee Kimura, newly-appointed President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric. Shelee previously served as senior vice president of Customer Service & Public Affairs and senior vice president of Business Development & Strategic Planning. She provided leadership for the company’s customer care initiatives through the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, making equity and access a top priority while improving customer satisfaction and stakeholder engagement. She led the development of Hawaiian Electric’s 2015- 2020 Strategic Transformation Plan. During that period, she strengthened and grew the Hawaii market for affordable, clean energy resources and launched the electric transportation division, which will play a critical role to help decarbonize Hawaii’s economy.
Abigail Anthony, Commissioner, Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission
Amy Myers Jaffe, Research Professor and Managing Director of the Climate Policy Lab at the Fletcher School of Tufts University
Shelee Kimura, President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric
Panel topics to be explored over the two days are:
Electrification and Battery Storage
The Community and Electrification
Electrification and Energy Efficiency
Electrification and Transportation
Electrification and Carbon: It’s a Math Problem
Systemic Shocks and the Changing Pace of Electrification
Electrification and the Cost of Resilience: Are We Prepared?
A study by Princeton University predicts that by 2050 electrifying transport and buildings could double the amount of electricity consumption in the U.S.
“There is no doubt that the push to Electrification will affect our way of life,” stated De Rego. “Electrification demands attention, among other things, to upgrading the grid, working out a reasonable and responsive regulatory framework, and responding to community needs and concerns.”
The virtual venue will be open up to a week in advance, encouraging attendees to network to connect and build important relationships prior to, during and after the conference. They will be able to visit the virtual exhibit hall where companies showcase their products and services and can connect with attendees via chat or video.
