2018 Energy Conference

Decarbonization: A Business Opportunity for Innovative Communities

2018 marks a year of milestones as we celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Maui Energy Conference and the 10th Anniversary of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. Hawaii led the way in setting a 100% Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). Did we set the right targets? What can we learn from energy leaders from around the globe?

Decarbonization presents innovative communities, from Hawaii to New York, with new business opportunities. The conference will explore possibilities including: voluntary and mandatory options for reducing carbon; what a decarbonized grid looks like; the utility business model best suited to reach carbon reduction goals; curtailing carbon emissions in the transportation sector; the role of agriculture in a carbon reduction strategy; and more.

Media Coverage of the 2018 Maui Energy Conference

PROGRAM

Download the Program Booklet

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PHOTOS & VIDEOS

PRESENTATIONS

DAY 1 | Wednesday, March 14, 2018

KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Hawaii as a Climate Leader
Introduction by Doug McLeod, Chair, Conference Program Committee
Representative Chris Lee, Chair, House Committee on Energy and Environmental, State of Hawaii

THE LIMITS OF THE HAWAII CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE 
Moderated by William Giese, Executive Director, Hawaii Solar Energy Association
Hermina Morita, Energy Dynamics
Alan Oshima, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hawaiian Electric Company
Gerald Sumida, Partner, Carlsmith Ball LLP

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES CREATED BY HCEI
Moderated by Luis Salaveria, Director, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaii | (video)
Kyle Datta, General Partner, Ulupono Initiative
Dawn Lippert, Chief Executive Officer, Elemental Excelerator | (video)
Wren Wescoatt, Principal, 7 Generation Consulting

CONVERGENCE: HOW IT ALL COMES TOGETHER
Moderated by Scott Seu, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Hawaiian Electric Company
Stacey Crowley, Vice President, Regional and Federal Affairs, California Independent System Operator Corporation (CAISO)
Martha Symko-Davies, Laboratory Program Manager, Energy Systems Integration, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Mike Yamane, Chief of Operations, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative

HAWAII ENERGY VIDEO: REDUCING CARBON THROUGH ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Presented by Caroline Carl, Deputy Director, Hawaii Energy

STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES: A REVIEW OF ALL THE OPTIONS
Moderated by Kelly Speakes-Backman, CEO, Energy Storage Association
Mark Stout, Vice President, Project Development, Amber Kinetics
Boris von Bormann, CEO, Mercedes-Benz Energy Americas, LLC
Jon Yoshimura, Pacific Market Development, Tesla

ANALYSIS: UTILITY PV CUSTOMERS RESPOND TO EVOLVING DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCE POLICIES
Presented by Luis Salaveria, Director, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, State of Hawaii and Eugene Tian, Chief Economist, State of Hawaii

REGULATING CARBON: THE BEST SOLUTIONS
Moderated by Matthew McDonnell, Commission Counsel, Hawaii Public Utilities Commission
Sonia Aggarwal, Vice President, Energy Innovation
Doug McLeod, Chair, Conference Program Committee
Chris Lee, Chair, House Committee on Energy and Environmental, State of Hawaii

CARBON AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY: WHAT IS THE CONNECTION?
Moderated by Jennifer Potter, Project Specialist, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
Chris Badger, Senior Consultant, Vermont Energy Investment Co.
Caroline Carl, Deputy Director, Hawaii Energy
Carilyn Shon, Administrator, Hawaii State Energy Office

DAY 2 | Thursday, March 15, 2018

INVITED PRESENTATION | Maui Energy Conference—5 Years Later
Introduction by Frank De Rego Jr, Director of Business Development Projects, Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. and Vice Chair, Conference Program Committee
Alice Madden, Executive Director, Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources and former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy

DECARBONIZING TRANSPORTATION
Moderated by Brennon Morioka, ‎General Manager of Electrification of Transportation, ‎Hawaiian Electric Company
David Graham, Deputy Chief Operation Officer, Neighborhood Services, City of San Diego
Michael Hansen, President, Hawaii Shippers Council
David Snyder, Executive Director, California Bicycle Coalition

CASE STUDY: BALANCING EVS AND THE HIGHWAY FUND
Presented by Murray Clay, Managing Partner, Ulupono Initiative

REVERSE PITCH SESSION
Hosted by Aki Marceau, Director of Policy & Community Hawaii, Elemental Excelerator and Fred Redell, Energy Commissioner, Office of Economic Development, County of Maui

INNOVATIVE COMMUNITIES CREATE A ROADMAP TO DECARBONIZATION
Moderated by Frank De Rego Jr., Director of Business Development Projects, Maui Economic Development Board, Inc.; Vice Chair, Conference Program Committee
Robert Mould, Energy Program Manager, City and County of Honolulu
Lucinda Smith, Environmental Services Department Director, City of Fort Collins
Ben Sullivan, Energy Coordinator, County of Kauai

INTERNATIONAL LESSONS IN CARBON REDUCTION
Moderated by John (J.C.) Thomas, Director of External Affairs, Sempra Infrastructure
Jeremy Martin, Vice President Energy & Sustainability, Institute of the Americas
Sarah Moe, Senior Consultant, Sustainable Buildings & Communities, DNV GL Energy Services
Takashi Ohara, Deputy Manager, Tokyo Electric Power Company Ltd

CARBON FARMING AND ENERGY CROPS
Moderated by Rick Volner, General Manager of Diversified Agriculture, Alexander & Baldwin
Susan Crow, Asst. Professor, Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Management, University of Hawaii, Manoa
Charlotte O’Brien, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Carbon Drawdown Solutions
Fred Redell, Energy Commissioner, Office of Economic Development, County of Maui

CASE STUDY: MAXIMIZE ENERGY STORAGE VALUE WITH ADVANCED CONTROL AND OPTIMIZATION TOOLS
Presented by Patrick Lee, Vice President, Sempra Infrastructures; President, PXiSE Energy Solutions

MODERATED DISCUSSION: IS HAWAII’S 100% RPS WORTH THE COST? (no slides)
Moderated by Gavin Bade, Senior Reporter, Utility Dive
Jeffrey Mikulina, Executive Director, Blue Planet Foundation
Richard Rocheleau, Director, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute

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Program Committee

Lisa Briggs | Director Government Affairs, Sempra U.S. Gas & Power
Colton Ching | Vice President, Energy Delivery, Hawaiian Electric
Frank De Rego Jr. | Director of Business Development Projects, Maui Economic Development Board, Inc.
James “Jay” Griffin | Assistant Researcher, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
Jonathan Koehn | Regional Sustainability Coordinator, City of Boulder
Doug McLeod | Chair, Conference Program Committee
Sebastian “Bash” Nola | Utility Consultant and former So. Cal. Edison Executive
Dave Parsons | Chief of Policy and Research, Hawaii Public Utilities Commission
Frederick Redell | Energy Commissioner, Maui County Office Of Economic Development

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Sponsors of the 2018 Energy Conference 

GIGAwatt
	The basic credo of HITACHI is to further elevate its founding concepts of harmony, sincerity and pioneering spirit, to instill a resolute pride in being a member of Hitachi, and thereby to contribute to society through the development of superior, original technology and products. Deeply aware that a business enterprise is itself a member of society, Hitachi is also resolved to strive as a good citizen of the community towards the realization of a truly prosperous society and, to this end, to conduct its corporate activities in a fair and open manner, promote harmony with the natural environment, and engage vigorously in activities that contribute to social progress. [Visit Site]
	ULUPONO INITIATIVE is a Hawaii-focused impact investing firm that uses for-profit and non-profit investments to improve the quality of life for island residents in three areas: locally produced food; renewable energy; and waste reduction. [Visit Site]
	The government of the COUNTY OF MAUI, encompasses the islands of Kaho`olawe, Lana`i, Maui and Moloka`i, in the State of Hawai`i, USA with a mission to promote and nurture sustainable economic development within Maui County consistent with the community’s needs and priorities. Support for the Maui Energy Conference comes through the County’s Office of Economic Development which works in partnership with the community, business and government sectors to strengthen and diversify the economy by supporting existing businesses, and by assisting in the attraction, development and expansion of new businesses. [Visit Site]
MEGAwatt
	HAWAII ENERGY is the ratepayer-funded conservation and efficiency program for Hawaii, Honolulu and Maui counties administered by Leidos Engineering, LLC under contract with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. We are here to help you save money on your electric bills and reduce our state’s dependence on imported oil. [Visit Site]
	The HAWAI’I NATURAL ENERGY INSTITUTE (HNEI) conducts essential energy research relevant to Hawaii and the world.  Programs focus on identifying technically sound, cost effective solutions and practical strategies that can be implemented to deliver commercially viable renewable energy.  The ultimate goal is to achieve a stable and cost-effective energy mix for Hawaii, while reducing our dependence on oil and other fossil fuel resources. HNEI brings together people from a wide range of disciplines and different types of organizations to tackle the urgent and complex sustainable energy needs of the state and the nation. Analysis, research, engineering, economics, and policy are integrated to develop technology, strategies and policies that will have significant positive impact on the energy mix. [Visit Site]
	With the state’s goal to reach 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2045, the HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE (HSEO) is leading the state’s charge toward clean energy independence. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. [Visit Site]
	For more than 100 years, the HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANIES have provided the energy that has fueled the islands’ development from a Hawaiian kingdom to a modern state. Hawaiian Electric Company, and its subsidiaries, Maui Electric Company, and Hawaii Electric Light Company, serves 95% of the state’s 1.4 million residents on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Lanai and Molokai.  Since 1891, we have been entrusted to power these islands and empower its citizens – a responsibility that has been both our mission and our honor. [Visit Site]
	Together with affiliates and joint-venture partners, SEMPRA RENEWABLES own and operate nearly 2,400 megawatts (MW) of renewable generating capacity* fueled by the sun and wind, that generate power for nearly 600,000 homes and businesses. Their more than $3 billion investment in clean energy has created about 4,000 jobs, while providing an economic boost to communities and landowners in 11 states. An experienced team uses a combination of rigorous analysis, internal expertise, and external collaboration to architect new and creative solutions to complex energy problems.  Subsidiary of SEMPRA ENERGY, a Fortune 500 energy services holding company, based in San Diego, Calif., with 17,000 employees. [Visit Site]
MICROwatt
	AMBER KINETICS, INC. was founded in anticipation of the enormous worldwide demand for competitively priced, safe, environmentally sustainable, multi-hour energy storage. Our mission is to accelerate global adoption of energy storage by commercializing our advanced, cost-disruptive flywheel technology to provide a lower cost and higher performing alternative to fossil fuel generation. [Visit Site]
	AMERESCO helps organizations meet energy saving and energy management challenges with an integrated comprehensive approach to energy efficiency and renewable energy. Leveraging budget neutral solutions, including energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) and power purchase agreements (PPAs), we eliminate the financial barriers that traditionally hamper energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. [Visit Site]
	GRIDWORKS’ mission is to convene, educate and empower stakeholders working to decarbonize electricity grids. Since 2010, Gridworks (formerly known as “More Than Smart”) has enabled this mission through four strategies: by identifying high-value challenges to decarbonizing electricity grids; convening stakeholders and providing them neutral ground, technical support and facilitation to identify break-through solutions to identified challenges; publishing and helping implement identified solutions; and adapting successful solutions to new markets. [Visit Site]
	HAWAII ENERGY SYSTEMS (HES),  founded in 2006 is headquartered in Aiea, O’ahu with offices on the Big Island. Maui and Guam. A licensed Electrical, Mechanical and Low Voltage Contractor, HES’s sole focus is on delivering Connected Energy Efficiency to facilities of all types, large and small, throughout the Pacific Rim. They service all Hawaiian Islands, Guam, Saipan, Palau, Micronesia, American Samoa and the other US Territories in the region.[Visit Site]
	Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) is a not-for-profit generation, transmission and distribution cooperative owned by the members it serves. Headquartered in Lihue, Hawaii, the cooperative serves 33,000 electric accounts on the island of Kauai. KIUC is a nationally recognized leader in the use of renewable energy and is committed to using solar, biomass and hydropower to produce at least 50 percent of the island’s electricity by 2023. [Visit Site]
	KEVALA’S mission is to identify areas of opportunity and high cost by providing details about evolving grid infrastructure, load, market prices, behavior, and environmental data. [Visit Site]
	OHM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. provides energy-conscious products for commercial, industrial and residential applications. We are committed to reducing energy costs and consumption, and extending the longevity of energized equipment, with the global vision of conserving our natural resources. We believe the steps we take today determine the sustainability of the world we will share tomorrow. Integrating energy efficiency equipment in every home and business is a vital way we can all contribute toward a cleaner, greener environment. [Visit Site]
	STEFFES is a lean-operating original equipment manufacturer headquartered in Dickinson, North Dakota with additional manufacturing facilities in Grand Forks, North Dakota. We specialize in steel fabrication and electrical services for a variety of diverse industries, including oil and gas, contract manufacturing and electric thermal storage. [Visit Site]
	TABUCHI ELECTRIC is a leading worldwide solar inverter manufacturer. Globally diversified and listed on the NIKKEI, it has developed and manufactured state-of-the-art solar inverters for over 20 years. Tabuchi develops and manufactures products to serve as a “Total Energy Solution”. Our mission is to contribute to a greener world by providing customers with products that generate, use, and manage energy efficiently. [Visit Site]

Featured Exhibitors
Elemental Excelerator	Gridworks
Hawaii State Energy Office	Hawaiian Electric Companies
Hitachi	Ohm Energy Technologies
Sempra Renewables	Steffes
Tabuchi Electric

Relax & Recharge in the Castle Theatre Lobby, Courtesy of Ulupono Initiative  

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