Investments in grid infrastructure are a growing necessity at the local, state and federal levels. This panel asks, how can cities, companies, state and federal actors leverage electrification, storage, and new technologies to create a more efficient, effective, and powerful energy grid?

Sparking Economic Revitalization and Accelerating Technology Innovation for a Decarbonized Energy Future

The Ohio Energy Policy Overview will discuss the history of Ohio’s regulatory landscape, the current policies affecting consumers and producers, and the future of the State’s advanced power legislation. The speakers will touch on Ohio’s history of utility-dominated policies, as well as the economic and political shift to carbon reduction and alternative power sources.

From the perspective of solar development and battery storage, the On-Site Renewables and Storage panel will feature a discussion of Inflation Reduction Act zones and benefits, delivery charge offsets, and successful storage case studies.

Businesses must source natural gas or electricity to power their operations. Energy procurement is the strategic process of sourcing your energy needs from a third party energy supplier or local distribution company. In a volatile energy sourcing market, our panelists will discuss current market challenges that are affecting energy procurement. Leaders from Shell, IGS Energy, and NRG will share their thoughts on best practices for other supplies, as well as help consumers understand how to best purchase energy. Come to this panel prepared to ask questions about a rapid “green energy” transition, distributed energy resources, and deal structuring to meet client goals.

Today’s energy volatility is increasing risks and complicating implementation of many companies’ aggressive sustainability goals. In this session we’ll explore changes in renewable energy markets and challenges associated with the supply and demand shifts that are driving evolution of new products like hourly matched carbon-free (24x7) electricity supply. Additionally we will examine changes occurring in commodity markets and the impact on sustainability strategies. In this environment, how can customers’ best implement aggressive zero carbon goals, while appropriately balancing increased risks and costs?

International relations and geopolitics have significantly shifted how energy consumers and producers in the United States manage their energy--whether it is electric, natural gas, coal, or renewables. “A Changing Market: Global Energy Trends” will dive into the international issues that are creating shockwaves throughout the global energy industry, and how the United States’ private sector is navigating the waters.

Over a quarter of the State of Ohio is classified as rural. However, rural and agricultural areas are often left out of the discussion about a changing energy economy. The EV Vehicle Applications to Energy panel will bring together a group of experts on rural energy and EV rural technology to explore various positive applications for EV technology in an agricultural space. Moderated by Fred Michel, a Professor of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, this powerhouse panel will bring new perspectives to the table at the Ohio Energy Conference.

Today’s energy volatility is increasing risks and complicating implementation of many companies’ aggressive sustainability goals. In this session we’ll explore changes in renewable energy markets and challenges associated with the supply and demand shifts that are driving evolution of new products like hourly matched carbon-free (24x7) electricity supply. Additionally we will examine changes occurring in commodity markets and the impact on sustainability strategies. In this environment, how can customers’ best implement aggressive zero carbon goals, while appropriately balancing increased risks and costs?

Wiley Rhodes, Founder and CEO of Newpoint Gas, LLC, will share the story of his new project in Ohio Valley: The Green Energy and Manufacturing (GEM) Initiative and Re-industrialization of the Former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PORTS) in Pike County, Ohio.

This powerhouse panel will dive into the details of supply contracts, off-site energy purchasing, and answering customer questions about the procurement process. Join our panelists as they bring national expertise to the table to discuss the nuances of supplying energy, their challenges and best practices.

PACE Financing experts will dive into the nuances of PACE financing in the State of Ohio and explain how to best leverage this tool for various types of energy efficiency projects. As the premier energy project financing tool in the State, consumers of all sizes will have a sincere interest in attending this panel to learn from the experts directly.

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It’s more important than ever for organizations, both public and private, to be able to meet a critical grid peak day – it’s just a matter of how. Our efficiency and load management panel will provide expert explanations, real world examples, and recommendations for customers of all sizes regarding energy efficiency and management.

The Energy Project Financing Panel will focus on the array of methods for fi nancing energy projects available to private and public energy users. Discussing JEDDs, TIFs, and the fi nancing incentives in the Infl ation Reduction Act, this panel will be an introduction to the many avenues that can be pursued to make your company or city’s energy project a reality.

The Federal Energy Policy Overview will feature policy experts who have been engaged in the nation’s changing legislative landscape for decades. This session will provide a high level overview of the most pressing issues in Washington, D.C., as well as dive into the nuances of the politics surrounding FERC.

The Hydrogen: Strengths and Weaknesses panel will address the growing hydrogen industry and the viability of implementing hydrogen technologies into daily life. This session will feature leaders in hydrogen research & development, as well as professionals in the hydrogen business sphere.

From fleet electrification to individual EV ownership, consumers big and small are wrestling with when, where, and how soon to engage with electric vehicles. Join our speakers at the intersection where changing technology meets political and regulatory roadblocks. This panel will unpack many of the challenges that public and private organizations may encounter as they work through a vehicle electrification plan, specifically in the State of Ohio, and will compare Ohio’s EV space to the practices of our peer states across the country.

The Energy Procurement Challenges panel will feature mid-size energy consumers throughout the State of Ohio to discuss their perspectives on the biggest challenges they face when procuring energy. Panelists will share case studies and discuss how they have created solutions for their organizations.

Today, Ohio is seeing some of the fastest commercial and industrial growth in the State’s 200 year history. Alongside
this tremendous opportunity come multiple challenges, including: who is going to fi ll all of these jobs? Representatives from the public sector and private sector will share their experiences in working to develop and upskill Ohio’s energy and manufacturing workforce, in a changing energy landscape.

New, alternative energy sources cannot be successful without a holistic approach. The Value Stacking (Creating Systems) panel will not only emphasize the importance of creating a circular energy economy, but will teach the audience how to make it a reality in the State of Ohio.

As the energy industry grows, it must necessarily become more inclusive as well. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Panel will feature leaders in the energy sector that have paved the way for gender, race, and sexuality equality in the industry. Panelists will share how they implement their DEI strategies at their organizations, and how they are hoping to shape the future of DEI in the energy industry (including at this conference).

The “Energy Education: Experiential Learning” session will feature a discussion on the importance of giving the nation’s youth the tools to create a sustainable future. University faculty and nonprofit leaders will share how they have inspired younger generations to engage in energy and sustainability.

The closing sessions, “A Forward Thinking Energy Policy” will provide an overview of how the State of Ohio can progress to become a leader in energy in the Midwest. Panelists will share their success stories and provide a glimmer of hope into the future of the energy industry in the Buckeye State.