CLEANPOWER 2023: We Are In a Transformative Time

Members of the Renewa team recently attended the American Clean Power Association’s conference, CLEANPOWER 2023 in New Orleans. This is an annual event that focuses on clean energy and sustainable power solutions, and brings together industry leaders, professionals, policymakers, and researchers from various sectors to discuss and showcase the latest advancements in the clean energy field.  The event drew in an estimated 8,000 attendees and more than 830 exhibitors.

Our key takeaway from the event?  The clean energy revolution presents a significant opportunity for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social progress. We are truly in a transformative time.

Other key highlights:

• L.A. Lakers legend Magic Johnson delivered a compelling keynote, reminding us that competition can make us stronger and make us better.  During his reign in professional basketball, Johnson reflected on how he became a better basketball player because of Larry Bird, his rival who played for the Boston Celtics.  Bird, a legend in his own right, also became a better ball player because of Johnson.  The two of them – in their drive to be the best – pushed each other to incredible achievements, and in turn, elevated the game to new heights.  As an industry, we can help and challenge one another to propel this industry forward, as well.  And as a result, we will all be better organizations that can contribute more to the world.

• Discussions around Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects were also a common theme throughout the conference.  BESS projects have gained significant attention and are playing a crucial role in the clean energy transition – particularly ‘behind the meter’ (BTM) storage, and projects co-developed with distributed generation (DG) systems.

• One area of focus, particularly with BTM BESS projects, is site control.  Issues with site control are a result of backlogged interconnection queues, regulatory hurdles, and continued supply chain constraints.

• Global supply chains have been under enormous pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis. In the wind and solar sectors, these pressures are compounded by industry-specific challenges. Because of the supply chain constraints, companies are trying to find ways to develop more wind projects.

• We had productive meetings about repowering wind projects, as well.  Developers are seeing opportunities to expand their wind footprint through existing legacy projects, and we look forward to continued conversations on this front.

This transformative time in clean energy offers tremendous opportunities to combat climate change, create sustainable economic growth, improve air quality, and enhance energy access.

It does, however, require continued investment in research, development, and deployment of clean energy technologies, along with collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities to drive the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.