Aimed at renewable energy newcomers, arrive early for a discussion of renewable energy technologies and how they are used in Wisconsin. The goal of this session is to give you a foundation to get even more out of the rest of the Summit!

PRESENTER:  Sam Dunaiski

Learn how the electricity grid works today, and how the grid will be evolving to handle more renewable energy and more distributed technologies like solar power, batteries, and electric vehicles.

PRESENTER:  Lauren Azar

Laws and policy set the framework for how today’s energy systems work, and how the transition to clean energy will happen. These policymakers are making key decisions that can position Wisconsin to take advantage of clean energy opportunities. How can policy help Wisconsin achieve a 100% carbon-free future?

PANELISTS:  Jim Boullion (Moderator), Senator Robert Cowles, Representative Greta Neubauer, Representative Adam Neylon, Rebecca Cameron Valcq

The story portion of our Summit highlights three inspiring tales of successful renewable energy projects in Wisconsin.

STORYTELLERS:  Scott Anderson, Antonio Butts, Nancy Vedder-Shults

The model for successful biogas projects is changing in Wisconsin. What role can biogas play in Wisconsin’s renewable energy future and how can strategic partnerships ensure the success of these facilities?

PANELISTS:  Kevin Dobson, Stephen Dvorak, Mike Koel, Jessica Niekrasz (Moderator)

Electrifying our vehicles and powering them with renewable energy is a tremendous opportunity for our state to keep dollars at home, increase homegrown renewable energy production, and reduce the environmental impacts of transportation. How are businesses and utilities preparing for and accelerating this monumental opportunity?

PANELISTS:  Josh Cohen, Deb Erwin, Robert Fischer, Jane McCurry (Moderator), Matthew McGovern

Energy storage will be needed to maximize the benefits of solar and wind energy in the transition to a clean energy future. In addition, battery storage can enable homes, businesses, and communities to be more self-sufficient and resilient, and perhaps save money. How can utility and distributed scale battery storage help make Wisconsin’s clean energy future a reality?

PANELISTS: Steve Danbeck, Kaitlyn Howling, Tom Mullooly (Moderator), Tim Wilson

Wisconsin still gets over half of our electricity from coal power plants, but a big transition is underway. What tools are best for Wisconsin to make the transition from coal to renewable energy beneficial to electricity customers, utilities, workers, and communities? This panel will discuss the newly popular topic of “securitization” and other proposals that could accelerate this transition.

PANELISTS: Tom Content, Tyler Huebner (Moderator), Elizabeth Katt Reinders

To achieve the goals of the clean energy transition, we are going to need more talented individuals joining a larger, more robust clean energy workforce. How can Wisconsin’s educational institutions develop the next generation of clean energy leaders and workers, and how are they leading by example to show these students the future today?

PANELISTS:  Jenny Heinzen, Amy Seeboth-Wilson (Moderator), Ken Walz, Sara Windjue

Utility scale solar and wind development is growing in Wisconsin, and new projects being proposed will be needed to achieve a clean energy future. What obstacles do we need to overcome to get these projects built? How can we maximize the benefit to Wisconsin’s economy from manufacturing, constructing, owning and operating these facilities?

PANELISTS:  Bob Bishop, Vipul Devluk, Lincoln Lande, Mariah Lynne (Moderator), Don Peterson

Net metering, interconnection, permitting and inspections are the foundational bricks upon which our distributed generation marketplace was built. How can we improve and streamline these policies, remove and reduce barriers, and ensure distributed generation’s equal opportunity to help achieve a clean energy future?

PANELISTS: Adam Gusse, Tyler Huebner (Moderator), Nick Matthes, Steve Nieland

How can residents, nonprofits, and local government officials work together to advance clean energy in their communities? Hear from advocates and leaders who are moving Wisconsin towards 100% clean energy.

PANELISTS:  Heather Allen (Moderator), Bill Bailey, Megan Levy, Supreme Moore Omokunde

It’s easy to talk about the transition to 100% clean energy, but how can Wisconsin ACTUALLY make this happen? Hear from visionary individuals and company leaders who are betting on this transition and the ideas they have to get there.

PANELISTS: Heather Allen (Moderator), Shree Kalluri, Russell Minick, Nichol Toomire