Energy Innovation Conference Series

Sponsored by Duke Energy and the North Carolina Electric Cooperatives

The Innovation and Capital Conference Series features quarterly daylong conferences offering Network members and other attendees the opportunity to learn of emerging business creation and project development opportunities and to become acquainted with potential collaborators. The series has been produced since 2016. In 2021 the Series is sponsored by Duke Energy and the North Carolina Electric Cooperatives.

Please visit E4 Carolinas Events page to learn of upcoming conference dates, topics and venues.

Below is an overview of recent conferences produced as part of the Series:

4/26/21 - Energizing Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery

Energizing Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery – Duke Energy and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives provide economic development support to the Carolinas where North Carolina was ranked #1 in Site Selection magazine among states with the “best climates for business”. The magazine Area Development in 2020 ranked South Carolina and North Carolina among the top five states for “Doing Business” and for the overall “Cost of Doing Business”. This conference explored the idea that in addition to cost, businesses seek clean, resilient and reliable energy. Case studies were shared by customers. During this conference attendees gained insights about utility economic development programs, reviewed case studies and heard directly from customers. A panel discussed post-pandemic economic development in the small business sector.

12/05/19 - Our Clean Energy Future: Opportunities for Distributed Generation

Our Clean Energy Future: Opportunities for Distributed Generation was hosted by the Greenville Water Company and sponsored by Duke Energy and Parker Poe. This conference examined the potential for distributed generation, how the grid must be designed to better accommodate distributed generation, what’s next for distributed generation and an overview of emerging legal and policy trends influencing the sector. Noted distributed energy executives, consultants and stakeholders served as moderators and speakers of the day’s three panels.

11/20/19 - Our Clean Energy Future: Opportunities for Energy Management & Efficiency

Opportunities for Energy Management and Efficiency: hosted by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center at the McKimmon Center, and sponsored by Duke Energy and Parker Poe. This conference examined energy efficiency in the built environment, transportation electrification, the evolution of “smart cities” technologies and an overview of emerging legal and policy trends influencing the sector. A keynote address was offered by Sushma Masemore, State Energy Director, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. State and local officials, as well as executives from energy technology companies served as the moderators and speakers of the three sessions throughout the day.

8/22/19 - Our Clean Energy Future: Micro-grids, Energy Storage and Data Analytics

Micro-grids, Energy Storage and Data Analytics: hosted by the UNC Chapel Hill Renewable Energy Special Project Committee at the Student Union Great Hall and sponsored by Duke Energy and Parker Poe.  The conference examined how energy storage technology, data analytics and micro-grids will contribute to increased clean energy production. Co-chair of the Renewable Energy Special Project Committee made a luncheon presentation of campus projects and initiatives. An overview of emerging legal and policy trends influencing the sector was presented. State officials, university faculty and executives from energy technology companies served as moderators and speakers for the day’s three sessions.

6/17/19 - Our Clean Energy Future: Advanced Generation Technologies

Advanced Generation Technologies: hosted by Piedmont Natural Gas at its Piedmont Row Conference Center and sponsored by Duke Energy and Parker Poe. This conference examined how power generation will evolve to a lower carbon profile through policy, regulation and technology. Executives described the latest low or no carbon producing power generation technologies, including natural gas, wind, nuclear and solar. Jeremy Tarr, Energy Adviser to Governor Cooper delivered the keynote address, “A Clean Energy Future Creates Value for Our Region”.