State Energy Conference

The State Energy Conference is a premier event dedicated to advancing North Carolina's regional energy economy while fostering a national impact. This conference will provide actionable insights, allowing attendees to connect with industry leaders and peers, discover best practices and proven case studies, and explore emerging technologies and innovative energy solutions. Participants will also engage in vital discussions around policy, innovation, and sustainability, making it a significant gathering for professionals in the energy sector.Notable speakers include North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, who will address attendees on important energy topics. The conference includes unique guided tours designed for those interested in agrivoltaics, showcasing how these systems are tested, taught, and scaled in practice. A behind-the-scenes tour of the PULSTAR nuclear research reactor at NC State University will be offered, providing insight into one of the only operational PULSTAR reactors in the country. Additionally, there will be a debut of the updated Utility-Scale Solar and Storage Model Ordinance, developed through a collaborative stakeholder process involving academia, agriculture, industry, environmental groups, and local governments. This ordinance aims to empower local governments to adopt and adapt its provisions as needed.The conference will also cover the Southeast Energy Exchange Market (SEEM), established to enhance energy trading efficiency among regional participants. A session will evaluate SEEM's performance, identifying barriers to participation and areas for improvement to increase customer savings amidst rising electricity costs. Attendees will have the chance to examine the impacts of energy technologies, policies, and financing at all levels of the energy marketplace. The event is aimed at a diverse audience including electrical engineers, marketing managers, personnel property and asset managers, researchers, educators, and thought leaders within the energy sector.Participants will have the opportunity to build valuable relationships that may lead to partnerships and career opportunities, while gaining insights into the latest advancements in clean energy technologies and policies. They will learn best practices and solutions to help advance energy goals within their organizations, hear real-world examples of successful projects, and understand the implications of changing energy regulations. Additionally, attendees will receive professional continuing education credit, enhancing their professional growth and maintaining certifications. The conference promises to deliver full access to all sessions and materials for three weeks following its conclusion, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of the intersection between energy discussions, decisions, finance, engineering, and policy.