North America Smart Energy Week

The North America Smart Energy Week will take place Septermber 20th through the 23rd. Organizers hope to address the climate disaster inequity of New Orleans, and countless other cities across the nation, through their 2021 sessions. One of these sessions is “QuickTalk: Expanding Energy Equity Through Building Electrification,” in which speakers from Microsoft and the Energy Department will address how the future electric grid can be equitable for all communities, regardless of race or income. The session “Paying it Forward: Solar Moves Toward Equity Through Financing Structures” analyzes how local investments in solar can overlook particular communities and proposes national solutions so that all Americans gain access to clean energy.

Solar Power International (SPI), which is the largest solar energy event in the country, will headline the week of presentations. The remainder of the trade show extends beyond solar, attracting entrepreneurs from key renewable industries, including: wind, hydrogen, fuel cells, energy storage, microgrids, geothermal, and EVs. This diversity of technologies is the North America Smart Energy Week’s greatest strength; a resilient energy mix is diverse, accommodating numerous innovations rather than a single, hegemonic form of renewable generation. The show will include more than 700 exhibitors, with over 19,000 clean energy professionals in attendance. While the COVID-19 pandemic confined last year’s show to digital platforms, this year the trade show floor should be spirited and dynamic. Tickets for in-person attendees can reach $1,000 (networking opportunities included), but attendance at the digital exposition is free.