Access On-Demand Recording Below:
From the foundations of the Paris climate agreement to the results of COP26, this PowerSession will look at the evolution of climate [response] [action] and what’s next for utilities. The discussion will cover new technologies, operating models, risks, and opportunities—including the transition out of fossil-generated electricity and the new job opportunities that will emerge.
Key Takeaways:
- Clarification of carbon reduction goals vs. promises
- What does it mean when we say 2030 versus 2050 targets
- Domestic action versus international solidarity (US & Canada are among the ones that have to go first)
- How the financial sector and institutions are taking a lead role
Panelist
Mitchell Beer - Publisher and Managing Editor, The Energy Mix
Mitchell Beer is the Publisher of The Energy Mix, a free e-digest on climate change, energy, and carbon-free futures. He traces his work in renewable and energy efficiency to 1977, on climate to 1997. A proudest memory is building a model wind turbine out of wooden stir sticks with his then-11-year-old daughter, and improv comedy practices are often the best part of his week. His October, 2019 TEDx talk in Ottawa was on changing the conversation on climate solutions.
Diane Cherry -Principal of Diane Cherry Consulting
Diane Cherry is the Principal of Diane Cherry Consulting, a woman-owned small business providing environmental and energy consulting services. Her work includes business development, policy analysis, and communication for clean energy companies, non-profit organizations, higher education institutions, and research organizations. Prior to starting her own consulting firm, Diane worked for more than 20 years in the energy and environmental fields. She has a Master’s Degree in Energy Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Virginia.
Aliénor (Allie) Rougeot, Environmental Defence
Aliénor (Allie) Rougeot, is a Program Manager on Climate and Energy files at Environmental Defence, where she advocates for a just transition for workers and communities. She has been a human rights advocate since a very young age, with a focus on climate justice since high school. She co-founded the group Fridays for Future Toronto and has led several large student climate strikes in that role. She now continues to raise awareness on the urgency of the climate crisis, and engages in discussion on the viable solutions available to us to help empower others to take action.
Dr. Rahul Walawalkar, Executive Director - IESA & Vice President Emerging Technologies - Customized Energy Solutions
Dr. Rahul Walawalkar leads the Emerging Technologies & Markets team with a focus on energy storage, renewables, demand response, and smart grid technologies as well as international markets. He is an acclaimed energy expert. Rahul serves on the Board of ESA and provides input to FERC & various state agencies. He has served on panels for US DOE and in working groups for IEEE & NIST.
Rahul holds a Ph.D. in Engineering & Public Policy, an MBA in Energy Management, and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. He is the recipient of numerous awards and is a member of various professional organizations including AEE, IET, IEEE, and IAEE.
Moderator
Param Kumar - President, Kumar Resources Inc., consultant, was the founding President of NirvanaSoft, a software company specializing in back-office software for utilities and retailers, with a focus on large commercial and industrial customers. Kumar is representing Utility 2030 Collaborative.