PNNL

Several experts from PNNL are participating as panelists and moderators on session topics related to renewables, offshore wind, energy justice, energy efficient homes, and more.

Sessions Featuring Experts from PNNL

​March 8, 2024

Just Transition from Coal Power Through Local Revitalization

Bethel Tarekegne, Systems Engineer | Panelist
11:30–3:30 p.m. CST | Austin Convention Center, Room 5ABC

In the last decade, over 270 coal-fired power plants (111 gigawatts of capacity) across the United States still have partially or fully retired. This number is as incredible for the American society as it is for the energy system. But what happens to the space these plants occupy in communities – as an employer, industrial site, economic producer, and cultural touchstone. This panel tells the community side of the clean energy transition story: what happens when fossil fuel plants shut down, and how do communities design their own futures? Learn more.

March 8, 2024

Community Energy Transitions: Partnerships for Co-Developed Solutions

Jennifer Yoshimura, Advisor | Panelist
2:30–3:30 p.m. CST | Austin Convention Center, Room 6AB

Energy transitions will require thoughtful and intentional partnerships with communities for a clean energy future. As technologies are assessed and deployed to address climate change, co-developed solutions with communities are necessary for scalability and impact. Workforce development and training for local economic development should be considered with the implementation of technological systems. This panel convenes diverse communities and community organizations to share their goals, visions, and trusted partnerships for collaboration and success of community center solutions. Learn more.

March 8, 2024

Shared Space: Transmission Corridors

Rebecca O'Neil, Advisor | Panelist
2:30 p.m. CST | Austin Convention Center

Unlike traditional energy plants, we cannot build renewable energy projects anywhere. We must build plants where the clean energy resource is strong and can generate power reliably. To build enough clean energy to meet climate goals, we need to move electricity between renewable power plants and cities: we need transmission lines. Here’s the good news: transmission developments can be routed and constructed to share space productively for people and for conservation. Already, transmission owners and operators promote wildlife corridors, native ecosystems, endangered species habitat, biking trails, profit-sharing, and so many more public and environmental interests. This panel will highlight remarkable national-scale activities to operate transmission spaces in innovative ways for public benefit. We will discuss how these partnerships might influence planning and development for new transmission and thus, help achieve and clean and community-driven energy future. Learn more.

March 9, 2024

Building Trust at Speed: Scaling Offshore Wind

TJ Heibel, Program Manager, Renewable Power | Panelist
2:30–3:30 p.m. CST | Austin Convention Center, Room 6AB

Katie Morrice, Earth Scientist | Panelist
2:30–3:30 p.m. CST | Austin Convention Center, Room 6AB

Offshore wind is THE next big thing in renewable energy, backed by aggressive federal goals and incentives, but buildout so far has been slow due to a number of issues, none so much as stakeholder opposition. Where land-based solar and wind are mired in the regulatory process, offshore wind as the new kid has a chance to do it better, but that often takes time, and time is growing short. This panel will discuss new approaches to enable a faster, more equitable and beneficial buildout of offshore wind at the scale and speed needed to meet our climate goals. Learn more.

March 10, 2024

A "Wicked" Energy Transition

Danielle Preziuso, Systems Engineer | Panelist
2:30–3:30 p.m. CST | Austin Convention Center, Room 6AB

The ongoing energy transition in the United States is a "wicked" problem, beset with complexity and uncertainty. To meet decarbonization goals one thing is definite, though–the buildout of renewable energy infrastructure will change physical, societal, and cultural landscapes. We need new solutions that address distinct and emerging dynamics from this evolution to effectively scale deployment. This panel will explore transdisciplinary approaches to the energy transition and three of its highly interconnected components: landscapes, energy infrastructure, and social perceptions. Learn more.

March 12, 2024

Strong, Smart, Safe Buildings to Survive Climate's Big Punches

Chrissi Antonopoulos, Senior Energy Analyst | Panelist
2:30–3:30 p.m. CST | Hilton Austin Downtown, Salon A

Natural disasters happen more frequently and with more impact than ever before–from heat waves to flooding to wildfires–putting more people at risk and trying to recover. The design and performance of the built environment can offer protection, save lives, and save billions of dollars. In this session, experts discuss ways to invest in, design, and retrofit homes and communities to adapt to and provide protection from these risks, in particular to protect lower-income populations that suffer the worst. With limited mobility, few resources for protection, and lower-quality living structures, risks are rising. Learn more.