October 30 | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM | UConn Graduate Business Learning Center, Hartford, CT

Guests got ready to plug into the future at our 2024 Fall Conference! CPES members and energy professionals from across Connecticut sparked conversations on the innovations fueling growth and development, both locally and regionally. Whether an industry veteran or a newcomer, guests had the opportunity to tap into industry-shaping discussions, and power up their professional network. 

Conference Agenda:
8:30-9:00 AM: Registration/Light Breakfast
9:00-9:15 AM: Opening Remarks
9:15-10:15 AM: Panel 1 – Our Future Flexible Electric Grid
10:15-10:30 AM: Networking Break
10:30-11:45 AM: Panel 2 – Future of Natural Gas Delivery
11:45-12:40 PM: Lunch
12:40-1:00 PM: Keynote: Dr. Xiao-Dong Zhou, Power the Future with Future Power
1:00-2:15 PM: Panel 3 – Future of Nuclear Energy
2:15-2:30 PM: Networking Break
2:30-4:00 PM: Panel 4 – Future of Offshore Wind

Panel 1: Our Future Flexible Electric Grid (9:15 – 10:15 AM)
Guests heard from the experts on the cutting edge of grid flexibility, including how we are planning the resilient distribution grid of tomorrow, creating new flexible linear generators that run on more than one fuel and deploying virtual power plants whenever we need them. 

Panel 2: Future of Natural Gas Delivery (10:30 – 11:45 AM)
This panel of gas experts explored ongoing regulatory proceedings across the region and shared insights on the future of the gas industry. Topics included the potential shift toward hybrid heating systems and the growing integration of low-carbon resources, such as renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen, into existing gas infrastructure.

Keynote Address: Power the Future with Future Power (12:40 – 1:00 PM)

Panel 3: Future of Nuclear Energy (1:00 – 2:15 PM)
In this panel, industry experts explored the future of New England’s largest power generator and discussed the valuable insights we can gain from the integration of electrolyzer technology with nuclear plants. Guests gained a deeper understanding of how these advancements could shape the region’s energy landscape and unlock new potential for cleaner, more efficient power generation.

Panel 4: Future of Offshore Wind (2:30 – 4:00 PM)
Offshore wind is essential for meeting power generation demands driven by federal and state clean energy goals, the growing impacts of climate change, and the rising electricity needs of sectors such as electrification, local industries, manufacturing, and data centers (AI). Given the recent headwinds, advocacy from the offshore wind industry, political leaders, coalitions, and community groups is necessary to support its growth and adoption. In this panel, experts discussed strategies for bringing this vital renewable energy source online while ensuring equitable development, local job creation, and economic investment.

CPES and New England Women in Energy and the Environment (NEWIEE) held our tenth annual joint event on Monday, September 16. This year, we presented a thoughtful and interesting discussion highlighting women involved in moving the energy and environment sectors forward.

CPES held a breakfast discussion on battery storage on Wednesday, September 11th from 8:00 – 9:30 AM at Pullman & Comley’s Hartford Office. Speakers explored the role of battery storage within the state’s energy strategy, provide an overview of the incentives available, and illustrating how those elements integrate into customer offerings.

The CPES New Energy Professionals (NEP) Committee hosted a free members-only “behind-the-scenes” tour of the Millstone Power Station in Waterford, Connecticut on August 21 from 2:00-4:00 PM. Millstone is a 2,100 megawatt (MW) nuclear power station that produces 16 to 17 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of carbon-free electricity each year, representing the largest carbon-free resource in all of New England. 

The CPES New Energy Professionals (NEP) Committee hosted an outing to Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford to catch the Yard Goats take on the Harrisburg Senators on Thursday, July 25! Seats were in Section 113 (check out the seating chart here) so attendees could mix and mingle while cheering on the team. ⚾️