GHG Emissions, Commercial, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  October 11, 2021

Mission-Critical Emission Targets Driving Interest in RE Forum

Pent-up demand for in-person meetings among energy buyers and suppliers, driven by aggressive timeframes for purchasing renewable energy projects to meet targets is leading to strong interest in Smart Energy Decision’s upcoming Renewable Energy Forum, set for December 6-8, 2021 in person at the Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach, California.

More than three-quarters of buyers currently registered for the event report their timeframe for purchasing at 6-12 months. “This is the highest percentage of buyers looking at near-term deals we’ve ever seen for any SED event,” said John Failla, Founder and Editorial Director. “It is clear that meeting emission reduction targets has become mission-critical for large power users, motivating energy executives to seek out opportunities to get deals done in the most effective and efficient way possible.” 

SED exclusive research among buyers applying to attend the RE Forum indicates the single biggest driver for purchasing is meeting carbon emissions goals, cited by 61% of buyers – a significant increase over results from previous events. Meeting renewable energy sourcing goals was cited by 20%, followed by reducing energy costs at 17%.

“With our general sessions and one-to-one meetings centered around the theme of ‘Collaborating for a Net Zero Future,” Forum attendees will have a variety of opportunities to network with suppliers and peers on the best way to meet their goals,” said Failla. “We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for our community to meet face-to-face for the first time in almost two years.”

Top projects being considered by buyers include Offsite renewable projects/PPAs (76%), Onsite solar (59%), Energy storage (57%), Renewable retail supply (52%), Purchased RECs (52%), and EV charging (50%).

Among the issues buyers want to discuss with suppliers in their exclusive one-to-one meetings are:

• Understanding financial implications of projects
• Navigating the complexity of renewable markets
• Better education on PPAs and VPPAs
• Lingering effects of the pandemic
• Risk management
• Gaining leadership buy-in

Buyers representing the following 40+ companies have already applied to attend: Amazon, Amcor Rigid Packaging, Amy’s Kitchen, Bucknell University, CA Ventures, Canadian National Railway, Cargill Incorporated, Cinemark USA, City of Burien (WA), City of Cincinnati, Clemson University, Comcast NBC Universal, Cushman & Wakefield, CyrusOne, Dollar Tree/Family Dollar, Douglas County School District, Equifax, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, General Motors, Intel Corporation, Jabil, Kingspan, Mars, Inc., McCormick & Company, McDonald’s Corporation, Mohawk College, MOM’s Organic Market, Newmark Group, Orbia, Philz Coffee, Raley’s, Raytheon Company, Sabey Data Centers, State University of New York, Titan American, The Valley Health System, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Maryland, Weis Markets, WeWork, and W.W. Grainger.

Renewable energy suppliers with experience serving large power users have signed on as partners to the RE Forum. Calpine Corporation is the presenting sponsor. Platinum sponsors include Constellation, EY, NextEra Energy, and NRG Energy. Gold sponsors are Calibrant, Direct Energy, Edison Energy, and Shell Energy, Silver sponsors are Apex Clean Energy, Brookfield Renewables, Customer First Renewables, Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, National Grid Renewables, Photosol US, Stem Inc., SunPower, and TransAlta Corporation.

Qualified industry executives and suppliers interested in participating in person at the Renewable Energy Forum have until November 5 to apply. Buyer registration is limited; for more information, click here. Suppliers may apply for one of the few remaining sponsorship opportunities here.