SNJDC's Clean Energy Conference: Powering the Future

alyssa1328
Apr 15
2 min read

On Friday, April 11th, the SNJDC hosted its annual Clean Energy Conference: Powering the Future at the new Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University. Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water and the event's Title Sponsor, welcomed attendees and introduced the programs first speaker, Asim Haque, Senior Vice President of PJM Interconnection. Asim provided deep insight into the methodology of the organization's energy prices, and discussed the variety of the supply and demand challenges PJM faces.

The first of two panel discussions, The Future of Energy & Innovation, moderator Ian Michel of Point Energy Solutions, set the scene for a discussion on increased energy demand across the U.S. and the challenges grid operators like PJM and utilities face in bringing new projects online. Taiwo Alo, Director of Capacity Planning, Smart Grid and Innovation for Pepco Holdings, touched on the feasibility of incoming data center developers bringing their own sources of clean energy generation. Kathleen Coviello, Chief Economic Transformation Officer for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority discussed the NJ Green Bank and how are they prioritizing investment to meet the state's clean energy goals. Jeffrey Stokes, Senior Director–Renewables Engineering & Technical Support at PSE&G, highlighted the role hydrogen and small modular reactors can play in shaping the near- and long-term future of our energy grid.

Dr. Benjamin Dworkin, Director of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship welcomed a panel of legislators to discuss Shaping Energy Policy. The panel of speakers included Senator John Burzichelli (D3), Senator Latham Tiver (R8), and Assemblyman David Bailey (D3). Discussion points centered around tackling transmission, project approvals, and long-term energy planning, and managing pricing pricing and affordability for New Jersey residents.

Keynote Speaker Christine Guhl-Sadovy, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, offered insight into the Board’s efforts to expand clean energy development, enhance grid resilience and energy storage, and improve affordability amid the state's rising energy demand.

Dr. Kenneth Lacovara, renowned paleontologist and founding director of the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum closed out the event with a brief discussion on the sustainable construction and clean energy usage of the museum, and urged attendees on the importance of immediate action to preserve the biodiversity of our environment.