2015 NC Clean Tech Summit
By James Ferguson
Team Members: Jennifer Sekar, Jen Williams, Daniel Ketyer, James Ferguson, Ellis Baehr
This semester through my Bass Connections in Energy course I travelled down the road to rival territory to attend the 2ndAnnual NC Clean Tech Summit in Chapel Hill. I learned quite a bit about the current state of clean technology in the Tar Heel State.
The event convened with talks from Lynn Good of Duke Energy and Thomas Panning of Southern Company. Both were consistent in their respective utilities’ missions to provide “clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy.”
I found the high-level discussion rather unsubstantial, but there were some highlights. Lynn Good mentioned Duke Energy’s partnership with national labs in research to improve storage technology. This issue is a key to unlocking renewables’ vast potential to supply a greater share of American electricity. I was even chosen to ask a couple questions of these panelists, which they answered!
First, I asked how distributed generation can work in tandem with the current utility business model of centralized generation. Both responded optimistically about focusing on “creating value for customers”—business, landowners, customers—to deploy solar on all scales and improve bi-directional distribution lines—“smart grid” infrastructure—to allow for both consumption and production by homes. I’m skeptical of how great a focus these examples truly are for these utilities, but it seems like progress is in the works.
Second, I asked how we can learn from “Green Germany,” looking at both pros and cons. The responses were surprisingly negative, commenting that coal emissions in Germany have actually increased since beginning its energy transformation, in German the “Energiewende,” away from fossil fuels and towards renewables and efficiency. Having studied this energy transition in Berlin, I was curious to hear Thomas Panning respond, “no nuclear is non-sensical.” Of course, context matters and this blanket statement might ring true for the USA. I would agree it makes little sense for the USA to phase out its nuclear fleet, especially given its prominence in national defense. With no national military use of nuclear since WWII and widespread public support for the phase-out, however, Germany’s decision for no nuclear in some ways makes sense. The enthusiasm for clean energy from these American utilities, though present, pales in comparison to that which I noticed in Germany.
Another panel later in the day discussed the keys to innovation. We heard the story of pioneer Thomas Edison and some of his best practices including: small groups, nimble work, midnight lunches and people networks. I have seen the importance of these keys in action through Bass Connections research: working in small groups, sharing passion for a common mission and collaborating with economists, journalists, artists and scientists.
My favorite part of the conference involved the session on energy efficiency. One panelist from Deloitte discussed the energy consulting work he does with business partners: coming up with ways to save energy, from simple to more complex changes in business operations. Changes in lighting or supply chain organization, for example can have giant effects on a company’s bottom line and environmental profile.
NC Rep. Szoka, also on this panel, presented his case in favor of allowing third party sales for North Carolina military and government units, such as Fort Bragg and state universities. Since this conference Rep. Szoka has broadened the bill to include all citizens of the state. Rep. Szoka has drafted this into the “Energy Freedom Act,” which is now under review in the state legislature. Third party sales are currently banned in North Carolina, and this act would allow solar to diversify and expand greatly in the state. I was intrigued to find out that the military serves as a major driver of energy efficiency innovation.
Perhaps the most relevant issue mentioned at the Clean Tech Conference was the 35% state tax credit for renewable energy projects, still set to expire on January 1, 2016. According to panelist Lee Peterson, a state and federal accountant, the renewables tax credit is a proven-success for the state, similar to the successful, Reagan-era tax credits for affordable housing, mill site rehabilitation, and filmmaking in the state. We must preserve that success! The innovative industry and job opportunities of North Carolina’s flourishing solar market make this a creative, prosperous place to be. The many important facets of clean energy were fascinating to engage with. This conference served as a useful place to network and to enrich my grasp of the local solar landscape.
