Gina McCarthy, First-Ever White House National Climate Advisor and Former Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, served as keynote speaker
Electric grid decarbonization and emerging careers in clean energy were the focus at today's Sustainable Clean Energy Summit: Decarbonizing Society and the Grid at the University of Connecticut Storrs campus. The summit, hosted by UConn and Eversource, featured a keynote address by Gina McCarthy, one of the nation's most distinguished experts in environmental sustainability and public health. Academic, state, and municipal leaders as well as energy industry experts led panel discussions on various clean energy topics following opening remarks by UConn President Radenka Maric, Eversource Chairman, President and CEO Joe Nolan, and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont.
"We've set the goal for UConn to be carbon-neutral by 2030," said Maric. "We're taking action every day, but we are not moving fast enough. Our students demand this of us, and I commend them for being persistent to keep us accountable as we implement these new technologies and policies. Connecticut is known as a leading state in the world when it comes to implementing clean technologies."
"Eversource is proud of our long-standing collaboration with UConn," said Nolan. "We both share a strong commitment to sustainability and the belief that workforce training is crucial to support the clean energy future. We hope this will be - not just an annual event - but THE annual event where leaders from many sectors come together to discuss Connecticut's transition to a sustainable energy economy."
Six student-led finalist teams from the Eversource-sponsored Clean Energy and Sustainability Innovation Program (CESIP) presented their innovative research ideas to reduce carbon footprints and prepare for climate extremes at the local, state and regional levels with one finalist team receiving funding and mentorship to bring their idea to life over the next year. Eversource also announced the continuation of their sponsorship of the CESIP to provide more UConn students with the opportunity to develop new ideas to advance a clean energy future.
The day's first panel explored innovations for grid decarbonization, climate adaptation, and modernization to manage extreme weather and intermittent renewable energy challenges. It also addressed climate change's impact on energy reliability, renewable energy sustainability, and community engagement in the clean energy sector.
The second panel, "Emerging Career Paths in the Clean Energy Sector," was geared toward students interested in careers focused on clean energy and sustainability. The discussion highlighted some of the diverse roles within the clean energy sector and the technology areas likely to grow, from research and development to policy advocacy and entrepreneurial ventures.
Closing remarks by President Radic and Bill Quinlan, Eversource President of Transmission & Offshore Wind Projects, were followed by the Clean Energy Engagement Fair, a career fair-style event for students to meet with Eversource and other employers and learn about UConn curriculum opportunities.
Contact:
UConn
Claire Tremont, (203) 482-8814
claire.galvin@uconn.edu
Eversource
Tricia Taskey Modifica, (860) 665-4605
tricia.modifica@eversource.com
