Planning for Decarbonization

Topics that may be covered by this track include non-wire solutions, energy storage and grid-scale batteries, electrification and the changing supply, and small modular reactors (SMRs).

This track is sponsored by:

Meet the Program Development Team for this track. Learn more about the Operations Conference.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Decarbonization: Who’s Responsible? Comparing Utility Strategies
Moderator: Kristen Sheeran, Director of Sustainability and Resource Planning, Portland General Electric
Panelists: David Sawaya, Senior Manager, Decarbonization Strategies, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Nathaniel Taylor, Director of Integrated Infrastructure Planning, Southern California Gas Company
Decarbonization: who’s responsible and how will we get there? Comparing utility strategies. This panel session will discuss multiple utility perspectives and examples of decarbonization programs deployed for both gas and electric utilities across the West.

Thursday, April 25, 2024

9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Adapting to Customer – Driven Decarbonization and Impacts on Utilities
Moderator: Jhoanna Sadural, Business Development Lead, MYR Group
Panelists: Heather Donaldson, Managing Director, Black & Veatch
Jeff Smith, Director, Grid Operations and Planning, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Gabe Olson, Director of Alternative Energy & Infrastructure, Pape Group
In the push for decarbonization, the system needs to constantly adapt. This session will explore how customer behavior is driving changes in the system. We’ll look at the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and other electrification efforts from the customer’s perspective and hear from utilities about how they manage their systems.

1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Innovative Pathways to Decarbonization: Emerging Technologies and DER
Speakers: Joe Leiva, Technology Program Manager, Southern California Gas Company
Chris Joy, Vice President, Energy Marketing & Commercial Development, ENMAX Corporation
As our nation’s policy focus sharpens on achieving a decarbonized energy future, innovative pathways and emerging technologies are stepping into the limelight to meet the associated challenges. This session aims to present the latest advancements and technology innovations encompassing both the supply and demand perspectives that promise to have a transformative impact on the energy landscape. Session speakers will delve into the intricate blend of challenges and opportunities presented by these innovative pathways and emerging technologies, from economic and financial issues and considerations to potential hurdles and challenges that could stymie progress towards a decarbonized energy future.