Mason Energy Event Agenda

The opening reception is an add-on item and will include the following discussions:

Geopolitics: Net Zero Supply Chain

A discussion on the upcoming US elections and the nexus to the US laws and policies that impact global supply chain issues for the battery, solar, and clean technology industries.  Topics will include the Section 301 tariffs on the battery and solar supply chain from China, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and other US Federal Government incentive and funding programs on clean technology. 

Moderator:

• Antonio J. Rivera, Partner; Energy and Cleantech Industry Group Co-Leader - Arent Fox Schiff

Speakers:

• Steve Levine, Editor - The Electric by The Information
• Bill Hederman - Mason Energy Advisory Committee

Information forthcoming.

Breakfast will be served in the Multipurpose room. 

The morning plenary will include the following sessions:

Welcome (8:30 - 8:45 AM)

• Walter McLeod, Founder, Mason Energy

2024 Elections (8:45 - 9:30 AM)

Energy has been a key theme in the presidential election — both parties have messaged on the manufacturing boom across the country, the future of electric vehicles and the effect of green policies have had on prices and the broader economy. This panel will look at what that means for Nov. 5 and beyond.

Moderator: 

• Zach Colman, Climate and Energy Reporter - Politico

Speakers:

• Abby Hopper, President & Chief Executive Officer - Solar Energy Industries Association
• Ed Maibach, Mason Distinguished University Professor and Director - George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication

Topic: Solar/Storage 2.0

Moderator: 

• Tom Starrs, Vice President, Government and Public Relations - EDP Renewables

Speakers: 

• Scott Moskovitz, Vice President of Market Strategy and Industry Affairs - Qcells
• Andrew Gilligan, Senior Director - Fluence
• Michael Dorsey, Chair & Director of the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service and Professor of Practice - College of Global Futures at Arizona State University

Topic: Nuclear and Fusion: The Future of Clean Firm Tech

Moderator: 

• Rob Blackstein, Partner; Energy and Cleantech Industry Group Co-Leader - Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG)

Speakers:

• Farah Benahmed, Manager, U.S. Policy & Advocacy - Breakthrough Energy
• Trent Bauserman, Head of Federal Affairs - Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Topic: A.I., Data Centers, and Clean Energy

Featured Guests:

• Sarah Fitts, Partner, ArentFox Shiff (Mason Energy Advisory Committee)

Topic: Grid Innovation

Innovation often occurs from necessity and through problem-solving. This session will touch on the strain that load growth is making on our electric infrastructure and the range of solutions available to us that can keep us on an affordable path to a clean energy transition. These solutions will range from utility-led strategies to private-sector-enabled grid programs such as virtual power plants.

Moderator: 

• Robin Dutta, Executive Director - Chesapeake Solar & Storage Association

Speakers:

• Arushi Sharma, Founder & Principal - Luminary Strategies
• Augustus Johnson, Vice President, Grid & Technical Solutions - Dominion Energy

Topic: Permitting Reform

Permitting reform to speed the pace of clean energy deployment took on new importance after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the artificial intelligence boom. This panel will discuss the political prospects for both state and Federal permitting reform. Speakers will also the highlight key reforms needed to speed the pace of clean energy deployment in United States.

Moderator:

• Sarah Hunt, President - Rainey Center (Mason Energy Advisory Committee)

Speakers: 

• Patrick Hughes, Senior -  Vice President, Strategy, Technical, and Industry Affairs - National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and Americans for a Clean Energy Grid
• Neal Patel, Managing Director - Patel Partners LLC
• Nikki Chiappa Associate Director of Federal Policy, Climate & Energy - Breakthrough Institute

Topic: Infrastructure Resilience

This session will discuss recent major climate and weather events and the Herculean response and recovery efforts. It will also highlight the importance of hardening infrastructure and emerging technologies.  An interactive dialogue is strongly encouraged.

Moderator:

• David Owens, Chief Executive Officer - Da'Vision & Strategies and Mason Energy Advisory Committee

Speakers: 

• Scott Aaronson, Vice President - Edison Electric Institute (EEI)
• Adam Penque, Vice President of Business Development / Energy - Meridiam

Join Walter McLeod, ME1 and founder of Mason Energy for final remarks and a note of thanks to our sponsors, our advisory committee, our supporters, and our attendees.