The 7th annual 2017 Energy Symposium details:
Date: October 30-31, 2017
Location: Lory Student Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
Admission: Was free and open to the public paid for by the generosity of our sponsors and exhibitors.
Click here to register to watch post-event videotaped sessions.
Click here for agenda
The Energy Institute and the School of Global Environmental Sustainability hosted the seventh annual 21st Century Energy Transition Symposium at CSU on October 30-31. The two day event encapsulated an ever-broadening dialogue around the U.S. and world’s energy transition and the topics surrounding those complex issues. The Women in Clean Energy lunch kicked off the event, which in the past two years, has inspired an audience of men and women on energy-related topics while discussing how to “unleash the power of women in an ever-changing energy landscape”. At this year’s event, we heard from experts on “energy’s grand challenges” including how innovation, research and policy can lead to national and global impact. Speakers discussed how clean energy leadership is being taken up by cities, states and corporations, how effective cyber and energy security impacts the U.S. interlinked networks as well as how decarbonizing fossil fuels can be accomplished. Participants heard how understanding human behavior is critical to achieving energy and climate goals. In addition, researchers shared actual solutions and innovations that are in the marketplace helping to solve complex energy issues our world is facing today. A panel of sitting Governors (Montana Governor Steve Bullock, Wyoming Governor Matt Mead, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper) shared how they believe they can inspire non-partisan collaborations and regional cooperation. This session was moderated by former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter. A panel discussed the key issues facing electric utilities, state policy makers, cities and corporations as part of the transition to a low-carbon electric grid. Another session discussed megatrends and associated challenges related to energy security and the impending transition to a low carbon energy future on a global scale. A high powered, experienced and diverse capstone panel ended the two day event while recapping what was shared at the symposium with forward-thinking insights. As in the past years, Colorado State University strives to host a balanced event that welcomes diverse thought leaders.