Nineteenth Annual
SYMPOSIUM ON ENERGY IN THE 21st CENTURY

RESILIENCE AND MITIGATION
PREPARING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY
Fantastic cutting-edge speakers and a great discussion

A HUGE SUCCESS

See photos Here!

See recording Here

See Program Book Here

RHEA JEZER, PhD., SYMPOSIUM DIRECTOR (View Biography)   

Welcome to the Nineteenth Annual Symposium on Energy in the 21st Century. We hope you can join us at this award winning and unique Annual Symposium on Friday, April 21st, at the Gateway Building SUNY ESF.

Each year we invite the best speakers to cover the most up to date and relevant topics on renewable energy. This year it has become evident that we need to prepare for the impacts of life-threatening extreme weather due to climate change. The speakers at the Symposium will explore pragmatic adaptation solutions being planned for resilience and mitigation both in our state and in the country.

Join 400 people both in person and virtual, to hear the most up to date and cutting edge information available on renewable energy policy and how renewable energy will be key to resiliency, mitigation and adaptation.  We have lined up cutting edge speakers, and you will have the chance to include your questions during the panel discussion. Whether you are a CEO of a major corporation, a sustainability planner, developer, student, union member or an interested and concerned citizen, this information will be relevant and vital! See our loyal and diverse sponsors below.

This is an event you should not miss!

These are the most important topics to be discussed by the cutting edge speakers.

Bridging Climate Change Resilience and Mitigation. The ability to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing conditions and withstand, respond to, and recover rapidly from disruptions through adaptable and holistic planning and technical solutions.

 * Grid Preparation for Vulnerability, Resiliency with Renewable Energy

Since electricity generation and associated processes make up a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, the energy sector needs reliable, safe, clean and secure electricity generation, with input from many sectors of the economy, and a reliable grid which can quickly transition to using renewable energy as its main source.

The Importance and Future of Energy Storage

High-performance, cost-effective, and safe energy storage systems being developed. These systems can be used for distribution and transmission grid applications, electric-drive vehicles, pumped-hydropower, hydrogen production. New cutting edge options are being researched, such a lithium-air, magnesium-ion, and solid-state technologies.

* Energy Justice Impacts and Need for Resiliency in the Minority Communities

Communities of color bear the brunt of energy-related social, economic and health burdens,. such as higher utility bills, heightened susceptibility to air and water pollution, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. Extreme weather magnifies inequality, poverty. Involving communities in shaping their energy futures at this moment of energy transition is of utmost importance to protect the most marginalized communities.

Jobs For the New Market in Resiliency

Employers across industries and government are paying attention to climate change more than ever. Demand for jobs in energy and clean technology is becoming even more important in the need for resiliency and mitigation and influences every job in every sector in one way or another.

* New York State Plans for Resiliency  

The 2023 budget includes funds for more resiliency in extreme weather as well as support for climate change mitigation projects. How will CLCPA and IRA funding be accessed.

Thank you to our devoted sponsors. We could not do what we do without them. Consider becoming a sponsor or renewing for 2023 if you have not already done so. If you are interested in sponsoring, click Sponsors, then click become a Sponsor or contact me.

Rhea

See all our previous programs here!

See pictures from Past Symposiums Here

WHO ATTENDS

With up to 400 attendees each year, the Symposium on Energy in the 21st Century, provides a gathering venue for a diverse community to join together in a non-partisan, multidisciplinary learning experience and conversation on sustainability and renewable energy. The attendees range from prominent industry professionals to students and interested citizens. Commissioners, mayors, developers, architects, lawyers, engineers, farmers, many college students, all who are interested in the future of renewable energy with the most cutting edge policy being discussed.

See what some our attendees are saying!

I’m glad we have you as the alternate energy advocate and leader here in Central New York.  When even Senator Schumer sends a video supporting your program and activities here, I know that New York State has become a nationwide leader in energy advocacy.

Les Monostory, Isaac Walton League

It was so uplifting for me to see up close how much is being done, at what scale and at what speed in NYS to promote our clean energy future.

Joe Pepe, Climate Reality Project

Thank you, Rhea for another informative, encouraging symposium on our wonderful state’s energy accomplishments!!!!  This is a great state!!!! Was so interested in the Agrivoltaics many benefits for farmers and the rest of the country!!!  Looking forward to hearing about next year’s accomplishments In trying to save this grand Earth so we do not have to relocate to Mars after ruining this planet!!!!!

Susan Lison

This was a great series of presentations and a wonderfully moderated panel. Thank you Rhea for bringing all of us together! I think the virtual nature of the symposium helped allow many more people to participate, so that is one silver lining perhaps. I look forward to future in-person events and hopefully meeting you all in person.

Jordan Macknick, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

I would like to thank you for the excellent content of the Symposium yesterday. It was very informative…

I look forward to next years version. As a Developer/Builder, I fully believe that we have to change the path we are on. I have built a net zero house, and I am completing a Commercial

Building Renovation that I believe will be close to net zero. It will be the first building in Downtown Syracuse to be completely Carbon Free with Solar Panels. The Symposium convinced me to pursue an Energy Storage option. Thank you, and see you next year.

Tom Goodfellow

WHO ARE OUR SPONSORS

Energy21 LTD is a not for profit 501C3 which produces this 19th outstanding Symposium. There is a low registration fee for attendance. All further support is from our many devoted sponsors and patrons. (see bottom of page or click here)

To become a sponsor, click below!

Announcing 2023 Speakers!

NATASHA DESCHENE

Vice President of Electric Asset Management and Engineering
National Grid

LISA GARCIA

Regional Administrator
EPA’s Region 2 Office

ELIZA HOTCHKISS

Senior Resilience Analyst
NREL

KIT KENNEDY

Senior Director, Climate & Clean Energy Program
NRDC

DAVID SANDBANK

Vice President of Distribute Energy Resources
NYSERDA

BASIL SEGGOS

Commissioner, NY Department of Environmental Conservation

DAVE WASIURA

Assistant to Region 4 Director
United Steel Workers (USW)

Honorees of the 2023 Symposium

MELANIE LITTLEJOHN

Vice President of Customer & Community Engagement
Nation Grid-New York

ALBERTO BIANCHETTI

Regional Director of External and Customer Affairs
National Grid’s Central New York Division

See what Senator Schumer had to Say!

CHUCK SCHUMER

Senate Majority Leader, NY Senator
Video Here

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 SPONSORS

Corporate Co-Partner

Golden Level

Bronze Level

Symposium Ambassador

Symposium Energy Partner

Symposium Star

Symposium Supporter

Symposium Associate

Symposium Friend

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 PATRONS & STUDENT SPONSORS

Dr. Joan Burstyn

Bob & Linda Herman

Daniel Jezer

Francis Murray

Dr. Myra Shayevitz

Kathy Vernay

SUNY ESF

University of Kentucky