As the largest clean energy industry event in North America, RE+ is not just an opportunity to showcase cleantech solutions but also to spark high-level discussions about the industry’s future. This year was no exception. Discussions ranged from the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to understanding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in electrification to tackling grid interconnection bottlenecks.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest topics at this year’s event:
- Leveraging the IRA
It’s no secret that companies from every corner of the globe are flocking to the U.S. to take advantage of the incentives and funding opportunities provided by the IRA, which has been lauded as one of the most transformative pieces of legislation for the cleantech industry. For example, according to the World Economic Forum, more than 100,000 green jobs were created in the U.S. in less than six months after the IRA was signed into law, just one of the many benefits.
However, navigating these incentives can be complex, especially as companies adapt their business models to meet specific criteria, like domestic content requirements and tax credits. Some companies are restructuring their procurement and supply chain strategies, developing or acquiring domestic manufacturing facilities, or redesigning entire projects to qualify for IRA benefits, requiring strategic planning and adjustments to stay profitable while aligning with the shifting regulatory landscape. Many companies were unsure about potential changes, and there was a noticeable sense of uncertainty among the attendees. - Interconnection – “Undoing the Queue”
The renewable energy sector faces a significant hurdle: grid interconnection delays. With nearly three terawatts of renewable energy stuck in nationwide queues, getting clean energy projects connected to the grid has been one of the biggest bottlenecks. Pearl Street Technologies, the winner of this year’s startup pitch competition hosted by Mercom, stood out at RE+ by offering software solutions that streamline the interconnection process for grid operators and developers. - Impact of the U.S. Election
With the upcoming U.S. election on the horizon, the potential impact on clean energy policies, particularly the future of the IRA, was a topic of some concern. There is optimism that the IRA’s benefits are too widespread to be repealed, mainly due to the growth of renewable energy projects and jobs in Republican-led states. However, the political landscape remains uncertain. Companies are bracing for potential policy shifts that could impact long-term investments and project timelines. - AI’s Role in Clean Energy O&M
AI’s increasing role emerged amid numerous conversations at RE+. Operators feed data into AI and machine learning programs to enhance performance while positioning the software to identify anomalies, identify the source of the anomaly, and prescribe or take preventive action before events occur that could trigger a widespread outage or otherwise impact the grid. - Feeding Power Hungry Data Centers
As multiple industries expand their use of AI, data centers are experiencing rapid growth across the U.S. These centers require massive amounts of power, putting further strain on already stressed grids. Among the discussion highlights are solutions that optimize energy, increase grid capacity, and create microgrids to support data centers with off-grid clean energy. - Long Duration Energy Storage
The race is on as long-duration energy storage technology developers continue proving their concepts and working to commercialize solutions capable of delivering electricity to stabilize the grid and fill the intermittency gap for renewables. A number of sessions during RE+ honed in on the benefits of hydrogen and its role as a leading LDES solution.
How We Help Clients Lead the Conversation
With more than 15 years of experience exclusively in the cleantech sector, Mercom specializes in positioning our clients as industry leaders. We understand the conversations taking place in spaces such as RE+ and, more importantly, how our clients fit into the bigger picture. This allows us to align our clients’ messages and technologies with current trends and events through effective communication strategies that deliver exceptional results and enhance their visibility in a competitive and expanding market.
Take a look at how Mercom helped Enteligent drive conversations about the impact of the IRA or how we worked with Micatu to drive awareness of the need for more accurate, reliable grid measurement solutions.
Learn more about how Mercom Capital Group can give your company the key to turning event buzz into long-term growth by visiting https://mercomcapital.com/communications/.