I’m just back from the incredible experience of participating in Solar Power International (we’ll write more about that soon) and can hardly believe it’s already time for our own premier gathering of microgrid industry leaders. The 5th Annual HOMER International Microgrid Conference (HIMC2017) is less than a week away, and I’m really excited about our agenda and the impact of taking part in such an inspiring and educational experience. I hope you’re reading this as you pack your bag to head to Denver, Colorado, but if you haven’t made plans to join us yet, it’s not too late. This next year will be one of immense challenges and growth in the microgrid sector, so it’s imperative we all learn microgrid lessons from a global perspective, catch up on the latest developments, network with our colleagues, and develop a strategic future vision. That’s what HIMC2017 is poised to do for participants.
Here’s a brief preview of HIMC2017, including two very full days of educational sessions and networking opportunities followed by an optional full day of HOMER training and a “bonus day” dedicated to tours of major renewable energy facilities in the Denver area. Register today!
September 18-19: Speakers & Panel Discussions
We have a packed agenda of speakers on critical topics for our 2017 microgrid conference. After a brief welcome, I’ll be introducing several outstanding keynote speakers:
- Bob Stojanovic, Director of Microgrids in North America, ABB, will speak about “Enabling and Optimizing Distributed Generation, from Remote Villages to the Modern Macrogrid”
- Karl R. Rábago, Executive Director, Pace Energy and Climate Center Microgrids and Reforming our Energy Vision will present “The New York Perspective.”
- Our final keynote speaker, who will start off Tuesday’s agenda, is Cathy Zoi, Co-founder and President of ODYSSEY, addressing “Meeting the Challenges of Cost-effective Energy Access.”
Other expert presenters, representing many countries and specializations, will create a comprehensive view of global microgrid lessons. Here are just a few (the full list is here):
- A session on market assessment by Navigant Research Senior Research Analyst Adam Forn.
- Analysis of microgrids and distributed energy in China by Eric Martinot, Director of the Global Initiative, Distributed and Local Energy (DALE) & Senior Fellow, World Resources Institute of China.
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid/Spain researcher Vicente Salaswill discuss his work on control in hybrid microgrids.
- Israel Smart Energy Association CEO Elad Shaviv will tackle improving asset control to redefine ROI.
Panel Discussions
Because two heads (or more) are better than one, I highly recommend taking part in one of our panel discussions. Over HIMC’s two-day agenda, we’ll be hosting two panel discussions. The first is called “Alaska: Microgrids’ First Frontier: Lessons from 20 years of Hybrid Microgrids,” and includes a video introduction by Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski as well as the perspectives of six distinguished panelists. The second will be a critical and timely finance discussion panel featuring successful industry leaders.
On- and Off-grid Case Studies
Finally, I’m really looking forward to the case studies to be presented at the conference. Four presenters will discuss on-grid case studies from all over the world including projects in China and the Middle East. Four other experts will present off-grid case studies from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Haiti, and other markets. What an incredible opportunity to have all these folks, and you, together in one room to learn from each other.
September 20: (optional) Full Day of HOMER Training
HIMC2017 offers optional all-day HOMER Pro training. Participants new to HOMER Pro, or who wish to take their understanding of HOMER Pro to a new level, can participate in a full day of training by our expert staff. You can choose from two tracks, a foundation course familiarizes new users with HOMER Pro and teaches them how to begin using the software independently. Experienced users can participate in 1.5-hour sessions on advanced HOMER Pro topics, specifically (1) modeling larger systems with multiple diesels, (2) thermal loads, combined heat and power, (3) advanced grid modeling techniques, and (4) advanced wind, solar, and custom renewable component modeling.
September 21: Bonus Day
After the speakers, sessions, events, and training wrap up, we’re offering attendees one more enlightening day of learning and fun at no additional cost. The HIMC “Bonus Day,” is a unique opportunity to learn about some of the leading renewable energy organizations here in the “Front Range” of the Rocky Mountains. The day includes three separate renewable energy tours including the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), SolarTAC, the largest public-private outdoor solar testing and demonstration facility in the U.S., and a visit to the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado’s LEED Platinum building, the Alliance Center.
Conference Registration
If you haven’t registered yet, please go to our conference website and fill out the form for the main conference and the HOMER training. Here’s a link to our conference and training registration form. To participate in the Bonus Day tours, fill out our form to RSVP, as space for the tours is limited.
This is truly an opportunity for all of us in the industry. See you on Monday!