BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, Ill., Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After a seven-year hiatus, the Illinois Renewable Energy Conference is returning to bring together professionals, educators, students and residents to learn and discuss all aspects of renewable energy in the state. Renewable energy developers, county officials, subject-matter experts, policy-makers, state agencies (IDNR, IL EPA, ICC, IPA), solar installers, labor unions, educators, students, and other interested parties are invited to attend.

The conference will be held September 20 and 21, 2023 at the Blooomington-Normal Marriott and Conference Center.

The conference offers attendees the opportunity to hear speakers from across the nation discuss programs, projects and policies that effectively advance renewable energy in Illinois. Attendees can expect to gain insights into industry trends, find solutions for integrating renewable energy sources and explore pathways to Illinois' clean energy transition.

"It is vitally important that various stakeholders have a forum to discuss industry issues together," said Illinois State University professor emeritus and Strategic Economic Research President, Dr. David Loomis. "Illinois has been missing this forum for the past 7 years and I'm happy it is coming back." Dr. Loomis previously hosted the Illinois Renewable Energy conference under ISU's Center for Renewable Energy for a number of years.

The two-day conference will begin with a pre-session on "Wind and Solar 101" for those new to the industry, followed by a welcome reception on September 20 where attendees can network with other renewable energy professionals to expand their networks and meet the conference speakers. September 21 will begin with a keynote address by the newly appointed Illinois Commerce Commissioner, Doug Scott, followed by a panel discussion on Energy Policy with Commissioner Scott, Brian Granahan (Illinois Power Agency) and Hilary Scott-Ogunride (Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity).

Next there will be three separate "tracks" of break-out sessions on a variety of renewable topics. The first track will cover topics in the "Utility Wind and Solar" area, including discussions around interconnection issues, permitting and construction, and technical issues. The second track, "Community, Rooftop, and Ground-Mounted Solar" will address grid modernization and transitioning Illinois communities to renewable energy, followed by various case studies including renewable energy in schools and residential communities. The final track, "Renewable Energy Education" will cover the new workforce programs outlined by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, opportunities for creating equitable workforces, and renewable energy education in K-12 and higher education.

The event will end with a presentation by Anthony Star, senior advisor to the Illinois Power Agency. Mr. Star will discuss "Where Can We Go From Here" and how Illinois can move forward in leading the way to 100% renewable energy by 2050.

A full list of speakers and topics can be found at bit.ly/ILREC23 .

Registration for the conference is $200 through August 31 and $250 beginning September. Dinner on the 20th and breakfast and lunch on the 21st are included with registration. Students, government officials, nonprofits and groups are eligible for discounts.

ILREC23 is hosted by Strategic Economic Research and presented by Recall Strategies. Event sponsors include Great Plains LECET, Apex, Cordelio Power, EDF Renewables, Invenergy, Enel, Christopher B Burke Engineering, Doral, EDP Renewables, Leeward Energy, Polsinelli Law, Savion Energy, Ameren, Forsite Inc, Samsung C&T, and Schain Banks.

Location: 201 Broadway, Normal, IL, 61761

CONTACT: Hannah Loomis

Director of Education and Outreach

Strategic Economic Research

[email protected]



SOURCE Strategic Economic Research