The technology and the adoption of alternative energy have advanced greatly since the first Symposium on Energy in the 21st Century 13 years ago. Director Rhea Jezer remembers the state of the industry then.
“It’s very exciting when I look back, what we were talking about then, where we went out and saw our first wind turbine and someone came and showed us what a solar panel was and everyone oohed-and-ahhed. So in 13 years we’ve progressed a tremendous amount.”
This year’s Symposium, this Friday, features speakers from the U-S Department of Energy. Jezer expects Strategic Energy Director David Mooney to be more positive than indications out of the Trump administration might suggest.
“They seem to feel that renewable energy will continue, specifically because it’s economically viable. I won’t even touch opening up new coal. That’s so beyond silly.”
Other speakers include the head of the New York Green Bank, which funds alternative energy projects, as well as leaders from the Alliance for Clean Energy and the State Energy Research and Development Authority. Jezer says the focus is on more than just the latest technology.
“We always talk about jobs. If we bring our renewable energy sources here, if we can produce the products that we need for renewable energy, and also for installation, this is a great source for jobs.”
PARTIAL SPEAKERS LIST
*NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli
*Alfred Griffin, President NY GreenBank
*Janet Joseph, Vice President NYSERDA
*Anne Reynolds, Executive Director Alliance for Clean Energy NY
*John Shinn, Director District 4 United Steel Workers
*Kit Kennedy, Director Energy & Transportation, National Resources Defense Council
Organizers expect everything from industry and labor groups, to high school and college students, and interested citizens to attend. The Symposium on Energy in the 21st Century is Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Links in East Syracuse. Field trips to alternative energy and other sites follow the discussions.
