The expanding clean energy sector in New York State - including research supporting renewable energy technologies and the resulting business and economic development opportunities and impact - will take center stage at the fourth annual New Energy Symposium, to be presented July 8 and 9 by New Energy New York ("NENY") and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering's ("CNSE") Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center ("E2TAC").
For the first time, the event will be held in New York City, at the World Trade Center offices of the New York Academy of Science. Designed to showcase both the growing importance of alternative energy technologies and New York's leadership in developing and supporting clean and renewable energy companies, the Symposium features several keynote speakers, including Kevin Law, president and CEO of the Long Island Power Authority; Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, chairman of the Assembly Subcommittee on Renewable Energy; and John Lushetsky, acting deputy assistant secretary for energy efficiency with the U.S. Department of Energy.
The first day will feature speakers from both government and industry, including IBM, Cisco, United Technologies, GE Global Research, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority ("NYSERDA"), and the New York State Public Service Commission, addressing topics that include prospects for clean energy technologies in New York, pursuit of "green" opportunities by industry, and integrating sustainability in the urban environment.
A series of Clean Energy Investment Presentations will be held on the second day, in which more than 20 emerging clean-tech start-ups will be given an opportunity to showcase their revolutionary technologies to an audience of regional, national and corporate venture capitalists, investment bankers, and private investors. They include Kleiner Perkins, SJF Ventures, Good Energies, Khosla Ventures and many more. The top three start-ups will receive mentoring services to support their future participation in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's ("NREL") Industry Growth Forum.
Tom Birdsey, President and CEO of EYP Architecture & Engineering and Chairman of NENY, said, "In gathering key leaders from both government and industry, as well as entrepreneurs guiding emerging clean energy companies, the New Energy Symposium will provide an important platform to further the growth of alternative and sustainable energy technologies. We look forward to high-level discussions that are designed to maximize the opportunities for growing New York's renewable energy sector."
Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of CNSE, said, "The UAlbany NanoCollege, in partnership with New Energy New York, is delighted to present the New Energy Symposium, which addresses head-on the critical 21st century challenge of enhancing energy sustainability and independence. As research at the nanoscale continues to drive the development of clean and renewable energy technologies, New York State is in an enviable position to lead the world in alternative energy education and innovation, which will support vital economic investment and growth."
Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Director of CNSE's E2TAC and Executive Director of NENY, said, "With hundreds of leading executives representing both government and industry on hand, the New Energy Symposium offers an exceptional opportunity to discuss emerging trends and develop new strategies to support the growth of alternative energy technologies. The event's highly visible location at the New York Academy of Science will draw further attention to the critical need to support New York's emerging clean energy industry."
New York State is poised to benefit from the expansion of clean and renewable energy technologies, with more than 200 businesses in this sector, as well as universities that are conducting cutting-edge research and development.