Why be part of a multi-technology industry association?
One might think about joining because of the need for a shared voice in helping to shape policy. Another, because they are seeking to build partnerships across technologies. While yet another may seek market expansion, or benefit from the shared knowledge that only comes from a community of stakeholders.
These answers resonated with the attendees of Advanced Energy United’s annual Leadership Forum last month. The retreat-style gathering at the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, Virginia was exclusively for business and policy leaders from across our membership. The event served as an opportunity to step away from our day-to-day work and come together to think creatively and collaboratively about the strategies needed to drive the energy transition.
I had the honor of serving as Master of Ceremonies for the two-day event, which served as a wonderful introduction for me as United’s new Vice President of Sales and Business Development to our organization and many of our members. I heard loud and clear from members that they value an industry group that can adeptly speak on behalf of all their technologies, while also commanding the respect and trust of policymakers in states all over the country. Instead of decision-makers only hearing directly from individual companies or technologies that are in competition with each other, they trust that United brings stakeholders together on power sector-wide solutions and takes a holistic view of the energy transition.
Our members also appreciate when the industry associations communicate with each other and work in tandem when appropriate, which was on display during our Leadership Forum’s opening panel. After giving opening remarks, our President and CEO Heather O’Neill joined the leadership from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), and Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) on stage to discuss the energy policy landscape heading into 2025, and opportunities for collaboration amongst all the industry trade associations.
(Pictured left to right) In the opening panel of United’s Leadership Forum, Amy Heart of member company Sunrun, Heather O’Neill of Advanced Energy United, Rich Powell of Clean Energy Buyers Association, Abigail Ross Hopper of Solar Energy Industries Association, and Albert Gore III of Zero Emission Transportation Association discussed how collaboration is critical to build and sustain the momentum the industry needs to deliver on the promise of the energy transition.
The advanced energy industry has never been stronger. Technological innovation, customer preference, and policy change are making it easier for new technologies to come into use and for existing technologies to thrive. While we face challenges in the years ahead, we know that with our solutions and determined persistence, especially when working together towards common goals, we can meet the moment and build a stronger advanced energy industry. There are three key elements that give our industry an advantage today: our technologies’ ability to reduce costs, ensure grid resilience and reliability, and help the U.S. compete and win on a global stage.
(Pictured left to right) In the “Uniting to Address Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice” panel moderated by Kate Johnson of Advanced Energy United, panelists Synthia R. Jaramillo of the United Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Constance Thompson of the American Council on Renewable Energy, and Erika Symmonds of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) examined how the industry is working to ensure that the clean energy sector delivers real benefits to frontline communities, while also increasing underrepresented people in leadership positions within the industry.
Our panel discussions and breakout groups addressed many of the themes of work we’ll be taking on in 2025, including the challenges and opportunities presented by load growth demand, political solutions for building more large-scale projects, regulations to better leverage our technologies within wholesale markets, and the importance of a diverse and engaged workforce.
The “Political and Policy Outlook on Clean Energy in 2025” panel, moderated by Amisha Rai of Advanced Energy United (far left), shared insights on the road forward with a Trump Administration and new Congress. Panelists included (pictured left to right) Christina Baworowsky of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, Former Commissioner Allison Clements of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and Neal Kemkar of Aspen Institute.
On behalf of the United team, I thank the industry leaders and our members who took the time to join us, and provided their insights, and shared their perspectives on panel discussions and continue to engage in our work together. It’s your passion and vision for a stronger advanced energy industry that allows us to thrive, and we look forward to working with all our members in 2025 and beyond.
(Pictured left to right) Members of Advanced Energy United’s leadership team, including Amisha Rai, Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Heather O’Neill, CEO and President, Allison Ingram, Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations, and Rahiem Swann, Vice President of Sales and Development, pose at the Leadership Forum.