And just like that, Climate Week NYC has wrapped for the year! This year’s event, featuring CEBA-led discussions, member-hosted events, and extensive collaboration, showcased a remarkable commitment from both the private and public sectors to strengthen the clean energy landscape. The excitement was palpable throughout the week as the industry began to thaw — especially with decreasing energy rates and easing supply chain issues — opening new development opportunities. Now that we’ve had a few days to reflect, here are some takeaways that are sticking with us.

Renewed Energy for Clean Load Growth

Clean energy load growth was on everyone’s minds. Companies are adopting innovative strategies to revive retired and dormant clean energy resources to meet unprecedented demand, primarily driven by data centers and digital growth. Notably, Microsoft and Constellation provided compelling insights into how we can breathe new life into existing assets, thereby fostering a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

Discussions also highlighted the potential of deploying advanced clean firm technologies, bolstered by collaborations with Emerson Collective and initiatives like the Loan Programs Office (LPO). It was clear that corporate interventions have evolved, with major players such as Ørsted, JPMorgan Chase, Barclays, Bank of America, Salesforce, eBay, and Pepsi stepping up to support clean energy projects through creative capital formation strategies.

Additionally, there is a growing push for greater efficiency in design, exemplified by companies like NVIDIA, which are leading the way in developing smarter, more efficient energy solutions.

Collaboration with the Public Sector

Climate Week emphasized the critical importance of collaboration between the private sector and public entities. Discussions focused on federal programs aimed at driving deployment and fostering new technologies, as well as state-level collaborations in New York and Connecticut. This partnership model is essential for unlocking the full potential of clean energy and ensuring equitable access. We are committed to creating opportunities for our members to connect and work together to advance key energy solutions.

The Clean Energy Demand Initiative

This year, our members and the Clean Energy Demand Initiative (CEDI) celebrated significant policy progress and expressed enthusiasm for expanding CEDI’s impact into key countries. We also observed a shift in the narrative around load growth, with an increasingly positive outlook on how it is paving the way for a future where clean energy demand is both a priority and an economic opportunity.

CEDI hosted four impactful events in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Energy Resources, including three roundtable discussions and a reception focused on crucial markets such as India, Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Throughout, U.S. companies emphasized that access to clean energy is a priority for their global operations and aimed to identify solutions for deployment and investment worldwide. 

Throughout the week, conversations with global leaders resulted in critical collaboration that could unlock opportunities for CEBA members in the U.S. and abroad, including:

• Japanese Vice Minister Matsuo of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) acknowledged the critical role of a cost-effective clean energy supply and committed to bringing member perspectives back to Tokyo. 
• Deputy Minister Seto and Kadin Chairman Dharsono indicated that PLN’s recent demand reassessment could create new avenues for increased investment, setting the stage for sustainable growth in the region. 
• R.P. Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), emphasized the urgent need for an additional 275 GW of renewable energy capacity to meet rising demand, highlighting the potential for partnership and investment. 

Looking Ahead

As we move beyond Climate Week NYC 2024, the momentum we have generated will undoubtedly shape the clean energy landscape. Facing challenges related to increasing demand and building a resilient grid, it has never been more important to work together swiftly.

This year’s Climate Week reaffirmed that a thriving clean energy future is within reach, and CEBA is committed to leading the charge. Together, we can harness this excitement and creativity to drive meaningful change in the clean energy sector.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to collaborate, innovate, and inspire progress toward a sustainable future.