CEBA members and leaders from across the clean energy industry again converged in San Jose, California, to discuss critical trends in clean energy and sustainability and discuss ways to move the market forward in the face of increasing demand and market challenges.

During the October 29-31 conference, CEBA members and staff collaborated to deliver impactful content, share insights, and pose the tough questions. It was a packed agenda and time well spent. We laughed and relaxed in the lounge and put our heads together on solutions during conversations. Some key themes stood out and have stuck with us. Here are a few:

Navigating Rising Electricity Demand

VERGE 24 underscored the need to prepare for escalating electricity demand driven by emerging sectors like vehicle and building electrification, artificial intelligence, and data centers. The U.S. grid must evolve to meet this rising load while integrating clean energy sources. For CEBA and its members, this means doubling down on innovative energy procurement solutions and scaling clean energy generation to support economic growth. CEBA CEO Rich Powell emphasized this moment as a unique opportunity to harness innovation, noting Princeton University’s Net Zero America projections that clean energy generation must double or even quadruple by 2050 to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. If you missed Rich speaking about this on the VERGE main stage, catch up with the recording on YouTube, around the 16:33 mark.

Embracing Clean, Firm Energy Resources

Speakers highlighted the strategic importance of clean, firm power solutions such as advanced nuclear and geothermal energy. CEBA members including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are already forging agreements to develop and deploy advanced nuclear technologies and geothermal projects. These clean technologies will play a critical role in stabilizing the grid, particularly as companies increasingly rely on round-the-clock clean power to fuel new technologies.

Accelerating Clean Energy Deployment through Policy Progress

A key theme at VERGE 24 was the urgency of robust clean energy policy at both state and federal levels. Attendees and speakers emphasized the need for streamlined permitting processes to scale renewable energy projects and the importance of maintaining incentives that encourage investment in clean energy solutions.

Innovative Procurement Models and Partnerships

Discussions pointed to the continuing importance of procurement models like green tariffs, virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), and partnerships with utilities. For example, CEBA this past spring negotiated and secured a letter agreement with Georgia Power that calls for the utility to develop a new customer clean energy program that would allow large customers to bring clean energy projects to Georgia Power’s system. These types of agreements align with CEBA’s commitment to creating accessible pathways to procure reliable, clean energy.

Embracing a Resilient Grid with Flexibility and Storage

With recent extreme weather events driven by the rapidly changing climate, the need to enhance the flexibility and reliability of the grid was a big priority for VERGE attendees. Many discussions referenced the value of pairing clean energy generation with battery storage systems to increase grid reliability and achieve a more distributed power grid. 

Equity and Just Energy Transition

A standout session explored the social and environmental justice dimensions of the energy transition. Speakers discussed the need for more equitable procurement policies that drive investments in disadvantaged communities and give these communities more access to affordable, clean power. Corporate leaders were urged to take proactive steps to align their energy procurement efforts with the Biden administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to direct 40% of the benefits of climate investments to underserved populations, ensuring their clean energy purchases contribute to positive local impacts.

VERGE 24 left attendees with a clear message: accelerating the clean energy transition demands collaboration, innovation, and clever, adaptable policy. The conference underscored the need to align clean energy procurement strategies with federal and state policy developments, enable more innovative financing models, and work toward achieving a more resilient electricity grid that benefits all power consumers, especially those in disadvantaged communities. As demonstrated throughout this year’s VERGE conference, CEBA and our members will continue leading the way toward a clean energy future.