REPORT FROM DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM — Oahu will again serve as the preeminent gathering place of leaders and experts of the global clean energy movement when the 4th Annual Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo is held from August 13 to 15 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
With plenary addresses from Governor Neil Abercrombie, Senator Daniel Inouye, and representatives from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Navy, this pivotal event will attract an estimated 1,200 local, national and international participants representing government, military, the private sector, and energy industry officials from more than 20 countries.
“Hawai‘i, as the test bed of the Asia-Pacific region for clean energy, hosts this international summit to serve as a platform for the exchanging of ideas, partnership opportunities and forging alliances between domestic and international corporations, investors and policy makers,” said
Mark Glick, energy administrator of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) State Energy Office, co- organizer of the Summit. “These efforts directly support Hawai‘i’s statutory target of achieving 70 percent clean energy by 2030 and its desire to expand economic activity, entrepreneurship, and public participation.”
As in previous years, the Summit provides the venue to share experiences and discover solutions toward the goal of developing clean energy industries in countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
“Hawai‘i is the ideal location for research, development and demonstration,” said Richard Lim, director of DBEDT. “More than $1.2 billion is being invested here by clean energy companies attracted by renewable energy incentives and our open and welcoming environment. It is our mission to ensure that clean energy will be the cornerstone of Hawai‘i’s economy for generations.”
Panel discussions will focus on innovative approaches to accelerate the use of renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, geothermal and biofuels; global project and test bed opportunities; and prioritizing investments in energy efficiency.
This year’s Summit will also feature a special symposium, “Inside the Test Bed — Innovative Clean Energy Solutions for Island Communities.” A keynote panel will discuss the vulnerability of island communities dependent on fossil fuels and the abundant renewable energy resources that could meet their needs.
The Summit’s expo will feature companies with innovative clean energy technologies and solutions in smart grid, fuel cells, water cleantech and energy storage.