Two years ago, Governor Ige signed into law the most aggressive clean energy goal in the country. How is the State turning plans into action?

It is rare to see the chair of a state's energy policy board also leading its innovation organization. But if you think about it, it makes sense. Energy policy and innovation are deeply intertwined. Dawn Lippert, the Chair of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative Advisory Board and CEO of Elemental Excelerator, shares what we've learned as Hawaii innovates its way to 100% clean energy.

A discussion about the various local economic opportunities associated with the physical impacts, regulatory risks and climate risks that come with changes in energy policy, infrastructure and market structure. Lessons and stories will be shared from energy transitions in China, Alaska, the Midwest U.S. and, of course, Hawaii.

This fast-paced start-up competition provides entrepreneurs in energy, transportation, water, agriculture and cybersecurity the opportunity to pitch to the VERGE audience. Industry experts provide commentary and audience votes determine the winner.

While there is no shortage of clean technology innovations, political and social will remains a barrier for many of these promising solutions. What is needed to cultivate an environment where utilities, regulators and buyers will increase their risk appetite?

Stay tuned for details.

This discussion will explore how tourism is a key economic driver in Hawai‘i and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future, even as Hawai‘i seeks to diversify in other sectors.  Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaiian Airlines and HECO will discuss Hawai‘i’s unique role in catalyzing economic prosperity and attracting investment, while reducing energy and water use, building community resilience, and supporting environmental stewardship through sustainable tourism initiatives and planning. 

While New York and California often get the spotlight for their energy system transformation initiatives, many states across the country have different challenges. What will it take to build a 21st century electricity system for rural areas all over Hawaii and beyond?

This fast-paced start-up competition provides entrepreneurs in energy, transportation, water, agriculture and cybersecurity the opportunity to pitch their startups to the VERGE audience. Industry experts provide commentary, and audience votes determine the winner.

How inclusive financing can help scale clean energy investments in distributed energy solutions from better buildings to clean transit.

While hotels focus mainly on costs, they consume resources at a rate that is simply unsustainable for the long term. It's a paradox as old as the industry. While some argue about the value of "greening" in the industry, others understand that it is also about resilience and security. Two veterans in the industry discuss potential solutions to overcome sustainability challenges, and what it will take hotels, airlines, cabs and other major tourism stakeholders to take necessary action.

How can we untangle challenges at the nexus of nature and humanity? A holistic "radical remedy of the commons" is within reach. But we need better design thinking and far greater energy and urgency to bring it into being. By transforming markets and scaling enabling technologies, programs, and platforms that offer differentiated solutions for critical, systems-level challenges, we can strengthen the symbiosis between nature and humanity. 

Reaching 100% clean energy means reaching everyone.  Yet the most common financing instruments disqualify many customers from making cost effective investments in upgrades like building energy efficiency, rooftop solar, and on-site storage.  Where inclusive financing is already available, the eligible market is bigger, customer conversion rates are higher, and investments are larger.  Join our luncheon table to explore the potential for everyone in Hawaii to participate in the benefits of the clean energy economy.

About VERGE Guru Lunches: Join like minded attendees for interactive moderated lunch discussions around a particular topic. Each table discussion will be led by an expert or thought leader, held at roundtables of up to 10 participants. These are freeform discussions, so bring your own challenges, questions, and ideas to talk through and get to know your fellow conference participants.

What is artificial intelligence technology could help energy stakeholders communicate better? Explore what happens when you combine advanced simulation and cognitive methods to address issues and limitations with conventional tradeoff analyses for the extremely complex and emotionally charged energy planning we are facing today. This session will demonstrate advanced simulation capability currently in place in Hawaii; the opportunity to harness artificial intelligence and cognitive capabilities; socialize planning process and communication across all stakeholders through inclusion and advanced visualization; how to include data, opinions, and insights from stakeholders; and demystifying planning outcomes and generating increased confidence in the process.

A solutions-focused discussion with one of Hawaii's top land owners Alexander & Baldwin, Hawaii Gas, and an entrepreneur that leverages agricultural innovation using new crops on underproductive land  — exploring the policies, community/culture challenges and technologies that are shaping the future of biofuels, biogas and other land-based "clean energy" sources as Hawaii transitions to 100% renewables.

Hawaii, California, and New Zealand share at least one thing in common: they're all on a path to clean energy. While utilities and regulators serve a defined geographic region, they see many of the same challenges. This opens up a world of opportunities for collaboration - in some unexpected ways. Join us as Commissioner Carla Peterman of California's Public Utilities Commission, Simon MacKenzie, CEO of New Zealand's largest electricity network, Vector, and Hawaii's newly appointed PUC Commissioner Jay Griffin share what they've learned, what challenges they're still struggling with, and what they think the future holds for local and global energy markets.

The founder of Earth Day and developer of world’s greenest office building tells his story — and what it may mean for Hawaii.

One of Hawaii’s most gifted storytellers and business influencers puts a lei around the “Orchestra.”