Energy Leaders & Advocates Discuss the Future of Clean Energy Technologies and Sustainable Communities in NYS

ALBANY, NY (11/02/2010)(readMedia)-- State policymakers, renewable energy advocates, energy technology leaders and more than one hundred attendees met recently in Albany to learn first-hand about how to tap into the promise, harness the potential, and overcome the challenges for clean energy technologies and sustainable communities at the Alliance for Clean Energy New York's (ACE NY) fourth annual fall conference and membership meeting.

"Despite New York's continuing financial crisis, renewable energy and energy efficiency are still a bright spot and offer our best chance at reinvigorating the economy. In bringing together ACE NY's members and supporters for a thoughtful discussion on the challenges and opportunities we face, this event has renewed our commitment and focus on growing New York's clean energy industry in the year to come," said Carol E. Murphy, ACE NY Executive Director.

The conference included several presentations and expert panel discussions by energy thought leaders on topics including sustainable communities, project financing, and the future of solar energy and offshore wind initiatives in New York State.

The conference also featured keynote addresses by Matt Guyette, Global Strategy & Marketing Leader for GE's Renewable Energy business and Frank Murray, President & CEO of NYSERDA.

During the conference ACE NY presented its annual Sustainable Energy Leadership Awards, which recognize outstanding work in support of clean energy and energy efficiency. The Outstanding Government Leader Award was presented to the Town of Fenner in Madison County, the site of Fenner Wind Farm, one of New York's first wind power projects, and the Fenner Renewable Energy Education (FREE) Center. Accepting the award on behalf of the Town of Fenner were Town Supervisor Russell Cary and Town Clerk Joanne Buyea. "The residents of Fenner are very proud of the wind farm and we've always felt that supporting it was just common sense. As a community we've made it a priority to share our experiences and educate others about renewable energy, and we appreciate being recognized by ACE NY for these efforts," said Mr. Cary.

The recipient of the Outstanding Industry Leader Award was The Delaney Group, a Tetra Tech company headquartered in Gloversville, New York. The Delaney Group was recognized for its role in the development of fourteen wind energy projects which have funneled over $90.6 million to the people and small businesses of New York State through salaries, purchases of materials, and services and subcontracts related to wind energy construction. "Our company is New York born and bred, and it means a great deal to us to be able to bring so much renewable energy to life and create much-needed jobs, as well as partner with groups like ACE NY and publicly support renewable energy projects across the state," said Tim Delaney, President of the Delaney Group.

The Outstanding Outreach Partner Award was presented to Eric Thumma of Iberdrola Renewables, for his exemplary outreach and education efforts on behalf of New York's entire renewable energy community, and to Jamie Van Nostrand and Jackson Morris of the Pace Energy and Climate Center, for their tireless efforts in the area of clean energy education and policy research.

On accepting his award Mr. Thumma commented, "I'm grateful for the opportunity to work closely with the staff and members of ACE NY. Educating policymakers and developing strong support for renewables is a crucial element of our mission, and I'm happy to have been of assistance in this capacity."

Mr. Van Nostrand, who was also named as the newest appointee to ACE NY's Board of Directors, said, "I'm thankful for the recognition Pace has received and look forward to building on this progress through my new role at ACE NY."

(A complete library of photos from this event are available for review and download online. Please call Laura Lyman at 518-432-1405 for more information.)

ABOUT ACE NY

The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is a broad coalition dedicated to promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, a healthy environment, and a strong economy for the Empire State. As New York's premier advocate for the rapid adoption of clean energy alternatives and energy conservation, it is an active participant in public education and outreach efforts, legislative and regulatory affairs, and the oversight of electricity markets. ACE NY's diverse membership includes: nonprofit environmental, economic development, and consumer advocacy organizations; academic institutions; consultants to the clean energy sector; and private companies that produce or sell renewable energy technologies or energy efficiency services.

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Posted Tuesday November 02, 2010 at 01:01 pm by Zone 5
Last Updated Monday November 29, 2010 at 02:59 pm