Registration Opens and Breakfast on the Exhibit Floor

Introduction and Welcoming Remarks

Opening Keynote

The Macro Perspective on the Energy Transition: Where Are We Now? And Where Are We Going?

The world needs, and is demanding, cleaner forms of energy. Climate goals are in reach, but are becoming increasingly challenging to meet. The energy transition is taking many forms, with many solutions taking shape. In this session, some of the key takeaways will include:

• Understanding the current energy landscape and current trajectories
• What is still needed to achieve climate goals
• The big picture on carbon management around the world
• What types of energy solutions will move the needle on climate change

A Deep Dive on Carbon Capture and Storage: An Exploration of National and Global CCS Projects

There are more than 40 carbon capture and storage projects in operation around the world today, with more than 320 projects in various phases of development. According to the Global CCS Institute, year-over-year projects have increased by 102%. Get to know more about the status of these projects and more in this session, including:

• What enables a project’s potential feasibility and eventual operational success
• What roadblocks to project development exist and insight into overcoming them
• The role of national and global policy in developing CCS projects
• Insight into developing a CCS project for financial success

Networking Break 

U.S. Hydrogen Hub Program: What Is It and What Does It Mean? 

In October, the U.S. Department of Energy selected seven regional hydrogen hubs around the country to kickstart a national hydrogen economy. The project could position the U.S. at the center of the global marketplace for clean energy. In this session, you’ll hear more about:

• The structure and operational framework of the different hydrogen hubs
• Knowing the key players and their roles in the grand initiatives
• Perspective on the impact of the Hydrogen Hub on the U.S. natural gas industry
• The path to unlocking the economic potential of the Hydrogen Hub

The Growth of Geothermal Energy in the U.S. and Around the World

Geothermal energy can be attractive to both new and clean energy pioneers as well as traditional fossil fuel producers. According to the U.S. EIA, geothermal power plants emit no greenhouse gases and have life cycle emissions four times lower than solar PV, and six to 20 times lower than natural gas. So, what does the future look like for geothermal energy? Join this session and here more about:

• Why geothermal production can be attractive for fossil fuel producers
• The prospects of geothermal energy: What is the growth potential?
• The role of new technology development in geothermal power generation
• Where and when geothermal energy makes sense in the new energies landscape

Understanding the IRA: Breaking Down the Inflation Reduction Act

The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act made the single largest investment in climate and energy in U.S. history. The sweeping measure means billions of dollars are available for clean energy and technology development. But understanding the nuances of the IRA is the first step toward capitalizing on its opportunities. Some key points this session will cover include:

• The need to decrease costs by using tax incentives
• Understanding the goals and metrics put in place by the IRA
• Insight into the types of programs and initiatives that might qualify for funding
• How changing U.S. policy and perspectives could impact the IRA

Networking Luncheon

Building on an Established Foundation: New Pathways for Low-Carbon Biofuels

In 2023, U.S. production of biodiesel and other biofuels eclipsed 3 billion gallons per year for the first time in history. The rise in biofuel production and capacity can be traced to increasing policy support and existing tax credits. But what does the future hold for biofuels like ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel and others? Key learnings from this discussion will include:

• Biofuels vs electric vehicles: How the two can co-exist
• Established and emerging policy supporting biofuels
• Insight into available tax credits and project monetization
• Discussion on current and projected demand for biofuels

SAF Takes Flight:

The airline industry is one of the most challenging industries for which to make significant carbon emission reductions. Still, major airlines like United and Virgin Atlantic are making substantial investments into developing and testing Sustainable Aviation Fuel. But more work, more investment and more research is needed. The discussion in this session will focus on:

• Where are we now: Understanding the current landscape of SAF
• Unlocking the potential: How sustainable aviation fuel can move the needle on airline industry decarbonization
• The role of technology in helping to bring down SAF costs
• Who’s In: The companies making investments–and actually using–SAF

STRATOS: A Deep Dive on the World’s Largest Direct Air Capture Project

In November, BlackRock and Occidental announced a combined $550 million development into STRATOS, designed to capture 500,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. The project is expected to be operational in mid-2025. Discussions in this session include:

• Project details: The How, Where, When and Why of STRATOS
• The role of Direct Air Capture and its potential impact in the energy transition
• Economics insight: How DAC projects like STRATOS make business sense
• The role of DAC in hard-to-abate industries 

Networking Break

The Path to Profitability: Understanding the Economics of Renewables

More than $1.7 trillion was invested in clean energy and renewable power in 2023, with investments only expected to grow. But the rub on renewables has been profitability–so far. When will large-scale projects make consistent business sense? Learnings in this discussion will cover:

• Understanding tax credit landscape for renewable energy
• What projects work–and which don’t–in the current economic landscape
• Attracting investors: What does the financial community need to see for an investment decision?
• Overcoming the economic stigma associated with renewable energy project development