On February 21, the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce and Arizona Forward co-hosted a lively discussion on the growing demand for clean energy in Arizona, featuring representatives of the private sector and utilities.
Why did this topic generate much interest?
Organizations in Arizona are setting renewable energy and carbon reduction goals and developing strategies to reach them. This is financially-driven and emissions-driven and is attracting significant capital investment and job creation opportunities for the state. However, along with the economic benefits, the growth also poses supply chain and skill shortage challenges for Arizona.
Energy expert panelists included:
- Trevor Ledbetter, director, Office of Sustainability, University of Arizona
- Jonathan Simkins, vice president, Planning & Administration Global Real Estate & Workplace Experience, American Express
- Todd Brady, chief sustainability officer, Intel Corporation
- Todd Komaromy, director of resource planning, Arizona Public Service
- Grant Smedley, director of resource planning, Acquisition & Development, Salt River Project
The panel was moderated by Ryan Evans, executive director at Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.
What were the key outcomes from discussion?
- A range of stakeholders are pushing organizations to reduce emissions and embrace renewables - from customers to shareholders to employees to investors.
- Clean energy includes varied technologies - solar is particularly advantageous in sunny Arizona, but increasingly wind and other clean energies are in the mix, especially a wide range of energy storage technologies. Clean energy technologies are also innovating at an exceptional pace.
- Clean energy is price competitive and cheaper than traditional fuels for new generation.
- Clean energy presents an opportunity to lock in energy prices for corporations and individuals which can limit their exposure to the volatility of natural gas and other energy sources.
- The advancement of clean energy is global in scope and to be competitive internationally, US-based organizations must track, measure and report on their progress through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports.
