Sustainable Technologies Forum Highlighted Energy Efficiency and Transmission Technologies, Financial Opportunities

Breakthrough technologies, deliberative design techniques, and energy efficiency incentives are helping Texas become a leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Chamber’s Technology Business Council’s “2nd Annual Sustainable Technologies Forum” gathered over 100 regional technology and renewable energy executives for a luncheon forum on October 21 to discuss these issues.

It is often simple concepts rather than “bells and whistles” that make energy efficiency more attainable. “The first thing we can do to improve building efficiencies is not to use more energy,” according to event speaker Betsy del Monte of The Beck Group. During the forum, del Monte stated that simple principles of design such as maximizing sunlight instead of artificial lighting, keeping air conditioning duct work in mind, and other concepts are “the best way to maximize energy efficiency and cost savings.” After these design concepts are employed, technical solutions can also generate large returns on energy efficiency. Double skin ventilation and high performance glass are some of these technologies. “Why do we pick on buildings?” said event moderator Alan Ash of Trane Commercial Systems. “They use 72% of energy in the United States.” Therefore, employing green building techniques contributes significantly to our nation’s energy conservation goals.

The Chamber’s forum included two panel discussions focused on "Solving Challenges for the Sustainable Technologies Industry,” which featured industry experts from The Beck Group, Hunt Transmission Services, Trane Commercial Systems, Westar Trade Resources, Citibank, White Rock Advisors, and Gardere Wynne Sewell. Topics addressed included how to access green tech funding opportunities and electric transmission solutions for wind energy, such as the CREZ project.

Through the state-mandated CREZ project, Texas is undergoing major energy transmission updates, delivering wind energy produced in rural areas to urban population centers. The CREZ project scenario selected by the Public Utility Commission will add an estimated 18,000 megawatts of energy from wind sources to the state’s electric grid. The transmission project underway by an affiliate of Hunt Transmission will be completed in 2013. Now is the time to invest in renewable energy generation, including wind and other resources due to such state incentives according to event speaker Bill Bojorquez of Hunt Transmission Services.

Regarding financial opportunities, panelists highlighted the “tremendous amounts of money coming [to the renewable energy industry] via the stimulus funding,” according to Cindy Thyfault of Westar Trade Resources. “Competition is fierce, and there are a lot of requirements for grant applications,” said Thyfault. During her remarks, Thyfault provided suggested tips and tools for companies to make stronger grant applications to government entities. For the internationally focused companies, Nick Renna of Citibank discussed export loan opportunities through Ex-Im Bank and other private loan sources.

These topics and more information on the event can be accessed through the Technology Business Council’s website at www.DallasTBC.org.

Event sponsors included: Gardere Wynne Sewell, Trane Commercial Systems, Westar Trade Resources, Trinity Industries and the University of Texas at Arlington.

For questions, please contact Jane Edson at jedson@dallaschamber.org or (214) 712-1937.