PRESS RELEASE
Vancouver, BC – May 22, 2024 – The Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) is thrilled to announce that GENERATE 2024, the province’s largest and most anticipated clean energy conference, begins tomorrow. Taking place from May 23-24, 2024, at the Westin Bayshore, this year marks the 20th anniversary of GENERATE, celebrating two decades of advancing sustainable energy solutions in British Columbia. This event brings together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and stakeholders to drive forward the future of clean energy in the province and beyond.
This year’s event promises two days packed with insightful panels, interactive workshops, a bustling trade show, and unparalleled networking opportunities with industry professionals, policymakers, and innovators to build relationships and foster collaborations. Attendees will gain valuable insights from the brightest minds in the sector and discover the latest advancements in clean energy technology and policy. The conference underscores the momentum in the clean energy industry, supported by BC Hydro’s enhanced capital plan and the strong backing from the Province of British Columbia and BC Hydro for future calls for power – a process where BC Hydro solicits bids from independent power producers to meet future energy needs.
Join distinguished government leaders such as the Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation; the Honourable Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship; and Jeremy Hewitt, Assistant Deputy Minister at the BC Climate Secretariat, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, among other influential thought leaders. Engage in key discussions covering topics such as Delivering Clean Electricity to BC’s Evolving Grid; Global Supply Chain and the Clean Energy Industry; The Evolution of Indigenous Procurement in a UNDRIP World; Jobs, Skilled Labour for the Clean, New Economy; Energy Storage; and Lessons Learned from the Last Call for Power: Engaging the Public and Securing Support. Participate in dynamic, hands-on workshop sessions tailored to address current challenges and explore themes including Economic Reconciliation and Indigenous Clean Energy Initiatives.
“We are thrilled to bring together such a dynamic and accomplished group of individuals committed to advancing clean energy solutions,” said Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, Executive Director of Clean Energy Association of British Columbia. “GENERATE 2024 is more than just a conference. It serves as a transformative force for change, innovation, and sustainable economic growth in British Columbia and beyond. I would like to express profound gratitude to our event sponsors and acknowledge the Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, as a crucial conference partner and advocate for reconciliation, whose support fosters impactful dialogue and meaningful evolutionary partnerships.”
Featured speakers for this year’s event include governmental and Indigenous leaders, industry leaders, and advocates, notably:
Kwatuuma Cole Sayers: CEBC Executive Director and advocate for clean energy policies in British Columbia, promoting sustainable energy initiatives and fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders and government bodies.
Colleen Giroux-Schmidt: Chairs the CEBC Board of Directors and serves as VP of Corporate Relations at Innergex Renewable Energy. She is influential in advancing renewable energy projects. Innergex continues to expand its portfolio with new wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Kluane (Aagé) Adamek: Regional Chief, Yukon, at the Assembly of First Nations, champion for Indigenous rights and sovereignty in energy development, fostering partnerships and meaningful engagement in the sector.
Cloy-e-iis Judith Sayers: President of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, advocate for Indigenous sovereignty and environmental stewardship, fostering collaboration between First Nations communities and energy developers. She actively works to ensure that Indigenous perspectives and values are integrated into sustainable energy projects, enhancing community resilience and cultural preservation.
Dillon Johnson: Executive Council of the Tla’amin Nation Government, contributor to various community development projects and advocate for Indigenous participation in the clean energy sector. He has been instrumental in initiatives that improve local infrastructure and promote sustainable economic growth within Indigenous communities.
Kalila George-Wilson: Plays a significant role in cultural and environmental initiatives from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, involved in fostering strong relationships between Indigenous communities and municipalities.
Barry Vickers: VP of Project Development at First Nations Major Projects Coalition, fosters partnerships between Indigenous communities and energy developers, promoting economic growth and cultural sustainability.
Chris O’Riley: President and CEO of BC Hydro, oversees significant infrastructure upgrades supporting the province’s clean energy future, including the current call for power to meet BC’s future energy needs.
Joe Mazza: VP of Energy Supply & Resource Development at FortisBC, leads initiatives to diversify the company’s energy supply with a focus on renewable natural gas and other sustainable energy solutions.
Adrienne McGarrigle: Leads projects at Solas Energy Consulting, guiding renewable energy projects to completion.
Alexa Young: Heads Policy, Government Relations, and Public Affairs at New Economy Canada, influencing policy decisions to incentivize sustainable economic growth.
Brodie Gunning: President and CEO of Energy Plug, securing major contracts and expanding its market presence.
Cody Gatzke: Manages finances at Local 258 IBEW, negotiating favorable labor agreements.
Daniel Bornstein: Provides legal counsel for renewable energy transactions at McCarthy Tétrault.
Deborah Lacroix: Manages Ecofish Research as Senior Ecologist and Managing Principal.
Demetrios Jim Papadoulis: Manages Future Grid & Modernization at BC Hydro, leading initiatives to modernize grid infrastructure.
Dr. Michelle Corfield: Facilitates workshops on environmental sustainability and community engagement at Corfield & Associates.
Eugenio Mazzocchi: Manages Engineering at Lombardi Consultants Ltd, providing engineering expertise for renewable energy projects.
Fernando Melo: Advocates for favorable renewable energy policies as a representative of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association.
Geoff Osborne: Directs Business Development at Capstone Infrastructure, expanding the company’s renewable energy portfolio.
Hillary Thatcher: Manages Investments at Canada Infrastructure Bank, orchestrating investments in critical infrastructure projects, including renewable energy initiatives.
Isabelle Deguise: Senior Director of Business Development at Evolugen by Brookfield Renewable, driving the company’s growth in the renewable energy market.
Jean Paul (JP) Gladu: Principal and Founder of Mokwateh, promoting Indigenous business and economic reconciliation.
Jeff MacAulay: Leads Charge Solar as CEO, achieving record-breaking quarters in solar panel installations.
Justin Rangooni: Directs Energy Storage Canada as Executive Director, advocating for policies to accelerate the adoption of energy storage technologies.
Karen Spence: Directs Permitting Solutions at the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, streamlining permitting processes for renewable energy projects.
Lyle Thompson: Leads Environmental Impact Assessment at Hatfield Consultants, directing assessments for energy projects.
Matt Harper: Chief Commercial Officer at Invinity Energy Systems, overseeing successful commercialization efforts for innovative energy storage solutions. Invinity recently received a £25 million direct equity investment from the UK Infrastructure Bank to support commercial development of longer duration energy storage.
Matt MacInnis: Presides over the Electrical Contractors Association of BC, advocates for skilled labour in the clean energy sector.
Meaghan Hoyle: Directs Projects at the Environmental Assessment Office, overseeing the environmental assessment process for major infrastructure projects.
Mihskakwan James Harper: Manages Business Development at NRStor, driving expansion in the energy storage market.
Scott Smith: Partners with Gowling WLG as a specialist in Environmental and Indigenous Resource Law, providing legal counsel on landmark cases.
Sepehr Mogharei: Leads Battery + Energy Storage at CICE, spearheading the development of innovative energy storage solutions.
Shannon Halliday: Leads Corporate Affairs at HTEC, raising awareness about hydrogen technology.
Dr. Suzanne von der Porten: VP of Clean Energy Strategy at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition. She has expertise in Indigenous governance, water, marine policy, and environmental governance. Suzanne’s work focuses on improving environmental decision-making and the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples.
Tamara Little: Manages Coast Communications and Public Affairs, advising clients on effective stakeholder engagement strategies.
Travis Lusney: Directs Power Systems at Power Advisory, providing strategic consulting for renewable energy projects.
Tickets are nearly sold out. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this pivotal event. Secure your tickets now and join us for two days of inspiring discussions, networking opportunities, and the latest advancements in clean energy. For more information, complete speaker biographies, and to purchase tickets, visit: cleanenergybc.org/event/generate-2024/
About Clean Energy Association of British Columbia
Clean Energy Association of British Columbia represents over 130 members, including leading clean energy companies, First Nations, service providers and academic institutions contributing to British Columbia’s renewable energy industry. CEBC’s mission is to support BC’s transition to low-carbon energy through the development of effective climate policy and clean energy electrification.
For further information, please contact:
Ombrielle Neria
comms@cleanenergybc.org
