Conference signals maturing of energy storage technologies

Energy Storage North America (ESNA), the most influential gathering of policy, technology and market leaders in energy storage, concluded its sixth annual event this month in Pasadena, Calif. Amplified by the presence of two co-located events, a record number of international attendees, and inspiring keynote speeches from industry visionaries and public policy champions, ESNA 2018 was the most successful to date.

“The global grid transformation is rapidly accelerating, thanks in large part to the game-changing impact of energy storage,” said Janice Lin, ESNA Conference Chair. “This year we welcomed colleagues and added conference content from the transportation sector, which is experiencing an electrification transition of its own. Together we shared insights and opportunities across the value chain, creating a vibrant marketplace for attendees.”

ESNA 2018 hosted approximately 2,000 attendees, representing 800+ organizations and more than 30 countries. Co-located with the CALSTART Annual Symposium and the SGO Microgrid Global Innovation Forum, ESNA facilitated collaboration between developers, utility executives, energy users, fleet managers, auto manufacturers and suppliers, policy makers, technology providers, and stakeholders to advance the energy storage ecosystem across the power and transportation sectors.

The conference agenda featured 28 panel sessions and eight keynote presentations dedicated to opening the North American and global energy markets, maximizing resiliency and security and minimizing project risks, and enabling e-mobility. The conference also offered six workshops, eight sold-out site tours, a start-up innovation showcase and a zero-emission vehicle display comprising a dozen electric vehicles and one hydrogen-powered truck.

Additional special events at ESNA further highlighted the growth of the global energy storage ecosystem. The annual ESNA Innovation Awards recognized outstanding storage projects in the front-of-meter, behind-the-meter and mobility sectors, as well as policy and utility champions whose work reflects transformational leadership in the advancement of energy storage. ESNA hosted its third annual Women in Energy Storage networking event to foster connections among women in the industry, and its second Global Grid Transformation track for international delegates.

The next Energy Storage North America Conference and Expo will take place November 5-7, 2019, in San Diego, California.