Announcements

17th Annual Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference Schedule Announced

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The 17th Annual Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference (โ€œNebraska WSCโ€) will be held October 22-23, 2024, at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Nebraska WSC will feature experts from across the country and the state.

โ€œNebraska wind and solar energy developments are going through a remarkable period of growth and expansion,โ€ Conference Chairman John Hansen said. โ€œWe have a lot of progress to report, as well as issues and opportunities to consider.โ€

Sessions on Tuesday will begin with an update from Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy Interim Director Thad Fineran, followed by a presentation on Things to Come in Nebraska’s Solar Output. Sessions on battery storage, working with landowners and counties, and the advancements being made in the PV solar module technology area will close out the morning. The Nebraska WSC is pleased to announce that JC Sandberg, Chief Advocacy Officer from the American Clean Power Association will be the luncheonโ€™s keynote speaker. Afternoon sessions will include presentations on the Scottsbluff hailstorm recovery, city climate plans, Nebraska’s Pollution Reduction Act Grant, how rural communities are developing solar energy, and the newest innovations and mitigation practices. Breakout sessions in the afternoon will cover the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship (PWA), as well as compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act for federal funding. Tuesday will wrap up with a policy and legislative update from Nebraska State Senators.

A reception for all attendees and speakers will be held at the conclusion of Tuesday’s sessions.

The Nebraska WSC will continue on Wednesday morning with updates from Rural Utilities Service Electric Programs Assistant Administrator Chris McLean and Southwest Power Pool Director Casey Cathey. The luncheonโ€™s keynote session will feature the CEOs of Nebraskaโ€™s largest public power utilities. Day two will conclude with breakout sessions on the Winnebago Tribeโ€™s approach to solar development and a presentation from NREL on the status of new small wind technology.  

The draft schedule can be found at Nebraska WSC Agenda. In addition to the scheduled programming, the Nebraska WSC will feature a tradeshow with exhibitors, including governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, vendors, developers, and more.

Attendees include private sector developers, public officials, landowners, environmental and wildlife organizations, and public utilities. The general public is also invited to register and attend the Nebraska WSC.

Attendees are encouraged to register early as the conference has sold out in the last two years. 

Registration rates are as follows:
       General Registration (until October 15): $175.00
       Retired/Student Registration (until October 15): $65.00
Registration will close on October 15, 2024, or until sold out

The Nebraska WSC has a room block available at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel. The deadline to reserve a room in the room block is September 30 or until full. The room block reservation includes a $117 per night room rate and free parking. Reservations can be made at Nebraska WSC Registration Information or by calling the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel at (402) 474-7474 and referencing the Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: John Hansen, Conference Chair (402) 476-8815 | john@nebraskafarmersunion.org or Anita Scheuler, Conference Administrator (402) 304-2790 | admin@nebraskawsc.com