If New Jersey is going to meet its decarbonization goals, it’s going to need help beyond a reliance on wind and solar.
With that in mind, NJBIA’s second annual Energy Conference, a hybrid event which will be held on Oct. 14 at Forsgate Country Club, will focus on the importance, and urgency, of bringing emerging technologies to the forefront.
“It is our belief that we are not going to be meet the state’s decarbonization goals purely by an electrification strategy that relies solely on wind and solar,” said NJBIA Deputy Chief Government Affairs Officer Ray Cantor. “There absolutely needs to be other emerging technologies that need to play a part in this effort if it’s going to be successful.
“This conference will help us gain a better understanding of these technologies, some of which are in development and some of which still need to be developed. It is also our intent to make sure our policymakers are aware of these technologies.”
Under Gov. Phil Murphy, New Jersey has accelerated its decarbonization goals to cut in-state greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030.
NJBIA has been supportive of mixed energy portfolio as part of New Jersey’s decarbonization efforts.
However, Cantor has warned that policies that set firm and unachievable deadlines to decarbonized may do more harm than good because it will result in exorbitant bills, an unreliable energy supply and a failure to pursue other impactful technologies.
“The new and emerging technologies that could play a vital role in his effort include next-generation nuclear, renewable natural gas, fusion, hydrogen, carbon capture, biofuels, as well as grid updates, storage and microgrids,” Cantor said.
“I’m really encouraged by the fact we have 20 top notch professionals, including BPU commissioners and utility CEOs, who will be speaking at this event. It’s of great importance that we don’t put ourselves in a box as it relates to energy decarbonization and the state’s Energy Master Plan.”
To register for NJBIA’s second annual Energy Conference, click here.
Last year’s first Energy Conference, held last October, was attended by more than 200 people.
