Clean Energy Organized Initiatives

One of the most influential forces behind accelerating clean energy adoption worldwide is CEM, the Clean Energy Ministerial.

The Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) is a forum of the world’s largest and most forward-leaning countries working together to accelerate the global transition to clean energy. Launched in 2010, the United States hosted the first ministerial meeting in Washington, DC, with subsequent meetings hosted by the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, India, Korea, and Mexico. At the Mexico meeting in May of 2015, President Barack Obama announced that California would host the Seventh Clean Energy Ministerial.

The CEM pairs the high-level engagement of energy ministers with year-round technical initiatives and campaigns to drive faster deployment of clean energy policy and technology. The CEM has proven to be an effective and efficient implementation forum for clean energy policies, working hand-in-hand with other leading international institutions and the private sector. Efforts through the CEM are demonstrating that a world powered by clean energy will create unprecedented numbers of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, lower costs for families and businesses, enhance energy security, and expand access to the billion people with no access to electricity.

Members include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, the European Commission, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Together, the 23 countries and the European Commission account for about 90% of the world’s clean energy investments and 75% of its greenhouse gas emissions. With the energy sector worldwide representing two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions, the CEM and its mission to accelerate the global transition to clean energy is more important than ever.

CEM7

CEM7 was the 7th ministerial meeting of CEM held in San Francisco and focused on implementing the policies and technologies needed to achieve the clean energy goals and commitments announced at the UN climate change talks in Paris.

The initiative events at CEM7 were as follows:

Tuesday, May 31

09:00 - 17:00 - 5th Annual C3E Women in Clean Energy Symposium

BY INVITATION – STANFORD UNIVERSITY, FRANCES C. ARRILLAGA ALUMNI CENTER

As part of the CEM’s C3E Women in Clean Energy initiative, the U.S. Department of Energy, together with the Stanford University Precourt Institute for Energy and the MIT Energy Initiative, is holding the 5th annual C3E Symposium. The full-day event will take place on the Stanford campus on Tuesday, 31 May. In addition to keynote remarks from prominent women in the field, four panel discussions will address steps needed to decarbonize the world’s energy system. Winners of eight 2016 C3E Awards for mid-career leadership and achievement will also be recognized, along with a lifetime achievement honoree. Attendance is by invitation only; for more information, please contact [email protected]. Learn more.

13:30 - 17:30 - From INDCs to Implementation: Charting the Path(s) Forward for Global Power System Transformation

BY INVITATION ONLY – WESTIN ST. FRANCIS, TOWER SALON A

Power systems are among the largest and most complex systems ever created by humans. Transforming them – so they can provide clean, efficient, reliable and cost-effective power for everyone – will be a correspondingly complex process that is central to the achievement of nationally-determined GHG emissions reduction commitments. This side event of the 7th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), co-hosted by the 21st Century Power Partnership and GO-15, will explore the current global landscape of power system transformation and the strategies that governments, industry, and non-profit stakeholders are employing to shape the paths of transformation in various jurisdictions., this event aims to bring effective transformation strategies into sharper focus and to provide an opportunity for dialogue among government officials, grid operators, regulators, industry executives, international institutions, and other power system stakeholders. For more information, please contact [email protected].


Wednesday, June 1st

08:30 – 18:00 EnergyAccessX

BY INVITATION ONLY – WESTIN ST. FRANCIS, California East

EnergyAccessX will focus on the critical role of clean technologies and distributed renewables in advancing universal energy access. EnergyAccessX will gather a unique mix of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, technologists, designers and policy experts from around the world to challenge conventional wisdom and put forth a compelling new vision for achieving the global goal of universal access to modern energy services by 2030. EnergyAccessX is sponsored by the CEM’s Global LEAP initiative, UK Department for International Development, and Power for All. For more information, contact [email protected].


Thursday, June 2nd

09:00 - 12:00 EFFICIENCY FOR ACCESS MID-YEAR WORKSHOP

BY INVITATION ONLY – Orange Fab

Led by the Clean Energy Ministerial’s Global Lighting and Energy Access Partnership (Global LEAP) and its partners, the Efficiency for Access (E4A) Coalition is a global campaign to advance the development and deployment of energy efficient appliances and equipment that are appropriately designed for energy access settings. These high performing appliances can maximize delivery of life-transforming energy services to un- and under-served populations in off-grid, mini-grid or weak grid contexts where energy supply is significantly constrained. As part of the E4A “Year of Action 2016”, this workshop is the third in the series following events which took place in Washington DC (January, hosted by the United Nations Foundation) and in London (April, hosted by the UK Department for International Development). Co-located with the 7th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM7), this workshop seeks to capture progress to date at the midpoint of the E4A Year of Action and outline next steps for the rest of the year. The workshop will also feature a deep dive discussion on appliances for productive uses in off-grid contexts, building on a discussion on off-grid refrigeration during the London event. Attendance is by invitation only, for more information please contact [email protected].

19:00 - 21:00 Workshop on “Improving Efficiency in Industry: Energy Efficiency Networks and Energy Management Systems”

By Registration - German Consulate General

Hosted by the German General Consulate in San Francisco, this event will provide the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of energy management systems and energy efficiency networks for companies and will bring together government and business perspectives. The workshop seeks to support the CEM Energy Management Campaign, which aims at 50,001 additional global certifications to the ISO 50001 global energy management system standard by 2020, and to reinforce the G7 energy agenda’s focus on energy efficiency networks in industry, introduced under the German G7 Presidency in 2015. If you are interested in participating, please contact [email protected] for more information and to register.

CEM7 Parallel Events

Tuesday, May 31st

09:00 - 12:00 - Roundtable Discussion about Offshore Wind

BY INVITATION ONLY – Westin St. Francis, Olympic Room

Hosted by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, this roundtable discussion will provide a unique opportunity for multilateral engagement and sharing of experiences with international governments, state policymakers, experts in offshore wind, and members of industry to discuss the future of offshore wind in the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific. More specifically, the roundtable will allow stakeholders to assess the state of the market, highlight progress that has been made in the industry, explore floating turbine technology and determine what further actions should be taken to support the sustainable development of offshore wind, especially in the Pacific. According to the National Research Energy Laboratory (NREL), the west coast of the United States (including Hawaii) has the potential to generate over 1.5 TW of offshore wind energy. This potential presents a compelling market opportunity that would assist states in meeting many of their ambitious and critically important renewable energy goals. The roundtable will also build on the White House Offshore Wind Summit held in September 2015. In addition, the roundtable may build on any announcements relevant to offshore wind coming out of the American Wind Energy Association's annual WINDPOWER conference, which will be held in New Orleans from May 23 - 26, 2016. Attendance is by invitation only; for more information, please contact [email protected].

10:00 – 12:30 - CARBON MANAGEMENT VIA CCUS: A COMPLEMENT AND ENABLER OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

BAY AREA COUNCIL, 353 SACRAMENTO STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111

Recent developments in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects across the globe suggest that CCUS technologies are evolving to serve as a low-carbon complement to—and even enabler of—large-scale renewable energy deployments. This parallel session to the 7th Clean Energy Ministerial meetings hosted by the Global CCS Institute will explore the state of international CCUS technology and project developments today. The event will feature discussion on how CCUS systems can work with renewables to provide grid stability and pave the way for negative emissions energy systems, as well as how industrial sources of CO2 emissions can enable innovative manufacturing processes using recycled CO2 that help encourage economy-wide deep decarbonization. The event will feature two panels that will discuss recent advances in technologies as well as updates on international collaborations and project developments around CCUS. For more information and to register for the event, please visit the event website.

13:00-17:00 - GREEN BANKS, GREEN BONDS: RECENT CLEAN ENERGY TRENDS FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

BY INVITATION ONLY – Westin St. Francis, Olympic Room

This event, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy, and featuring the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Green Bank Network, will bring together government and finance leaders to discuss how national, subnational and private financial institutions--including green banks--can drive investment in domestic clean energy projects. The discussion will consider how such financial institutions can serve as a critical pathway for countries developing strategies for achieving national clean energy and emission reduction targets. The event will include case studies of recent transactions, including green bond issuances. Attendance is by invitation only; for more information, please contact [email protected].

14:00-18:00 - The 2nd Market Accessibility of Clean Energy Products (MACEP) workshop

BY INVITATION ONLY – Westin St. Francis, Elizabethan B

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of Republic of Korea together with the Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI) are holding the 2nd Market Accessibility of Clean Energy Products (MACEP) Workshop on Local Contents Requirements (LCRs) in the solar energy sector. This event will explore current LCRs programs and their impact on local and international solar markets. The workshop will provide an opportunity to share views among government officials, scholars, international institutions, and other stakeholders in the solar energy sector in order to improve market accessibility of clean energy products. Attendance is by invitation only; for more information, please contact to Ms. Youngsun Choi at [email protected].


Wednesday, June 1

8:30 - 17:45 - Subnational Clean Energy Ministerial Event

BY INVITATION – Westin St. Francis, Tower Room A

Hosted by the office of California Governor Edmund G. Brown, this event will bring together subnational entities including states, regions, provinces, and cities that have or are interested in signing/endorsing the Under 2 Memorandum of Understanding (Under 2 MOU), which calls for deep economy-wide GHG reductions – 2 metric tons per capita or 80 to 95 percent below 1990 level – by 2050. This event will serve as the first major milestone for the Under 2 MOU members post-Paris, furthering multilateral dialogue and progress towards the agreement's goals. Learn more.

08:30 – 17:00 - Low Carbon Technology Partnership Initiative 5th Roundtable (LCTPi 5)

BY INVITATION – California West & Breakouts, Westin St. Francis

Hosted by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), a series of events are planned parallel with CEM7. The cornerstone event, LCTPi 5, will be held at the Westin St Francis and will share 2016 priorities of the LCTPi working groups as they move forwards from Paris and deliver on a set of business led action plans for renewables, low carbon transport solutions, climate smart agriculture, forests, cement, chemicals and energy efficiency in buildings. The event is open to business representatives and partners who are interested to discover how together we can overcome key barriers and enable scaled up climate action. For more information and to receive an invitation, please email Helen Baker at WBCSD: [email protected]. All participants must be registered to attend. To learn more about LCTPi, please visit our website.

12:00 – 13:30 - Can the Pacific Coast Lead the Transition to a Clean Economy? (With Gov Inslee and Gov Brown)

Climate One, 555 Post St, San Francisco, CA

Can California and other west coast economies accelerate the global transition to clean energy technologies? The chief executives of Pacific coast states and provinces say policies pushing clean power have boosted their economies and created jobs. Companies involved in solar power and electric vehicles agree. But some business groups say going green can hit consumers in the pocket book and hamper the economy. What can the West Coast of Canada and the United States do to advance the goals countries and corporations outlined at the Paris climate summit last year? This discussion will feature Gov Jay Inslee and Gov Kate Brown. See event website for more information and tickets: http://climateone.org/events/can-pacific-coast-lead-transition-clean-economy.

19:00 - 21:00 - Berkeley Lab's Science at the Theater's Cleantech Pitchfest

San Francisco's Marines' Memorial Theatre

Berkeley Lab's Science at the Theater brings its Cleantech Pitchfest to San Francisco's Marines' Memorial Theatre on June 1 from 7-9 pm. Thrill to 6 Big New Ideas designed to transform our world -- from turning CO2 into fuel and desalinating seawater in an energy-efficient way to capturing carbon from smokestacks using nanotech. Scientists have 8 minutes each to earn your vote for the most promising technology. The free event is being co-sponsored by the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce. For more information and to make your reservation, visit friends.lbl.gov.

15:00 - 18:00 - Energy Productivity Pioneers

BY INVITATION - CLIMATEWORKS FOUNDATION

An invitation-only event to shine a light on energy productivity pioneers, their business models and technologies, and how smart government policy can scale up and transfer successes across the globe. Hosted by ClimateWorks in partnership with the Global Alliance for Energy Productivity, The Climate Group, and Energy Unlocked.


Thursday June 2

07:30 - 08:15 CONVERSATION WITH GREG PAGE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CARGILL; AND, TOM STEYER, NEXTGEN CLIMATE AMERICA FOUNDER AND RISKY BUSINESS CO-CHAIR on “Risky Business: How The Private Sector Can Respond To Climate Risk And Be Part Of The Clean Energy Solution.

By Invitation - Westin St. Francis - Colonial Room

Hosted by the Risky Business Project and NextGen Climate America, this breakfast event will provide the opportunity to learn more about the role of the private sector in addressing climate risks and reducing carbon emissions while strengthening our economies. The private sector played a crucial role in helping forge a global climate agreement in Paris. Now, as the world comes together again in San Francisco, American businesses are taking bold steps to plan for the economic risks posed by climate change, and for the opportunities created by the transition to a clean energy economy.

08:30 - 09:45 WORKSHOP: FEDERAL RESOURCES TO SUPPORT CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

WESTIN ST. FRANCIS, TOWER SALON A

The U.S. government provides a variety of services to support the deployment of clean energy technologies in international markets. These include matchmaking services, market assessments, project development support, export and investment financing, political risk insurance, and technical assistance and training on policy and regulatory issues. Participants in this workshop will have the opportunity to meet experts from the Department of Commerce, the Export-Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and learn about how to take advantage of these services. Attendance is open to the public, but advanced registration is required.

14:00 - 16:00 – OxFam and WRI - Designing for Increased Access

BY INVITATION - Victor's Room, Westin St. Francis

Hosted by Oxfam and WRI, this 2-hour workshop, will utilize the principles of human-centered design and ethnographic research, to challenge attendees to think about the end user of the products, policies and financing initiatives that surround clean energy. The event will focus on highlighting the real-world realities, environmental and financial constraints facing the global poor, and asks stakeholders to examine how their current and future plans meet the needs of these groups.

18:00 -22:00 - GRID Alternatives – Interconnection

TERRA GALLERY, MER (Downstairs), 511 HARRISON STREET, SAN FRANCISCO (Buy tickets online)

GRID Alternatives is a nonprofit organisation that makes renewable energy and job training accessible to under served communities. Join friends, colleagues, and industry and community leaders on June 2nd for GRID Alternatives’ third annual Interconnection event. Raise a glass to people who are creating a successful transition to clean, renewable energy that includes everyone. Share in the celebration, network, and enjoy food, drink, and music. RSVP now!

18:30 -20:00 - Tom Steyer & Andy Karsner: Making Good on the Promise of Paris

Climate One, 555 Post St, San Francisco, CA

Countries and corporations united in Paris to forge a global climate deal to reduce carbon pollution while continuing to grow the economy. Now comes the hard part. California is pushing ahead with green policies and technologies that are creating jobs and markets. But in today’s highly stratified society, many people don’t have access to the benefits of cleaner jobs and products. How can average people engage with the clean economy? Is climate is about more than pretty faraway places and exotic species? Can the United States transition to clean energy by using existing technology or does it need some big breakthroughs to break the death grip of fossil fuels? This will be a broad-ranging discussion with a veteran of the George W. Bush administration now working for Laurene Powell Jobs and a business leader focused on making climate a ballot box issue. They will share their vision for transforming the world by driving innovation and unleashing the power of clean energy. Please see event website for more information and tickets: http://climateone.org/events/tom-steyer-andy-karsner-making-good-promise-paris


Friday, June 3

9:00 - 19:00 - CARBON NEGATIVE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION AND OPEN HOUSE

Free - Open to the public - 1010 Murray Street, Berkeley

How can we address both energy access for productive use and climate change at the same time? Explore paths to put both MDGs and INDCs into action at an all day Open House and showcase of carbon negative energy technology, hosted by the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory at UC Berkeley, the Center for Carbon Removal, and All Power Labs. See hands-on demonstrations of agricultural waste conversion to clean energy and biochar sequestration, and enjoy high-level discussion of relevant policy issues. Visits welcome from 9:00 on, food and drink reception 17:00-19:00, policy discussion and tour 18:00. Free and open to the public, free EV shuttle available from Ashby BART station.

19:00 - 21:00 - Climate music project concert

Grace Cathedral 1100 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Erik Ian Walker's ensemble, along with scientists Andrew Jones and Bill Collins, collide 500 years of past and projected future climate change data (1800-2300) with a music landscape in the amazing acoustic space of Grace Cathedral to create a vivid experience of what is happening to our world. Q and A with the science team after the performance. For more information please see, http://www.theclimatemusicproject.org/.

 

CEM8 will take place in 2017. Check the official CEM website for more information.