National Clean Energy Week (NCEW) 2024 brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and advocates to discuss the future of clean energy in the United States and a bipartisan path forward. Here are three quick takeaways from #NCEW2024.
1. Urgent Need for Comprehensive Permitting Reform
There was universal consensus among stakeholders that comprehensive permitting reform is crucial to unlocking the full potential of clean energy technologies. The current permitting process is often seen as a bottleneck, slowing down the deployment of innovative clean energy solutions. Many attendees expressed hope for a permitting reform deal to be included in an end-of-year omnibus.
2. Election Cycle Uncertainty vs. Stakeholder Need for Certainty
A significant theme throughout #NCEW2024 was the tension between the uncertainty created by the ongoing election cycle and the clean energy sector’s need for long-term certainty. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of stable policies and consistent support for clean energy initiatives, regardless of political shifts. This highlights the challenge of balancing short-term political dynamics with the long-term planning required for major energy infrastructure projects.
3. Excitement for Nuclear Energy, Concerns About AI’s Grid Demands
The future of nuclear energy emerged as a hot topic, with many participants expressing enthusiasm about its potential role in a clean energy future. However, this optimism was tempered by growing concerns about the increasing energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) on the power grid. This juxtaposition underscores the complex challenges facing the energy sector as it tries to balance innovation, sustainability and rapidly evolving technological needs.
Navigating this complex environment requires expert guidance and a multifaceted approach. That’s where Cogent Strategies shines. Our holistic approach combines government relations strategy with public affairs instincts, all backed by game changing data and analytics to ensure your clean energy initiatives don’t just survive in Washington—they thrive. Ready to energize your strategy? Let’s power up together.
Gina Mahony is a managing director at Cogent Strategies. A veteran Democratic strategist with over 25 years of experience, she previously ran Domer Consulting. Gina’s career includes serving as Senior Policy Advisor to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and holding key positions with several Democratic members of Congress. She also worked at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. Gina brings extensive expertise in energy, education, and tax sectors to Cogent’s public affairs practice, leveraging her Capitol Hill experience to advise clients on complex legislative and regulatory matters. For Gina’s complete bio, click here.