The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance collaborated with the U.S. Department of Energy to organize a Clean Energy Roundtable featuring Secretary Jennifer Granholm and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. The event took place at the Lowe’s Tech Hub and featured other business and industry leaders.
Granholm discussed President Joe Biden’s Investing in America Agenda and the benefits it will have on North Carolinians. Cooper highlighted ongoing efforts in grid modernization, how the Inflation Reduction Act is promoting clean energy incentives, and the economic impacts of the prioritization of clean energy. He emphasized how these priorities will continue to attract more businesses to the region and create jobs for North Carolinians.
Secretary Granholm agreed: “We’ve made it irresistible for companies to build these technologies here at home.”
Ray Pittard, executive vice president of Trane Technologies, discussed thermal management systems, fossil-free buildings, and the benefits of heat pump technology for housing. He emphasized that homes equipped with heat pumps are three times more cost-efficient than those using boilers.
Dean Schwartz, Lowe’s senior vice president and general merchandising manager, acknowledged the significant impact of recent and continued technological advancements in clean energy. He also highlighted Lowe’s efforts to aid in consumer savings by offering rebates for energy-efficient appliances.
Michael Mazzola, director of the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) at UNC Charlotte, emphasized the importance of clean energy federal legislation and its positive implications for further opportunities and research at EPIC, and how this will aid in meeting workforce demands.
Honeywell Advanced Materials President Ken West addressed the Inflation Reduction Act and its impacts on their ability to provide cleaner solutions and focus on customer needs.
Ronald Cotterman, vice president of global corporate affairs at Sealed Air Corporation, elaborated on the organization’s plans to make recycling more accessible and their continued pursuit to reach net zero goals through grants and other partnerships.
Ryan Kennedy, co-founder and CEO of Atom Power, shared the company’s plans on the future of Electric Vehicle Charging and the impacts it will have on the EV industry.
Granholm closed the event by highlighting that continued clean energy prioritization is leading to job creation, environmental improvement, and a more resilient future.
