Public Content Library

Tuesday, July 11 IDEA’s Rob Thornton discussed district energy at the 20^th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy Efficiency Expo on Capitol Hill. Hosted by the House and Senate Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucuses and the Sustainable Energy Coalition, the event brought together businesses, trade associations, and government agencies to showcase renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives.

IDEA presented remarks on district energy/CHP/Microgrids as critical energy infrastructure as part of a panel discussion on grid reliability and storage. Citing cases like Princeton University, Rob explained how these systems provide higher levels of reliability and resiliency under extreme weather conditions like Super Storm Sandy, leading to mayors and economic development officials in cities “now wanting what Princeton has”. Rob’s remarks occur between 20:30 and 30:45 in the video below.

IDEA also participated as an exhibitor at the Expo and had the opportunity to speak with congressional staffers and other energy professionals about the role that district energy/CHP/microgrids play in cities, communities and campuses in the US and around the world.