Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference

The 18th Annual Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference concluded this week at the Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, marking another milestone in the state’s growing clean-energy conversation. More than 300 participants — including state leaders, utilities, developers, policymakers, professional services providers, ag producers, and educators — came together to explore how Nebraska can meet its unprecedented need for additional electric generation that includes as much home-grown renewable energy as possible.

“This conference continues to show that Nebraska has the wind, sun, land, and people to continue to grow our state’s renewable energy development,” said John Hansen, Conference Chair and President of Nebraska Farmers Union. “Each year, the collaboration among stakeholders grows stronger as we look for ways to meet new demand through innovation and partnership. While renewable energy development faces some speed bumps, it will still be an important part of our energy portfolio moving forward because it is still the lowest cost and fastest to build.”

The two-day event, held October 21–22, featured expert panels and keynote speakers from across the state and nation. Topics included battery energy storage, policy and legislative updates, investor strategy in the post-reconciliation environment, rural economic development, and water management for renewable projects.

Highlights included:

• Keynote Luncheon: JC Sandberg, Chief Advocacy Officer of the American Clean Power Association, discussed “Pragmatism in the States: Building for the Future in Our Communities.”

• Utility CEO Luncheon Featured Tom Kent (NPPD), Javier Fernandez (OPPD), and Emeka Anyanwu (LES), sharing how public power utilities are preparing for Nebraska’s load growth and transmission needs.

• Policy & Legislative Update: State Senators Brandt, Dungan, Quick, and Clouse addressed the policy landscape for renewable generation as well as challenges and opportunities.

• Technology & Innovation Sessions: Experts from Olsson, ISI Solar, and GenPro Energy Development showcased advancements in distributed solar, drone-based operations, and community power acceleration.

The conference also recognized long-time Planning Committee members Kurt Stradley (LES) and David Rich (NPPD) for their many years of service and leadership in advancing Nebraska’s renewable energy initiatives.

Sponsors representing all sectors of the industry — including NextEra Energy Resources, Sandhills Energy, Invenergy, ISI Solar, Mission Clean Energy, Olsson, HDR, and many others — helped make the 2025 event a success. The exhibit hall featured more than two dozen organizations showcasing technologies, financing solutions, and educational programs that support Nebraska’s clean-energy future.

The Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference Planning Committee extends its appreciation to all the speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees who contributed to this year’s success.

Chairman Hansen concluded, “A show of hands told us a few of our participants have attended all 18 of our annual conferences, many have participated in most of the conferences, and a sizeable number were new participants, which is a positive sign for the future. Participant feedback noted that our conference furnished high-quality information, was affordable, ‘Nebraska Nice’, and unique. It was also noted that our annual conference is now one of the longest serving renewable energy conferences in the nation.” 

Save the Date: The 19th Annual Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference will be held October 20–21, 2026, at the Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.

For more information, visit www.NebraskaWSC.com