Industry leaders, policymakers, and academics gathered at Rowan University on February 27 for the fourth major energy conference hosted by the Sweeney Center for Public Policy. The event, titled “Meeting New Jersey’s Energy Needs: Clean Energy, Supply and Demand,” tackled the state’s growing energy demands and the challenges of transitioning to a cleaner, more sustainable power grid.

Key Discussions on Energy Supply and Demand

The conference featured a lineup of prominent speakers, including Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and Christine Guhl-Sadovy, president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). Sullivan underscored the need for economic development strategies that align with sustainable energy practices, while Guhl-Sadovy provided insights into the state’s evolving regulatory policies aimed at modernizing energy infrastructure.

A major focus of the conference was the increasing energy demands brought on by emerging technologies, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence. Michael Renna, president of South Jersey Industries, highlighted the pressures on utilities to meet growing energy needs, while Asim Z. Haque, senior vice president at PJM Interconnection, spoke on grid reliability and the role of natural gas and nuclear power in stabilizing energy supply.

Renewable Energy Innovations

New Jersey’s commitment to clean energy was reinforced during discussions on solar and wind power. Lyle Rawlings, president of the Mid Atlantic Solar and Energy Storage Association, emphasized the expansion of community solar programs, which are designed to make solar energy more accessible to lower-income households. Larry Barth, director of corporate strategy at NJR Clean Energy Ventures, detailed advancements in energy storage technologies that are essential for overcoming the intermittency of renewable power sources.

The conference also addressed the future of offshore wind energy in New Jersey, a key component of Gov. Phil Murphy’s clean energy agenda. Paulina Banasiak O’Connor, executive director of the New Jersey Offshore Wind Association, acknowledged recent setbacks in offshore wind projects but reaffirmed the state’s commitment to harnessing wind energy as part of its broader renewable strategy.

Workforce Development and Policy Challenges

With the clean energy sector expanding, workforce development emerged as a critical topic. Yolanda Mack, associate vice president for Industry Partnerships and Workforce Development at Rowan University, stressed the importance of equipping students and workers with the necessary skills for careers in the renewable energy industry.

Former NJBPU Commissioner Robert Gordon highlighted the policy implications of the energy transition, including the need for equitable access to clean energy and the importance of environmental justice in shaping future regulations.

Looking Ahead

As New Jersey strives to meet its ambitious clean energy targets, the discussions at Rowan University underscored both the opportunities and challenges ahead. While the state has made significant strides in adopting renewable energy, concerns remain about grid modernization, policy coordination, and ensuring a just transition for all communities.

The conference, co-sponsored by Rowan University’s Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, the School of Earth and Environment, and the Rowan Energy Collaborative (ROWEC), provided a platform for continued dialogue among key stakeholders.

For more information about future events and energy policy initiatives, visit the Sweeney Center for Public Policy’s website at chss.rowan.edu/centers/sweeney_center