The CIET team was out in full force at this year's AESP Summer Con. The Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP) has 12 chapters across North America, and this year its Summer Con event was held in Ontario July 23-25, where its one Canadian chapter resides.
As the capacity-building partner for the AESP Ontario chapter, CIET was excited to take part in this year's event from July 23-25. CIET was a strategic partner for the conference and was involved in a number of Summer Con events.
With our team members connecting with attendees at the CIET booth, attending sessions and networking events, we were able to soak in a lot of interesting and insightful information. Continue reading for event highlights, photos and our key takeaways from AESP's Summer Con 2024.
The CIET booth gave us the opportunity to connect first-hand with many conference attendees, answer questions about our training programs and capacity-building services, and to give one-on-one demonstrations of our Learning Path Builder. One conference attendee was the lucky recipient of a free CIET training course. Congratulations to Jill Kirkwan-Daviau, Energy Business Development Coordinator at Greater Sudbury Utilities (GSU).
The AESP Ontario Cottage Party kicked-off the conference events bringing everyone together poolside on a second-floor patio. Hosted by the AESP Ontario Chapter, the event brought together industry peers who are passionate about demand-management and conservation programs.
CIET's Olivier Cappon delivered introductory notes before the CDM 101 (DSM 101) pre-conference training session delivered by Cory Cook. This session was Ontario-focused, bringing participants up to speed on offerings and offering an understanding of what a CDM is.
Overall, the focus of the conference theme was grid flexibility. Here's a high-level look and what we took away from the conference:
Sessions covered the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), including solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems. Experts discussed how DERs can enhance grid reliability and resilience while also contributing to sustainability goals. Case studies demonstrated successful implementations of DERs in various regions, showcasing their potential to decentralize power generation and reduce dependency on traditional energy sources.
There were interesting discussions on grid flexibility. Panelists explored strategies for enhancing the adaptability of power grids to accommodate fluctuating energy inputs from DERs. Topics included the role of demand response programs, which incentivize consumers to adjust their energy usage based on grid conditions, and advancements in grid management technologies that enable real-time adjustments and improved efficiency.
Some speakers discussed the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in energy systems. Presentations illustrated how AI is being used to optimize energy production, predict demand, engage customers, and identify inefficiencies. AI-powered algorithms and machine learning models are becoming integral to managing complex energy networks and improving decision-making processes.
Sessions on Non-Wires Alternatives (NWAs) showcased innovative solutions to address grid constraints without the need for traditional infrastructure upgrades. These alternatives include energy storage, demand response, and energy efficiency measures that can defer or eliminate the need for costly new power lines and substations.
The conference also highlighted the role of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and electrification in transforming the energy landscape. Discussions focused on the growing adoption of EVs and their impact on both energy demand and grid stability. Experts discussed how EVs can be integrated into the grid as mobile energy storage units, providing potential benefits such as grid balancing and load shifting. The electrification of various sectors, including transportation and heating, was explored as a means to reduce carbon emissions and enhance overall energy efficiency.
Speakers discussed advancements in heat pump efficiency, integration with renewable energy sources, and the potential for widespread adoption in residential and commercial buildings. Heat pumps are also gaining traction in colder climates
Throughout the conference, there was a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of these topics, demonstrating how advancements in one area can significantly benefit others. The event provided valuable insights into the future of energy systems and encouraged collaboration among stakeholders to drive progress in energy efficiency, sustainability, and technological innovation.
|
Training calendar |
Would you like to be trained on a specific topic? Just let us know!
Express my interestSend us an email and we will respond as soon as possible.
This is to inform you that the course date is too close to be able to ship hard copies of the material to you on time. If you are willing to use the material in secured PDF, receive the material later (likely after the course) and pay upon registration, please click OK to continue the registration process. Please note that the shipping process will start only when the course fees are paid in full and delays are to be expected. Many thanks!
OK