Clean energy expo to highlight region’s power future

WENATCHEE — A one-day event at Pybus Public Market on April 22 will bring together regional utilities, industry experts, and emerging technologies for a closer look at how North Central Washington is preparing for its energy future.

The Mid-Columbia Clean Energy Expo is scheduled from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Pybus, with a mix of hands-on exhibits, expert conversations, and panel discussions focused on the evolving power landscape in the Pacific Northwest.

Inside the Pybus board room, attendees will be able to speak directly with representatives working in a range of energy technologies, from hydrogen and fusion to solar, battery storage, geothermal, and small modular reactors. The conversations are designed to connect new developments back to the region’s longstanding hydropower system.

A series of presentations and panels will run throughout the afternoon in the LocalTel Event Center.

Kurt Miller, executive director of the Northwest Public Power Association, will deliver the 1 p.m. keynote, focusing on how utilities, regulators, and developers are navigating a changing energy landscape.

At 2 p.m., a panel on hydropower will bring together representatives from Northwest RiverPartners and the region’s three public utility districts to discuss the role of dams as the foundation of the local energy system.

A second panel at 3 p.m. will look at emerging generation and storage technologies, followed by a 4 p.m. roundtable with the general managers of Chelan, Douglas, and Grant PUDs on regional collaboration and long-term planning.

Organizers say the event is intended to be accessible to a wide audience, from industry professionals and policymakers to students and community members interested in how the region will meet future energy needs.

The event is free to attend, though advance registration at this link is recommended due to limited space.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media