6th Annual Grid Modernization Forum 2021 | Smart Grid Observer | 11 May 2021 | Virtual

Case studies of improved network performance, resiliency, outage restoration, and distributed energy resource (DER) integration will be discussed with an eye toward determining best practices and evaluating technology advances for possible implementation. As in prior years, this will be a unique opportunity to network with top industry professionals who are leading the way toward effective grid modernization and the integrated, interoperable, resilient energy network of tomorrow.

Topics addressed includes:
• Optimizing the Grid for Maximum service in a Post-Pandemic World
• Best Practices and Strategies for Enhancing Grid Reliability
• Distributed Energy Resources: Meeting Consumers' Needs
• Compelling Use Cases for Long Duration Storage on the Future Grid
• Managing Grid Modernization Complexity: Establishing Visibiity and Control
• Asset Health Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance using AI
• Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure and its Impact on the Grid
• The Role of Microgrids and Customer and Utility DERs in Grid Modernization
• Decarbonizing the Energy Mix: Success Strategies for Utilities
• Market Drivers, Trends, Opportunities and Challenges for Utilities
• Role of the Smart Meter as the Grid Evolves
• Enhancing Power Resilience with Long-Duration Fuel Cell-based Auxiliary DC Systems
• Emerging Technologies and Tools for the Next-Generation Grid
• Integration and Operation of DERs and Networked Microgrids for Resilient Distribution Grid
• Status and implications of various grid modernization programs across the U.S.
• Managing and integrating distributed energy resources
• The Utility of the Future and the Next-Gen Smart Grid
• And more

2021 Speakers

Gary Brinkworth
Senior Advisor, Innovation & Research, Tennessee Valley Authority

Michael Daniels
Director of Digital Grid of the Future and Analytics, Ameren

Stephen Lasher
Principal Engineer, National Grid

Valentina Dabic, P.Eng.
Team Lead, Strategic Planning, Future Grid and Modernization, LAP, Integrated Planning, BC Hydro

Richard G. Medina
Vice President, Grid Transformation and Engineering, CPS Energy

Jason McGrade
Senior Program Manager, Strategic Operations, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

Keith Dennis
Vice President, Business and Technologies Strategies Division, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)

Nathan Shannon
Deputy Director, Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative

Matt Gross
Senior Vice President, MEP/Energy Practice Leader, CDM Smith

Nkiruka Avila
Expert Innovation Engineer - Microgrids, Pacific Gas and Electric

Bob Wengel
Senior Vice President of Facilities and Security, John G. Shedd Aquarium

Jake Friedman
Director of Project Development, GreenStruxure

Caitlin Bonney
Microgrid Solution Architect, Schneider Electric

Michael J. Zimmer
Washington Counsel, Microgrid Institute

Thomas R. Stanton
Principal Researcher, Renewable Resources and Energy Efficiency, National Regulatory Research Institute

Jens Schoene
Director of Research Studies, EnerNex, a CESI Company

Ashkan R. Kian, PhD, P.Eng, IEEE Senior Member
Founder & CEO, IEMS Group

Javad Mohammadi
Systems Scientist, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University

Amin Kargarian Marvasti
Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University

Angie Schuler
Vice President, Power Systems Solutions, S&C Electric Company

Saeed Kamalinia
Senior Manager, Power Systems Solutions, S&C Electric Company

Steven Rupp
Director of Utility Consulting, EnerNex, a CESI Company

Ananth Sundaram
Chief Architect/Principal Manager of Integrated Grid, Portland General Electric

Shishir Shekhar
Global Utilities & Energy Industry Segment Lead, MathWorks Inc USA

Seungyup Baek
CEO, VGen, South Korea

John Glassmire
Senior Advisor, Grid Edge Solutions, Hitachi ABB Power Grids

Hanna Grene
Chief of Commercial Development, PXiSE Energy Solutions

Gil Shavit
President & Chief Business Development, GenCell Energy

2021 Sponsors and Partners

SILVER SPONSORS:
• EnerNex Corporation
• Pxise Energy Solutions
• Gencell
• GridEdge Intelligence
• Quality Logic

PARTNERS:
• EnerG
• Mercom Capital Group
• Guidehouse Insights
• Northeast Group
• Green Button Alliance
• SolarServer
• Alternergy Mag
• Midwest Energy News
• Expert Energy