Clean Energy Track

The clean energy track for 2024's Radically Rural summit brings together experts in energy and policy who are dedicated to improving the lives of rural residents. The summit, to be held Sept. 25 and 26, is expected to draw hundreds to Keene to discuss challenges facing rural areas. This year, returning track leader Rob Werner, state director for the League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire, has joined forces with new track co-leader Doria Brown, energy manager for the City of Nashua, to organize sessions that highlight access to federal clean energy dollars and clean energy transition models. Radically Rural kicks off each day at 9 a.m. with keynote speakers followed by track sessions. The summit theme is all about "regenerating and strengthening rural communities to be viable places," Werner says. "These sessions around clean energy fit well with this theme in terms of building resiliency." Werner and Brown have planned two sessions for Wednesday, Sept. 25 and Thursday, Sept. 26: Session 1: Don't Miss Out on Clean Energy Dollars Available to Your Community – An Update Wednesday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cohen Hall, Keene Public Library, 60 Winter St. Translating federal policy for pragmatic community implementation can be challenging. In this session, a member of the U.S. Department of Energy (to be announced) will provide an overview of a "Radically Rural Toolkit" which will help rural communities easily implement the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act. In breakout groups, participants will be doing hands-on work by making game plans for how to implement the toolkit in their own hometowns. Werner says, "There are a number of opportunities for federal resources around energy efficiency, supporting renewable energy and moving to a clean energy economy … These dollars are important for economic development and reducing the use of fossil fuels. We want to make sure that rural communities are a part of this clean energy revolution and that these dollars are directed towards these communities." Benefits include support for building out electric vehicle charging infrastructure, investments in energy efficient buildings and deployment of solar energy. Direct program benefits to consumers for heat pumps and energy efficient appliances, as well as assistance in purchasing electric vehicles will be covered. Session 2: What's the Latest in Clean Energy? Thursday, Sept. 26, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Heberton Hall, Keene Public Library, 60 Winter St. This session will focus on clean energy innovations, including information on how "extractive communities" are transitioning to clean energy sources. Respect for residents, workers and their cultures in these communities is important for energy transition success that ensures community investments are effective and fairly delivered. Werner says, "We're really excited that the folks from the Center for Coalfield Justice will be able to join us for this session. This is an organization that works in Appalachia on how to be helpful in terms of the transition from extractive communities with those who have been on the front line of fossil fuel production." Werner emphasizes the importance of respect and recognition for the workers in these rural communities who have been responsible for providing the United States with energy for the last several decades as the country transitions to the new technologies behind renewable energy. Innovations covered in the session will include exploring entrepreneurial opportunities in clean energy, balancing environmental protection and clean energy development, developing a battery storage economy and encouraging the deployment of microgrids. Participants will gain perspective on how clean energy innovations can help create a better future for rural communities. This session is offered in collaboration with the Irving Institute for Energy and Society at Dartmouth College. For more information about Radically Rural, visit radicallyrural.org.