DEF2023 Highlights From DEC’s Youngest Member​

Source: Clint Cadio | · CLINT’S CHRONICLES · | November 10, 2023

Hustling my way into my first energy conference

In the first week of November, I travelled from Toronto to Lake Louise, Alberta to partake in the Decentralised Energy Forum organized by Decentralised Energy Canada. This annual event stands as a vital gathering for industry professionals, offering a platform for networking, exploring business opportunities, and establishing partnerships.

The forum serves as a showcase for innovative solutions that exemplify the decentralized energy sector's potential to evolve into a sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective energy landscape. The forum’s central objective is to promote the seamless integration of these innovations into real-world projects, thus contributing to the advancement of the industry.

Becoming a Member of DEC

Over the summer, I pursued research on the quantum chemistry of silicon nano-wires to enhance the efficiency of conventional photovoltaic solar cells. It was during this research pursuit that I had the privilege of crossing paths with Crystal Thomson-Dick, who plays a pivotal role in overseeing operations at DEC. Through our interactions, she extended an invitation for me to become a part of the organization.

Attending the Forum

Following my initial contact with the DEC team, they generously extended an invitation that allowed me to participate in the event without any associated costs. This unique opportunity afforded me the chance to interact with numerous distinguished individuals within the energy sector, including DEC’s CEO, Anouk Kendall.

The event's inaugural day was nothing short of captivating, featuring a diverse array of thought-provoking panels, insightful pitches, and a scenic nature walk in the picturesque Lake Louise. It provided an excellent platform for networking with influential leaders in the energy sector.

The discussions throughout the day revolved around critical topics such as the burgeoning significance of prosumers in the decentralized energy market, the increasing prevalence of incentives and revenue prospects fueling the adoption of virtual power plants, and the collaborative efforts between technology developers and prosumers aimed at ensuring energy security, reliability, and affordability.

…