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As we continue to consider and address solutions for realizing global environmental and emission goals, Cleantech is often discussed as a solution. While the deployment of clean technologies faces investment and logistical barriers, there is widespread optimism about the future of these technologies.

The Think Tank hosted sector leaders who came together to discuss the overall investment landscape for Cleantech in the immediate future. Jeff Weis, Cofounder and Executive Chairman of Distributed Sun, LLC; Claudia Meer, Senior Strategic Advisor of DIF Energy Transition at DIF Capital Partners; Bob Powell, founder and CEO of Bright Mark and Stephen Comello, Senior Vice President of the Energy Futures Initiative Foundation all shared their thoughts on the barriers faced by clean technologies and the strategies for moving forward and deploying clean technologies.

Among the challenges for rapid development and deployment of clean technologies is the tremendous scale of funding needed and the multifaceted integration of a wide variety of clean technologies required in order to meet energy and emissions goals. The panelists noted the shift in availability of government funding for clean technologies as well as the societal shift towards assigning a premium to clean technologies. Although the adoption of clean technology has benefitted from the wider availability of funding and societal acceptance, the panelists noted that deployment of clean technologies still faces barriers. Some of these barriers include obstacles presented by siting and permitting considerations as well as the need for additional education at the community level. While the experts all acknowledged the barriers facing deployment of clean technologies, all voiced optimism for the future.

To listen to the complete discussion, a recording of the webinar is available here:

Welcome:

Clint Vince, Chair of the US Energy practice, Co-chair of the Global Energy sector for the US Region, and Co-chair of the Global Smart Cities & Connected Communities Think Tank, Dentons.

Opening remarks:

Paula Gold-Williams, Chair of the Board, Keystone Policy Center

Panelists

• Bob Powell, Founder & CEO, Brightmark
• Stephen D. Comello, Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, EFI Foundation'
• Jeff Weiss, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, Distributed Sun LLC
• Claudia M. Meer, Senior Strategic Advisor, DIF Energy Transition, DIF Capital Partners

View speaker bios here.

Questions

For more information or if you have any questions regarding this series, please contact smart.cities@dentons.com.