Introduction

Shannon Full
President and CEO
FMWF Chamber

Sponsor Highlight

Paul Matthys
President and CEO
Cass County Electric Cooperative

Expert Panel: Future of Renewables

John Hollingsworth
Director of Renewable Projects, Allete Clean Energy

Danny Martell
Vice President Central Region and Engagement Campaigns, NextEra Energy

Bria Shea
Regional Vice President - Regulatory, Xcel Energy

Paul Jordan (moderator)
CEO, Corval Group, Inc.

The energy landscape is rapidly evolving, with sustainable sources like wind and solar reshaping the future of power generation. This panel brings together top renewable energy experts from across the country to explore the critical challenges and exciting opportunities facing the industry today. The discussion will dive into how the sector is navigating rising market demand, workforce shortages, shifting state and federal policies, and other key factors shaping the future of energy. Gain valuable insights into how companies and the industry at large are adapting to these powerful forces.

Industry Insights: State of Reliability in North America

Camilo Serna
Senior Vice President, Strategy and External Engagement
North American Electric Reliability Corporation

The supply of electricity is not growing fast enough to meet the growing demand for electricity. The frequency of actual and near-miss reliability events is warning sign.  Unless reliability is appropriately prioritized during the energy transition, North America will face increased reliability risks. Camilo Serna will provide an update of NERC's assessment on reliability risks, and key priorities that need to be addressed.

Industry Insights: Ag-Energy Nexus

Nancy Johnson
Executive Director
North Dakota Soybean Growers Association

The nexus between Ag and Energy has gradually evolved since the 1970s, when industry experts tried to meet the domestic demand for fuels. Through technological advancements and innovation, this value-added industry has further evolved to look at effective ways to meet the domestic demand for sustainable fuels. Hear directly from the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association on the longstanding relationship between these two vital Midwestern industries sector

Industry Insights: Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) - Fact or Fiction?

Josh Stanislowski
Director of Energy Systems Development
Energy and Environmental Research Center

As federal and state energy regulations evolve and concerns about the climate impact of CO2 and greenhouse gases intensify, the need for effective carbon management has never been greater. Join experts from the Energy and Environmental Research Center as they share insights on the current status of the commercial deployment of CCUS. Discover how the EERC has helped to drive this technology from inception to commercial deployment, addressing the challenges of reducing emissions and advancing sustainable energy practices.

Expert Panel: Future of Traditional Fuels

Karl Fennessey
Vice President, Corporate Public Policy, ConocoPhillips

Todd Sailer
Vice President of Power Supply, Minnkota Power Cooperative Inc.

Danette Welsh
Director of Government Relations, ONEOK, Inc.

Brian Kalk (moderator)
Chief Research Officer, Energy and Environmental Research Center

For centuries, traditional fuels like natural gas, coal and oil have been the backbone of reliable energy production. This panel gathers leading experts from across the nation to explore the evolving landscape of the traditional energy sector. They will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today, including rising market demand, workforce shortages, shifting state and federal policies, and other pressures shaping its future. Gain insights into how companies are adapting to these forces and what lies ahead for the traditional fuels industry.

Sponsor Highlight

Bria Shea
Regional Vice President - Regulatory
Xcel Energy

Keynote Address

Tony Clark
Executive Director-Elect
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners

Amid the ever-changing public policy landscape and the ongoing transformation of the energy sector, this year's Midwest Energy Summit keynote will provide a comprehensive look at the federal and state political factors shaping the industry's future. Tony Clark, a seasoned expert with extensive experience in energy and utility policy at both the federal and state levels, will dive into the critical conversations unfolding nationwide that are influencing the direction of energy policy and practices. As a former commissioner at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and a former chairman of the North Dakota Public Service Commission, Tony brings a unique perspective and valuable insights, offering attendees a clearer understanding of what lies ahead for the energy sector.

Closing Remarks

Shannon Full
President and CEO
FMWF Chamber