Hawaii State Energy Office taps GreenBiz to bring VERGE series to Hawaii

The Hawaii State Energy Office has selected California-based GreenBiz Group to bring its annual VERGE event series to Hawaii. Long regarded as ground-zero for next-generation energy issues, the island state will serve as host in 2016 and 2017 as the best minds in energy identify and advance next-generation practices for sustainable energy solutions in Hawaii and beyond.

"VERGE Hawaii gives Hawaii a unique opportunity to leverage its role as an energy innovation leader and international test bed," said Luis Salaveria, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. "We are excited about the opportunity to bring together some of the brightest minds in the clean energy and sustainability movements."

The recent passage of three ambitious energy bills has made Hawaii the first state to adopt a 100 percent renewable energy portfolio standard, and has cemented the state at the forefront of global renewable energy efforts. Offering a real-world glimpse into our future as a more resilient world, the VERGE Hawaii: Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit, June 21-23 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, will gather influencers from the world's largest corporations, as well as entrepreneurs, utility executives, public officials and representatives of nonprofits and academia.

"Hawaii represents the transformational change we'd all like to see and be a part of. With a well-defined goal of accelerating renewable energy to 100 percent, Hawaii is the perfect place for bringing together innovators, policymakers and market leaders for next-generation climate solutions," said Eric Faurot, CEO of GreenBiz Group. "We see VERGE Hawaii playing an instrumental role in providing the platform for ideating and sharing best practices that others can replicate."

Mark Glick, Hawaii State Energy Office Administrator, said bringing VERGE to Hawaii highlights the state's emergence as a global clean energy leader.

"Hawaii has been able to attract international investment from governments and corporations that see the state as a bellwether for clean energy, and a place where the next generations of energy solutions will be born."

VERGE takes the premise of sharing insights, promoting collaborative learning and inspiring higher rates of renewable energy and energy efficiency. With a focus on practical, scalable solutions, VERGE Hawaii program tracks will include: Grid 2.0, Next- Gen Buildings, Circular Economy, Connected Transportation, Intelligent Supply Chains, Food & Ag Tech and Sustainable Water Systems. The conference also will provide an opportunity to showcase Hawaii's rich portfolio of renewable resources, clean-energy projects, sustainable development and investment opportunities.

About the Hawaii State Energy Office: The Hawaii State Energy Office is leading the state's charge toward clean energy independence. The State Energy Office is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii's renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, the State Energy Office has positioned Hawaii as a leading proving ground for clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. The State Energy Office is a division of the state's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. For more information, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov.

Media contact:

Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer, DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]