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2026 State Energy Conference of NC: April 28-29 – Connecting NC’s Diverse Energy Economy

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WHAT:  The 2026 State Energy Conference of North Carolina, hosted by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center and NC State University’s Office of Professional Development, offers the annual, two-day event for professionals in the energy industry. Entering its 20th year, the conference has earned a reputation as the premier forum highlighting and discussing energy issues in North Carolina and beyond. The conference will explore the future of energy through discussions on power generation, grid reliability, and emerging technologies shaping how energy is produced and delivered. Sessions will also cover growing electricity demand, clean energy solutions, energy efficiency, and innovative approaches to managing and using energy more effectively. The conference includes 30 sessions and four keynote sessions. 

Advanced Registration Ends April 23, 2026. Walk-in registrations are welcome.

WHEN:  

April 28: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Reception 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.    
April 29: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 *For an up-to-date agenda, please check the conference website. 

WHERE: McKimmon Conference & Training Center, NC State University
 1101 Gormon Street, Raleigh, NC 27606

WHY: As North Carolina continues to experience rapid growth and increasing energy demands, the conference provides a critical platform for collaboration, policy discussion, and a focus on innovative solutions. Attendees will explore strategies to ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for the state’s future.

WHO:  Governor Josh Stein is scheduled to address attendees on Tuesday, April 28 at approximately 9:45 a.m., following the morning keynote session.

Keynote Topics and Plenary speakers include:

Meeting NC Energy Demand in an Era of Load Growth

  • Commissioner John W. Gajda, P.E., North Carolina Utilities Commission
  • Meredith Archie, Senior Vice President, North Carolina Chamber and President of the NC Chamber Foundation
  • Senator Michael A. Lazzara, North Carolina State Senate 
  • John Szoka, Chief Executive Officer, Conservative Energy Network
  • Senator Julie Mayfield, North Carolina State Senate
  • Jonathan M. Moch, Ph.D., Senior Advisor for Climate and Energy Policy, North Carolina Office of the Governor
  • Moderator: Kelsey Tamborrino – Energy Reporter, Politico

 

Live recording of The Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast: Containing Rising Electricity Costs while Maintaining Reliability

  • Mayor Mondale Robinson, Town of Enfield
  • Representative Allen Chesser, North Carolina House of Representatives
  • Jeff Hughes, Climate Leader in Residence, Duke University
  • Rachel Wilson, Google
  • Host and Moderator: Matt Abele, Executive Director, NC Sustainable Energy Association 

 

Building NC’s Energy Future: How we do big stuff

  • Michele Harradence, Executive Vice President Enbridge Inc., and President Enbridge Gas
  • Kendal Bowman, State President – North Carolina, Duke Energy 
  • Jay Nemeth, Chief Strategy Officer, Headwater Energy 
  • Nicole Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy 
  • Moderator – Dionne Delli-Gatti, Clean Energy Executive and Policy Strategist 

 

Rare Earth Magnets and the Rebuilding of Clean Energy Manufacturing in North Carolina

  • John Maslin, Chief Executive Officer, Vulcan Elements
  • Jennifer Mundt, Assistant Secretary for Energy & Infrastructure, NC Department of Commerce

 

Over 100 experts will speak in 30 different sessions in six different tracks. View Agenda

The conference is expected to attract over 800 attendees this year. Exhibitors spanning all energy sectors will showcase the latest in products and services focusing on energy research and technology in the sold-out exhibit hall.

Full details can be found at the conference web page: www.NCenergyconference.com.

Media admitted with full complimentary pass. Please contact shannon_helm@ncsu.edu for details.  Interviews may be arranged upon request. 

 

About the NC Clean Energy Technology Center

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center, as part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies. It serves as a resource for innovative, sustainable energy technologies through technology demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training.