Energy storage is an emerging technology that will play a key role in tomorrow’s energy marketplace and towards realization of a clean energy future.  Energy storage technologies enhance the operating capabilities of assets on the electricity grid and increase the efficiency and reliability of electricity markets. Energy storage is also the key constraint that prevents widespread adoption and use of solar and wind markets in our electricity distribution systems. In addition, energy storage technologies can power energy consuming products, including automobiles, appliances, and consumer electronics.  In order to achieve market realization of energy storage technologies, we need further research and development in materials, components, and systems and better understand the economic and policy issues towards commercialization. Beyond being a clean energy source and an alternative to conventional technologies, energy storage can serve as back-up power, uninterruptible power, or a burst of power depending on the type and particular usage.  In much the same way that energy enabled the industrial revolution, energy storage can enable the cleantech revolution.

This panel session will address the impact of energy storage technologies on the electrical power industry and for mobile electronics devices and transportation applications.  Panelists will address questions on applications of large scale energy storage for improving efficiency, reliability, and security of the power grid and of small scale energy storage for consumer and portable applications. 

Topics will include:

• What are the technical limitations that need to be overcome and how long will it take to bring a new energy storage technology to market?
• How can energy storage technologies improve efficiencies in the electricity delivery industry and improve product performance of electric devices?
• Where are the government and private financing dollars going for research and commercialization of energy storage technologies?
• What markets show the most promising growth for energy storage technologies?
• Which energy storage technology is the most promising for large scale and small scale applications?
• What are desired characteristics and the recognized design tradeoffs of particular energy storage technologies for utility, transportation, and consumer applications?
• What new energy storage devices are being developed as next generation technologies?
• What are the economic and public policy implications for adoption of energy storage technologies?
• What opportunities exist on the state and local levels for developments and investments in energy storage technologies?

Date:	September 24, 2008
Time:	Time: 5:00-6:00 Registration, Networking, and Product Demonstrations 6:00-8:00 Panel Discussion
Location:	Austin City Hall: City Council Auditorium 301 W. Second Street Austin, TX 78701
Moderator	Jeremy Meyers – Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering/Material Science & Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
Speakers:	Ned Hill – Managing Director, DFJ Mercury Paul Dickerson – COO, Department of Energy John Baker – Chief Strategy Officer , Austin Energy Larry Faulkner –  President, Houston Endowment, Inc. Victor Hwang – Co-Founder and Managing Director, T2 Ventures
RSVP:	Register Here
Cost:	$20 Pre-Registration Fee/ $30 at the door (cash or check only)