PowerGen 2023 Keynote Address Highlights

Published on: February 23, 2023

Front and center was the concept “Destination 2050”—reaching net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050.

At PowerGen 2023, held Feb. 21 – 23 in Orlando, FL, Clarion’s, VP of Content David Wagman kicked things off. Front and center was the concept “Destination 2050”—reaching net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050. The conference hoped to explore how the power generation industry can adapt to the changes required by increased government environmental oversight. There was also a rundown of the eight session tracks, knowledge hubs on the exhibit floor, and more.

Jan Aspuru, the COO of Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), discussed their microgrid lab and the development of a hydrogen-energy storage system. He also spoke on the company’s Osceola generating station, which utilizes GE gas turbines. He noted how intermittent solar is a renewable source for the state of Florida, and that natural gas is seen as a more persistent option. Traditional power needs to work in tandem with newer solutions to retain grid reliability.

Alex Glenn, Senior VP and CEO of Duke Energy Florida and Midwest, detailed different areas that impact the plans to reach net zero. These include local and federal government partnerships, maintaining equipment performance, addressing concerns of stakeholders, and supply chain constraints. “Coal will represent less than 5% of power generation in 2030,” he said. “A diverse generation mix is key to customers.”