From solar energy advancements to the development of smart grids and sustainable urban infrastructure, the Miami Clean Energy Summit convened industry leaders, local government, and academic experts to exchange ideas on the vital role of innovation and technology in advancing clean energy solutions. The gathering was hosted by the College of Engineering at the University of Miami Shalala Student Center.
The dean of the College of Engineering, Pratim Biswas, opened the summit underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change through innovative engineering solutions. Biswas said, "The challenges of tomorrow require the bold ideas and technologies of today.”
Challenges and Opportunities in Miami's Energy Landscape
Jose Mas, CEO of MasTec, highlighted the local complexities in shifting energy paradigms, noting the logistical and regulatory hurdles in Miami. "The way we generate electricity is changing but it’s not going to go as fast as everyone likes," Mas said. He emphasized the need for improved coordination between businesses and local utility companies like Florida Power and Light (FPL), citing the region's resilience issues, such as aging infrastructure.
Echoing the sentiments on collaboration, Richard Voorberg, president of Siemens Energy North America, discussed the significant strides made in the energy transition through partnerships. "When we got into the energy transition, we realized we don’t have all the answers. It is about partnership; we need the universities and the government to weigh in," Voorberg said. His focus on the trinity of reliability, affordability, and sustainability highlighted the comprehensive approach needed to modernize the energy grid.
Innovative Technologies to Jumpstart Energy Transitions
Further discussions centered on the integration of cutting-edge technologies to ensure energy reliability. "Now we're investing in battery storage to ensure reliability when the sun's not shining, and we're exploring clean hydrogen projects to promote decarbonization in the state," said Tim Oliver, Vice President of Development at Florida Power and Light. His comments highlighted Florida's position at the forefront of integrating solar and battery storage solutions, which are becoming the most cost-effective options for growth.
Reflecting on the corporate angle, Rakesh Shalia from FedEx discussed the company's ambitious plans to tackle carbon emissions through innovative solutions such as autonomous mobility. “The surge in online shopping has increased pressure on logistics networks, necessitating a rethinking of delivery and transportation strategies to minimize environmental impact.”
Autonomous mobility is just one of the current initiatives under the newly established Miami Institute for Clean Energy (MinCE). Current research includes the engineering of sustainable batteries, the exploration of advanced nanomaterials for solar energy, and the development of smart HVAC systems for energy-efficient buildings, energy analytics, and sustainable materials and technologies for carbon capture.
“The Miami Institute for Clean Energy aims to foster a thriving community of researchers and leaders at the University of Miami by promoting collaboration and innovation in clean energy,” said industrial engineering professor and director of the institute, Ramin Moghaddass.
For more information on the College of Engineering’s clean energy initiatives visit cleanenergy.coe.miami.edu.
Miami-Dade County mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, opened the summit with an update on the county's clean energy initiatives.
