NETL will demonstrate how local business partners and educational institutions throughout the Mountain State can connect with the Lab’s various resources and programs during the 2020 West Virginia Governor’s Energy Summit, which has the theme of “Connecting Communities Through Energy.”

Originally scheduled to take place during the summer at the Stonewall Resort, in Roanoke, W. Va., this free-to-attend conference has switched to a virtual format out of concern for the wellness and health of attendees. Taking place Oct. 14, the summit will feature energy efficiency speakers, presentations, and panels full of information discussing the future of energy in West Virginia. Merging the two events, the goal is to bring together a wide array of West Virginia elected officials, state and local government agencies, industry, research universities, technical and community colleges, and non-governmental organizations, along with regional and national experts.

“NETL has a deep connection to West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Alaska, and Texas, and not just because we are physically a part of their communities. The technologies that we are advancing daily at the laboratory will play a crucial role in the future energy systems across the country, but particularly in Appalachia and West Virginia,” NETL Director Brian Anderson said. “While we would have relished the opportunity to meet face-to-face, NETL continues to respond to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and we’re glad that important events like this can continue. We anticipate an engaging and productive conference.”

Anderson will be a featured speaker on the morning of Oct. 14 while and James Ferguson of Strategic Partnerships will present “How to Partner With NETL” at a pre-conference virtual workshop on the morning of Oct. 13. This session will detail how prospective partner organizations can apply for competitive, cost-shared funding opportunities and collaborate with NETL on research & development, and technology innovation agreements.

“This conference is a great opportunity for the Lab to connect with prospective partners and share NETL’s work in West Virginia’s energy research market,” said James Ferguson, NETL’s State & Local Partnerships manager. “Between peer reviews, workshops, conferences, and technical forums organized and hosted by the Lab, along with Science Bowl competitions and K-12 STEM educational outreach, NETL remains very active in our communities. We’re always looking for new partnerships and our participation in these events can help.”

This year marks the 14th West Virginia Governor’s Energy Summit, held on behalf of Governor Jim Justice. The summit includes several presentations and workshops, and NETL has sponsored and presented at several past events. Connecting Communities Through Energy is organized by the West Virginia Office of Energy as the state’s leader in formulation and implementation of fossil, renewable, and energy efficiency initiatives designed to advance energy resource development opportunities and provide energy services to business, communities, and homeowners in the state.   

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that produces technological solutions for America’s energy challenges. From developing creative innovations and efficient energy systems that make coal more competitive, to advancing technologies that enhance oil and natural gas extraction and transmission processes, NETL research is providing breakthroughs and discoveries that support domestic energy initiatives, stimulate a growing economy, and improve the health, safety, and security of all Americans. Highly skilled men and women at NETL’s sites in Albany, Oregon; Anchorage, Alaska; Houston, Texas; Morgantown, West Virginia; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania conduct a broad range of research activities that support DOE’s mission to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States.