The future of energy will be on display in Chicago April 20-23 at the 2020 IEEE PES T&D Conference and Exposition. Co-hosted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Power and Energy Society (PES) and ComEd, the nation’s fourth largest energy distribution company, the event takes place at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center.
The biennial conference will bring together more than 800 exhibitors and 14,000 professionals from around the world to showcase new and emerging clean energy technologies. The Smart Cities Pavilion will feature 10 utility/city case study displays showcasing partnerships focused on enhancing quality of life and providing environmental justice. Other displays feature the role of energy and innovation to enhance mobility, health and safety, food and agriculture, water and waste management. The conference also features collegiate events such as the “Engineer Your Success” professional workshops, technical tours and other networking and panel events.
“The conference theme “Electrifying the Future” will showcase the advances and challenges associated with the greatest transformation taking place in the field of energy since the introduction of the light bulb,” said Shay Bahramirad, vice president of engineering and smart grid, ComEd. “From renewable generators and smart city technologies to cyber security and more, the future is here for all to see.”
“This conference provides a unique opportunity to touch the fast pace of change in our industry,” said Carl Segneri, IEEE PES T&D Chair. “We’re excited to be working with ComEd to produce an exceptional lineup of learning opportunities and experiences that offer value to professionals at every stage of their career.”
IEEE PES will host an Executive Summit bringing together industry leaders and policy makers on the first day of the conference where energy industry thought leaders will address the challenges of climate change global efforts to achieve clean energy goals, the growth of electrification and promote environmental justice.
ComEd will also issue an IEEE PES Power Challenge, a partnership with IEEE to provide a STEM education program that engages high school students by linking them with professional mentors. More than 200 students will be working in teams on solution-based, original project development for four months leading up to the conference. Project topics include renewables, distribution, generation, transmission, and protection of the grid. On the last day of the conference, the students will present their projects at special high school student Poster Session.
