Renewable energy microgrid to power Oakland conference

The VERGE 19 conference and expo will be powered by a fully functional, renewably powered microgrid, demonstrating the resilience and radical efficiency that is the essence of VERGE conferences. 

VERGE 19, Oct. 22-24 in Oakland, is the platform for companies, cities and communities accelerating the clean economy. The event convenes more than 3,000 leaders to explore scalable, cross-cutting solutions and to collaborate more effectively to advance them.

Since 2013, VERGE conferences have built renewably powered microgrids onsite in just one day to power the three-day events. The microgrid will feature battery storage and power generation from solar and biomass gasification, among other technologies. 

"Building a 100-percent renewably powered microgrid demonstrates the power and reliability of distributed energy resources," said Eric Faurot, CEO of GreenBiz Group. "We are very fortunate to have the support of a variety of leading-edge companies in making the microgrid a possibility at our VERGE conferences." 

Past participants in building the microgrid have included Ageto, Stem, DynaPower, Tesla, SunPower, Hitachi, PG&E, Smart Power Solar, Volta, Envision Solar, FreeWire Mobi Charger, Proterra and eMotorWerks.

Participation not only allows companies to integrate into the VERGE Microgrid, but also to gain marketing exposure onsite, online and in event marketing materials. The call for participation in the VERGE 19 microgrid will be open until Aug. 17 — visit our website to learn more.  

This year’s conference also will offer free on-site charging to the first 20 electric vehicles driven to the event by attendees. Additionally, GreenBiz readers get 10 percent off any conference pass type with code V19GBR.

About GreenBiz Group

GreenBiz Group is the leading media and events company at the intersection of business, sustainability and innovation. We view climate change and other global environmental challenges as existential threats to business and society, as well as significant opportunities. We help our audiences — large and small companies, utilities, government agencies and others — navigate the emerging technologies, business practices, policies and societal expectations they need to know to succeed. We achieve this through media, events, research and a membership network of corporate sustainability professionals.