Smart grid infrastructure is paving the way for revolutionizing energy transmission between generation stations, powerlines, and consumers.

These modern breakthroughs in the smart grid space can help us tackle climate change and lower energy costs. Through transatlantic collaboration, the opportunity arises to assess smart grid technologies, develop new solutions to strengthening the energy grid, and tackle potential challenges in current American and German energy policies.

Journey through the Midwest & Colorado

Visit energy companies, clusters, incubators, and research institutes. Participate in networking events, workshops, and roundtables with local experts in the smart grid space and foster peer-to-peer connections with industry professionals.

Preliminary Program

Minneapolis

• Market briefing with representatives from the Minnesota Trade Office on the US energy sector and grid infrastructure, including transmission and distribution grid regulations.
• Business roundtable and tour at the University of St. Thomas, Center for Microgrid Research with leaders in the U.S. smart grid and energy sector.
• Networking reception hosted by the GACC Midwest Minnesota Chapter.
• Business luncheon and presentation at Open Access Technology International (OATI).
• Visit and tour of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) control center
• Cultural highlights in Minneapolis: explore the Twin Cities, including the Mississippi River and the Mall of America
• Optional: early arrival for individual exploration of Minneapolis and the surrounding area

Denver

• Tour and guided tour of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a national research laboratory on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Transatlantic networking event with state and city-level legislators on opportunities, challenges and best practices in smart grid regulation.
• Cultural highlights in Denver & surroundings: unique nature of the Rocky Mountains
• Optional: Extend your stay and visit the Rocky Mountains with us, which can be reached directly from Denver.

Key Takeaways

• Foster bilateral exchanges with grid operators, energy regulators, industry representatives and other stakeholders in the smart grid space.
• Get a crash course on regulatory, technical, and ecosystem structures in Germany and American energy grids.
• Discuss and develop solutions to current challenges in the German and American energy grids.

Flyer

Watch the recording of the kick-off webinar

Target group in Germany

• Energy companies
• (Transmission) grid operators
• Associations
• Political decision-makers
• Research institutions and universities
• Organizations with an interest in transatlantic exchange on the energy transition and smart grid expansion