UAlbany to Convene New York Energy Leaders for 2026 Clean Energy Pathways Workshop
By Mike Nolan
ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 30, 2026) — On Thursday, UAlbany will convene hundreds of industry experts, researchers and policymakers to examine the major decisions facing New York as it moves toward a cleaner energy economy.
The 2026 Clean Energy Pathways Workshop, taking place at the ETEC building, will explore the challenges of decarbonizing New York's energy system while maintaining a reliable, resilient and affordable supply of electricity.
Featured speakers include:
- Doreen M. Harris, President and Chief Executive Officer, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
- Rory M. Christian, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, New York State Public Service Commission
- Richard Dewey, President and Chief Executive Officer, New York Independent System Operator (NYISO)
- Gavin J. Donohue, President and Chief Executive Officer, Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY)
Programming begins with breakfast and networking from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., followed by a welcome address at 8:30 a.m. The workshop concludes at 5 p.m., with an evening reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
"New York is making high-stakes energy decisions that will affect reliability, affordability, resilience, and economic opportunity for decades," said Jan Woodcock, director of operations for UAlbany's Center of Excellence in Weather & Climate Analytics. "The Clean Energy Pathways Workshop is designed to bring diverse perspectives into the same room so we can have a practical conversation about the challenges, tradeoffs, and opportunities ahead."
New York's energy system is at an inflection point. The state must make major grid-investment decisions, advance decarbonization, expand clean-energy and energy-storage development and respond to changing policy, market and technology conditions, all while protecting reliability and affordability for residents, businesses and communities.
"The workshop will bring together experts and innovators to examine potential pathways forward and the hurdles that must be addressed," said Bruce Bailey, executive in residence at the Center of Excellence in Weather & Climate Analytics. "Discussions will include grid reliability and resilience; energy affordability; transmission and distribution investment; clean-energy and storage development; policy and market-rule changes; and the strategies organizations need to adapt, compete, and lead through the transition."
Attendees will have access to all workshop sessions, including keynotes and panel discussions; networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers; breakfast, lunch, coffee and refreshment breaks; and the evening reception.
For registration, speaker updates, agenda information and additional event details, visit: weatheranalytics.org/2026-renewable-energy-conference