Clean Energy and Energy Innovation Panel Sparks Insights at Kentucky Industry Conference

[Image: Mi2 FallConference Sneaks 23 scaled]

The Kentucky Industry Conference, held a few weeks ago in Louisville, KY, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to discuss the future of Kentucky’s manufacturing ecosystem and economy. An MI2 highlight of the event was the Clean Energy and Energy Innovation panel, a discussion that provided insights into the evolving energy landscape in the Commonwealth.

This panel was moderated by Connie Prostko-Bell of ALL4. (ALL4 was also a conference sponsor.) The discussion featured three panelists, each representing a unique perspective on clean energy:

• John Harnage of the Kentucky Thermal Institute, a Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) value provider member
• Mark Pendley of Logan Aluminum, a platinum MI2 member
• Dr. Thad Druffel of the University of Louisville, a strategic partner of MI2

The panel explored pressing topics, including advancements in renewable energy technologies, the role of industry partnerships, and the economic opportunities tied to energy innovation.

John Harnage highlighted the vital role of energy efficiency and thermal innovation in industrial applications, emphasizing practical solutions for immediate impact. Mark Pendley shared examples from a manufacturing perspective, including how metals companies integrate clean energy practices into operations while maintaining competitiveness in the global market. And Dr. Druffel brought a research-focused viewpoint to the discussion, highlighting research aimed at accelerating clean energy adoption statewide.

In FY23-24, MI2 member Kentucky Thermal Institute was one of several MI2 member companies involved with a study on best practices for mapping and making use of waste heat in Kentucky metals facilities. Also in FY23-24, Logan Aluminum led a multi-member company effort to test the use of a non-diesel fork truck in various settings inside a metals manufacturing facility. Both studies are available to MI2 member companies. Meanwhile, ALL4 has partnered with the MI2 on the creation of a clean energy supply study for Kentucky's metals industry, which is currently underway. And MI2 is a partner with the Regional Energy Business, Education, and Commercialization Convergence Accelerator (REBECCA), an Energy Tech Hub based in Louisville.

We were excited to have key partners from all these exciting initiatives join us for this session in Louisville!