More than 200 industry professionals, faculty, students and thought leaders gathered in Cornell’s Upson Hall on March 6 for a day-long forum exploring challenges in renewable energy development.

Credit: Bridget Fetsko

The forum, "Accelerating Renewable Energy Deployment Under Uncertainties," was hosted by the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering as the annual KK Wang Industry Day, which brings together research faculty, students, alumni, industry practitioners and non-governmental organizations to facilitate cross-sector dialogue on critical issues.

In opening remarks, David Erickson, the S.C. Thomas Sze Director of the Sibley School, described building a clean and resilient energy future as one of the most difficult engineering challenges of the time.

“The complexities we face are enormous – issues like variable resource availability, regulatory uncertainty and supply chain constraints make it clear that not one single company or research lab can tackle all these challenges in isolation,” said Erickson, who co-founded the startup company Dimensional Energy. “When we unify industrial know-how with the creativity and fundamental research strengths of academia, we unleash fast innovation cycles, more robust pilot demonstrations, and the ability to pivot quickly as market and technology landscapes change.”

Credit: Bridget Fetsko

The keynote address was given by New York Assemblywoman Anna Kelles (D-125th District), who discussed the intersection of science and policy, focusing on two key legislative initiatives in the state: the Superfund Act and Cap and Invest. Kelles highlighted challenges and potential solutions to implementation, such as preventing large corporations from monopolizing emissions allowances. She urged academics and industry leaders to engage in policy discussions to shape effective climate solutions.

Several Cornell faculty members joined industry and organization leaders on panels that addressed the safety aspect of energy storage deployment, the integration of solar energy production with agriculture, approaches to waste management and circular economy strategies, and the role of community engagement and policy frameworks in the transition to renewable energy.

“The event was an excellent opportunity to join industry leaders, students and faculty for a thoughtful discussion around the challenges of the clean energy transition,” said Jeff Hudson ’08, M.Eng. ’09, vice president of asset management at Urban Grid Solar. “It was a privilege to return to campus to speak on the community engagement and policy panel with such a diverse, accomplished group of industry partners.”

The forum concluded with an industry partner showcase and student poster competition.

Credit: Charissa King-O'Brien

“The number of participants doubled what we initially estimated, demonstrating our shared commitment to clean energy transitions despite today's uncertainties,” said forum organizer Max Zhang, provost’s fellow for public engagement and the Irving Porter Church Professor of Engineering in the Sibley School. “The initial feedback from the attendees is overwhelmingly positive, which affirms Cornell’s role as an effective convener for deep exchange in an informal setting.”

KK Wang Industry Day is supported by the late Kuo King “KK” Wang, a Cornell engineering professor who founded the Cornell Injection Molding Program, a model for university-industry collaboration that involved over 50 corporations and produced innovative technologies, and trained many engineers. transformed friction welding and injection molding into science-based processes.

A second KK Wang Industry Day is scheduled for April 17 with the theme “Simulations and Design Education.”