Kelly Speakes-Backman, acting assistant secretary and principal deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, is speaking in the opening keynote session at HYDROVISION International 2021.
In her role, Speakes-Backman leads and directs EERE, focused on creating and sustaining American leadership in the transition to a global clean energy economy. She oversees the planning and execution of the organization’s $2.8 billion portfolio of research, development, demonstration and deployment activities in energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable transportation.
Speakes-Backman most recently served as the first chief executive officer of the Energy Storage Association, the national trade organization for the energy storage industry. She has spent more than 20 years working in energy and environmental issues in the public, non-governmental organization and private sectors. In 2019, Speakes-Backman was honored by The Cleanie Awards as Woman of the Year.
She will be speaking virtually if travel restrictions do not allow her to speak in person.
The opening keynote session kicks off HYDROVISION International 2021 and sets the stage for several days of training, networking and opportunities to engage with members of the global hydropower industry. The session is open to all attendees.
In addition, Jason Thackston with host utility Avista will give a welcome address, discussing hydropower’s vital role in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and covering how hydro fits into Avista’s overall portfolio.
HYDROVISION International takes place Sept. 21-23, 2021, in Spokane, Wash., U.S. Click here to learn more and plan your trip.
