Known as the largest and most influential North American gathering of policy, technology and market leaders in energy grid storage, Energy Storage North America (ESNA) concluded its sixth annual conference and exhibition designed to empower collaboration on the global intersection of power and transportation.

Held Nov. 6-8 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, Ca., ESNA 2018 hosted approximately 2,000 attendees, representing more than 800 organizations and more than 30 countries. 

Produced by Strategen and Messe Dusseldorf North America, and part of the larger World of Energy Storage events in Europe, India, China and Japan, ESNA connects utilities, developers, energy users, policymakers and other key stakeholders from around the world to advance understanding and deployment of energy storage with the goal of building a cleaner, more affordable and more resilient grid. 

“It is clear that the industry is coming of age with proven and diverse technology solutions,” said Tom Mitchell, president of Messe Düsseldorf North America. “ESNA is the best exhibition opportunity for established energy storage companies, new ventures and start-ups alike – we have all the players and buyers on the floor.”

Co-located with the CALSTART Annual Symposium and the SGO Microgrid Global Innovation Forum, ESNA facilitated collaboration between developers, utility executives, energy users, fleet managers, auto manufacturers and suppliers, policy makers, technology providers and stakeholders to advance the energy storage ecosystem across the power and transportation sectors, according to show officials.

The event also featured a bustling, sold-out expo floor, with 95 exhibitors spanning 12,400 square feet of exhibit space.

Meanwhile, the show’s robust conference featured 28 panel sessions, six workshops, eight sold-out site tours, a start-up innovation showcase and a zero-emission vehicle display comprising a dozen electric vehicles and one hydrogen-powered truck.

Additional special events further highlighted the growth of the global energy storage ecosystem, including the annual ESNA Innovation Awards that recognize outstanding storage projects in the front-of-meter, behind-the-meter and mobility sectors, as well as policy and utility champions whose work reflects transformational leadership in energy storage advancement. 

In addition, ESNA hosted its third annual Women in Energy Storage networking event to foster connections among women in the industry, as well as its second Global Grid Transformation track for international delegates.

Amplified by the presence of two co-located events, a record number of international attendees, and inspiring keynote speeches from industry visionaries and public policy champions, ESNA 2018 was the most successful to date, according to Janice Lin, ESNA conference chair.

“The global grid transformation is rapidly accelerating, thanks in large part to the game-changing impact of energy storage,” Lin said. 

She continued, “This year we welcomed colleagues and added conference content from the transportation sector, which is experiencing an electrification transition of its own. Together we shared insights and opportunities across the distributed energy value chain, creating a vibrant marketplace for attendees.” 

The 2019 Energy Storage North America Conference and Exhibition is scheduled for Nov. 5-7 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Ca. 

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