The Future of Clean Energy 2.0
April 10th | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
The Woodmark Hotel
Presented by Puget Sound Energy
Moderated by Councilmember Jay Arnold
Washington State is entering a pivotal moment in its clean energy journey.
As of January 1, 2026, Puget Sound Energy no longer supplies its customers with electricity produced from coal.
How will Puget Sound Energy (PSE) ensure system reliability as the grid becomes more reliant on intermittent power sources such as wind and solar? What other carbon free technologies are on the horizon?
Join The Kirkland Chamber of Commerce on Friday April 10, 2026 for an engaging panel discussion featuring regional clean energy leaders as we explore the technologies, strategies, and innovations shaping Washington’s energy future—from wind and solar to small modular reactors and fusion.
From Wind to Fusion: Powering a Clean Energy Future
The transition to clean energy isn’t just about reducing carbon—it’s about ensuring the lights stay on.
As the grid becomes more reliant on intermittent power sources like wind and solar, new challenges emerge around reliability, storage, and peak demand. At the same time, breakthrough technologies are advancing faster than ever.
This conversation will dive into:
- How utilities are adapting to a coal-free future
- What technologies are filling the reliability gap
- Which carbon-free solutions are coming next (and how soon)
- How Washington's clean energy transition impacts businesses and communities
MEET OUR PANEL
Hear directly from leaders at the forefront of clean energy innovation
Eric Williams
Chief Operating Officer
TerraPower
Eric Williams is the Executive Vice President and COO for TerraPower. In this role, he oversees the operations associated with TerraPower’s reactor projects, including Natrium, MCFR, Regulatory Affairs,
Contracts, Facilities & Real Estate, Lab Operations, Quality and Continuous Improvement, and Procurement.
Mr. Williams has 26 years of experience in the commercial nuclear industry and has spent the last 15 years developing new nuclear power plant designs, with an emphasis on safety. Mr. Williams
holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Lynchburg and a Professional Engineer license.
Josh Jacobs
VP, Clean Energy Strategy & Planning
Puget Sound Energy
Josh joined PSE in 1998 and has held many roles across the company, including customer service, procurement, energy supply operations, grid operations, and transmission services. Prior to his current role, Josh held several key executive leadership roles at PSE including as PSE’s director of load serving operations where he was responsible for grid operations and transmission services, as director of business integration where he led the implementation of the PSE customer transformation initiative called Get to Zero, and as the director of generation and transmission development where he delivered on infrastructure development opportunities for PSE.
Josh is currently the vice-chair of the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee and sits on the board of the Northwest Gas Association. He is a graduate of Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Stay Tuned
More exciting information coming soon
Stay tuned for more information
Key Takeaways
01
How Washington's clean energy transition impacts businesses and communities
02
The role of wind, solar, battery energy storage, and natural gas today
03
The future potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and fusion energy
04
Opportunities and challenges facing utilities as demand continues to grow
Whether you're deeply involved in energy or simply want to understand what's ahead, this conversation is for you. This event is designed to be informative, accessible, and forward-looking; no technical background required.
What Others Are Saying
"Networking, celebrating, and learning lots. #welovechambers #welovecommunity"
Nicole Denham-Wang, Denham-Wang Agency on Instagram
"I look forward to the Awards Luncheon every year because it’s one of the few times we get to pause and appreciate the different, unique ways people help keep this community moving forward. Everyone shows up in their own way - different roles, life stories, and strengths. It’s powerful and a good reminder that leadership and service don’t look just one way. I leave feeling thankful to be part of it."
Elizabeth Burt, Owner of Acclimate HR
"Excited to attend our first Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce event at the beautiful Woodmark Hotel on Lake Washington. Looking forward to building new relationships in the community and getting more involved!"
Brittany Baumgart, Courtyard by Marriott Kirkland on Linkedin
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Washington's Energy Future is being shaped right now
Join us to learn how innovation, infrastructure, and policy are coming together to power a clean, reliable future, and what it means for our region moving forward.
