Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference Explores Renewable Energy Potential in the State

The 13th annual Nebraska Wind and Solar Energy Conference returns to Lincoln this week, after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic. This year’s conference will examine potential areas of growth and potential challenges for the future of renewable energy in the state.

Josh Moenning is the mayor of Norfolk, Nebraska, which is working on a sizable solar project for the city. Moenning will lead a panel discussion at the conference and said Nebraska can become a leader in the growing industry.

“We have the opportunity, now, as a state, to be an energy producer,” he said. “Historically, we’ve never had that. We’re not an oil, gas, or coal state, but we are, however, a wind and solar state. We have top-ten potential in both of those resources.”

Moenning said the new energy sector has growing economic benefits attached. He said farmers in the state can get increased income from leased land used for windmills or solar panels. Additionally schools can gain tax incentives by having renewable energy in their district.

A number of different entities will attend the conference to have their ideas and concerns heard. Public utilities, farmer and rancher organizations, state agencies, and academia will be participating in conversation.

Nebraska’s Wind and Solar Conference is today and tomorrow (November 8th and 9th) at the Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.