Investing in Implementation: Decarbonization Solutions for Maryland
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) brought together prominent policymakers, industry leaders, and regulators to discuss a clean energy future at their annual Legislative Reception. This year’s theme was Investing in Implementation: Decarbonization Solutions for Maryland. Held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, the sold out event took place at the historic Governor Calvert House, located in Annapolis, Maryland.
The event focused on strategic investments in energy infrastructure, emphasizing the crucial role of transmission and distribution in meeting growing energy demands in Maryland. These investments are essential for supporting the state’s economic growth and ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply for both businesses and residents.
Key topics discussed included the investment needs in PJM’s transmission grid, focusing on how strategic upgrades can boost capacity and reliability. Jason Stanek, Executive Director of Government Services at PJM Interconnection, LLC, stated, “There is no energy transition without transmission.” The discussions also covered long-term renewable energy investments and diversification strategies in Maryland, providing insights into sustainable energy solutions that can power the future. Attendees learned about the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, aimed at improving grid resilience and efficiency, and the Operations Pipeline program, which focuses on updating gas mains to ensure safety and reliability.
“Decarbonization is not just a vision; it’s a necessity for our future. This event was designed to drive actionable solutions and strategic investments that will shape the energy landscape in Maryland for decades to come”, said Kathy Magruder, Executive Director at MCEC. “By collaborating across different sectors, we can ensure a resilient and economically beneficial energy transition for all Marylanders.”
Brooke Lierman, Comptroller of Maryland, added, “Climate resilience is such an important part of evaluating our financial future.” Her statement underscores the significance of integrating climate resilience into financial planning to ensure sustainable growth.
Building on that commitment, Comptroller Lierman also enthusiastically announced that Clean Slate Solar, LLC and Pirl Technologies Inc. have been selected to receive funding through the Climate Catalytic Capital (C3) Fund. The C3 Fund’s purpose is to increase implementation of clean energy measures and technologies intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change with 40% of investments supporting Low and Middle Income (LMI) households.
Clean Slate Solar, LLC is a developer focused on community solar for LMI tenants in Maryland and New Jersey. Pirl Technologies Inc. is an early-stage company that develops and sells self-repairable Level 2 EV chargers. These awards demonstrate Maryland’s dedication to supporting innovative companies that are driving the state towards a cleaner, more resilient future.
The knowledge exchanged during the event will influence future policy discussions and guide investment strategies. MCEC will continue collaborating with stakeholders to implement the solutions into action, ensuring Maryland remains a leader in clean energy innovation.
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Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) serves as the state green bank, which offers a broad range of resources to facilitate access to capital through leveraged or direct investment and operates financing programs targeted to serve various consumer audiences and underserved communities. MCEC provides specialized procurement and technical support to facilitate and expedite project implementation.