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The Arizona Leadership Summit on Solar Energy and Economics will address the role solar energy will play in the generation of new jobs and economic growth for Arizona.

By Johnny Cruz, University Communications
January 7, 2009

Leaders from industry, education and government will convene in Phoenix later this week to discuss the role solar energy will play in the generation of new jobs and economic growth for Arizona.

The Arizona Leadership Summit on Solar Energy and Economics – taking place Thursday and Friday – is a high-level gathering of stakeholders who are vested in Arizona's future growth.

The event is being organized by the Arizona Research Institute for Solar Energy, based at The University of Arizona, in cooperation with Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, and will feature regional and national experts on energy policy and sustainability.

UA President Robert N. Shelton will deliver opening remarks during Friday's morning session titled "Setting the State: Arizona's Energy Challenge."

Gen. Wesley K. Clark will deliver the keynote address on Thursday. He will discuss the importance that renewable energy has in reducing the country's dependence on foreign oil and the role solar energy has in the nation's renewable energy portfolio.

The goal of the summit is to provide public and private sector leaders with a fuller understanding of the economic potential solar energy holds for Arizona, and to forge the collaboration needed for Arizona to play a lead role in solar energy.

A special feature of the summit will be the presentation of economic models and policy developments necessary to transform the state into an energy independent and thriving economy. The policy reports are being prepared and reviewed by experts throughout the state.

Other speakers and facilitators at the summit include:

• William Post, chairman and CEO, Pinnacle West Corp.
• Steve Inskeep, host of "Morning Edition," National Public Radio
• Nathan Lewis, George J. Argyros professor of chemistry, California Institute of Technology
• David Ozment, energy director, Wal-Mart
• Michael J. Ahearn, CEO, First Solar

The Summit has been organized through a statewide collaboration that includes the UA, ASU, NAU, University of Phoenix, Arizona Public Service Company, Tucson Electric Power, General Plasma, Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities Inc., Arizona Public Media and Cox Communications. The Arizona Research Institute for Solar Energy has played a key role in driving the summit's organization.