In 2022, representatives from Advanced Energy United had the privilege of attending the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE)’s 45th Annual National Conference in Tampa, Florida. Founded in 1977, AABE boasts a membership of 1,600 energy professionals in over 39 chapters nationwide, representing every corner of the energy industry.

We came away from the conference feeling inspired by the warmth, openness, and generosity of spirit that filled every room. It was one of the best conferences we had ever attended. But we also couldn’t help noticing that, with only a few exceptions, the advanced energy industry and our member companies were largely missing. That realization stuck with us.

A consistent theme running through AABE’s work is equity in the energy transition, especially the importance of engaging Black communities and other historically disadvantaged groups, who have too often been left behind in our economy. Building those connections in culturally relevant and meaningful ways is essential to ensuring that everyone can share in the opportunities of a clean energy future.

We left Tampa knowing we had work to do. We needed to show up as an advanced energy industry, expand our organization’s own participation, and drive our members to engage with the AABE community.

To foster a stronger partnership with the AABE community and enhance the presence and engagement of the advanced energy industry at AABE’s events, in 2023, we developed and introduced the Advanced Energy Coalition sponsorship to support AABE’s National Conference.

In our inaugural year of sponsorship, we engaged seven of our member companies, including DNV, Key Capture Energy, LS Power, Microsoft, Sunrun, Utilidata, and SunPower, and have continued to expand participation in subsequent years, adding NRG, GoodLeap, Monarch Strategic Ventures, Pattern Energy, and CTC Global.

From the beginning, this partnership has gone far beyond financial sponsorship. Executives from Advanced Energy United and our member companies now actively participate in AABE’s annual conference, contributing to panels, sharing insights from the stage, and engaging directly in the important conversations shaping the future of energy equity.

We’re proud to share that, in part due to our growing involvement with AABE over the years, there have been great improvements in the representation and visibility of the clean energy industry in a critical space where Advanced Energy United was previously absent.

We look forward to further deepening our engagement through more collaborative conversations with AABE, continuing to encourage our member companies and staff to actively participate and support AABE initiatives, and keeping up the momentum we have built towards an equitable energy transition.