Two energy generating companies have signed on to be host utilities for HYDROVISION International 2020, which will be located in Minneapolis, Minn. U.S., this July: Minnesota Power and Xcel Energy.
Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE Inc., provides electricity in a 26,000-square-mile service territory in northeastern Minnesota. The company generates electricity using several technologies, including hydropower, coal, biomass, wind and natural gas.
Minnesota Power has moved from an energy supply that was about 5% renewable in 2005 to one that is about 30% renewable in 2019 and is expected to be 50% renewable by 2021. The utility owns and operates 10 hydro stations with a total capacity of 115.4 MW.
Xcel Energy provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight western and midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. Nearly 40% of the electricity Xcel Energy produced in 2018 came from carbon-free sources. The company plans to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2030 and has a vision of delivering 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.
In total, the company has more than 18,000 MW of generating capacity. Xcel Energy owns and operates 26 hydro plants with a capacity of 610 MW.
HYDROVISION International is the world’s largest hydro industry event, with well over 3,000 attendees and more than 300 exhibiting companies anticipated from more than 50 countries. The event highlights perspectives on the role of hydropower, explores issues affecting hydro resources, and helps participants develop a vision to meet challenges and ensure the future sustainability of hydro.
HYDROVISION International’s conference program features 42 sessions over two full days. These include panel presentation sessions, technical paper presentations, and poster galleries. An additional up to 42 sessions will take place in Knowledge Hubs in the exhibit hall and are open to all attendees.
In addition, the event features two high-level sessions of interest to all attendees, an opening keynote on Tuesday and a utility executive roundtable on Thursday.
For additional information about HYDROVISION International, scheduled for July 14-16, visit www.hydroevent.com.
