Agrion

Risky Business: Insurance in Renewable Energies

Wednesday July 14th, 8:30am - 11:30am

Cleantech & entrepreneurship investments | Développement Durable / RSE

The technological advancements in the realm of renewable energies in the last ten years has been remarkable. These technologies, however, will not achieve widespread application without the eventuation of parallel systematic changes. Renewable Energy Insurance is a prime example of our societal infrastructure playing catch up to the technology. We thus ask: What facets of mainstream coverage can be appropriated to renewable energies? What unique risks exist in the renewable energy sector and how do we find and/or provide comprehensive coverage with these in mind? How do the risks change based on the technology? How do the risks change based on the stakeholder? What kinds of solutions are being floated surrounding these issues (standardization, energy performance guarantees), and how do we work towards their realization?

8:30am Reception, Networking and Continental Breakfast

8:50am Welcome/Introduction

9:00am Panel Discussion Begins

Risks

What are the risks for renewable energy providers (pollution, theft, property damage) and how are they covered? What types of insurance options are available to renewable energy providers?
What are the risks for manufacturers of renewable energy providers?
What are the risks for builders/contractors?
What are the risks for insurance companies?

Standardization of Insurance

Is there standard documentation for alternative energy insurance?
Is there a risk standardization procedure?
Will standardization of alternative energy insurance positively affect the adoption rate of solar panels, wind mills in the consumer market?
What are the potential drawbacks of standardization? Should there be a one-size-fits-all “renewable energy insurance” solution or should coverage be tailored to each industry/technology (wind turbines, solar panels, ect.)
Standardization in the United States vs. Europe: who is further along?

Coverage for the Customers

What insurance is available for consumers with alternative energy technology attached to their homes?
What are the current risks to consumers with no insurance? How does this affect their relationship with the alternative energy provider? How does it affect the value of their home?

Energy Performance Guarantees

How does an insurance company dictate energy performance guarantees with new technologies that have not gone through a full life-cycle yet?
What are the risks to investors and how do energy performance guarantees help alleviate these?

10:30am End of Panel Discussion: Q&A from the Audience

11:00am Networking

11:30am End of Seminar

Speakers:

Marsh, Mark Fishbaugh, Senior Vice President, US Renewable Energy Practice Leader

Firemans Fund (a company of Allianz), Stephen Bushnell, Senior Director, Emerging Industries

UCLA Law, Sean B. Hecht, Executive Director, Environmental Law Center

California Department of Insurance, Adam M. Cole, General Counsel and Deputy Commissioner

Moderator:

Walsh Carter & Associates Insurance Services LLC, Gordon Bowman-Jones, Director of Market Development, Renewable Energy Practice

Meet the Panel

Location: Garden Court Hotel. 520 Cowper St. in Palo Alto, CA. Room: "Grove III"

Directions: From 101 (North or South): Exit University Avenue, go west. Make a left onto Cowper Street. Hotel is on the right-hand side in first block. From 280 (North or South): Exit Sand Hill Road, head east. Turn right onto Arboretum Road. Make a left onto Palm, which turns into University Avenue. Turn right onto Cowper Street. Hotel is on the right side in first block.