Business View Magazine - Nov 2023

87 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 11 ACORE was the first organization dedicated to expanding the U.S. pan-renewable economy, and today its members are responsible for 90 percent of America’s booming utility-scale renewable energy capacity growth. On an annual basis, ACORE convenes conferences focused on renewable energy policy, renewable energy financing, and the electric grid: three major areas that shape and advance renewable energy innovation and development in America. ACORE Former President and CEO Gregory Wetstone recently shared more. “In 2022,” Wetstone informs, “ACORE proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary. For more than two decades, ACORE has sought to unite finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy economy.” He adds that during the first 20 years of ACORE’s existence, nearly 260 gigawatts of renewable energy were deployed in the United States, and the renewable energy sector attracted nearly $600 billion in private investment. Along the way, ACORE has earned a sterling reputation, producing high-quality research and policy analysis, hosting best-in-class events, and serving as the focal point for collaborative advocacy across the renewable energy sector. Wetstone continues that ACORE’s membership is perhaps its greatest strength, as it was truly the first organization to unite companies from across the technology and transaction space to promote the broad expansion of the renewable energy economy. “Our members include the full range of renewable energy technologies: onshore and offshore wind, solar, hydro, hydrogen, storage, etc.,” he informs, “and hail from all aspects of the renewable transaction space, including tax equity investors, lenders, developers of projects and transmission, manufacturers, corporate buyers, you name it. If they are part of a renewable energy deal, they are in the mix at ACORE.” Companies participate in ACORE to be a part of that network, gain perspective and information from its policy and research experts, and leverage those relationships and insights to help grow their businesses, as Wetstone reveals. “We are the ear to the ground for many companies,” he says, “and we stay in close contact.” Wetstone informs that ACORE is a small group, composed of just about 30 full- time staffers. However, as he adds: “We punch way above our weight class. The size of our staff also allows us the benefit of staying nimble. Our members help guide our policy priorities each year, which include an emphasis on implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (or IRA), project finance, trade policy, transmission and market issues, siting and permitting reform, sustainable investing, workforce development and ongoing efforts to accelerate a just transition to a renewable energy economy.” A brighter, greener, and more sustainable future Wetstone also looked into his metaphorical crystal ball. How will ACORE continue doing what it does for the long years ahead? The future, he says, is a bright one. ACORE