Heatmap | Energy Entrepreneurship 2025

Which solutions are truly delivering results? Where is capital flowing, and why? How can entrepreneurs and policymakers align to drive progress?

During the inaugural DC Climate Week, Heatmap News will convene cross-industry leaders to explore strategies that leverage policy, finance, and technology to meet business and consumer needs while addressing climate challenges.

Against the backdrop of shifting politics and global market dynamics, this event will reimagine energy and climate solutions with an emphasis on efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness. We’ll explore how energy entrepreneurship can thrive while fostering American innovation and economic growth.

Whether you’re driving innovation, shaping policy, or deploying capital, you'll gain actionable insights and valuable connections to navigate the evolving energy landscape. Join us on Thursday, May 1, for a candid conversation on what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next for energy entrepreneurship.

AS WE ENTER A NEW ERA OF ENERGY INNOVATION, IT'S TIME FOR A REALITY CHECK.

Which solutions are truly delivering results? Where is capital flowing, and why? How can entrepreneurs and policymakers align to drive progress?

The energy industry stands at a pivotal moment, with U.S. electricity demand projected to grow by 5% over the next five years driven by EV adoption, domestic manufacturing, and data centers. As utilities grapple with this unprecedented growth alongside grid reliability challenges, virtual power plants (VPPs) are emerging as a crucial solution for maintaining reliable, affordable energy supply while supporting the transition to clean energy.

This new report from EnergyHub explores how leading utilities are leveraging VPPs to build grid flexibility through real-world case studies and expert insights. It also examines key technology trends like AI-driven predictive analytics, as well as the regulatory and technical developments needed to unlock VPPs' full potential in creating a more resilient and sustainable grid.

Inside the free paper you’ll find:

How utilities are evolving beyond basic demand response to deploy cross-DER VPPs
Case studies from leading utilities like APS and Ontario IESO demonstrating successful VPP deployments
Expert insights on the role of AI and predictive analytics in optimizing VPP performance and reliability
Critical barriers and opportunities for scaling VPPs
A detailed comparison of VPPs versus traditional power plants

8:00–8:50am: Check-in & Networking

Enjoy coffee and breakfast while connecting with fellow attendees before the program begins.

9:00–9:10am: Welcome Remarks from Heatmap

Gabe Kleinman, Operating Partner, Venture Investing, Emerson Collective
Nico Lauricella, CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Heatmap News

9:10–9:45am: Opening Keynote: Building From Bipartisanship

In this Keynote Fireside Chat, Senator John Hickenlooper and Senator John Curtis will sit down with a Heatmap journalist for a frank discussion on the opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive in the era of Energy Dominance. The conversation will zero in specifically on addressing the real needs of people and businesses, building narratives rooted in those needs, and how bipartisan federal policy and funding will support it.

Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Senator John Curtis (R-UT)
Moderated by Robinson Meyer, Executive Editor, Heatmap News

9:45–10:30am: Panel: Nailing the Narrative, From Main Street to Washington

The word “environment” enjoys healthy bipartisan support while “environmentalism” is deeply polarizing. “Energy independence,” “American competitiveness,” and “jobs” are in while “decarbonization” and “sustainability” have lost their luster. And yet a majority of American consumers and businesses want the same thing: faster, cheaper, better products and services that fuel resilient communities, personal economies, and a healthy environment. How do we frame our collective work – from business development pitches to permitting processes – in ways that resonate, build trust, and deliver tangible outcomes?

Heather Reams, President, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions
Gabe Kleinman, Operating Partner, Venture Investing, Emerson Collective
George Whitesides, U.S. Representative (CA-27)
More to be announced

10:30–10:45am: Lightning Talk

Speakers To Be Announced.

10:45–11:15am: Coffee Break & Networking

A short pause for attendees to grab coffee, refreshments, and network before the next session.

11:15–11:35am: Keynote: Charting America’s Energy Future

As the energy landscape continues to evolve, this keynote will explore key priorities, challenges, and opportunities shaping the nation's energy future. The discussion will highlight the role of technology innovation, private sector investment, and policy in driving economic growth and energy security.

11:35–12:15pm: A New Era of Corporate-Startup Partnerships

Amid evolving policy landscapes, leading tech companies are demonstrating the power of the private sector to meet sustainability goals and build a resilient and cost competitive climate tech ecosystem. In this session we’ll hear from a tech giant that is leveraging their resources, expertise, and global reach to identify, pilot, and scale climate tech solutions that are both sustainable and economically viable. We’ll showcase successful collaborations that are driving decarbonization across sectors and offer valuable insights into the future of startup-corporate partnerships in a globally competitive market.

Lisbeth Kaufman, Head of Climate Tech Business Development, Startups & VC, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Clay Sell, CEO, X-Energy
More to be announced

12:15pm–12:20pm: Closing Remarks

Gabe Kleinman, Operating Partner, Venture Investing, Emerson Collective
Nico Lauricella, CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Heatmap News

12:20–2:00pm: Networking Lunch

Close out the program with lunch and conversation with fellow attendees.

Energy Entrepreneurship 2025

Energy Entrepreneurship 2025

Initial Speakers

John Curtis

John Hickenlooper

Gabe Kleinman

Nico Lauricella

Lisbeth Kaufman

Robinson Meyer

Heather Reams

Clay Sell

George Whitesides

Agenda

Event Details

REGISTER

VENUE

Convene Hamilton Square

600 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

CONTACT