Cocoa, FL – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has announced plans for the 2011 Florida Energy Summit, which will be held October 26 through October 28 in Orlando. Commissioner Putnam made the announcement during a visit to the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa, where he explored the research and development of energy technologies to advance the production of biomass, hydrogen, fuel cell and solar energy.
“The Florida Energy Summit will advance the expansion of the production of renewable energy in Florida by bringing together leaders in energy development, agriculture production, government, academic research, technology and finance,” said Commissioner Putnam. “By taking a more comprehensive look at prospective energy resources, we will gain a better understanding of Florida’s energy potential to not only capture, but also capitalize on the rich resources available.”
The Florida Energy Summit, a three-day conference hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, will bring bright minds from across the state and around the nation to discuss the latest advancements in energy conservation and the future of renewable energy in Florida. Visit www.floridaenergysummit.com to learn more information about registration, sponsorship opportunities and hotel reservations.
The summit replaces the Farm to Fuel Summit, an annual event hosted by DACS since 2006 for the exchange of ideas among agriculture and biofuel industries. During the 2011 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature transferred the responsibilities of the Florida Energy and Climate Commission to DACS, creating the Department’s Office of Energy. With this addition, DACS is expanding its role in the energy sector to encompass not only agricultural based fuels, but also all renewable energy and conservation activities.
The primary duties of the Office of Energy are to administer any state and federal energy incentive programs, to promote the development and use of renewable energy resources, to promote energy conservation in all energy sectors and to provide assistance to other state agencies, counties, municipalities and regional planning agencies to further and promote their energy planning activities.