Clean energy takes focus at ECU Sustainability Symposium

Discussions on the future of clean energy in North Carolina took focus at East Carolina University on May 18 as students, faculty, researchers and industry leaders gathered for the 2026 Sustainability Symposium at the East Carolina Heart Institute.

Hosted by ECU’s Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering in partnership with the N.C. State University Clean Energy Technology Center and the NC Sustainable Energy Association, the symposium explored how industrial solar and clean energy initiatives can support more competitive and economically resilient communities.

Brian Wrenn, director of environmental compliance at Strata Clean Energy, told attendees during his keynote address that the first step in advancing clean energy initiatives is engagement with the community.

Throughout the day, keynote remarks, panel discussions and collaborative exchanges encouraged participants to move beyond concepts and consider practical applications. Sessions addressed industrial solar deployment, energy efficiency and process optimization, energy storage and the role of clean energy infrastructure in supporting economic growth and site development across North Carolina.

Brian Wrenn, director of environmental compliance at Strata Clean Energy, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in advancing clean energy initiatives.

“We have to earn the social license to operate. That means investing in communities and engaging early so residents understand both the opportunities and the trade-offs,” Wrenn said.

He was joined by industry professionals who led panel discussions on industrial solar, energy efficiency and infrastructure partnerships. Speakers included Jason Niemiller of Strata Clean Energy, Stephen Kelly of Hyster-Yale, Matt Abele of the NC Sustainable Energy Association and Pitt County economic development director Kelly Andrews.

Daniel Pate, director of engagement for the NC Sustainable Energy Association, emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing clean energy efforts across the state.

“Events like this are the engine of that momentum, bringing experts and other key stakeholders together to turn shared goals into action,” Pate said.

The symposium reinforced a consistent message that continued progress in clean energy depends not only on innovation, but also on sustained partnerships among industry, academia and local communities.

Part of ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology, the Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering focuses on collaborative research in areas such as sustainable energy and ecological systems. It also partners with industry and organizations on sustainability, waste reduction and pollution prevention in manufacturing, offering workshops and symposiums throughout the year.