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The Green Power Leadership Awards (GPLAs) are the oldest and most coveted competitive awards in the renewable energy industry. They recognize outstanding leadership in the field by individuals and organizations that are driving green power development and adoption. They are presented by Center for Resource Solutions and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the annual Renewable Energy Markets conference.

 

Congratulations 2024 GPLA Winners

The nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) presented the 2024 Green Power Leadership Awards on September 17th, 2024, awarding two organizations and two individuals for their roles in promoting and expanding the use of clean, renewable energy. The awards were presented during the Renewable Energy Markets 2024 conference in Denver in the categories of Market Development, Leadership in Education, and Leader of the Year.

“This year’s Green Power Leadership Award winners are helping ensure communities close to home and globally are benefitting from increased energy equity,” said Jennifer Martin, executive director of CRS, which co-presents the annual awards with the U.S. EPA. “These leaders are promoting the benefits of clean energy for underserved communities, while also ensuring that the largest corporate buyers are doing their share to increase renewable procurement and drive increased adoption.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also awarded Green Power Leadership Awards to four winners. More information about U.S. EPA’s awards is available at the U.S. EPA’s Green Power Leadership Awards page.

Center for Resource Solutions Awards

MARKET DEVELOPMENT

Microsoft Corporation

Microsoft demonstrates leadership in sustainability through innovative energy procurement and community partnerships. The Skyward Community Solar project in Oregon allocates 10% of its 2.5 MW output to low-income households, reducing their energy bills. Microsoft’s projects in Mississippi and Illinois, in partnership with Clearloop, support under-resourced communities and local economic development. A notable partnership and equity PPA with Volt Energy resulted in a 250-MW solar project portfolio, emphasizing environmental justice. Microsoft’s “Environmental Justice in Renewable Energy Procurement” whitepaper—and EJ grants to organizations that advance climate readiness, economic opportunity, and health and wellbeing in their communities—highlights its commitment to equitable clean energy solutions.

Montgomery County Green Bank

Montgomery County Green Bank excels in expanding green power markets within Montgomery County. Its portfolio of clean energy projects has grown to $73.5 million, including the $13 million Seneca Village Apartments solar project, the County’s largest. Recent recognition from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund highlights MCGB’s role in national clean energy investments, focusing on underserved communities. Through strategic collaborations and innovative financing solutions, MCGB addresses barriers to clean energy adoption, creating jobs and supporting commercial energy improvements. MCGB’s ongoing efforts solidify its position as a leader in clean energy financing and market development.

LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION

Doug Miller, Energy Peace Partners and Zero Labs

Doug Miller is an educator and innovator in clean energy procurement. At the Clean Energy Buyers Alliance, he developed guidance on enhancing energy attribute certificates and wrote the industry’s response to revisions to the GHG Protocol revision, SEC Climate-related Disclosure Rule, and FTC Green Guides. At Energy Web, he executed the first corporate transactions of EACs using blockchain. As a co-founder of Zero Labs, Doug has expanded clean energy access globally, increasing demand by 200,000+ MWh. His work with Energy Peace Partners promotes clean energy in fragile countries. In 2023, he secured policymaker support for adopting the I-REC Standard in Kenya, showcasing his global impact on energy education and market expansion.
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LEADER OF THE YEAR

Rob Threlkeld

This year’s Leader of the Year is Rob Threlkeld. With over two decades of energy industry experience, Rob leads GM’s global energy strategy for a zero-emission future. His “4-Pillar” approach focuses on energy efficiency, sourcing renewable energy, implementing resiliency solutions, and supporting policies and regulations that incentivize greater renewable energy adoption. Under his leadership, GM has sourced nearly 1.5GW of renewable energy across the US, including 800MW in Michigan. Rob co-founded initiatives like the Clean Energy Buyers Association and Virtual Power Plant Partnership, promoting grid decarbonization. His technical expertise, leadership, vision, and countless contributions to the advancement of renewable energy for a sustainable future distinguish him as an extraordinary leader in the green energy industry.

 

U.S. EPA Awards

Microsoft Corporation, MilliporeSigma, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Signature Aviation

 

Releases

For more information about the EPA Awards, visit www.epa.gov/greenpower/green-power-leadership-awards or contact Bailey Rosen at Rosen.Bailey@epa.gov.

No endorsement by the EPA is intended or implied.