A few days ago I attended a Young Professionals in Energy event in San Francisco, sponsored by Pacific Gas & Electric. A panel of leaders within the renewable energy field were on hand to answer questions from the audience.

David Hochschild, VP of External Relations at Solaria moderated a session featuring Dr. Jeffery Greenblatt, Climate and Energy Technology Manager at Google.org, Sheldon Kimber, VP of Finance at Recurrent Energy, and Hal LaFlash, Director of Emerging Clean Technology Policy at PG&E.

Each panelist was given a ten minute slot to address the topic of achieving grid parity with renewable energy. What followed was a lively discussion based on questions posed by the moderator and members of the audience. Topics ranged from energy policy to power purchase agreements to feed-in tariffs. While the panelists didn't always agree with one another, their contrasting opinions were likely valuable for members of the audience.

One such clashing of opinions was in regard to the feasibility of feed-in tariffs for California. Would a plan of attack like Germany's generous feed-in tariff's be appropriate? Kimber argued that although he fully supports the advancement of renewable energy, feed-in tariffs may not be the best option. He said that subsidizing renewable energy development for utility companies can remove competitive forces, which are necessary not to only drive down cost, but also to promote more efficient technology. While the other two panelists may not have agreed, having an open discussion can produce a better solution. A closer examination of "green" incentives should yield a better plan of action, as not all well-meaning ideas are the most effective.

Young Professionals in Energy is a global non-profit energy industry networking organization that seeks to "foster an environment where members can learn from each other's experiences," and this was no exception. By assembling professionals with contrasting opinions and backgrounds within the same industry, attendees come away with a deeper understanding of challenges to achieving grid parity. Whether the struggle is on a community or international level, it is far more helpful if proponents for renewable energy can successfully work together.

All too often it seems that individuals in favor of greener practices cannot come to terms on just how to accomplish their goals. Climate change isn't waiting for anyone's approval, so our inability to act cooperatively in a timely fashion only hurts us. I believe that a willingness to share opinions and educate one another is our best bet for combating the consequences of our own mistakes. In the true spirit of an upcoming Obama administration, partnership of public and private entities will be hauled to the forefront of strategy, and with any luck, we'll get somewhere this time.

The event was organized by Young Professionals in Energy's Bay Area chapter.