Sustainable Northwest’s Fall Energy Symposium 2026
Sustainable Northwest hosted its 11th annual Fall Energy Symposium in Astoria, OR, from September 17th-18th. Over 100 attendees, usually scattered across Oregon, got to come together for the rare opportunity to meet in person instead of through emails and video calls. As always, this amazing event allowed energy experts and local organizations to share their knowledge, successes, program updates, case studies, and roadblocks or needs they are experiencing.
This years symposium was hosted at Fort George Brewery. Photo by: Wy’East RC&D
After the VIP Sustainability Tour of Fort George Brewery, the symposium officially began, with a warm welcome from Bridget Callahan at Sustainable Northwest. We were then able to hear about some local projects and the important work occurring at the North Coast Watersheds Association from its Executive Director, Graham Klag. The rest of the day consisted of three panels, presentations, and Q&As.
Panel 1 discussed Coastal Resilience and what this looks like for various communities along the coast, including tribal communities and tourists.
Panel 2 was titled “The Grid Reimagined.” This panel discussed new challenges that are coming with increased energy demand, the need for reliable and clean energy, and new technologies like Virtual Power Plants (VPPS), as well as opportunities that could help create energy independence and protect the region’s resources, including historic salmon runs that rely on electricity to power protection mechanisms.
Lastly, panel 3 covered project implementation, and panelists presented success stories and examples of how partnerships, fund stacking, and community engagement are instrumental in supporting those in need, meeting goals, and getting projects completed.
There were also two Oregon politicians who attended the event. Mark Gamba, Oregon State Representative of District 41, as well as Joseph Cannon, Mayor of Depoe Bay, OR were both present and got to hear from all of the attendees about the work we are all contributing to in the PNW energy space.
Photos by: Wy’East RC&D
Day two of Symposium was an opportunity to join for two tours of local organizations, the Astoria Co-Op, and Consejo Hispano, which are both taking great steps to increase their energy efficiency and resiliency as a way to support the community members of Astoria.
A big thank you to Sustainable Northwest, Fort George Brewery, and everyone who presented and provided tours for contributing to another successful Energy Symposium!