April 28–29, 2026 | Milwaukee, WI
CO2NNECT is a flagship convening series of the Great Plains Institute (GPI), bringing together leaders across technology, energy, finance, and policy to shape the next era of carbon management and clean-firm power. CO2NNECT has created trusted, solutions-oriented spaces where decision makers collaborate across sectors to accelerate the deployment of technologies that reduce emissions while ensuring reliable, affordable energy.

Since launching in 2018, each CO2NNECT convening explores a regional lens on the rapidly evolving clean energy economy—connecting developers, policy makers, investors, nonprofit organizations, labor leaders, and community partners to align priorities and enable near-term project deployment. Following the success of CO2NNECT 2025 in Austin, Texas, the 2026 convening will turn to the Midwest under the theme:

Building Clean-Firm Power Markets for Data-Driven Growth 

As electricity demands surges—driven by AI, data centers, electrification, and industrial expansion—clean, dispatchable, low-carbon power is essential. CO2NNECT 2026 will focus on how market design, policy tools, and cross-sector partnerships can support scalable clean-firm deployment while protecting affordability and reliability. 

See the 2026 Agenda:

11:30 AM Guest arrival & check-In
12:00 PM Networking lunch
1:00 PM Opening keynote

Confirmed Speaker:

  • Angela Navarro – President, Align Energy Advisors
1:30 PM Clean firm pathways and projects in the Midwest

Confirmed Speakers:

  • Jessie Stolark – Executive Director, Carbon Capture Coalition
  • Jon Ford – Executive Director, Indiana Office of Energy Development
  • Giancarlo De Franco – Sales Engineer & Integration Manager, Energy Dome
3:00 PM Networking break
3:30 PM How do data centers affect electricity prices?

Confirmed Speaker:

  • Charles Hua – Executive Director, Powerlines
4:00 PM An Atlas of Natural Gas Power with Carbon Capture and Storage – presentation & discussion

Confirmed Speakers:

  • Ryan Kammer – Research Manager, Great Plains Institute
  • Brian Gallagher – Carbon Capture System Integration Leader, GE Power
  • Sarah Saltzer – Managing Director of SCCS, Energy Science & Engineering, Stanford University
  • Patrice Lahlum – Vice President, Industrial Innovation & Carbon Management, Great Plains Institute (moderator)
5:00 PM Adjourn
7:30 AM Breakfast & networking
8:30 AM Environmental attribute certificates: unlocking investment in low-carbon technologies

Confirmed Speakers:

  • Ben Gerber – President & CEO, Clean Counts
  • Barbara McBride – Director, Strategic Origination and Development, Calpine
9:30 AM De-risking CCS: enabling projects and building state momentum

Confirmed Speakers:

  • Jim Walsh – Senior Vice President, Client Executive, Marsh
10:00 AM Networking Break
10:30 AM Making data and energy infrastructure work for workers and communities

Confirmed Speakers:

  • Kevin Pranis – Marketing Manager, LIUNA Minnesota & North Dakota
  • Bridget Williams – Policy Coordinator, Energy Systems, Great Plains Institute
  • Alejandro Calderon – Labor Engagement Manager, Great Plains Institute (moderator)
11:30 PM Scaling clean-firm power in the Midwest

Confirmed Speaker:

  • Doug Scott – Chair, Illinois Commerce Commission
12:00 PM Lunch

*all times listed are in local time (CST).

At a glance:

When: April 28–29, 2026 (noon to noon)
Where: Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
Milwaukee, WI
Register now!

Here’s what you can expect:

At CO2NNECT 2026, participants can expect interactive discussions and opportunities to engage in the following topics:

  • Clean-firm power for a data-driven future: Explore how geothermal, natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS), storage-paired resources, and nuclear can meet rising digital and industrial loads while reducing emissions.
  • Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs): Assess how EACs and related market instruments can incentivize clean-firm generation and provide transparent pathways for corporate buyers, including data centers, seeking verifiable decarbonization.
  • Affordability and reliability in transition: Discuss how utilities, regulators, and investors can scale clean-firm capacity while maintaining grid reliability and protecting ratepayers.
  • Data centers and load growth: Examine both the opportunities and infrastructure challenges associated with rapid load growth. Identify policies that align large new loads with clean, firm generation and regional decarbonization goals.

Hear what people said about our previous events:

"Great conference to discuss the future of carbon capture along with the associated labor and financial challenges. Plenty of thoughtful people and engaging conversations."
“The most inclusive, thought provoking and harmonious event! I enjoyed the experience!”
“CO2NNECT was an excellent opportunity to discover more ways to communicate about carbon capture and storage and to connect with other key players in the carbon management space.”
"The conference was very well organized, including the arrangement of content in order of topic-relatedness, relevancy, and timeliness, appreciated the well-thought-out schedule of breaks and meals, and loved that the conference was held on the same property as the rooms. Very well done!!"

Why Attend?

Attending CO2NNECT provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with senior leaders shaping clean-firm market design and infrastructure investment across the Midwest and beyond. 

Participants will:

  • Advance shared understanding of clean-firm policy and market frameworks
  • Learn how EACs can catalyze market pull for low-carbon, dispatchable power
  • Support long-term planning for infrastructure, reliability, and emissions reduction
  • Build cross-sector relationships that enable near-term project deployment

This one-day program, staggered over two days, is intentionally designed to maximize meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes among approximately 100 members of the public. 

For event updates, email Bridget Callaghan at [email protected].

Sponsorship Information:

Sponsoring CO2NNECT 2026 positions your organization at the center of a focused, implementation-oriented forum shaping the evolution of clean-firm power markets in the Midwest and across the US.

Sponsors benefit from:

  • Direct engagement with decision makers responsible for power system planning, regulatory oversight, and federal and state energy programs
  • Credible visibility alongside utilities, policy makers, labor, and solution providers advancing reliable, affordable, and clean energy
  • Association with pragmatic, nonpartisan solutions, including carbon management and clean-firm resources that support economic growth and grid reliability
  • Relationship-building in a curated setting designed for candid discussion, peer exchange, and collaboration rather than sales or advocacy

CO2NNECT sponsorships also support the Great Plains Institute’s mission-driven, nonpartisan work to advance practical climate and energy solutions through cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more about sponsoring the event

FAQ

  • Will there be a virtual option for the event? No, CO2NNECT will be entirely in person. There will not be an option for virtual engagement.
  • Is there any information about past events? Yes, check out our past event summaries from 2023, 2024, or 2025.
  • Is funding available to help those facing financial barriers participate? Yes, we have limited scholarship funding available to reimburse travel or lodging costs. If you are interested in pursuing this option, please email Carrie Danner at [email protected].
  • Is there a room block available? Yes, for more information, view the event’s registration page or email Carrie Danner at [email protected].
  • Other questions? Reach out to Bridget Callaghan, Senior Engagement Manager at [email protected].