E2Tech was founded as a small, volunteer-driven organization representing Maine's environmental and energy technology companies, nonprofits, educational institutions and government agencies, as well as businesses interested in becoming more sustainable. The work was to be done by periodic convenings to collect and develop ideas to boost the sector,... and forums and panels on energy and environmental topics of the day, focusing especially on the more difficult and challenging issues. The first forum was held in 2002, in the basement of the Portland Public Library, drawing about 30 people. Since then, we've graduated from the basement, and held more than 250 forums, tours, networking events and panels on many topics, including electric grid modernization, PFAS, aquaculture, electric vehicles, solar, building energy efficiency, nuclear energy and many other fields. If it's a potential lever for business growth that hinges on clean environmental and energy technology, E2Tech has likely put together a panel to discuss it, usually while consuming gallons of coffee. Along the way, membership has grown steadily. E2Tech now has more than 325 member companies comprising about 5,000 individual members. This group includes energy and environmental engineers, consultants and scientists, together with attorneys, architects, bankers, MBAs, salespeople, activists, educators and regulators, all joining together to advance Maine's clean-tech economy. Forum topics are developed by the all-volunteer Program Committee, which any council member can join. This leads to balanced discussion, and is our way of keeping the pulse of the marketplace, as well as to learn what roadblocks to Maine's economic growth in the energy and environmental sector exist and need to be addressed.Read More