Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates

Name: Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates
Start: 2026-04-22T16:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-04-22T18:00:00+00:00

While much of the U.S. energy transition conversation centers on mild-climate states like California, the physics and economics of decarbonization look very different in colder regions.

Heating loads spike, infrastructure strains, building retrofits... The policies and technical solutions that work in California don’t always translate to places where winters are long and temperatures drop well below freezing.

During SF Climate Week, join Graham Woolley for an exploration of the emerging challenges of managing the energy transition in cold climates. He will briefly touch on the power and transportation sectors, before focusing more deeply on the buildings sector—where the barriers to electrification are often most pronounced.

The discussion will also examine how the regulatory landscape may need to evolve to enable effective decarbonization strategies in colder regions.

Expect a thoughtful, technically grounded conversation for those interested in understanding how the physics, the economics, and therefore the politics of decarbonization look different outside California.

_________

Graham Woolley, Senior Consultant, 5 Lakes Energy

Graham Woolley is a Senior Consultant at 5 Lakes Energy, where he focuses on utility regulatory intervention to advance clean energy policy and lower barriers to building and vehicle electrification. Graham works at the intersection of energy systems, regulation, and decarbonization strategy. Outside work, he loves raves, nature, endurance sports, physics, and can happily nerd out about almost anything. _________

By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of SF Climate Week.

About Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates in San Francisco

Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates is a free independent taking place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at San Francisco. Attendance is free — register to secure your spot. Currently 77 people have registered out of 77 spots. The event runs for approximately 2 hours.

Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates — key details

Date:: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time:: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (America/Los_Angeles)
Duration:: 2 hours
Location:: San Francisco
Price:: Free
Format:: In-person
Attending:: 77 registered

What to expect at Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates

Join this independent over 2 hours for an engaging session of learning, discussion, and networking with fellow attendees.

Who should attend Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates?

This independent in San Francisco is ideal for:

sustainability and climate tech professionals

Why attend?

Free to attend — no financial commitment required
Join 77+ other attendees in a vibrant community gathering

San Francisco event — April 2026

This afternoon independent is part of the growing events scene in San Francisco. Whether you're based in San Francisco or visiting for the independent, it's a great opportunity to connect with the local community. Browse more upcoming events in San Francisco on Rifio.

Topics and categories

Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates covers topics including Climate, SF Climate Week 2026. Find similar events by browsing these topics on Rifio.

Frequently asked questions about Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates

When is Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates?: Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates takes place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (America/Los_Angeles).
Where is Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates held?: Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates takes place at San Francisco.
How much does Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates cost?: Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates is free to attend. Register on the event page to secure your spot.
How many people are attending Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates?: 77 people have registered so far out of 77 available spots.
How do I register for Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates?: You can register for Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates through the original event page on Luma. Click the "View on Luma" button above, or save it to your Rifio account to get reminders.
How long is Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates?: Beyond California: Tackling the Unique Challenges of Decarbonizing Cold Climates runs for approximately 2 hours, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (America/Los_Angeles).