During March 3-7, 2008, I had the opportunity to attend the 2008 Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC), touted to be the largest international conference on renewable energy in the world. WIREC was actually three events rolled into one—a ministerial conference for policy makers, a business conference, and a tradeshow. Most everyone involved in renewable energy was there.

From the size and the diversity of the corporate landscape represented at the panels and on the tradeshow floor, it was obvious that companies in every industry want to be considered committed players in the renewable energy space.

BP, among the largest oil companies in the world, paid $1 million to be the lead sponsor of this three-day event. Other non-traditional green companies, including oil major Chevron, waste-to-energy power company Covanta Energy, and auto maker GM, were also principal sponsors.

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