The Renewable Energy Gala in Denver on Tuesday, May 10 will combine a festive atmosphere, jazz, hors d’oeuvres and meaningful conversations about solar energy development, renewable energy investment and the town that’s taking its energy future into its own hands.

The Renewable Energy Initiative, a nonprofit focused on increasing private investment in the renewable energy sector, will award $2,500 and a ride in the new Tesla electric vehicle to the winner of its renewable energy commercial contest. Students from around the country submitted 30-second commercials urging people to invest their retirement funds in renewable energy.

The submissions were excellent, said Ken Beitel, the nonprofit’s advisory board chair.
He said the commercial will have its world premier at the gala.

“The gala will be a celebration of renewable energy,” Beitel said.

In addition to the award presentation and commercial premier, several prominent speakers are scheduled, including Jack Whittier, senior technologist for CH2M Hill, who will speak about Masdar City in the United Arab Emerites. Masdar City is a cutting-edge 100 percent net-zero city, powered largely by solar.

Ken Regleson with Five Star will also present the clean grid city proposal for Boulder, Colo.

The proposal is expected to be one of the key topics of conversation at the gala, Beitel said.

Boulder city council voted in 2010 to sever its franchise agreement with Xcel and take its energy future into its own hands. Movers and shakers aim to take the town from 10 percent renewable energy to 51 percent by 2015 and perhaps on to 80 percent by 2020, Beitel said.

“What’s really impressive is that there are engineering studies showing they could actually do it,” Beitel said.

Other speakers at the event include J.W. Postal with Main Street Power, who will discuss innovative large-scale solar, and Todd Marshal with Trust Advisors, who will talk about renewable energy funds, among others.

The second key discussion Beitel expects at the gala is one about renewable energy investment. If more employers offered a renewable energy 401(k) choice, it could boost private investment and infuse the renewable power industry with $350 billion, according to The Initiative’s figures.

"The Gala also marks the launch of National Clean Energy Month,” Beitel said, “a celebration of America's renewable energy sector, fast electric cars and investment in a bright future."

Pictured: A lucky winner will take a spin in one of these.