Renewable and new energy companies, advocates and leaders are gathering in Colorado Springs this week to discuss the world’s energy future.

The third-annual Global New Energy Summit began Sunday at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs and will draw innovators, experts, scientists and investors, said organizer David Blivin.

“What makes the summit unique is that it’s not just about renewables,” Blivin said. “It’s about new innovations in old technologies and how the industries are all interconnected through policy, science and capital investments.”

The event is open to the public and anyone interested in learning about new energy development, Blivin said.

It draws experts and companies from around the world and highlights global energy discussion while also having a region focus for Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico, Blivin said.

“It just happens that a lot of the national and international leaders in new energy are based here,” Blivin said. “As a result, we feel this event becomes a great catalyst for activity and growth on a local level.”

The conference features speakers from the science, governmental and policy-making, and financing worlds to discuss the future of older energy technologies like natural gas as well as the potential and possibilities for developing new renewable technologies like solar, Blivin said.

Among the sessions at the event, Blivin said he expects solar to feature prominently. Representatives from Solaria and Ascent Solar among other will be present, he said. They will participate in discussions about the global marketplace and solar energy development opportunities and trends. They will also discuss smart grids and infrastructure demands here and abroad as well as the need for improved energy transmission systems if the country is going to develop more renewable energy sources like solar.

“One of the biggest events will be the laboratories,” Blivin said. “They will be presenting their emerging technologies and some of their innovations.”

The conference also provides sessions on how to commercialize those new energy products and get them into the market, Blivin said.

“We’ll be discussing integration and how some of these energy sources can be compatible,” Blivin said. “Solar is a big part of that—solar and energy storage.”

Conference registration began Sunday and the event lasts through Tuesday afternoon when former Colorado governor Bill Ritter will speak about the region’s new energy potential.

Pictured: The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo.