Kleinman Center for Energy Policy

What does "net zero" mean? Kleinman Center Visiting Scholar Niall Mac Dowell explored pledges, energy equity, fossil fuel phaseouts, renewables, and the path to a Paris-aligned future in an event last week moderated by Kleinman Center and Penn Engineering Faculty Member Jennifer Wilcox. Did you miss the event? You can watch the recording here: https://lnkd.in/eDxfyng5

BLOG: As the nuclear fusion industry ramps up its technological, financial, and public momentum, private companies aren’t far from igniting the first constellation of reactors. The deciding factor no longer rests in the physical possibility of fusion, but in the prospect of fueling it. Companies must ensure stable, secure, and predictable fuel streams long before commercialization if they hope to make fusion a reality—else they run the risk of having billion-dollar facilities that can’t turn on. Read more from undergraduate student fellow Tobey Theiding:

“Weather does cause increased demand, and so supply-demand crunch, price goes up. So, the reason that people’s bills are going up so high is that, in part, they’re using more, and, in part, the price that is set by the wholesale market, which is also increasing,” said Shelley Welton, presidential distinguished professor of law and energy policy at University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and the Kleinman Center.

MARCH 25: Visiting Scholar Professor Lindiwe Majele Sibanda delves into the critical intersections of livestock production, sustainable food systems, and regenerative agriculture. Join us for this important lunch lecture:

Residential solar isn’t just about clean energy—it’s also a powerful tool to combat energy insecurity. This new Nature Energy article from Kleinman Center Faculty Director Sanya Carley and co-authors highlights how solar adoption significantly reduces household energy hardships. Check it out! ??

BLOG: The cleantech industry is rapidly evolving in response to regulatory uncertainty, technological advancements, shifting policies, and economic pressures. As the need to invest in water technologies and develop wildfire-resilient energy infrastructure grows, policymakers must adapt strategies to support innovation while navigating regulatory and funding uncertainties, leveraging strategic incentives. Read more from student grant recipient Seung Won (Ashley) Choi:

POLICY DIGEST: Many individual countries pursue climate policies yet are also covered by a broader, overlapping emissions trading system. In our latest policy digest, we explore when such overlapping policies help mitigate climate change, and when they are ineffective or might backfire. Read the research from Arthur van Benthem of The Wharton School, Grischa Perino of the University of Hamburg, and Robert Ritz of the University of Cambridge:

BLOG: Agricultural climate solutions are more complicated than they may seem due to the complex scientific and technological challenges behind measuring soil carbon sequestration. Read more from Jack Miklaucic of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School:

PROUD PENN ALUMNI: A couple weeks ago I was back on campus to participate in Energy Week at Penn, organized by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. Alison Knasin, Ph.D. moderated a discussion on careers in the energy industry, where I spoke alongside fellow Penn alums Kelly-Ann Corrigan of Runwise and Lolita Jackson MBE FRSA of Sustainable Development Capital, LLP (SDCL). My biggest tip to students: learn how to brief complex topics in a concise, digestible, actionable way for senior leadership. I also had a great lunch discussion with undergrads at The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business, visited Perry World House, and sat in on Benjamin L. Schmitt, Ph.D.’s seminar on energy and climate policy focusing on European energy infrastructure. The energy industry continues to be right at the intersection of geopolitics, public policy, and international markets. Thanks to Oscar Serpell, Sonja Lee Chen, Kelly Cleary, Ella Strauss, M.S.Ed., and Sarvelia Peralta-Duran for a great week.

There is still time to get your tickets for the Wharton-Weitzman Future of Cities conference, happening this Friday, February 28th! The Kleinman Center is proud to sponsor this great event. Get more information and your tickets here: