Global leaders in the energy industry will convene in Houston for CERAWeek later this month. The week-long conference brings together top global energy executives and leading members of the industrial, automotive, manufacturing and technology communities, as well as officials in public policy and finance. 

This year’s theme is Pace of Change: Energy, Climate and Innovation and it “will examine the challenges and opportunities of reducing emissions while supplying the needs of a growing global economy in the era of energy transition.” It’s a timely topic for the conference held annually in Houston as the region looks to position itself as a leader in the global energy transition to a low-carbon future.

Here are five panels to check out during March 7 – 11 at the Hilton Americas – Houston. See registration details to attend CERAWeek.

•    March 7 – Energy Industry Post-COP 26: From What to How?

In 2021, The United Nations brought together world leaders who vowed to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 during the 26th annual Conference of the Parties in Glasgow. In addition, an increasing number of financial institutions and companies have also announced net-zero targets to address the climate crisis.  This panel will dig into the implementation challenges and the critical changes necessary to achieve this goal. There are four speakers on the panel, including Partnership Board Member Gretchen Watkins, President of Shell Oil Company and Executive Vice President of Global Shales. You can read more about this session here.

•    March 8 – Competing for Young Talent in a World of Energy Transition

Industry experts and leaders believe talent is key to success in the energy transition. This panel will discuss how energy companies can compete with other industries fighting for the same science and technology talent. Click here for a list of speakers.

•    March 9 - Repowering Texas’ Energy Future

This discussion will examine how electric regulators can balance reliability and affordability as the Public Utility Commission of Texas redesigns the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market rules after last year’s winter storm. In addition, the panel, which includes Partnership Chair and President and CEO of Calpine Corporation Thad Hill, will discuss opportunities and challenges for new investment in the region and how the industry can restore public trust in the electric grid. 

•    March 10 – Advancing Energy Innovation: Growth of the Ecosystem

This session will explore the critical factors for creating successful clean energy and tech innovation centers. Emily Reichert, CEO of Greentown Labs, will be part of the conversation. Greentown is the largest climatetech startup incubator in North America, which opened its second location in Houston last year.

•    March 10 – Next-Gen Solar: Technologies to Get to the Next Level

Increasing the use of cleaner, renewable energy sources is a critical component in the energy transition. Partnership Board Member John Berger will discuss next-generation technologies that could allow solar to become mainstream. Berger is the President and CEO of Sunnova Energy International, headquartered in Houston.

See Houston’s strategic blueprint for leading the energy transition and learn more about the Partnership’s efforts.