Tulane will host global experts on key opportunities and Louisiana’s role in the energy future | Sponsor: Tulane University

Last year, several Tulane University faculty members joined other academics, industry leaders, legal scholars and more for a one-day symposium on the future of the energy sector in Louisiana and beyond. The meeting brought together many people from all over the state, as well as experts from other states and many Tulane alumni.

This high level of interest showed university leaders that there was a need for further discussion of this topic. As a result, the upcoming three-day Future of Energy Forum has been announced, to be held November 13-15 on the campus on the outskirts of Tulane. The event has been extended until 2024, with multiple sessions planned and approximately 70 speakers from around the world scheduled to attend.

“Energy influences every aspect of modern life; his future is the future of all of us,” said Tulane University President Michael A. Fitts. “The Future of Energy Forum at Tulane will bring together leaders from politics, business, science and society to engage in vital discussions that will shape the energy systems of tomorrow. Together we will find solutions to meet the world’s energy needs while ensuring prosperity and sustainability for future generations.”

The theme of the Forum “The Future of Energy 2024”: “Can energy pragmatism secure our energy future?” Several sessions will focus on how future energy systems such as offshore wind, carbon-free electricity and liquefied natural gas (LNG) can power the world’s energy future and answer public demands. Specific topics will include workforce development, sustainable development, geopolitical stability, commercialization, public policy, artificial intelligence, oil and gas companies adapting to changing energy needs and more.

“As a major energy hub, Louisiana is an ideal location for this gathering of leading energy researchers, policymakers and producers who will power and protect the future,” said Tulane Provost Robin Forman, senior vice president for academic affairs. “We need to bring real thinking to how we address the energy challenges ahead, and that’s what this forum is about.”

Scheduled speakers at the Future of Energy Forum include Aniket Shah, Global Head of Sustainability and Transition Strategies at Jefferies; Ken Ahmann, chief operating officer of Colusa Indian Energy Corp.; Randall Ebner, retired vice president and general counsel of ExxonMobil Corporation; former Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards; Josh Flaig, director of innovation, Louisiana Economic Development; Kimberly Gramm, director of innovation and entrepreneurship at Tulane University Innovation Institute; Rob Guthrie, CEO of Bernhard; Jay Hakes, president, energy historian and author; Paul Matthews, CEO of the Port of South Louisiana; Michael Mazzola, executive director of Future Energy in Louisiana (FUEL); Rebecca Shearman, program director, Office of Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships, National Science Foundation; Jesse Stolark, executive director of the Carbon Capture Coalition; Andrew Quick, director of artificial intelligence at Entergy; as well as numerous Tulane faculty members, renowned energy researchers, and other energy and policy leaders.

Kerry Stockwell, Tulane’s associate vice president for campus engagement and executive communications, said organizers are also looking forward to the organic discussions and potential solutions that could arise from bringing together diverse people from law, business and politics to science, technology and public health.

“Louisiana is in a unique position as it tries to balance the importance of the energy industry with coastal and environmental concerns, and no one group has all the answers,” Stockwell said. “There are government leaders and financial experts who are studying how these changes affect the economy and workforce development. There are oil and gas companies that are innovating because they see how things are changing and want to be part of it. There are people in research and development who are at the forefront of new ideas. We’re excited to bring them all to the table in a collaborative atmosphere so we can all learn from each other.”

Participation in the Future of Energy forum is free. Registration is now available at energyforum.tulane.edu. The website also includes a full schedule, list of speakers and additional information.