Finding a Balance between Security, Affordability and Sustainability

October 14, 2022

Time: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Lunch: Hays 2nd Floor Banquet Hall, NEEL 2303/05
Panel Session: Shaddock Auditorium
2900 Lubbock Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76109

The ongoing war in Europe, global drought conditions and persistent underinvestment have impacted energy supply and demand across the globe leading to eminent concerns about availability and affordability of electricity globally.

This crisis underlies just how important and fragile energy security is. We’re bringing experts and industry leaders from around the globe to campus to talk solutions on ensuring energy is reliable, sustainable and economical to the world.

The biggest question in business used to be how to keep the lights on. Now, with recent geopolitical events, the very real question has become: Will we be able to turn the lights on?
 

Global

Photo: Kalin Peshov

Kalin Peshov

President & CEO
GLB International-Bulgaria/Brussels

Not only is Peshov a member of the Ralph Lowe Energy Institute board, he helms one of the largest construction companies in Europe. He recently participated in a European Leadership Forum in Brussels about the role of the construction sector in achieving the EU's climate neutrality goals set out in the European Green Deal.

National

Photo: Reed Blakemore

Reed Blakemore

Deputy Director
The Atlantic Council Global Energy Center

He is responsible for research, strategy, and program development. Reed also has held positions at The International Institute for Strategic Studies and the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Local

Photo: Craig Goldman

Craig Goldman

Texas State Representative for District 97
Chair Energy Resource Committee

He has been in office since 2012. In Austin, Representative Goldman currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Energy Resources.

Industry

Photo: John Di Donato

John Di Donato

National Vice President of Renewable Development and Organization
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC

John has been involved with the company’s renewable development program since its inception. He and his teams have developed over 150 energy development projects throughout the United States and Canada. John currently leads origination for NextEra Energy’s renewable energy projects (wind, solar and energy storage) across the United States.

Photo: Derek Wong

Derek Wong

Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs at Excelerate Energy Inc.

Experienced strategic planning, government relations, and stakeholder engagement professional working in the energy industry.

Former U.S. Foreign Service Officer, Management Consultant, and Business Strategist. Diplomatic postings in Latin America and Asia. Consulting and project management experience across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Specialties and experience: Energy and Infrastructure; Strategic Planning; International development and investment; Cyber Policy; Environmental protection and Sustainability; Public diplomacy and Social Media communications; Financial risk management; Antitrust and Competition Policy; International trade policy; Public-Private Partnerships

Moderator and Hosts

Photo: Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado

Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado

Director of Inclusion and Sr. Advisor to the Chancellor, TCU, Ralph Lowe Energy Institute Faculty Fellow
Moderator

Photo: Ann Bluntzer

Ann Bluntzer

Executive Director, Ralph Lowe Energy Institute

Photo: Manochehr Dorraj

Manochehr Dorraj

Professor of Political Science
Ralph Lowe Energy Institute Faculty Fellow

Photo: Kenneth Wagner

Kenneth Wagner

Executive Director, Hamm Institute for American Energy at OSU
Cabinet Secretary of Energy & Environment, State of Oklahoma