The Energy Transition - with Siemens, NVIDIA, Oracle and EEI
The quest for achieving net zero carbon emissions and tackling global warming makes the energy transition a priority in both corporate and governmental agendas.
It's a focal point of an important panel session at Sustainability LIVE: Climate Week NYC, scheduled for 22 September at Convene, 360 Madison Avenue, NYC.
The event is anticipated to gather hundreds of C-Level sustainability leaders eager for strategies to expedite the energy transition.
Sponsor spotlight: Siemens and the energy transition
Siemens, a leader in automation and machinery manufacturing, is the panel's sponsor, introduced by a keynote address from Stacy Mahler, Siemens' US Head of Sustainability.
With over 15 years of experience in the industrial and energy sectors, Stacy guides organisations along sustainability pathways.
Her work focuses on infrastructure advancements for enhanced energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy and promoting the electrification of transport and infrastructure.
Stacy also manages the carbon reduction strategies for Siemens Smart Infrastructure in the US.
With a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida and an MBA from Northwestern University, her expertise anchors the discussion.
Key themes in energy transition discussions
The panellists aim to delve into varied facets of the energy transition, centring around three main topics:
Decentralised energy networks
The evolution of energy is steering away from centralised fossil-fuel power sources towards decentralised renewable networks.
Technologies like solar rooftops, wind farms, microgrids and virtual power plants are set to enhance resilience against outages, minimise transmission losses and democratise clean energy access.
Corporate pioneers continue to innovate distributed solutions, while governmental bodies adapt regulations to embrace peer-to-peer energy trading.
Decentralisation is also key to rural electrification, especially in emerging nations where microgrids can bypass traditional grid systems.
Electrification across sectors
The electrification of transport and heavy industry is a priority to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Electric vehicles are increasingly popular, with many automakers transitioning away from combustion engines.
Industries like steelmaking and cement are progressively shifting towards renewable power sources.
Meeting these demands without affecting grid reliability will require advancements in energy storage, demand response systems and grid modernisation.
Green hydrogen and sustainable fuel alternatives
Green hydrogen, produced through renewable-powered electrolysis, emerges as a crucial component of the energy transition.
Providing solutions for sectors where direct electrification is challenging, such as aviation and heavy industry, it sees increased investment from companies like Air Liquide, Siemens Energy and bp.
Alongside biofuels and synthetic options, hydrogen holds potential for decarbonising global trade and transport. Nonetheless, scaling necessitates significant investment, cost reductions and policy support.
Insights from industry leaders
Stacy will be joined by notable executives, including:
Josh Parker, Head of Sustainability at NVIDIA
With a background in engineering and law, Josh stresses the importance of data-driven approaches to sustainability programmes.
His previous roles include leading sustainability efforts at Western Digital and practising law at Baker Botts.
Jennifer Ruch, Director of Energy & Sustainability at Oracle
Jennifer directs global energy and sustainability strategy at Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, overseeing renewable energy procurement and embedding sustainability in data centre operations.
Her decade-long experience at Equinix shaped its global power procurement strategies.
Eric Holdsworth, Managing Director at Edison Electric Institute
Eric, a climate change expert for over three decades, leads EEI's strategies in national climate and clean energy policy development.
Ultimately, the event aims to promote climate leadership, innovation, and measurable impact, covering topics such as net zero strategies, decarbonisation, climate finance and the role of AI in sustainability efforts, while fostering collaboration among industry leaders.
