Transitioning to a significantly less carbon-intense energy system is necessary for the United States to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century – a goal many believe is essential to keep global temperatures from rising by no more than 1.5°C. Recent growth in clean energy markets has been driven by investment in technology innovation and policies at the state and federal level to support production, investment, and deployment of renewable energy technologies. The Energy Information Administration projects continued growth of the share of renewable energy sources in the U.S. electricity mix, from 21 percent in 2020 to 42 percent in 2050.

But more fundamental and comprehensive innovation and policy action is needed to support the transition, to gain a competitive advantage in global clean energy markets, and to ensure that the benefits of the transition are equitably distributed throughout the U.S. economy. During this meeting, members and guests of the Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable considered how leaders across the research enterprise are prioritizing action on clean energy innovation and policy. How can better G-U-I collaboration be facilitated and incentivized at the federal level? What recent state actions might model new approaches to clean energy development and deployment? What models for public-private partnerships might accelerate this transition?

Speakers
Arun Majumdar, Jay Precourt Provostial Chair Professor at Stanford University
Peter Green, Chief Research Officer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Nathan Hultman, Director of the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland