The future of energy will be shaped by a transition to a system that emits substantially less greenhouse gases and reduces other environmental burdens. At the same time, energy is an essential service to society and must remain an affordable, equitable, and resilient system. The National Academies’ Board on Energy and Environmental Systems (BEES) operates at this intersection of technical and societal questions where energy is a pivotal component.
BEES convenes experts to address energy systems and their impact on the environment and society, collaborating across the Academies to span engineering, science, technology, policy, economics, and social science. A central theme in our work is how to manage the complexities of the energy system transition in a way that acknowledges both the technological needs and society’s wider aspirations. Our activities include consensus studies and convening activities on topics such as the just transition to a net zero-carbon emissions energy system; electric power and vehicle energy technology from research to commercialization; and the changing landscape of distributed generation, energy storage, efficiency, and demand management for energy production. Our studies guide regulatory activities, policy development, and research programs, and our events bring together experts from academia, government, industry, non-governmental organizations, and the public. We inform and educate the public about the latest energy technologies, policies, and the societal and environmental implications of energy system changes. Our past and current sponsors include federal and state agencies and philanthropic organizations, including but not limited to the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Transportation, and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the California Energy Commission, Heising-Simons Foundation, Quadrivium Foundation, Breakthrough Energy, ClearPath Foundation, and Incite Labs.

Sign up for updates about BEES activities at nas.edu/bees.