Attending CERAWeek in Houston was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of the global energy market, policy challenges, and emerging technologies shaping the energy transition. The conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, providing valuable insights into how energy markets are evolving both in the U.S. and globally. Beyond the sessions, the networking opportunities were invaluable. Engaging with professionals from diverse backgrounds not only expanded my knowledge but also opened doors for future collaborations. These connections will be instrumental in shaping my career and will also serve as a resource for fellow students exploring the energy sector.
One of the most striking aspects of the conference was the strong emphasis on carbon capture and hydrogen as key decarbonization solutions. While these technologies hold promise, their high costs and scalability challenges remain significant hurdles. Nevertheless, industry leaders appeared highly committed to their development, underscoring the role of innovation and policy incentives in making them viable. Several cutting-edge technologies were discussed, including Direct Ocean Capture, Green Steel Manufacturing, and underground wireless transmission, but the most fascinating was the fission reactor slated for commercialization by 2028. However, discussions often leaned more toward energy affordability than clean energy, reflecting a perspective that seemed slightly aligned with major oil players. This highlighted a crucial reality—the energy transition is as much driven by economic and political considerations as it is by technological advancements.
The conference reinforced the complexity of balancing energy security, economic interests, and climate goals. While the need for renewable energy is clear, the discussions acknowledged that fossil fuels will continue to play a role in the transition, given current industry shortages and infrastructure limitations. This pragmatic approach to policymaking stood out as a key takeaway, emphasizing that a successful transition requires a mix of solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Notable speakers such as Atul Arya and Daniel Yergin from S&P Global, Susan Kish from Andesa Advisors, and Ramamoorthy Ramesh from Rice University provided valuable insights into these challenges and opportunities.
Meeting fellow students from Harvard, MIT, Rice University, and ETH Zurich added another dimension to the experience. Engaging in discussions on key energy and policy issues helped refine my perspectives and opened possibilities for future collaborations. These exchanges were critical in identifying common themes for policy areas in future.
This experience has reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in the energy sector. The insights gained from CERAWeek will inform my approach to climate solutions, recognizing that meaningful progress requires collaboration between industries, governments, and researchers. Moving forward, I plan to integrate these lessons into my studies by exploring energy economics and environmental policy in greater depth. Additionally, I hope to maintain the professional relationships established at the conference, staying engaged with the evolving landscape of energy and climate solutions. I also plan to use the HEEA platform to invite some of the participants for sessions at the Harris School of Public Policy.