UT Energy Week 2016
February 16, 2016 – February 19, 2016
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About the Event
More than 850 people attended the second annual UT Energy Week, a gathering of experts from academia, industry, regulatory agencies, and non-profit organizations to explore and illuminate vital energy topics.
UT Energy Week was held February 16-19, 2016, in the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center on the UT Austin campus.
The conference was co-hosted by the Energy Institute, the student-run Longhorn Energy Club, and the KBH Center for Energy, Law & Business, in collaboration with on- and off-campus partners and the support of schools and colleges on campus engaged in energy-related research.
Featured Speakers & Highlights
UT Energy Week 2016 featured a series of insightful panel discussions, prominent keynote speakers, and the latest in energy research findings from some of the world’s leading energy experts.
UT Austin President Gregory L. Fenves kicked off this conference by noting the critical importance of interdisciplinary academic research on a variety of energy topics.
Christopher Smith, Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy in the U.S. Department of Energy, then delivered a keynote address focused on the historic Paris climate change talks. Smith noted the need for collaborative efforts among governmental agencies, industry, and academia to reduce harmful emissions from power plants and other sources.
Opening day of UT Energy Week 2016 explored Mexico’s recent entry into the world of competitive electric markets. Policy officials, regulators, service providers and finance professionals from both sides of the border discussed challenges and opportunities awaiting on the horizon.
Daily Highlights
Wednesday, February 17
Academic researchers, state and federal regulators and industry executives explored the science and regulatory response to hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas production. Another session, “Power Cities of the Future,” examined an assortment of new technologies, including distributed generation, and alternative transportation models.
Thursday, February 18
Experts from electric utilities, solar companies, and environmental organizations joined academic experts to discuss the growth of renewable sources of energy, large-scale energy storage systems, and other efforts to de-carbonize the power grid. University officials also released the latest findings from the semiannual UT Energy Poll.
Additional Keynote Speakers
Student Competitions
UT Energy Week also featured two competitions organized by the Longhorn Energy Club – a poster contest showcasing students’ energy research, and a startup competition that awarded cash and prizes for winning entrants in four categories: Oil and Gas, CleanTech, Energy and Water Efficiency, and Software.