Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies (CES)

🎙️ Podcast Launch Alert! We’re thrilled to share the first episode of The Energy Forum, CES’s official podcast! Join us as we dive into key topics shaping the future of energy and sustainability. In our debut episode, we’re digging deep into the world of mining, minerals, and materials, featuring insights from Ken Medlock and Michelle Michot Foss. 🎧 Tune in now: https://lnkd.in/gdy22fzi Subscribe and listen to The Energy Forum on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. #PodcastLaunch #EnergyFuture #Sustainability #Innovation #ListenNow #NewPodcast #TheEnergyForum #BakerInstitute #Mining #CriticalMinerals #Materials #EnergyTransition 

Last week, Julie Cohn, Ted Loch-Temzelides, and Michael Maher from Rice University’s Center for Energy Studies (CES) met with a delegation from the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise to discuss the challenges and opportunities of increasing electrification. The Swedish delegation included Nicklas Skår, Robert Thorburn, and Michelle Tun von Gyllenpalm, bringing valuable perspectives on advancing energy systems and sustainable practices. Collaboration like this fuels innovative solutions for a more resilient and electrified future. #BakerEnergy #Electrification #SustainableEnergy #InternationalCollaboration #EnergyInnovation Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy 

Who are the Houthis, and what is their connection to Iran? As the conflict in Gaza continues, including continued attacks by the Houthi on shipping, understanding the various regional players is crucial. In May 2024, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy brought together experts from the Center for Energy Studies (CES) and Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East (CME) for a critical discussion featuring Elisabeth Kendall (University of Cambridge), Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar (Baker Institute), Christian Dwyer (Schjødt), and Ambassador David Satterfield (Baker Institute). After the event, Rice University researchers, including Jim Krane from CES, provided key insights on the Houthis, their relationship with Iran, and broader geopolitical dynamics. Explore the findings: https://lnkd.in/gyJad5v6 #BakerEnergy #MiddleEastGeopolitics #GazaConflict #Iran 

On October 20, Cuba experienced another wave of devastating power outages as the country’s electric grid collapsed. As the remnants of TS Oscar approach, timely repairs to the grid are essential. In a recent article by The New York Times (https://lnkd.in/dMUVBBYv), Francisco J. Monaldi, a fellow at the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, explained how Venezuela continues to export oil to Cuba, but the imports fall short of the amount of oil Cuba needs. This highlights the importance of resilient energy supply chains for reliability. While each region faces unique challenges, resilience in electric grids and energy supply chains is a critical concern everywhere. Rice University’s Center for Energy Studies is currently researching the drivers of reliability to inform policies that can enhance grid resilience. This research builds on our previous work, which includes comprehensive testimonies and studies. Curious about the long-term reliability of ERCOT? Check out Ken Medlock’s testimony to the Texas Senate Committee on Business and Commerce from June 2024: https://lnkd.in/ggykAFHV. #BakerEnergy #EnergyResilience #Cuba #ERCOT #StormPreparedness

Over this past summer, we developed a series of short videos to highlight the backgrounds, experiences, and research of our fellows at the Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies (CES). The project reinforced my belief that we have an incredibly unique, diverse, and interesting team of some of the World's best scholars in their respective fields. I had the pleasure of working with our own Maram Hijazi, Andrew Murillo, and the A/V team at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. A truly amazing team! The full suite of videos is available at https://lnkd.in/gp7hPMsA. Check out Jim Krane, Francisco J. Monaldi, Mark F., Rachel A. Meidl, LP.D., MEPM, M.Ed, CHMM, Michelle Michot Foss, Gabriel Collins, Tilsa Ore Monago, PhD, and Ed Emmett.

🌍 Reimagining Sustainability: A Systems Approach for a Resilient Future ♻️ In her chapter in Rice University’s Center for Energy Studies Energy Insights 2024, Rachel A. Meidl, LP.D., MEPM, M.Ed, CHMM offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the complex challenges of sustainability. This report emphasizes the need for an integrated systems approach, recognizing that sustainability is not only climate and emissions, but also involves a wider range of environmental impacts, economic viability, social equity, and community resilience. Key insights include: 🔹The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle sustainability challenges. 🔹Expanding life cycle thinking for holistic decision-making 🔹Strategies for enhancing resilience in communities facing climate change impacts. 🔹The role of innovative policies and technologies in driving sustainable practices. 🔗 Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/e-9kd2Qq #Sustainability #Resilience #SystemsApproach #BakerEnergy #ClimateAction #FutureOfEnergy Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy

On the 15th, Henry Haggard of the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy participated in the 3rd Annual Iraq Initiative Conference to discuss the advancement of Iraq's energy sector. Rice University's Haggard moderated a panel on The Iraqi Energy Sector in Transition, with Dunia Chalabi (TotalEnergies), Julien Perez (OGCI (Oil and Gas Climate Initiative)), George Pickart (GE Vernova), Dr. Sara Vakhshouri (SVB Energy International), and Matthew Zais (Atlantic Council). Click the link below to watch the live stream! Henry Haggard's panel starts at [45:11]. #Iraq #EnergyTransition #BakerEnergy #OilAndGas #ClimateInitiative #EnergyLeadership

🚗 Fueling Transportation: Understanding the Growing Complexity In his chapter Energy Insights 2024 by the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, Ed Emmett explores the intricate dynamics shaping the future of transportation fuels. As the sector evolves, several key factors are driving this complexity: 🔹The transition to alternative fuels for each mode of transportation. 🔹The impact of technological advancements on fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. 🔹Geopolitical considerations and their influence on fuel supply chains. This report emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and policy development to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the transportation fuel landscape. 🔗 Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eUn22gac #Transportation #EnergyTransition #AlternativeFuels #BakerEnergy #Sustainability #FutureOfTransport

⚡ Is the Texas Electric Grid truly isolated? While commonly known as an isolated grid, ERCOT has been connected to other states since the 1920s, says Julie Cohn, nonresident scholar at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy Center for Energy Studies. That said, what would happen if we made more connections? On October 3, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $1.5 billion transmission investment to improve grid reliability across the country (https://lnkd.in/eezBuEYJ). This investment also includes provisions to create more connections between #ERCOT and other US power markets (including Southern Company (SOCO) and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)), which will enhance reliability and prevent outages during extreme weather events, like Winter Storm Uri. What are the current connections? Read more from Rice University's Julie Cohn, Ken Medlock, Shih Yu (Elsie) Hung, and Peter Hartley:  https://lnkd.in/gFpk_C2G #TexasGrid #EnergyReliability #WinterStormUri #EnergyInfrastructure #Resilience #TransmissionInvestment #EnergySecurity #BakerEnergy

🔍 Engines of Change: Innovation and Growth 🚀 In his chapter in Energy Insights 2024 from the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, "Engines of Change: Innovation and Growth," Ken Medlock explores the factors that affect the success of innovation and its critical role in energy transitions. Over the last 20 years, the shale revolution in the US and the growth of energy demand in Asia have reshaped the energy landscape in unanticipated ways. It is important to foster a culture of innovation to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, understanding these dynamics is essential for policymakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs alike. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gW7r7g6r #Innovation #EconomicGrowth #BakerEnergy #Technology #BusinessStrategy #FutureOfWork