Dr. Douglas J. Arent

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

Executive Director

As executive director, Doug Arent focuses on strategic public and private partnerships with NREL to transform energy economies at speed and scale across the globe. Arent has worked in research on energy and sustainability for more than 30 years, publishing extensively on topics within clean energy, renewable energy, power systems, natural gas, and the intersection of science and public policy. In addition to his NREL responsibilities, Arent is senior visiting fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He serves on the World Economic Forum Future of Electricity Working Group and advisory boards for the Post Carbon Transition Program at the Institute for New Economic Thinking at Oxford University, U.K.; the Smart Electric Power Association; and the Energy Academy of Europe, Netherlands. He is also member of the Keystone Energy Board. Arent is the editor in chief for Renewable Energy Focus and is associate editor for the journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Arent has a Ph.D. from Princeton University, an MBA from Regis University, and a bachelor's of science from Harvey Mudd College in California.

Sessions With Dr. Douglas J. Arent

Tuesday, 8 March

Wednesday, 9 March

  • 04:30pm - 05:00pm (CST) / 09/mar/2022 10:30 pm - 09/mar/2022 11:00 pm

    Driving Low-carbon Innovation: Hot research topics
    Hydrogen/Clean Tech & Power

    A diverse set of innovations, technologies, and market and policy factors are required to tackle the climate change crisis. This is prime time for new research into low-carbon ideas to shine and make an impact, alongside investments in innovative startups. What criteria are academic and government research institutions using to prioritize research programs to have the greatest impact on carbon management? What do experts believe are the “hot” research topics that could yield the greatest breakthroughs for carbon management in the midterm?

Thursday, 10 March

  • 05:00pm - 06:30pm (CST) / 10/mar/2022 11:00 pm - 11/mar/2022 12:30 am

    “Next Gen” Future Energy Leaders Town Hall
    Diversity & Inclusion/Future of Workforce Finance & Investment/Trading & Risk Management/ESG Carbon Management/Decarbonization

    The race is on for innovative, fresh approaches to solve the world’s greatest energy and climate challenges. The emerging generation of future energy leaders, technologists, and entrepreneurs have unprecedented opportunity for impact and to create real change. The energy world is hungry and open to disruptive ideas. There never has been a more exciting—or urgent—time to be part of the energy industry. Join this special interactive “Next Gen” dynamic session, featuring rapid-fire insights by leading minds on energy innovation, along with CERAWeek Future Energy Leaders. How can we achieve net zero ambitions by 2050? How can we tackle climate change while meeting the planet’s need for more energy? What are the promising and scalable technologies? What are the challenges and most exciting opportunities?

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