• CERAWEEK 2025 | March 10-14, 2025
  • CERAWEEK
  • March 10 - 14, 2025

Dr. Ernest Moniz

Energy Futures Initiative

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Ernest J. Moniz is the CEO of Energy Futures Initiative and EJM Associates. He served as the thirteenth United States Secretary of Energy from 2013 to January 2017. In that role, he advanced energy technology innovation, nuclear security and strategic stability, cutting-edge capabilities for the American scientific research community, and environmental stewardship. He also strengthened the Department of Energy’s (DOE) strategic partnerships with its seventeen national laboratories to produce science-based policy proposals that attracted strong bipartisan support. A key architect of the Paris Agreement on climate change and Mission Innovation at COP 21, Professor Moniz championed international initiatives that placed energy, science, and technological innovation at the center of the global response to the climate crisis. He also negotiated the historic Iran nuclear agreement alongside Secretary of State John Kerry. Today Professor Moniz also serves as CEO of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, a non-profit organization that has advanced innovative solutions for securing nuclear materials, building international cooperation for nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, preventing the spread of disease, and reducing radiological threats. Professor Moniz was the Founding Director of the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) and Director of the Laboratory for Energy and the Environment. He received a Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude in physics from Boston College, a doctorate in theoretical physics from Stanford University, and has received multiple honorary doctorates. 

Sessions With Dr. Ernest Moniz

Monday, 18 March

  • 09:30am - 10:10am (CST) / 18/mar/2024 02:30 pm - 18/mar/2024 03:10 pm

    Voices of Innovation: Ernest Moniz

    Hear from one of world’s foremost experts on energy, climate change and nuclear power on the outcomes of COP28, nuclear energy development, future of multi-dimensional energy transition and the work of Nuclear Threat Initiative. What were the most significant accomplishments at COP28?  How are IRA and IIJA progressing?  What is the current state of nuclear threats and risks?  And much more …

  • 02:30pm - 03:10pm (CST) / 18/mar/2024 07:30 pm - 18/mar/2024 08:10 pm

    Advanced Nuclear, Microreactors and SMRs: Ready for deployment?
    Carbon Management/Decarbonization

    Advanced nuclear reactors, microreactors and Small Modular Reactors or SMRs were once thought to be years away from realization. Recent developments and strong demand signals from new markets, combined with innovation and investment in supply chain and infrastructure, have changed that perspective. What is the new timetable for microreactors to join the mix? What needs to change to make these nuclear concepts navigate the energy transition successfully? 

Tuesday, 19 March

  • 07:15am - 08:20am (CST) / 19/mar/2024 12:15 pm - 19/mar/2024 01:20 pm

    From Hubs to Demand-Support: Catalyzing the American hydrogen market

    The U.S. Department of Energy announced earlier this year the selection of a consortium to help accelerate commercial liftoff of the clean hydrogen economy and support the launch of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs. The Hydrogen Demand-Side Initiative (H2DI) is actively working to design robust demand-side support measures that will expedite purchases of clean hydrogen produced by H2Hub-affiliated facilities. During the first public discussion since H2DI’s launch, David Crane (U.S. Under Secretary for Infrastructure) and Sec. Ernie Moniz, chairman of the consortium, will discuss: What is the vision for this initiative? What are approaches for driving clean hydrogen market formation? What types of demand-side support should be considered?

  • 12:30pm - 01:00pm (CST) / 19/mar/2024 05:30 pm - 19/mar/2024 06:00 pm

    Tripling Nuclear Power by 2050

    Climate & Sustainability

    At COP 28 more than 20 countries from four continents launched the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy. This commitment elevates and recognizes the importance of Nuclear Energy for a net-zero world. What policy, financing and collaboration efforts will be required to make this goal a reality?