Hon. Frank Fannon

Fannon Global Advisors

Managing Director

The Honorable Francis R. Fannon was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the inaugural Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources. In serving as "America's Energy Diplomat," Frank led whole-of-government initiatives in the Indo-Pacific, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa region to advance free, open markets, and resilient supply chains. By partnering with governments and companies, Frank and his team advanced major energy and infrastructure deals worth tens of billions of dollars. Frank elevated global awareness of the critical role that minerals play in the energy transition. He led efforts to help countries responsibly develop their mining sector and fostered more transparent metals markets. Frank established the multi-country Energy Resources Governance Initiative, which remains a centerpiece of America’s foreign policy. As Managing Director of BHP, Frank established the company’s U.S. Corporate Affairs function. He created and led a comprehensive strategy to support the company’s evolving footprint, expand its American shareholder base, and shape climate change stakeholder messaging campaigns. Before BHP, Frank led Government Affairs for Murphy Oil Corporation. He facilitated new country entry in multiple regions and managed crisis communications and stakeholder engagements. Frank helped to shape American energy policy while serving in senior positions on Capitol Hill. As counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, he drafted and negotiated key provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, including the hydraulic fracturing provisions that unleashed the shale revolution. Frank also served as counsel to Senators Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) and Pete V. Domenici (R-NM). Frank is currently Managing Director of Fannon Global Advisors, a premier strategic consultancy helping business leaders find opportunities in the energy transition and geopolitics. He is a Visiting Fellow at the Center for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and (non-resident) Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Frank holds a J.D. from the University of Denver College of Law, an M.A. in International Affairs, Economics & Trade from the University of Denver Korbel School of International Studies, and a B.A. from Radford University.

Sessions With Hon. Frank Fannon

Wednesday, 9 March

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

    Scaling New Energy Minerals: Supply chains & technologies
    Panel Innovation & Technology Energy Infrastructure/Supply Chain

    As the world gears up for net-zero emissions, demand for metals and minerals is set to soar. Hence energy transition presents a generational challenge for mining companies. Transforming the global economy will require investments on a level not seen in decades, not only to identify and develop resources, but to do so sustainably and cost effectively. What are the possible technological innovations to support growth, and what is the role of advanced analytics in mining and processing to support efficiency gains on the supply side? Which options (such as hydrogen or electric vehicles, sustainable power generation, water management, etc.) can mining companies use to lower their carbon footprint? What are the expected efficiency gains and use of minerals in energy technologies, including electric vehicles?

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