Energy Science & Engineering in 2050

Achieving a fully decarbonized global energy system that provides affordable energy services, has low environmental impacts, is realistically viable and economically implementable, and supported by the public, is one of the most pressing tasks for humanity. Steering the world towards these goals requires energy solutions resulting from engineering-science research and understanding of energy systems to guide policy decisions. During this one-day forum, we will hear from thoughts leaders about the future of research and teaching for energy science and learn from the key challenges and solutions faced by energy industry and by policy makers.

Energy Science & Engineering in 2050 is a 300-person, full-day, interactive event to convene pioneering thinkers who push back on the status quo in energy with new viewpoints, frameworks, and directions for the future of energy science research. The forum will bring together principal speakers to express unique views on the energy transition with the Energy Science & Engineering community at Stanford.

Event Details

The day will fall into four major sessions. The first three sessions begin with a keynote presentation that is followed by a panel discussion. Keynote speakers will address the questions above about what energy science as a field needs to deliver by 2050 to be on the path toward energy sustainability. Questions to be addressed by successive panels include the following.

1. What does movement toward decarbonization, decentralization, and digitalization of energy imply as we aim to create an energy system that is more efficient, resilient, equitable, and sustainable? The panel of Stanford alumni will also examine subthemes of energy supply, energy storage, and grid reliability.
2. How is AI reshaping energy research and education? The panel of current Stanford students will discuss the impact that application of AI already made in energy research at Stanford.
3. How do we tap into our engineering science DNA to develop the most impactful research and educate the next generation of energy-science leaders? This faculty panel will give its opinions on how future energy science research and teaching will take form at Stanford.

The final session of the day is a reception and poster session on the Jen-Hsun Huang patio to introduce and celebrate the state of the art in research in Energy Science & Engineering at Stanford. Student presenters will showcase their work in sustainable energy resources and supply, sustainable energy storage including hydrogen, and sustainable energy systems and analysis to inform policy.

Planning Committee