Insights

Moniz introduces the Energy Futures Initiative

June 21, 2017

The Energy Futures Initiative (EFI) is a new not-for-profit organization dedicated to driving innovation in energy technology, policy and business models. EFI offers analytically-based, technology-informed, all-of-the-above solutions on a range of energy policy issues.

The organization will provide policymakers, industry executives, NGOs and other leaders options on how to advance a cleaner, safer, more affordable and secure energy future. 

EFI has been established by former Energy Secretary Ernest J. Moniz. He is joined by Principals Melanie Kenderdine and Joseph Hezir, who both have a highly successful track record in government and academia of bringing together solution-based coalitions on energy issues.  

Dr. Moniz, President and CEO of EFI, was the thirteenth Secretary of Energy, serving in the Obama Administration from 2013-2017. As Secretary, he advanced energy technology innovation, nuclear security and strategic stability, cutting-edge capabilities for the American scientific research community, and environmental stewardship. His accomplishments include producing policy proposals that attracted bipartisan support and implementing legislation, leading an international initiative that placed energy science and technology innovation at the center of the global response to climate change. Along with Secretary of State John Kerry, Dr. Moniz negotiated the historic Iran nuclear agreement. 

Ms. Kenderdine served at the Department of Energy from 2013-2017 as the Energy Counselor to the Secretary and concurrently as the Director of DOE’s Office of Energy Policy and Systems Analysis. Her 100-person office was responsible for analysis and policy development in areas that included: energy innovation; climate change; energy security; energy systems and infrastructure; and North American energy integration.

Mr. Hezir served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Energy from 2013-2017, leading a 200-person organization responsible for the $30 billion Department of Energy budget, including strategic planning, programming, budget formulation and budget execution. He also served as a senior advisor to the Secretary on management organization and strategic initiatives.  

EFI ADVISORY BOARD

We are pleased to announce that John Browne (Lord Browne of Madingley) is the Chairman of EFI’s Advisory Board. Lord Browne has more than 40 years of top-level experience in the energy sector, and as Chief Executive of BP plc was one of the first business leaders to recognize the imperative for business to confront the long-term impacts of climate change. 

He will be joined on the EFI Board by Thomas F. ‘’Mack’’ McLarty III, Chairman of McLarty Associates; Andy Karsner, Managing Partner of the Emerson Collective; Leo Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers; John Deutch, the former Director of Central Intelligence and Emeritus Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Alain Ebobissé, CEO of the Africa50 Infrastructure fund; Ana Palacio, former Foreign Minister of Spain and Senior Strategic Counsel at Albright Stonebridge Group; Hal Harvey, CEO of Energy Innovation; Brent Scowcroft, former National Security Advisor and Chairman of the Scowcroft Group; and Charles B. Curtis, President Emeritus of the Nuclear Threat Initiative. 

EFI DISTINGUISHED ASSOCIATES

EFI will conduct its activities through a network of highly experienced experts including more than 20 former corporate and Government executives, researchers, investors, economists and experts on labor and environmental issues. This network will be supported and coordinated by a core staff of EFI analysts.

Full biographies EFI Advisory Board members and EFI Distinguished Associates are available on our website: www.energyfuturesinitiative.org

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