Advisory Group

"I’ve spent my career in the energy sector, building energy companies here in the United States—starting in nuclear, coal, oil and gas power generation and then expanding into renewables. My journey mirrors America’s: from reliance on coal, oil and gas, to embracing new energy sources like wind and solar.

This progression isn’t about ideology—it’s driven by technology, economics and opportunity. As an energy entrepreneur who has designed and built power plants and associated electricity infrastructure that power millions of homes and businesses, I’ve seen firsthand the practical challenges that stand in the way of building energy infrastructure and the solutions that can help America reclaim leadership in energy innovation, manufacturing and deployment.

The energy transition is inevitable, but it’s not an instantaneous shift—and we must lead it strategically. If we don’t seize this opportunity, others will. In the quest for energy independence, we must build resilient systems that are less vulnerable to volatile markets. We have the opportunity to build efficient, cleaner, low-cost, scalable energy infrastructure while fostering technological leadership. Tanya and I are proud to support WRI’s efforts to shape a future of clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy for generations, and the University of Chicago in shaping the leaders who will realize this vision."

—Michael Polsky, Founder and CEO, Invenergy (Advisory Group Co-Chair)

"Developing a more secure, affordable and sustainable energy system is one of the most critical challenges—and opportunities—of our time. The WRI Polsky Energy Center’s focus on removing barriers to energy sector growth, building modern energy infrastructure and empowering a skilled workforce is a vital contribution to this global effort. By combining research-driven solutions with real-world impact, the Center is uniquely positioned to accelerate progress in both advanced and emerging economies. I am honored to co-chair its advisory board and optimistic that its work will help chart a path to a better energy future."

—Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency (Advisory Group Co-Chair)

"The WRI Polsky Energy Center is tackling one of the most urgent challenges of our time—accelerating the transition to clean energy in a way that is both rapid and just. We must move decisively toward renewables while ensuring that workers and communities are at the heart of this transformation. By driving pragmatic, scalable solutions, the Center is helping to create a future where clean energy is abundant, reliable, and delivers good, secure jobs for all."

—Sharan Burrow, Former General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation

"The clean energy transition will not happen naturally or easily—it must be intentional, ambitious, and driven by innovation and collaboration. The WRI Polsky Energy Center is playing a crucial role in accelerating this shift, breaking down barriers to deployment, and scaling solutions for affordable and accessible clean energy. This effort will help the market transformation that is underway and support an energy future that is both sustainable and equitable."

—Jon Creyts, CEO, Rocky Mountain Institute

"The transition to a world where cheap clean electricity brings energy to all is within reach. Investment in renewable power and electrification is accelerating year-on-year. The pipeline of clean industrial projects in energy-intensive sectors like cement, steel or fuels has grown significantly. But climate tipping points are upon us. Collaboration and creativity are essential to accelerate change on the ground. I'm deeply honoured to be working with the WRI Polsky Energy Center to unlock investment at scale in an energy transition that improves the lives of billions of people across the world."

—Faustine Delasalle, CEO, Mission Possible Partnership

"I am honored to join the WRI Polsky Energy Center’s Advisory Group at this pivotal moment for the global energy transition. The demand for critical minerals is accelerating rapidly, and we must ensure that this need is met with responsible, sustainable practices that support both people and the planet. The WRI Polsky Energy Center is uniquely positioned to address these challenges—bridging data-driven insights with practical solutions, scaling responsible sourcing of essential materials, and unlocking investment in clean energy.”

—Rohitesh Dhawan, President and CEO, International Council on Mining and Metals

"Scaling clean energy solutions isn’t just about technology—it’s about entrepreneurship, investment, and execution. The WRI Polsky Energy Center will help innovators and business leaders turn promising breakthroughs into real-world energy solutions. I’m excited to support this effort to bring market-ready clean energy technologies to scale faster and more efficiently."

—Samir Mayekar, Associate VP & MD, Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

"I am truly honored to join the Advisory Group for the WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition. The Center’s mission—to drive scalable, practical solutions for a sustainable, carbon-free future—is both urgent and inspiring in today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape. What resonates most with me is its focus on the 'how' of the energy transition—moving beyond strategy to tangible implementation. This aligns deeply with my passion for translating vision into action, leveraging decades of experience in energy and cross-sector collaboration to create meaningful, lasting impact."

—Elsie Mbugua, Global Vice Chair, BOMA.ngo; Founder & Managing Director, Leadwood Energy

"Energy powers our homes, businesses, and communities, and the WRI Polsky Energy Center is focused on making it cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable. The Center will do this by designing solutions such as helping to modernize power grids, improve energy access, and train the next generation of talent. These efforts are about practical steps to ensure families and businesses have the energy they need, now and in the future. The Polsky Foundation is proud to support this important work to create real, lasting impact."

—Tanya Polsky, President, Polsky Foundation

“The energy and climate challenges we face today require a far-reaching vision and strategies that are both practical and inclusive. The WRI Polsky Energy Center has the expertise it takes to help engineer the transition to a cleaner, more equitable energy system. Utilities have a critical role to play in this transition, providing valuable experience, resources and infrastructure. I am honored to bring my decades of utility sector leadership to the WRI Polsky Energy Center’s Advisory Group, and I am eager to team up with leaders who bring a variety of perspectives but who share a passion for problem-solving and an optimism for the future.”

—Gil Quiniones, President & CEO, ComED

"A successful energy transition requires aspirational goals and targets supported by sound economic policy. The WRI Polsky Energy Center will play an important role in addressing these challenges, helping businesses and policymakers navigate the complexities of energy markets. I’m honored to contribute my expertise in finance and macroeconomic and policy analysis to this effort to drive practical, long-term energy solutions."

—Vanessa Julia Ramírez, Director of ECANAL SA de CV and former CFO of Pemex

"The launch of the WRI Polsky Center can be a game-changer, based on a unique partnership. Michael Polsky is one of the world’s most creative energy investors, and WRI is a global leader in bringing together industries, governments, and investors to drive practical, market-based solutions. Watch out for big ideas that unlock capital and align market incentives to accelerate the clean energy transition at scale!"

—Sir Andrew Steer, Former President and CEO, Bezos Earth Fund, Professor in Practice, Global School of Sustainability, The London School of Economics and Political Science

"The fastest way to accelerate the energy transition is to deploy clean technologies at scale while removing inefficiencies that slow progress. The WRI Polsky Energy Center has the potential to drive this momentum by bringing together expertise, policy insights, and real-world solutions. I’m excited to support this effort to turn smart energy strategies into action. "  

—Cathy Zoi, Former CEO, EVgo