NYC’s Largest Student-Run Energy Event Returns for 15th Year

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The 15th Annual Columbia University Energy Symposium — the largest student-run energy event in New York City — returned to campus February 20 and 21. Each year the symposium presents a series of speakers and panel discussions that reflect energy's impact in a variety of fields, and 2020 was no exception.

 

The latest edition, held at Faculty House, convened industry experts from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, along with scholars from Columbia, to discuss today's energy trends, how different sectors are helping to address the effects of climate change, and more.

Attendees heard two keynote addresses: Ralph Izzo, Chairman and CEO of the Public Service Enterprise Group, presented strategies to cost-effectively reduce emissions and tackle climate change, while Gil C. Quiniones, president and CEO of the New York Power Authority, spoke about NYPA’s customer-focused strategic vision and New York State decarbonization goals established under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The symposium also featured six panels on topics such as financing renewables in emerging markets; clean, smart, and shared transportation solutions; ESG investing and the energy sector; transitioning the energy sector to net-zero emissions; energy and climate policy in an election year; and of next-generation energy technologies. 

To provide an interactive experience for student attendees, the program also included  a case competition and a career fair for students seeking employment in energy-related fields.

The event welcomed 345 guests all told, including 226 students, according to Alejandro Neira Zavala MPA ’21 of the SIPA Energy Association, one of the event’s co-directors.

“It was a great event that would not be possible without a dedicated team of student organizers, the support of Columbia faculty, and generous donations from sponsoring organizations,” said Andrew Catania MPA ’20, another co-director.

“The feedback we received from attendees was overwhelmingly positive,” said James Kobus MIA ’20, the third co-director. “We hope that the Symposium will remain a mainstay event at Columbia for years to come.”

Organizers: SIPA Energy Association; Columbia Business School Energy Club; Columbia Business School Green Business Club; Columbia Engineering Energy Club.