UH’s Energy Transition Institute Leader Appointed to Department of Energy Committee

Joe Powell, the founding executive director of the Energy Transition Institute at the University of Houston, has been appointed to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Technology Innovation Advisory Committee (ITIAC) by U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

The committee, consisting of 18 members, will focus on accelerating the development of innovative technologies and processes to help decarbonize the American industrial sector and reduce emissions. Powell stated, "The collaborative work of the ITIAC aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Energy Transition Institute at the University of Houston. Together, we will endeavor to drive impactful change in the realm of industrial decarbonization and pave the way for a sustainable future."

Powell, a distinguished member of the National Academy of Engineering and former chief scientist at Shell, brings 36 years of industry expertise to his new role. His appointment highlights his ongoing commitment to advancing the energy transition and a net-zero future.

The Energy Transition Institute at UH, established with a $10 million commitment from Shell USA Inc. and Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc., focuses on hydrogen, carbon management, and circular plastics. The institute aims to solidify the University of Houston’s position as a global leader in energy education and research, with a vision of positioning Houston as the "Energy Transition Capital of the World."

In collaboration with the university's Hewlett Packard Enterprise Data Science Institute and researchers from various disciplines, the Energy Transition Institute works towards advancing initiatives related to circular plastics, decarbonization, and hydrogen, while also nurturing the workforce and leaders of tomorrow.

The committee's mandate includes identifying investment opportunities, technical assistance programs, and evaluating DOE's decarbonization efforts, including initiatives related to industrial decarbonization such as the Clean Fuels & Products Shot™ and the Industrial Heat Shot™.

For more information about the committee, visit the DOE website.