A Secure, Stable and Clean Electricity Future: Perspectives from Europe and the USA

This is the third presentation of the 2021 lecture series Rethink Energy: Countdown to COP26, which is co-organised by the IIEA and ESB. On this occasion, Thomas R. Kuhn, President of the Edison Electric Institute and Pat O’Doherty, CEO of ESB deliver keynote remarks. The two expert speakers assess the integral role of secure and clean electricity in the transition to a net-zero future.

Both the USA and EU have set ambitious targets to become net-zero emitters by 2050 and realising this goal is dependent, in large part, on the production and distribution of carbon-free electricity. Both speakers reflect on the pathway to a decarbonised electricity industry. They also address the importance of maintaining security of supply, ensuring customer affordability, and managing the intermittency of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power in the context of the transition to net-zero emissions. 

About the Speakers:

Thomas R. Kuhn is President of the Edison Electric Institute, the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. EEI’s members provide electricity for 220 million Americans, operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and directly employ more than 500,000 workers. In addition, EEI has 70 international electric companies as International Members, and 270 industry suppliers and related organisations as Associate Members. Prior to joining EEI in 1985, Mr Kuhn was president of the American Nuclear Energy Council. Mr. Kuhn served on the Secretary of Energy’s Advisory Board and the Board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Pat O'Doherty was appointed Chief Executive of ESB in 2011 and appointed to the ESB Board in 2013. Mr O’Doherty completed his tenure as President of Eurlectric in May 2021. Eurelectric is the sector association which represents the common interests of the electricity industry at across 32 European countries, and covers all major issues affecting the sector, from generation and markets to distribution networks and customer issues. Mr O’Doherty holds a primary and master’s degree in Engineering from University College Dublin and completed the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School. Mr O’Doherty is also Director of Energy UK and a former trustee of The Conference Board of the United States.