On June 13, the U.S. Department of Energy announced its partnership with Carnegie Mellon University to launch and host the 2022 Global Clean Energy Action Forum in Pittsburgh September 21–23.

This landmark convening brings together energy leaders from around the world to turn clean energy ambition into action and accelerate the transition toward a more secure energy future.

The Global Energy Forum will combine the regular convening of the 31 countries of the Clean Energy Ministerial for CEM13, Mission Innovation for MI-7, and a broad presence of clean energy businesses, innovators, and civil society.

The United States previously hosted these meetings in 2016 in San Francisco.

“By convening the Global Clean Energy Action Forum, the United States is continuing its leadership on the world stage to foster greater international cooperation to achieve our shared climate ambitions, drive innovation, and accelerate the deployment of clean energy solutions, while creating millions of good paying jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “We are proud to bring our international partners to the Steel City — a wonderful example of how communities can pivot from traditional industries to become clean energy innovation hubs. The convening in Pittsburgh will leverage collective action in the public and private sectors to tackle the climate crisis and catalyze a global clean energy workforce.”

The transition to a clean energy economy cannot occur quickly enough without all sectors of the international clean energy community working together.

The Global Energy Forum will convene cabinet level officials from over thirty countries, industry leaders, innovators, youth, labor, civil society, and others to advance solutions to today’s challenges to achieve a clean energy future.

The Global Energy Forum will also for the first time hold a joint plenary of CEM and MI. By bringing together decision-makers from partner countries and the international energy community, this annual gathering will accelerate innovation, deployment, and market uptake of clean energy solutions, from renewables, to abated fossil energy, nuclear, and new technologies.

Over the last century, the Pittsburgh region underwent an extraordinary energy and environmental transformation. Once known exclusively as a heavy industry center reliant on fossil fuels, Pittsburgh now ranks among the top cities in the United States for fostering innovation in clean energy, green buildings, and advanced manufacturing solutions.

Carnegie Mellon University has a long history as a birthplace of innovation, with award-winning faculty renowned for working closely with students to solve major scientific, technological, and societal challenges.

Carnegie Mellon University will partner with a local host committee to ensure voices and perspectives from across industry, government, labor, non-profit organizations, and philanthropy are part of the planning process.

The host committee will be co-chaired by Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Executive, Ed Gainey, Mayor of Pittsburgh; Farnam Jahanian, President of Carnegie Mellon University; and Stefani Pashman, CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.

“Carnegie Mellon is thrilled to partner with the Department of Energy and bring our community together to host international leaders for this climate forum in Pittsburgh, a region that has radically changed the trajectory of its energy future over the past generation,” said Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian. “CMU’s mission to impact society through technology, education and innovation is a perfect match with the forum’s goal to take decisive action to recast the future. Our entire region looks forward to demonstrating to the global community how we are partnering to ensure our successful transition to clean energy.”

“Once the steel capital of the world, Allegheny County still makes steel, but is today part of a global innovation ecosystem where people are making the future with technology,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.“By hosting the GCEAF, the international community will have the opportunity to see the region’s leadership in the development and deployment of critical climate and energy technologies that can change the world.

“Pittsburgh has been a national leader in showing how economies can be transformed by technology, science, education, and healthcare,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. “It is our honor to host the 2022 Global Clean Energy Action Forum, and showcase our tech ecosystem, our green buildings, and the people who have made this transition possible.  If we are going to have a just transition to a clean energy future we must find ways to work together to ensure that as our energy and economies transition nobody is left behind.” 

“The 2022 Global Clean Energy Action Forum will be an unprecedented opportunity to make the world aware of how the Pittsburgh region always has – and will continue – to collaborate to create solutions to big challenges,” said Stefani Pashman. “When there are problems to solve, the world has often looked to Pittsburgh. Energy transition is no exception. A unique combination of assets and a spirit of collaboration position the Pittsburgh region to lead in the development of low carbon energy production including clean hydrogen, grid improvements and other ways to use energy more efficiently.”

The United States will pass the Global Clean Energy Action Forum next year to India, who will also host the 2023 G20 Leaders Summit.

The Global Energy Forum will occur in person, with some options for attendees to participate virtually. In-person registration will open later in June 2022, with virtual attendance opportunities and registration offered closer to the event date.

Stakeholders Welcome

DOE welcomes interested stakeholders in the clean energy action community to showcase their clean energy technologies in Pittsburgh.

This technology showcase is a key component of the forum and offers opportunities to showcase solutions that are accelerating and demonstrating progress towards our shared clean energy goals.

Proposals are being accepted until June 30, 2022, and information about how to apply can be found HERE.

Visit the Global Energy Forum website for more information about the event and key deadlines for participants and attendees.

[Posted: June 16, 2022]

6/20/2022