Energy Academy

The PowerHouse Texas Energy Academy is an exclusive educational program designed to equip legislative staff with comprehensive knowledge on the energy policy development process while also discussing cutting-edge energy technologies across Texas’ energy landscape.

This 12-week program was developed in collaboration with the PowerHouse Texas Energy Policy Advisory Council, comprised of top-tier academic experts from the leading energy institutes and universities across Texas, alongside esteemed industry professionals. Each week discusses a different energy resource in Texas, its impact on the economy, and good policy formulation practices.

Chiefs of Staff, Legislative Directors and Energy Policy staffers receive first-hand access to this invaluable resource.

However, any legislative staff member with a keen interest in energy-related matters is welcome to participate, subject to availability.

Legislative staff who are interested in shaping the future of energy policy and who want to stay informed about the latest advancements in the ever-evolving energy technology landscape are strongly encouraged to join the Energy Academy.

For more information or to enroll in the 2025 Fall Energy Academy, please contact us to learn more.

Through this immersive program, participants delve into a wide array of topics, including:

  • The intricate workings of the electric grid

  • Energy efficiency strategies & best practices

  • Battery storage solutions & advancements

  • Nuclear energy technology & safety

  • Carbon capture & storage (CCS) techniques

  • Hydrogen as an emerging energy source

  • Geothermal energy exploration & utilization

  • Wind power generation & distribution

  • The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) & their impact

2024 Energy Academy Photos

Energy Academy Highlight Video

Energy Academy: Past Courses

The Future of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage

Dr. Tip Meckel, UT Austin

Nichole Saunders, EDF

Scott Castleman, Houston CC&S Alliance

Team Formation

Attendees will be placed into teams in order to encourage collaboration with new colleagues as they work together on a legislative proposal.

Air Pollution and Reducing Emissions

Dr. Dan Cohan, Rice University

Dr. Arvind Ravikumar, UT Austin

Adrian Shelley, Public Citizen


Renewable Energy Innovations

Dr. Suhas Pol, Texas Tech

Mark Stover, Texas Solar Power Association

Electric Vehicles, Charging, and Sustainable Transportation

Dr. Erick Jones. Jr., UT Arlington

Clay Pope, Pope Strategies

Safe and Sustainable Baseload Nuclear Energy

Dr. Rusty Towell, Abilene Christian University

Reed Clay, Crestline Solutions


Electric Grid, Transmission, and Grid Resiliency

Dr. Joshua Rhodes, UT Austin

Dr. Abdul Djire, Texas A&M

Kory Curtis, Association of Electric Companies of Texas


Water-Energy Nexus

Dr. Margaret Cook, Houston Advanced Research Center

Mai Corbitt, Texans for Clean Water

Microgrids and Distributed Energy Resources

Arushi Sharma Frank, Luminary Strategies

Joel Yu, Enchanted Rock

Geothermal Energy

Dr. Ken Wisian, UT Austin

Drew Nelson, Project Innerspace

Jade Gillespie, Conservative Texans for Energy Innovation

Energy Efficiency, Heat Pumps, and Weatherization

Dr. Bobuchi Ken-Opurum, Building Electrification Institute

Todd McAlister, SPEER

Hydrogen Energy

Dr. Emily Beagle, UT Austin

Craig Chick, Capitol Partners Consulting

Thank You to Our 2024 Energy Academy Funders and Sponsors: