Panel Four: Powering the Future – Prospects for Fusion Energy

September 30^th, 2014

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Location: 1100 New York Avenue, NW 7^th Floor, West Tower

Join ASP and our panelists in a discussion about the next generation of energy technology and climate policy.

Fusion energy is real, and it is happening now. Through the cooperation of national and international governments, universities and organization, we are seeing the safest and cleanest form of energy becoming a global reality. As with biofuels, renewables and other energy technologies, fusion energy funding is also in dire need of assistance.

Our panelists will discuss how fusion energy works, what makes it the safest and cleanest form of energy that we can pursue, how government and private sector investment is making it a viable energy option, and the possible timeframes for “plugging into the grid.”

Speakers

Chair: Kate Ling

Katherine Ling is the Technology and Innovation Reporter for Greenwire, the flagship publication of Environment and Energy Publishing LLC. She covers energy research and development, energy policy, Congress, the Energy Department and other relevant federal agencies. Her work has also appeared in the New York Times, Scientific American, Greeley Tribune and The Daily Herald. She graduated with a B.A. in Humanities from Yale University and M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

Panelist: Andrew Holland

Andrew Holland is the American Security Project’s Senior Fellow for Energy and Climate. He is a Washington-based expert on energy, climate change, and infrastructure policy. Prior to moving into the Think Tank world, he was a Legislative Assistant on Energy, Environment, and Infrastructure for United States Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska from 2006 through 2008. He also has experience working in the US House of Representatives for the House Ways and Means Committee and the Office of Congresswoman Roukema. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Strategy and Economics from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Economics from Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

Panelist: Nathan Gilliland

Nathan Gilliland is the Chief Executive Officer of General Fusion Inc. From 2008 until the end of 2012, Nathan was president and co-founder of Harvest Power, a renewable energy company that turns organic waste into natural gas and electricity. Prior to Harvest Power, Nathan was an investor at Bain Capital for 9 years, focusing on both leveraged buyouts and debt securities including energy investments. He was a founder of internet start-up MyCounsel.com and started his career at Bain and Company, after graduating from the University of California-Berkeley.