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Media Alert: IEEFA to hold Energy Finance Conference 2020 online (July 14-30)

July 13, 2020

July 13, 2020 (IEEFA U.S.) ‒ The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) will hold its annual conference online July 14-30, in response to travel and other restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. 

A popular convening with speakers from every continent, the conference will feature a wide cross-section of legal, policy, industry and finance experts and activists. Usually held in New York City, it will instead take place in a series of one-hour online sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 pm EDT. Pre-recorded presentations will be followed by moderated live Q&A sessions with speakers and conference attendees.

Registration is free and open to the public. Program details follow:

PROGRAM

Tuesday, July 14, 1 – 2 PM ET

Financial Experts’ Projections for the U.S. Electricity Mix 

Investors and credit analysts are weighing the financial risks of the energy sector as the electricity mix continues to change. What are some of the biases and blind spots in evaluating this evolving landscape? 

Speakers: 
Jim Hempstead, Moody’s Global Project & Infrastructure Finance Group Managing Director
Julien Dumoulin-Smith, Bank of America Securities Research Analyst 

Moderator: 
Liz Stanton, Applied Economics Clinic Director and Senior Economist

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Wednesday, July 15, 1:00 – 2 PM ET

Accelerating the Global Capital Shift Away from Fossil Fuels

Globally significant financial institutions are increasingly limiting their exposure to fossil fuels, particularly coal. These efforts should not simply target pure-play fossil fuel companies, but also the entire supply chain on which they rely. How best to step up the pace of the energy transition across a wider range of industries? 

Speakers: 
Heffa Schücking, urgewald Founder and Director
Tim Buckley, IEEFA Director Energy Finance Studies Australia/South Asia 

Moderator: 
Justin Guay, Sunrise Project Director for Global Climate Strategy

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Thursday, July 16, 1:00 – 2 PM ET

Prospects for the Oil and Gas Industry on a Downward Spiral

The oil and gas sector continues to struggle financially. Ongoing challengesglobal oversupply and a weak macro outlookhave accelerated with the global pandemic. What are the near- and long-term implications?

Speakers: 
Kathy Hipple, IEEFA Financial Analyst 
Mariana Fernandez, Observatorio Petrolero Sur in Argentina Economist

Moderator: 
Nick Cunningham, Independent Journalist

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Tuesday, July 21, 1:00 – 2 PM ET

Coal Mine Closures: Current Issues as the Industry Rapidly Declines

Bankruptcies—and potential company liquidations—are looming for the coal sector. For communities that depend on coal, the combination of worker layoffs and revenue losses can be devastating. Further, the weak financial condition of many coal companies is making mine cleanup more challenging than ever.

Speakers: 
Shannon Anderson, Powder River Basin Resource Council Staff Attorney/Organizer
Mary Cromer, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center Deputy Director

Moderator:
Shannon Fisk, Earthjustice Managing Attorney, Coal

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Wednesday, July 22, 1:00 – 2 PM ET

Headwinds for LNG: Cooling Markets, Warming Planet  

A global gas glut, weak demand growth, and rising concerns about methane leaks were deflating the global LNG boom even before COVID-19 hit—and things have just gotten worse. Will LNG rebound, or are the headwinds too strong?

Speakers: 
Bruce Robertson, IEEFA Energy Finance Analyst – Gas/LNG
Clark Williams-Derry, IEEFA Energy Finance Analyst

Moderator: 
Suzanne Mattei, IEEFA Energy Policy Analyst

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Thursday, July 23, 1:00 – 2 PM ET

Petrochemicals: The Final Frontier for Fossil Fuel Survival?

Petrochemical plants and projects are being promoted as a lifeline for the struggling oil and gas industry. But there are red flags in the plastics sector both in the U.S. and globally. Investors need a rethink. 

Speakers: 
Tom Sanzillo, IEEFA Director of Finance
Sharon Lavigne, RISE St. James Founder and President

Moderator: 
Lisa Hamilton, Georgetown Climate Center Adaptation Programs Director

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Tuesday, July 28, 1:00 – 2 PM ET

Renewables Taking Market Share from Fossil Fuels

The transition to renewables is quickly gaining speed in the United States and internationally from wind farms in Texas to utility-scale solar in India, to offshore installations in Denmark. Utility companies the world over are turning to renewables to reduce costs and demonstrate environmental stewardship.  

Speakers: 
Luis Reyes, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative CEO and General Manager
Dennis Wamsted, IEEFA Analyst/Editor

Moderator: 
Karl Cates, IEEFA Transition Policy Analyst

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Wednesday, July 29, 1:00 – 2 PM ET

Under Pressure: The Impetus for Over-Building Pipelines and How to Stop It

Legal and policy experts will explore issues related to pipeline projects, including: Opposition to the use of eminent domain, strategies to reform federal energy law, the intersection between environmental interests and property rights, economic forces and information wars as well New York’s recent decision to reject the Williams pipeline proposal.

Speakers: 
David Bookbinder, Niskanen Chief Counsel
Alexandra Klass, University of Minnesota Law School Professor 
Suzanne Mattei, IEEFA Energy Policy Analyst

Moderator: 
Rebekah Sale, Property Rights and Pipeline Center Executive Director

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Thursday, July 30, 1:00 – 2 PM ET

Closing Keynote Address: Political Leadership on Global Climate Change, Divestment and the Energy Transition with William Peduto, Mayor of Pittsburgh

Mayor Peduto has called for increased investments in green energy and a move away from fossil fuel-based industries and projects. Despite mounting pressure from the fracking and plastics sectors, Peduto has opposed plans for creating a petrochemical hub in the region.

Following the address by Mayor Peduto, Pittsburgh’s Chief Resilience Officer Grant Ervin will join moderator Steven Carbó for a question and answer session with conference participants.

Speakers: 
William Peduto, Mayor of Pittsburgh
Grant Ervin, Pittsburgh Resiliency Officer

Moderator:  
Steven M. Carbó, Esq. Principal, Carbó Strategic Consulting LLC

All conference attendees, including media, must pre-register here.

Media contact

Vivienne Heston ([email protected]) tel: (914) 439-8921

About IEEFA

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) examines issues related to energy markets, trends and policies. The Institute’s mission is to accelerate the transition to a diverse, sustainable and profitable energy economy.

Vivienne Heston

Vivienne Heston is Donor Communications Manager at IEEFA.

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