The sustainability of global long term energy demand, supply, and energy diversity is in question in light of growing demand for energy in China, India, Brazil, and other emerging economies, increasing awareness of environmental issues, and the need to find new ways to address related concerns. Further uncertainties are raised by changing world events such as the global debt crisis, the Arab Spring, and the impact of Japan’s tsunami and earthquake disasters on the development of nuclear energy. These and other issues challenge the transition toward a sustainable energy era where the current energy needs are met without compromising the energy needs of future generations, and they also create opportunities.

If there is a need to guide this transition, what type of roadmap should be developed to show a desired path to energy sustainability? To what extent will the roadmap be determined by drivers such as public and private investment, government and environmental policy, technological innovation, and research and development funding? Furthermore, what roles will be played in this transition by conventional and non-conventional fossil fuels; renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass; distributed resources and storage; energy efficiency; electric vehicles; and the smart grid?

This conference is intended not only to address these questions but also to address possible challenges and opportunities for the transition to such a sustainable energy era. With its record of energy innovation and accessibility, Austin, Texas is an ideal setting for bringing together key players in the global energy and transportation industries, government, and academia to address questions and concerns raised in several plenary and concurrent sessions.

To find out more about this event, visit the website and register here.

Check out extensive coverage from last year’s conference in Washington, DC on Breaking Energy here.