OVERVIEW
OF THE EVENT
Southeast Energy Policy Forum
Presented by the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and the Center for Energy, Transportation & Environmental Policy
August 11-12, 2026
The annual Southeast Energy Policy Forum convenes industry leaders, nonprofits, university experts, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and government officials for accessible policy analysis, insights into the policy process, and policy - centered discussions on emerging energy challenges and technologies.
The 2026 Forum will focus on several key energy areas:
Data Center Growth, Innovation & Market Development
Expansion of data centers, AI-driven demand, pipeline development, and evolving market dynamics.
Energy Markets, Reliability & Infrastructure
Fuel and energy price volatility, infrastructure demand, and grid reliability challenges.
Nuclear Energy and Finances
Nuclear Renaissance and growth potential, supply chain strength, and workforce development in the Southeast.
Policy, Community Impact & Stakeholder Alignment
Policy considerations, community engagement, and balancing large-scale development with public impact.
Technology & the Future of Demand
Innovations shaping energy demand and long-term infrastructure needs.
Thought Leadership & Civil Discourse
“You Might Be Right”–style conversations exploring diverse thoughts on energy policy.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Senator Bill Hagerty
United States Senator
TRISTAN ABBEY
11th Administrator of the U.S. Energy Information Administration
U.S. Energy Information Administration
KEVIN BOOK
Co-Founder & Director of Research, ClearView Energy Partners
ClearView Energy Partners, LLC
VANESSA Z. CHAN
Vice Dean of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Director of Engineering Entrepreneurship
University of Pennsylvania
SPONSORS
Event Details
