Signature Events
Making connections—from the global to the local. The Kleinman Center hosts impactful events that engage thought leaders, policymakers, and the public in critical energy discussions. Our signature event, the annual Carnot Prize, honors distinguished contributions to energy policy, recognizing those who advance cleaner and more equitable energy systems. We also play an active role at the UN’s annual climate change conference, contributing research, hosting discussions, and amplifying Penn’s voice in the global dialogue on climate action. And we organize Energy Week at Penn, a weeklong series of events across the university featuring cutting-edge research, student work, and policy developments.
The Carnot Prize
This year, we awarded the Carnot Prize for distinguished contributions to energy policy to Ramón Méndez Galain, Uruguay’s former director of energy. Méndez, a particle physicist with no experience in government, was tapped to lead Uruguay’s energy transition in 2008. He proceeded to reimagine the country’s electricity grid and, in less than a decade, freed the country from imported oil.
Today, thanks to his vision, Uruguay’s power grid is nearly 100% renewable energy.
COP28
Under the leadership of the Kleinman Center and Perry World House, more than two dozen researchers from Penn schools and centers traveled to Dubai for the UN’s annual climate change conference known as COP28. Some delegates participated in state-to-state negotiations, while others spoke on panels, gave presentations, and learned from colleagues from across the world.
Events on the Ground
The Penn delegation also gathered with other universities under the first Higher Education Pavilion, where they hosted events and conversations with world policymakers. One Kleinman Center event addressed the role of academic institutions in a low-carbon transition.
24 Delegates
This year, Penn sent 24 delegates to COP28 in Dubai, UAE.
10 Centers and Schools
The Penn delegation included representation from 10 centers and schools, including our first delegate from the Penn Health System.
29 Events
Penn delegates presented at more than two dozen events at the Higher Education Pavilion and the Thai Pavilion.
Energy Week at Penn
With more than two dozen events across campus, featuring 16 schools and centers, Energy Week attracted students, faculty, and practitioners for discussions on everything from energy justice to electric vehicles to datacenter artificial intelligence. Students enjoyed several targeted events, including: lightning talks, poster displays, and career-building sessions.
The Kleinman Center was pleased to host a conversation with U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse as the capstone event of this year’s Energy Week at Penn.
A Conversation With Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
“The pathway to climate safety is getting very, very narrow. We have wasted so many opportunities,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), an invited guest of the Kleinman Center who provided policy insights to a packed room of students, faculty, and practitioners.