Research Themes 

The energy transition demands more than technological innovation—it requires thoughtful policy, sound economic analysis, effective institutions, and practical solutions that can scale. At the Kleinman Center, our research is organized around four complementary themes that help us understand and address the most pressing energy and climate challenges of our time: Policy Design, Economic Frameworks, Institutions & Governance, and Greenhouse Gas Removal.

Together, these themes provide a framework for tackling complex, interconnected issues. As illustrated in the pages that follow, today’s most consequential topics—from AI and data centers, critical minerals, insurance, carbon markets, affordability, and industrial policy—do not fit neatly within a single discipline. Instead, they span multiple research areas, requiring perspectives that bridge policy, economics, governance, and technological innovation.

This interdisciplinary approach continues to shape our work through our affiliated labs and initiatives. The Energy Justice Lab advances equitable and effective policy design, ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition are broadly shared. The Clean Energy Conversions Lab is expanding the frontiers of greenhouse gas removal, developing pathways to remove carbon from the atmosphere while creating scalable solutions. This year also marks the launch of the EconClimate Lab, strengthening our work in economic frameworks by bringing rigorous economic analysis to the design of climate and energy policy.

We are equally proud of the continued growth and impact of the Goldsmith Sustainable Agriculture Fund, which supports innovative research at the intersection of agriculture, energy, and sustainability. This research is accelerating solutions that connect food systems with broader climate and energy goals.

This research agenda guides our work on campus and beyond—informing policy, advancing innovation, and equipping decision-makers to navigate an increasingly complex energy landscape.

We’ve built an amazing ecosystem—an energy, climate, ecosystem here on Penn campus.

Scott Kleinman, Founding Donor and Board Member