Offshore wind energy generation is quickly becoming a major industry. The benefits of clean energy are clear, but what will it take to make a substantial dent in our power generation? What will it mean for those of us outside of the industry? What will it cost? We’ll learn about offshore wind from the environmental and industry perspectives and what it will mean for Texas.
LUKE METZGER
Executive Director, Environment Texas
As the executive director of Environment Texas, Luke Metzger is a leading voice in the state for clean air, clean water, clean energy, and open space. Luke has led successful campaigns to win permanent protection for the Christmas Mountains of Big Bend; to compel Exxon, Shell, and Chevron Phillips to cut air pollution at four Texas refineries and chemical plants; and to boost funding for water conservation and state parks. The San Antonio Current has called Luke "long one of the most energetic and dedicated defenders of environmental issues in the state." He has been named one of the "Top Lobbyists for Causes" by Capitol Inside, received the President's Award from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society for his work to protect Texas parks, and was chosen for the inaugural class of "Next Generation Fellows" by the Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law at UT Austin.
HUGH DAIGLE
Associate Professor, University of Texas
Dr. Hugh Daigle is an Associate Professor in the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering and the Center for Subsurface Energy and the Environment at the University of Texas at Austin. He holds a BA degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Harvard University and a PhD in Earth Science from Rice University. Dr. Daigle’s industry experience includes work as a wireline field engineer for Schlumberger, and as a petrophysicist for Schlumberger, Brigham Oil and Gas, and Chevron. His research interests include fluid flow in porous media, geohazards, gas hydrates, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy for the energy transition.
DAVID KING
Co-founder and CTO of Gulf Wind Technology
David King is an engineer and entrepreneur. He is co-founder and CTO of Gulf Wind Technology, wind turbine innovator, and a composite designer. He has designed wind turbine blades deployed in China, India, Europe, and North America. David grew up in South Texas working on and flying in general aviation aircraft. Flying sparked his interest in composites and the power of air. He has co-founded Gulf Wind Technology with the mission of growing and catalyzing the offshore wind energy industry for the Gulf south. At Gulf Wind Technology he strives to develop the collaboration across industry required to bring about innovative solutions that will unlock the green electron for the gulf coast.
Dr. Gavin Dillingham
Co-Founder and CEO of Pythias Analytics
Vice President of Research, Energy at HARC
Dr. Gavin Dillingham is Co-Founder and CEO of Pythias Analytics and Vice President of Research, Energy at HARC. He joined HARC in 2012 where he leads multi-stakeholder efforts focusing on policy and programs to improve the climate resilience of power infrastructure and built environment and to help usher in the energy transition. He is the PI for multiple DOE funded programs focusing on data analytics, technical assistance and improved decision making for the energy sector.
Dr. Dillingham also leads efforts to commercialize HARC’s research. Most recently, he led the start-up of Pythias Analytics, Inc. Pythias Analytics is an early-stage startup, spun out of HARC in 2020. The company brings together climate, energy, and decision science to provide climate analytics, scenario planning and decision optimization for the energy sector.
Dr. Dillingham received a Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and his PhD from Rice University in 2008.