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Eric Masanet
Head, Industrial Sustainability Analysis Lab; Professor and Mellichamp Chair at UC Santa Barbara
Eric Masanet is a distinguished academic and expert in industrial sustainability and decarbonization who was recently appointed to the Industrial Technology Innovation Advisory Committee (ITIAC) by U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in January 2024.12
Professional Background
Eric Masanet holds several notable positions:
- Professor and Mellichamp Chair in Sustainability Science for Emerging Technologies at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)2
- Courtesy appointment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UCSB2
- Faculty Scientist in the Energy Analysis & Environmental Impacts Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory2
Research and Expertise
Masanet's work focuses on:
- Developing models, datasets, and roadmaps for decarbonizing industrial and information technology sectors2
- Energy systems analysis
- Climate change mitigation
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Data centers and information and communications technology3
Notable Achievements and Roles
Throughout his career, Masanet has held several significant positions:
- Head of the Energy Demand Technology Unit at the International Energy Agency in Paris (2015-2017)2
- Lead Author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report2
- Author of the Fifth U.S. National Climate Assessment2
- Member of the Research Advisory Board of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (2019-present)2
- Consultant at the U.S. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (2022-2024)2
- Former Editor in Chief of Resources, Conservation, and Recycling journal2
Education
Masanet holds advanced degrees in mechanical engineering:
- Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley
- M.S. from Northwestern University
- B.S. from the University of Wisconsin - Madison2
His appointment to the ITIAC underscores his expertise in industrial emissions reduction technology development and his potential to contribute to the committee's goal of decarbonizing America's industrial sector.13
Highlights
Just how much energy does AI currently use and where is its energy demand headed?
Answers to these questions are critical for energy and climate policy, but the energy analysis community currently lacks many of the data needed for robust modeling. However, there are ways to unlock the needed data--and fairly quickly.
My colleagues Nuoa Lei, Jonathan Koomey, and I lay out the energy analyst's most critical data needs and the key initiatives and stakeholders that can address them in our new commentary in Joule, which is out today:
At the 2035 Initiative, we're laser focused on conducting timely and policy-relevant research to accelerate energy system decarbonization. We're now recruiting a Senior Energy Analyst to expand our impact. Come join us!
https://lnkd.in/gVNpUkXv
The 2035 Initiative at UCSB is a "think and do tank" aimed at confronting the climate crisis. We are seeking a Senior Energy Analyst to take on analytical, research, and project management tasks, with a particular focus on industrial decarbonization and energy systems analysis. A reasonable estimate for this position is $70,000 - 85,000. The University of California is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
