FSI researchers examine the role of energy sources from regulatory, economic and societal angles. The Program on Energy and Sustainable Development (PESD) investigates how the production and consumption of energy affect human welfare and environmental quality. Professors assess natural gas and coal markets, as well as the smart energy grid and how to create effective climate policy in an imperfect world. This includes how state-owned enterprises – like oil companies – affect energy markets around the world. Regulatory barriers are examined for understanding obstacles to lowering carbon in energy services. Realistic cap and trade policies in California are studied, as is the creation of a giant coal market in China.
Frontiers of Research on Low Income Energy
Workshop Focus
With around 2 billion people using biomass as their primary energy source, and 1.6 billion people without access to electricity, there are many unanswered questions on how to best provide energy services to low-income people in developing countries. This workshop will explore three aspects of the challenge of providing energy to low income communities: business models for cookstove implementations, the structure of rural biomass markets, and household energy choices. The event will be an opportunity for experts to share their latest research and for PESD to share its planned research and receive feedback.
Richard and Rhoda Goldman Conference Room
Workshops