Houston Energy & Climate Week 2025 has officially begun, bringing a clear and powerful message: Houston is Unstoppable. The theme embodies the city's spirit—a force built on resilience, driven by innovation, and powered by the collaboration between energy, climate, industry, and community. Running from September 15 to 19, this exciting week is packed with keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking events designed to spark meaningful conversations and drive action. This week isn’t about choosing between energy and climate. It’s about harnessing the power of “and” to build a more inclusive, secure, and sustainable future.
Missed earlier sessions? Watch the recap and catch up on all the key moments. And don’t forget to join us on Friday, September 19 for the closing events—you won’t want to miss it!
The event brought together visionaries, innovators, and leaders to explore how Houston is spearheading the global energy transition. The discussions were direct, the ideas were bold, and the call to action was unmistakable. This is where the future of energy is being shaped, and everyone has a role to play.
The week kicked off with a focus on Houston’s unique position to lead. The opening ceremonies set a powerful tone, exploring everything from the city's future as a "Brain Economy" to the deep intersections of energy and climate.
The conversations at Houston Energy & Climate Week were not just theoretical. They were directly tied to tangible, real-world issues affecting our jobs, communities, and future.
The Energy Transition is Here
(Insights from Dow’s SMR Project and partners)
The week made it clear that the transition is not a distant concept—it's happening now, and Houston is at the center of it. From Dow's groundbreaking SMR project at its Seadrift facility to the development of new solutions for carbon capture, Houston’s industrial and technological might is being mobilized to decarbonize the global economy. This isn't about replacing old industries but transforming them.
Jobs and Workforce of the Future
(Highlighted by Sharita Humphrey of Ecopower Source)
The transition creates immense opportunities. Discussions highlighted the need for a skilled workforce to build, operate, and innovate within this new energy landscape. As Sharita Humphrey of Ecopower Source shared, a single geothermal project in a rural community can create 50,000 new jobs over the next decade. The focus is on creating pathways for students, engineers, and technicians to participate in this growth.
Community and Resilience
(Emphasized by Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones)
The event underscored the importance of progress being inclusive. Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones spoke about the county's Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce emissions while building community resilience through initiatives such as solar projects, waste audits, and the creation of green spaces. The message was clear: a sustainable future must also be an equitable one.
Amidst the panels and presentations, a few moments stood out, capturing the human element behind the mission.
Katie Mehnert shared a deeply personal story of surviving septic shock—an experience that reinforced her commitment to building a better future. Mehnert challenged the audience with a direct call to action: "I'm here to tell you that we are unstoppable because our city is where these solutions are happening." Her words reminded everyone that behind the data and technology are people with purpose.
Commissioner Lesley Briones articulated the city's approach with the central idea of the power of "and." In her own words: "Rather than either or or creating this world of false choices, the power of and. How can we harness multiple opportunities to deliver more?" Briones’s framing captured the mindset that shaped the entire week, driving a shift from conflict toward collaboration.
Houston Energy & Climate Week 2025 was more than a conference; it was a declaration. The collaboration between legacy energy giants, agile climate tech startups, and government bodies was striking. It showed that Houston is moving beyond debate and into a phase of decisive action. The path forward is not about picking winners but about building a system where diverse technologies—from geothermal and nuclear to hydrogen and carbon capture—can work together.
The future of energy is being built today. The challenges are significant, but the momentum is undeniable. Houston has the talent, the infrastructure, and the will to lead. The time for talk is over. The time for building is now.