The Stanford Energy  Seminar has been a mainstay of energy engagement at Stanford for nearly 20 years and is one of the flagship programs of the Precourt Institute for Energy. We aim to bring a wide variety of perspectives to the Stanford community – academics, entrepreneurs, utilities, non-profits, and more. Join us!

Talk Abstract: This talk will analyze the extent to which the current global climate governance system allows for the establishment of fundamental energy justice. In our energy transition, how can we avoid systemic reproductions of energy injustice that have been historically ingrained within global energy systems? To what degree does a just energy transition require redistribution of political and economic power? Using examples from Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana, this talk will discuss tensions between international financial institutions, the state, and civil society in determining and establishing energy systems that are profoundly just and democratic.

Speaker Bio: Dena Montague is an Environmental Justice Lecturer in Earth Systems. She is the Founder and Executive Director of ÉnergieRich, an award winning international social enterprise partnering with students and faculty from several Universities in Ghana, including Tamale Technical University, Ashesi University and University of Development Studies, to establish local production of solar energy systems in Northern Ghana. Her research focuses on energy justice through decentralized production, and impacts of Global North clean energy transition on climate/environmental justice in the Global South. Dr. Montague earned a PhD in Political Science from UCLA, and a BA in American Studies from Brown University.

More about the Seminar:

Anyone with an interest in energy is welcome to join! You can enjoy seminars in the following ways:

• Attend live. The auditorium may change quarter by quarter, so check each seminar event to confirm the location. Explore the current quarter's schedule.
• Watch live in a browser livestream if available. Check each seminar event for its unique livestream URL.
• Watch recordings of past seminars 
  • Available on the Past Energy Seminars page and the Energy Seminars playlist of the Stanford Energy YouTube channel
• (For students) Take the seminar as a 1-unit class (CEE 301/ENERGY 301/MS&E 494)

If you'd like to join the Stanford Energy Seminar mailing list to hear about upcoming talks, sign up here.