https://www.wri.org/news/release-wri-and-university-chicago-announce-100...
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 12, 2025) — World Resources Institute (WRI) and the University of Chicago announced today a combined $100 million contribution from Michael and Tanya Polsky through the Polsky Foundation to accelerate pragmatic, scalable solutions for the global energy transition and prepare the next generation of energy innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.
A $75 million gift to WRI—the largest energy-focused gift in its history—will establish the WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition (“WRI Polsky Energy Center”), which will harness analytical power, convening ability and global expertise to help orchestrate the transition to a clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy future. The WRI Polsky Energy Center seeks to overcome critical barriers to modernizing and expanding energy grids, scaling financing and deployment, sourcing critical minerals responsibly and building a skilled, future-ready workforce.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the energy industry, Michael Polsky is widely recognized as a pioneer and leader in North America’s cogeneration and independent power industry. As a member of WRI's Board of Directors since 2004, he previously endowed WRI’s Polsky Chair for Renewable Energy and has contributed to the funding of projects that increase access to clean, abundant and reliable power.
“I’ve spent my career in the energy sector, building energy companies here in the United States—starting in nuclear, coal, oil and gas power generation and then expanding into renewables,” said Michael Polsky. “My journey mirrors America’s: from reliance on coal, oil and gas, to embracing new energy sources like wind and solar.”
“This progression isn’t about ideology—it’s driven by technology, economics and opportunity. As an energy entrepreneur who has designed and built power plants and associated electricity infrastructure that power millions of homes and businesses, I’ve seen firsthand the practical challenges that stand in the way of building energy infrastructure and the solutions that can help America reclaim leadership in energy innovation, manufacturing and deployment."
Added Polsky, “The energy transition is inevitable, but it’s not an instantaneous shift—and we must lead it strategically. If we don’t seize this opportunity, others will. In the quest for energy independence, we must build resilient systems that are less vulnerable to volatile markets. We have the opportunity to build efficient, cleaner, low-cost, scalable energy infrastructure while fostering technological leadership. Tanya and I are proud to support WRI’s efforts to shape a future of clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy for generations, and the University of Chicago in shaping the leaders who will realize this vision.”
Added Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO of WRI: “We are deeply grateful to Michael and Tanya Polsky, visionary philanthropists who are dedicated to transforming the energy sector. Accelerating the global energy transition is one of the most important challenges of our time, and there is no better moment to orchestrate the transition to a new clean energy economy. The WRI Polsky Energy Center will deliver the practical, evidence-based solutions that countries need to move toward a sustainable energy future.”
In addition, a $25 million gift to the University of Chicago will establish the Polsky Energy Transition Leadership Academy (“Polsky Academy”)—a pioneering program housed within the University’s Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business as a key partner. As a component of the Chicago Curriculum on Climate and Sustainable Growth, a groundbreaking approach to energy and climate education led by the Institute, the Polsky Academy brings a unique focus on experiential learning, immersive field experiences and career mentorship to help students grapple with the dual goals of the need for inexpensive and reliable energy and a manageable climate.
“The University of Chicago is committed to providing students with a deep education in how to think. This gift by Michael Polsky will enrich the education of so many of our students who are interested in understanding how the world of energy really works," Paul Alivisatos, President of the University of Chicago, said. “With this generous support, we are better equipped to foster the next generation of leaders and innovators who will address the challenges and opportunities of the energy future.”
More About the WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition
Building on WRI’s global research and convening expertise, the WRI Polsky Energy Center will focus on solutions to six critical challenges that impede progress in delivering clean, abundant and reliable energy systems:
- Transmission & distribution infrastructure: Expanding and modernizing electric grids.
- Finance: Connecting investors, energy developers, and governments to new financing instruments to drastically increase installations for clean energy.
- Critical minerals: Promoting the responsible sourcing of critical minerals such as copper, nickel, lithium and cobalt required for the energy transition.
- Large buyer demand: Supporting large energy buyers—such as industries, cities, and technology leaders—in choosing sustainable, cost-effective energy sources to meet their growing demand reliably and efficiently.
- Siting: Addressing barriers to siting clean energy projects and advancing equitable solutions.
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Entrepreneurs and the workforce: Equipping the workforce and entrepreneurs of the future through education and skills development.
While influencing the global energy landscape, the WRI Polsky Energy Center will initially focus on the United States and India—two major economies facing diverse energy challenges.
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In the United States, the WRI Polsky Energy Center will tackle hurdles to the implementation of clean, reliable and affordable energy solutions to meet growing demand.
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In India, the focus will be on improving reliable clean energy supply, reducing emissions and addressing systemic barriers in a fast-growing economy.
Success in these regions will create replicable models and accelerate global progress.
The WRI Polsky Energy Center has an Advisory Group of influential and respected leaders from around the world who will provide strategic advice and serve as ambassadors to help advance the Center's mission.
Advisory Group members include:
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Michael Polsky, Founder and CEO, Invenergy (Advisory Group Co-Chair)
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Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency (Advisory Group Co-Chair)
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Sharan Burrow, Former General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation
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Jon Creyts, CEO, Rocky Mountain Institute
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Faustine Delasalle, CEO, Mission Possible Partnership
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Rohitesh Dhawan, President and CEO, International Council on Mining and Metals
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Samir Mayekar, Associate VP & MD, Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
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Elsie Mbugua, Global Chair, BOMA.ngo; Founder & Managing Director, Leadwood Energy
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Tanya Polsky, President, Polsky Foundation
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Vanessa Julia Ramírez, Director, ECANAL SA de CV
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Praveer Sinha, CEO, Tata Power
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Andrew Steer, President and CEO, Bezos Earth Fund
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Cathy Zoi, Former CEO, EVgo
“Developing a more secure, affordable and sustainable energy system is one of the most critical challenges—and opportunities—of our time,” said Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency and co-chair of the WRI Polsky Energy Center Advisory Group. “The WRI Polsky Energy Center’s focus on removing barriers to energy sector growth, building modern energy infrastructure and empowering a skilled workforce is a vital contribution to this global effort. By combining research-driven solutions with real-world impact, the Center is uniquely positioned to accelerate progress in both advanced and emerging economies. I am honored to co-chair its advisory board and optimistic that its work will help chart a path to a better energy future.”
Media Relations Contacts:
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Polsky Foundation: polsky@brunswickgroup.com
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WRI: Alison Cinnamond, Global Director of Strategic Communications, alison.cinnamond@wri.org
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University of Chicago: Vicki Ekstrom High, Senior Director of Communications and External Engagement, vekstrom@uchicago.edu
About the Polsky Foundation
Founded in 2002, the Polsky Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting a wide range of charitable initiatives.
About World Resources Institute
WRI works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations. www.wri.org.
About the University of Chicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth
The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth leverages the University of Chicago’s unique legacy and resources to balance the risks of a changing climate with the essential need for human progress. It does so by combining frontier research in economics and climate policy, and key energy and climate technologies, with a pioneering approach to education that provides a 360-degree understanding of the climate and growth challenge. The Institute also seeds interdisciplinary research that explores new topics in this ever-evolving field and drives practical, effective solutions in countries central to this challenge. climate.uchicago.edu
