Thought Leaders Convene at Emerging Issues Forum to Explore the Future of Energy

The Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) at NC State University held its 2025 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Energy on May 28 at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. This event brought together nearly 500 attendees representing a range of of key sectors and regions to examine the demands on North Carolina’s evolving energy infrastructure. Discussions centered on critical factors such as rapid population growth, an aging electric grid, extreme weather events and more.

The forum commenced with welcoming remarks from IEI Director Sarah Hall and IEI National Advisory Board Chair Maurice Smith, setting the stage for a series of insightful plenary sessions featuring speakers representing utility providers, industry, government, research and community-based organizations.

“The grand challenge before us is how to prepare for the unprecedented growth facing North Carolina,” said Hall during her welcoming remarks. “We’re projected to become the 7th most populous state by the early 2030s, and over three million more people will call North Carolina home by 2050. They will need access to clean water, healthy food, and housing that’s safe and affordable. They’ll need transportation and broadband. And all of the other critical infrastructure needed to support a thriving economy, like childcare, healthcare, public safety and education.”

Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina CEO Christopher Chung and Duke Energy North Carolina State President Kendal Bowman provided a foundational understanding of the forces reshaping the national and global energy landscape during the morning keynote address. They highlighted challenges like the influx of energy-intensive businesses and the transition to clean energy goals, also sharing practical advice for households and businesses on managing energy consumption and costs.

Later in the morning, attendees heard from NC State University Chancellor Kevin Howell, who shared examples of ways the university is leading efforts to advance the state’s energy infrastructure, before introducing Governor Josh Stein. Both delivered their first public remarks in their new roles at the forum, offering fresh perspectives on the state’s economic future.

“As we prepare for our energy future, we must ensure that the state’s infrastructure is driven by advances in research and technology that meet our evolving needs,” said Chancellor Howell during his remarks. “I can think of no better place to have this discussion on energy than here at NC State.”

In the afternoon, attendees participated in breakout sessions, allowing for deeper exploration of topics introduced during the plenary sessions. Attendees were also given the opportunity to provide feedback on the advisory council’s Strategies for Strengthening Our Energy Infrastructure, a collection of recommendations designed to help communities overcome their energy challenges. This input will guide the finalization of these recommendations before they are distributed to individuals and organizations nationwide.

The forum wrapped up with a second keynote address by IBM Global Leader for Responsible AI Phaedra Boinodiris and Center for Industrial Strategy Executive Director Charles Yang. They both addressed the key challenges and transformative opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) presents for North Carolina’s energy transition and the need for AI literacy and accountability.

The forum’s robust agenda also included contributions from representatives with Dominion Energy, Duke University, E&V Strategic Communications, the National Institute of Minority Economic Development, the NC Chamber Foundation, the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, the North Carolina Justice Center, the North Carolina Utilities Commission, The Pew Charitable Trusts and many others.

Hall concluded the day announcing exciting news about next year’s forum, Future Forward Water, set for Feb. 25, 2026. This forum marks the second installment in IEI’s 2025-2027 Future Forward Infrastructure series, and will bring people together to examine the water challenges threatening the state’s economic vitality. Notably, next year’s forum will also commemorate 40 years of the Emerging Issues Forum and will be held at three regional locations statewide: the mountains, Piedmont and coastal regions.

About the Institute for Emerging Issues
The Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University is a nonpartisan connector, bringing North Carolinians together to find solutions to the state’s emerging and most critical policy issues.

About the Emerging Issues Forum
Since 1986, the Emerging Issues Forum has attracted leaders in business, education and public policy to discuss issues with profound implications for North Carolina’s future prosperity. It has helped catalyze the policy reforms, public investments and other proactive responses required to build an enduring capacity for progress in North Carolina.

The 2025 Emerging Issues Forum would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Duke Energy Foundation (Platinum), Hitachi Energy (Gold), NC Electric Cooperatives (Gold), NC Rural Center (Gold), NC Clean Energy Technology Center (Silver), Public Consulting Group (Silver) and more.

The 2025 Emerging Issues Forum is part of the 2025-2027 Forum Series: Future Forward Infrastructure. Thank you to our series sponsors: Civic and Local Government Federal Credit Union (Platinum) and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (Gold), as well as The Duke Endowment for their continuing support.