Michael E. Webber

Dr. Michael E. Webber serves as Professor with dual appointments as the Sid Richardson Chair in the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the John J. McKetta Centennial Energy Chair in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. His academic profile spans engineering, policy, and commercialization with a focus on energy and environmental systems. He previously held significant industry roles as CTO of Energy Impact Partners (August 2021-September 2024) and Chief Science and Technology Officer at ENGIE in Paris (September 2018-August 2021).

Webber earned his B.S. and B.A. from UT Austin followed by M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. His educational background established the foundation for his interdisciplinary approach to energy systems analysis.

Dr. Webber's research spans complex energy systems analysis with particular expertise in grid reliability amidst electrification and variable renewable sources, hydrogen sector integration across multiple industries, built environment sustainability, and the food-energy-water-waste nexus. His work bridges engineering fundamentals with policy implications and commercial viability, addressing critical challenges in the energy transition. The Webber Energy Group (www.webberenergygroup.com) serves as the hub for his research activities, producing influential scholarship that informs both academic discourse and practical energy solutions.

Analysis of Webber's recent publications reveals a strong focus on practical energy system challenges, particularly the impacts of extreme weather events on infrastructure resilience, grid integration of renewable energy, and the socioeconomic dimensions of energy transitions. His work demonstrates a consistent pattern of addressing immediate energy challenges while considering long-term systemic implications, often with a specific focus on Texas as a case study for broader energy transitions.

• Energy Thought Leader: Higher Education award by the American Energy Society (2024)
• Fulbright Technical Specialist (2024)
• Fellow of ASME (2014)
• Presidential Leadership Scholar (2018)
• Rockefeller Foundation writer's residency in Bellagio, Italy (2022)
• Recipient of six Telly Awards for documentary work (one gold, four silver, one bronze)

Webber has authored or co-authored over 600 publications including five general interest books, with his book 'Power Trip: the Story of Energy' (2019) accompanied by a 12-part PBS series that reached millions of viewers. His documentary 'Thirst for Power' was released nationally on PBS in April 2025. His scholarly work has appeared in top journals including Science, Nature, and Environmental Science & Technology, while his essays have been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Scientific American. As director of the Webber Energy Group, he leads a multidisciplinary team addressing pressing energy challenges through systems analysis, policy evaluation, and technology assessment.