The Great Plains Institute announced today that Charles Hua, founder and executive director of PowerLines and former U.S. Department of Energy advisor, has joined its board. With roots in the Midwest, Hua is a rising star in energy and the clean energy transition, internationally recognized for his leadership on grid modernization, clean energy policy and sustainability.
“The Great Plains Institute has a reputation for the kind of trusted, pragmatic, transformative solutions that produce the landscape-shifting changes required to address climate change—the greatest problem facing humanity today,” Hua said. “I’m proud to join the leadership of an organization at the nexus of net-zero carbon policy, infrastructure development and community engagement; this is where exciting progress is achieved.”
Hua recently launched PowerLines, a nonprofit dedicated to modernizing the utility regulatory system to accelerate affordable, reliable, clean energy for American consumers. He has advised Fortune 500 companies and international NGOs on sustainability issues and serves on the boards of Slipstream and Clean Wisconsin.
“Charles has accumulated an exceptional range and depth of experience and knowledge on some of the knottiest issues the energy transformation faces,” GPI President and CEO Rolf Nordstrom said. “We are so pleased that he has chosen to share his talents in service of GPI’s mission at this watershed moment for our clean energy future.”
Hua has been recognized by the White House as a 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholar, by the Aspen Institute as a Climate Leader, and as an Energy News Network 40 Under 40 honoree.
“GPI’s mission and vision will generate multi-generational impact and requires the action and engagement of passionate and talented leaders spanning from baby boomers to Gen Z,” GPI board chair Priti Patel said. “Bringing one of the brightest young leaders in climate and energy to our board strengthens our representation of the diverse stakeholders and populations GPI serves. We are eager to have Charles help guide GPI.”
Hua joins Christian Mitchell (University of Chicago) as new additions to the GPI board of directors in 2024. The group represents nonprofits, energy technology, energy policy, utility and philanthropic perspectives nationwide. Hua’s three-year term begins on December 10.
Join us in welcoming Charles at this monumental opportunity to help communities, states, utilities, and other key actors implement clean energy at an unprecedented speed and scale. Say hello on LinkedIn.
