Global Institute for the Future of Energy

An ASU initiative focused on global energy literacy, education, innovation, and practical understanding of energy systems.

Quick Hits

The Global Institute for the Future of Energy is a collaboration between Thunderbird and ASU’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory.
It was launched in 2025 with a $50 million gift from Thunderbird alumnus Robert L. “Bob” Zorich ’74.
The Institute is designed to expand practical, fact-based understanding of energy systems and their trade-offs.
Its audience is intentionally broad, ranging from young learners and university students to executives, policymakers, and the public.
Planned work includes education, research, fellowships, executive engagement, public programs, and global energy dialogue.

Energy decisions affect economic security, environmental security, national security, technology, and human well-being.
The Institute was created in response to a gap in public and leadership understanding of how energy systems work.
Its approach emphasizes interconnected and accessible energy education rather than treating energy as a narrow or siloed topic.

The Institute combines Thunderbird’s strengths in global leadership, management, education, and international networks with ASU’s expertise in global futures and energy systems.
It is designed to be transdisciplinary, global in reach, and learner-centered.

The Institute is developing learning opportunities for multiple audiences, including K–12 learners, undergraduate and graduate students, executives, and the public.
Programming is intended to help learners understand where energy comes from, the advantages and costs of different energy sources, and the trade-offs that vary across communities and countries.
Public engagement is expected to include talks, conferences, and other accessible learning opportunities.

The Institute is intended to support research and practical solutions related to future global energy systems.
Planned activities include fellowships and an executive-in-residence model connecting industry leaders with research, teaching, and public engagement.
Its long-term goal is to improve energy literacy while supporting informed decision-making and innovation.

The Institute was established with a $50 million gift from Thunderbird alumnus Bob Zorich ’74, co-founder of EnCap Investments.
The gift reflects a focus on making energy education accessible at global scale.