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7 must-attend Houston energy transition events in May 2025

On the Agenda

OTC 2025 kicks off May 5 at NRG Park. Photo via OTC/LinkedIn

Editor's note: May is here, and there's a full slate of must-attend energy transition events this month. Mark your calendars for these top events, including OTC 2025, CHARGE North America, and more.Please note: this article may be updated to include additional events.

May 5-9 — OTC 2025

Offshore Technology Conference 2025 will cover the the theme of "Waves of Innovation," covering offshore energy excellence." The premier five-day conference willhighlight the groundbreaking advancements in offshore energy, showcasing the industry's relentless drive for innovation. As global energy needs evolve, the "Waves of Innovation" theme reflects OTC’s commitment to sustainable, cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of offshore energy.

Industry leaders will come together to explore new frontiers in offshore energy, emphasizing the operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and technical excellence required to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s energy landscape.

The Opening Ceremony kicks off Monday, May 5 at 9 am. The event continues at NRG Park through May 9. Click here to register.

May 12-15 — Enverus Evolve Conference

Staying ahead of the curve in the energy sector is critical. This conference is designed to equip energy leaders with foresight in the energy market, providing cutting-edge technological know-how, sessions and networking opportunities industry leaders, and offering practical guidance on how to apply technology to solve big problems.

This event begins May 12 at Hilton Americas Houston. Click here to register.

May 12-13 — Carbon Hub Annual Meeting

The fifth-annual Carbon Hub Annual Meeting will bring together industry, academic, and research leaders at the forefront of the energy and materials transitions. Attendees will have access to thought-provoking discussions and opportunities to connect with innovators across the field. The full agenda has yet to be released, but featured speakers include David Hatrick, Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Innovation, Huntsman Advanced Materials; Luca de Rai, Vice President, Research & Development Energy, Prysmian Group; and Dhaval Shah, General Manager, Corporate Technology & Innovation, SABIC.

This event begins May 12 at Rice University. Click here to register.

May 20-21 — Geothermal Transition Summit North America

This two-day summit serves as the meeting point for the geothermal and oil and gas industries and will focus on geothermal energy, including scaling plants and navigating state regulations. The event promises 50 expert speakers, 15 tech demos, and access to eight networking events featuring approximately 250 industry decision makers.

This event begins May 20 at Norris Conference Centers - Houston CityCentre. Click here to register.

May 27-28 — 6th American LNG Forum

Join LNG industry professionals, innovators, and policymakers to discover groundbreaking technologies that are driving the future of liquified natural gas. Topics will include market dynamics and decarbonization strategies, offering attendees the chance to connect, learn, and become part of the LNG revolution.

This event begins May 27 at the Westin Galleria Houston. Click here to register.

May 28-30 — CHARGE North America

This intimate, immersive experience is tailored to forward-thinking energy professionals. The conference includes hands-on interactive workshops led by top strategists; real-world case studies; and insights from leading speakers on resilient branding, consumer expectations, and climate action. Attendees will engage in panel discussions on sustainability and energy diversification and enjoy exclusive networking opportunities with global executives and innovators.

This event begins May 28 at The Ion. Click here to register.

May 29-30 — 5th Annual American Hydrogen Forum

Connect with hydrogen industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers at the American Hydrogen Forum. Discover groundbreaking technologies and strategies focusing on hydrogen fuel cell technology, hydrogen energy, and low-carbon hydrogen solutions.

This event begins May 29 at the Westin Galleria Houston. Click here to register.

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The Enverus Evolve Conference takes place May 12-15. Courtesy photo

Here are 10+ must-attend Houston energy transition events for Q2 2025

On the Agenda

Editor's note: Spring is here, and this quarter is packed with must-attend events for those in the energy transition sector. Houston plays host to myriad summits, conferences, and expos that you won't want to miss. Mark your calendars and begin registering today. Please note: this article may be updated to include additional events.

March 31-April 2 — World Hydrogen North America 2025

Seize the opportunity to connect with industry leaders from across the hydrogen value chain, fostering long-term business partnerships and exploring potential collaborations. Engage with prominent off-takers, both nationally and internationally, and gain first-hand insights into the latest projects shaping the future of hydrogen in the USA and Canada.

This event begins March 31 at the Marriott Marquis. Click here to register.

April 1-2 — 8th Annual LNG Summit USA

The LNG Summit USA brings together leaders in the LNG sector, who in turn bring solutions to glaring industry challenges. The event addresses key challenges and opportunities within the LNG industry and the broader energy landscape. The conference will also provide insights into alternative energy options that could potentially replace or complement LNG.

This event begins April 1. Click here to register.

April 17 — 2025 UH Energy Symposium Series on Plastics Circularity

Celebrating its 12th year, the UH Energy Symposium Series tackles critical issues impacting the energy sector. This year’s focus on plastics circularity will bring together industry leaders, researchers, and visionaries to explore the intersection of plastics, sustainability, and energy.

This event begins at 8 am on April 17 at UH Student Center South. Click here to register.

April 28-30 — PPDM Energy Data Convention Houston 2025

This flagship conference is dedicated to exploring the latest advancements and trends in energy data, offering opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. Gain insights into cutting-edge data management practices and how they can enhance operational efficiency, support strategic decision-making, and contribute to achieving long-term objectives. Highlights include keynote presentations from renowned experts, interactive panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and an exhibitor showcase.

This event begins April 28 at Norris Conference Center. Click here to register.

May 12-15 — Enverus Evolve Conference

Staying ahead of the curve in the energy sector is critical. This conference is designed to equip energy leaders with foresight in the energy market, providing cutting-edge technological know-how, sessions and networking opportunities industry leaders, and offering practical guidance on how to apply technology to solve big problems.

This event begins May 12 at Hilton Americas Houston. Click here to register.

May 27-28 — 6th American LNG Forum

Join LNG industry professionals, innovators, and policymakers to discover groundbreaking technologies that are driving the future of liquified natural gas. Topics will include market dynamics and decarbonization strategies, offering attendees the chance to connect, learn, and become part of the LNG revolution.

This event begins May 27 at the Westin Galleria Houston. Click here to register.

May 28-30 — CHARGE North America

This intimate, immersive experience is tailored to forward-thinking energy professionals. The conference includes hands-on interactive workshops led by top strategists; real-world case studies; and insights from leading speakers on resilient branding, consumer expectations, and climate action. Attendees will engage in panel discussions on sustainability and energy diversification and enjoy exclusive networking opportunities with global executives and innovators.

This event begins May 28 at The Ion. Click here to register.

May 29-30 — 5th Annual American Hydrogen Forum

Connect with hydrogen industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers at the American Hydrogen Forum. Discover groundbreaking technologies and strategies focusing on hydrogen fuel cell technology, hydrogen energy, and low-carbon hydrogen solutions.

This event begins May 29 at the Westin Galleria Houston. Click here to register.

June 4-5 — 2025 AWS Energy Symposium

The fourth annual AWS Energy Symposium is the premier AWS event for the energy industry. Hear from leading energy and utility customers, partners, and startups about how they're using AWS to scale innovation and transform their organizations. The event is invitation only and is geared toward senior leaders and director-level executives from across the energy value chain. Click here to submit a registration request.

June 11-12 — Energy Projects Conference & Expo

The Energy Projects Conference & Expo (EPC Show) is the largest event in North America for professionals working at the heart of major energy projects. The show will bring together five leading conferences under one roof for the first time, uniting 3,000-plus engineering, construction, commissioning, supply chain, operations, and maintenance professionals. Conference subjects span LNG exporting, hydrogen and ammonia, midstream, petrochem and refining, and sustainable aviation fuels.

This event begins June 11 at the George R Brown Convention Center. Click here to register.

June 25-26 — Carbon Capture Technology Expo

Tackling climate change is one of the biggest global challenges that requires immediate action, and many industrial sectors are now looking to new technology to help meet net-zero emission targets. The Carbon Capture Technology Expo is North America's leading event for carbon capture, utilization, and storage. The expo offers opportunities to network with industry frontrunners and best-in-class solution providers.

This event begins June 25 at NRG Center. Click here to register. It is co-located with the Hydrogen Technology Conference & Expo North America. Expo passes are free.


This week, Gastech returns to Houston for the first time since 2019. Photo via Gastech Event/LinkedIn

Things to know: Gastech returns, Fervo Energy secures loan, and apps open for Houston hardtech fellowship

taking notes

Editor's note: Dive headfirst into the new week with three quick things to catch up on in Houston's energy transition.

Gastech returns to Houston this week

Gastech, billed as the world’s largest exhibition and conference for the natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, low carbon solutions, and climate technologies, returns to Houston beginning Tuesday, September 17. It'll be the first time the event takes place in Houston since 2019.

“Gastech is a global event that draws tens of thousands of attendees and millions of dollars in economic impact to its host city, and we are incredibly excited to have in Houston," Michael Heckman, president and CEO of Houston First Corp., says in a press release announcing the news last fall.

"The conversation around the future of the energy industry is a different one today than it was just five years ago when Gastech was last here," he continues. "We believe the role Houston is playing in leading the energy transition to a low carbon future makes this an ideal place to host this important global event and we look forward to expanding on the success we had in 2019 when Gastech returns."

The program's full agenda is available online and features a series of climate-focused panels on hydrogen, carbon capture, nuclear energy, grid stability, and more.

Activate Houston opens applications for 2025 cohort

Activate's application is live from now through October 23, and all founders of early-stage, research-backed hardtech companies in Houston are encouraged to apply. Photo via Getty Images

Applications are officially open for a hardtech-focused incubation and fellowship program's second Houston cohort.

Activate's application is live from now through October 23, and all founders of early-stage, research-backed hardtech companies in Houston are encouraged to apply. The Berkley, California-based program launched in Houston last year and recently named its inaugural Houston cohort.

“The Activate Fellowship provides an opportunity for approximately 50 scientists and engineers annually to transform into entrepreneurial leaders, derisk their technologies, define first markets, build teams, and secure follow-on funding,” says Activate’s executive managing director, Aimee Rose, in a news release. “With an average 30 percent annual growth in applications since 2015, we know there is high demand for what we do, and we’re excited to see the talent and impactful ideas that come through the pipeline this year.

The application is available online, and fellows will be selected in April of next year. The 2025 program will begin in June. Read more.

Big deal: Fervo Energy secures $100M for 'world’s largest geothermal energy plant'

Fervo Energy received $100 million loan for its Utah Cape Station project. Photo via fervoenergy.com

Houston-based geothermal energy company Fervo Energy has secured a $100 million bridge loan for the first phase of its ongoing project in Utah.

The loan came from an affiliate of Irvington, New York-based X-Caliber Rural Capital. Proceeds will support construction of Fervo’s Cape Station project, which is being touted as the world’s largest geothermal energy plant.

The first phase of Cape Station, which is on track to generate 90 megawatts of renewable energy, is expected to be completed in June 2026. Ultimately, the plant is supposed to supply 400 megawatts of clean energy by 2028 for customers in California.

“Helping this significant project advance and grow in rural America is a true testament to how investing in communities and businesses not only has local influence, but can have a global, long-lasting impact by promoting sustainability and stimulating rural economies,” Jordan Blanchard, co-founder of X-Caliber Rural Capital, says. Read more.

Houston energy transition folks — here's what to know to start your week. Photo via Getty Images

Houston climate-focused week begins, DOE's $22.4M grant, and more things to know

taking notes

Editor's note: Dive headfirst into the new week with three quick things to catch up on in Houston's energy transition.

DOE's energy efficiency-focused federal grant program grants Texas with $22.4M

Texas is among one of 17 states and territories to receive a portion of $66 million in awards for initiatives that pump federal dollars into their communities to support energy efficient projects.

The funds come from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Capitalization Grant Program. The RLF Program awards are intended to be put toward state-based loans and grants that go towards local businesses homeowners, and public spaces for "for energy efficiency audits, upgrades, and retrofits to increase energy efficiency," according to the DOE.

Texas received the largest portion thus far at $22.4 million. The dollars will go toward the creation of a new Texas-based revolving loan fund that operationally matches the existing Texas LoanSTAR revolving loan program. Read more.

Fresh insights: Rice University releases data, analysis on future of global energy

The Center for Energy Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy has released a collection of articles addressing the most pressing policy issues in global energy.

The inaugural Energy Insights was supported by ongoing research at CES, with a goal of better understanding the energy landscape over the next few years.

“While no one can predict exactly what comes next, if we are paying attention, the road we travel provides plenty of signposts that can be used to understand the challenges and opportunities ahead,” wrote CES Senior Director Kenneth Medlock. Read more.

Roundup: Navigating Houston's two September climate-focused weeks

Houston is playing host to a ton of energy and climate-focused events next month. Photo courtesy of the Ion

This week, Houston is hosting tons of energy and climate-focused events. Here's what all to consider attending.

Find out more information about each week online:

Mark your calendars for next week for Gastech.

Houston energy transition folks — here's what to know to start your week. Photo via Getty Images

Things to know this week: Houston energy tech nominations open, events not to miss, and more

taking notes

Editor's note: Dive headfirst into the new week with three quick things to catch up on in Houston's energy transition.

Calling all Houston energy innovators

Last year, several innovative energy transition companies were honored, like Syzygy Plasmonics. Photo by Emily Jaschke/InnovationMap

For the fourth year, InnovationMap is hosting its signature awards program, the Houston Innovation Awards, that will recognize the top startups and innovators in Houston. The awards program will be on Thursday, November 14, at the Texas Medical Center's Helix Park. Tickets and tables are on sale now.

There are a few categories energy startups should be aware of this year — in particular, the Energy Transition Business category, which honors an innovative startup providing a solution within renewables, climatetech, clean energy, alternative materials, circular economy, and beyond. Learn more about the awards categories here.

Click here to submit a nomination.

Roundup: Navigating Houston's two September climate-focused weeks

Houston is playing host to a ton of energy and climate-focused events next month. Photo courtesy of the Ion

Two separate weeks of climate and energy-focused weeks are organizing events and programming during the second week of September. Here's what all to consider attending.

Find out more information about each week online:

Houston energy leader wins hydrogen program's competition

The University of Houston's new hydrogen program selected an Houston executive's team as the top project of the course. Photo courtesy of SCS

Cody Johnson, CEO of SCS Technologies, a provider of CO2 measurement systems, petroleum LACT units, and methane vapor recovery units, was on the winning 2024 Spring Capstone Project team for the University of Houston Hydrogen Economy Program with the project, "Business Roadmap for Utilizing Hydrogen in Houston." The presentation outlined possible profits of $1.8 billion over the contract life with $180 million in green H2 investments.

The winning capstone project demonstrated the implementation of decarbonization processes. It included the enhancement of “capacity utilization in existing industrial hydrogen production along the Houston Ship Channel through amine capture technology,” according to a news release.

"It was an honor to collaborate with my Hydrogen Economy Program teammates to explore business opportunities using existing technologies to produce clean hydrogen and reinvest profits to further advance decarbonization efforts in the future," Johnson says in a news release. "I extend my gratitude to the University of Houston for assembling top-notch resources on the critical topic of clean hydrogen production. By bringing together students, corporate leaders, engineers, and scientists, we are able to join forces to accelerate the renewable hydrogen economy." Read more.

A carbon capture company is looking at biofuels — and more things to know this week. Photo via Getty Images

New battery CEO, events not to miss, and more Houston energy transition things to know this week

take note

Editor's note: Dive headfirst into the new week with three quick things to catch up on in Houston's energy transition.

Events not to miss

Put these Houston-area energy-related events on your calendar.

  • Join the over 150 senior energy and utilities leaders from June 17 to 18 in Houston for AI in Energy to unlock the potential of AI within your enterprise and delve into key areas for its development.Register now.
  • Energy Underground (June) is a group of professionals in the Greater Houston area that are accelerating the Energy Transition that connect monthly at The Cannon - West Houston. Register now.
  • CCS/Decarbonization Project Development, Finance and Investment, taking place July 23 to 25, is the deepest dive into the economic and regulatory factors driving the success of the CCS/CCUS project development landscape. Register now.

Carbon Clean has eyes for biofuels solutions

Carbon Clean says its tentative partnership with Merrill, Wisconsin-based AGRA Industries should speed up adoption of Carbon Clean’s CaptureX technology in the biofuel industry. Photo via CarbonClean.com

Carbon Clean, a carbon capture company whose North American headquarters is in Houston, has forged a deal with a contractor to build modular carbon capture containers for the agricultural sector.

The company, based in the United Kingdom, says its tentative partnership with Merrill, Wisconsin-based AGRA Industries should speed up adoption of Carbon Clean’s CaptureX technology in the biofuel industry.

“Carbon Clean’s collaboration with AGRA Industries is a win-win for biofuel producers. Customers will benefit from the expertise of a leading agricultural engineering specialist and our modularized, innovative carbon capture technology that is cost-effective and simple to install,” Aniruddha Sharma, chair and CEO of Carbon Clean, says.

Read the full story.

Iris Jancik appointed as CEO of International Battery Metals

International Battery Metals announced the appointment of Iris Jancik as CEO. Photo via IBAT

A Houston- and Vancouver-based battery materials company has named a new CEO, effective later this summer.

International Battery Metals (IBAT) announced the appointment of Iris Jancik as CEO. She will focus on expanding commercial deployment of IBAT's patented modular direct lithium extraction (DLE) plants, and begin in the role in mid-August.

Read the full story.

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Ultra-fast EV charging bays coming to Waffle House locations in Texas and beyond

power breakfast

Scattered, smothered and ... charged?

Starting next year, EV drivers can connect to ultra-fast charging stations at select Waffle House locations throughout Texas, courtesy of bp pulse.

The EV arm of British energy giant bp announced a strategic partnership with the all-day breakfast chain this week. The company aims to deploy a network of 400kW DC fast chargers and a mix of CCS and NACS connectors at Waffle House locations in Texas, Georgia, Florida, and other restaurants in the South.

Each Waffle House site will feature six ultra-fast EV charging bays, allowing drivers to "(enjoy) Waffle House’s 24/7 amenities," the announcement reads.

“Adding an iconic landmark like Waffle House to our growing portfolio of EV charging sites is such an exciting opportunity. As an integrated energy company, bp is committed to providing efficient solutions like ultra-fast charging to support our customers’ mobility needs," Sujay Sharma, CEO of bp pulse U.S., said in a news release. "We’re building a robust network of ultra-fast chargers across the country, and this is another example of third-party collaborations enabling access to charging co-located with convenient amenities for EV drivers.”

The news comes as bp pulse continues to grow its charging network in Texas.

The company debuted its new high-speed electric vehicle charging site, known as the Gigahub, at the bp America headquarters in Houston last year. In partnership with Hertz Electrifies Houston, it also previously announced plans to install a new EV fast-charging hub at Hobby Airport. In a recent partnership with Simon Malls, bp also shared plans to install EV charging Gigahubs at The Galleria and Katy Mills Mall.

bp has previously reported that it plans to invest $1 billion in EV charging infrastructure by 2030, with $500 million invested in by the end of 2025.

Houston hypersonic engine co. completes first successful test flight

Taking Off

Houston-based Venus Aerospace successfully completed the first U.S. flight test of its proprietary engine at a demonstration at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

Venus’ next-generation rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE) is supported by a $155,908 federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from NASA and aims to enable vehicles to travel four to six times the speed of sound from a conventional runway. The recent flight test was the first of an American-developed engine of its kind.

"With this flight test, Venus Aerospace is transforming a decades-old engineering challenge into an operational reality,” Thomas d'Halluin, managing partner at Airbus Ventures, an investor in Venus, said in a news release. “Getting a rotating detonation engine integrated, launch-ready, and validated under real conditions is no small feat. Venus has shown an extraordinary ability to translate deep technical insight into hardware progress, and we're proud to support their bold approach in their attempt to unlock the hypersonic economy and forge the future of propulsion."

Venus’ RDRE operates through supersonic shockwaves, called detonations, that generate more power with less fuel. It is designed to be affordable and scalable for defense and commercial systems.

The RDRE is also engineered to work with the company's air-breathing detonation ramjet, the VDR2, which helps enable aircraft to take off from a runway and transition to speeds exceeding Mach 6. Venus plans for full-scale propulsion testing and vehicle integration of this system. Venus’ ultimate goal is to develop a Mach 4 reusable passenger aircraft, known as the Stargazer M4.

"This milestone proves our engine works outside the lab, under real flight conditions," Andrew Duggleby, Venus co-founder and chief technology officer, said in the release. "Rotating detonation has been a long-sought gain in performance. Venus' RDRE solved the last but critical steps to harness the theoretical benefits of pressure gain combustion. We've built an engine that not only runs, but runs reliably and efficiently—and that's what makes it scalable. This is the foundation we need that, combined with a ramjet, completes the system from take-off to sustained hypersonic flight."

The hypersonic market is projected to surpass $12 billion by 2030, according to Venus.

"This is the moment we've been working toward for five years," Sassie Duggleby, CEO and co-founder of Venus Aerospace, added. "We've proven that this technology works—not just in simulations or the lab, but in the air. With this milestone, we're one step closer to making high-speed flight accessible, affordable, and sustainable."

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This article originally appeared on InnovationMap.com.

Investment giant to acquire TXNM Energy for $11.5 billion

m&a moves

Blackstone Infrastructure, an investment giant with $600 million in assets under management, has agreed to buy publicly traded TXNM Energy in a debt-and-stock deal valued at $11.5 billion.

TXNM Energy is the parent company of Lewisville-based Texas New Mexico Power (TNMP), which supplies electricity to more than 270,000 homes and businesses throughout Texas. Its Houston-area service territory includes Alvin, Angleton, Brazoria, Dickinson, Friendswood, La Marque, League City, Sweeny, Texas City and West Columbia.

Once Blackstone Infrastructure wraps up the deal in the second half of 2026, Albuquerque, New Mexico-based TXNM will no longer be a public company. But TNMP’s headquarters will remain in Texas and its rates will continue to be set by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. TNMP was founded in 1934.

Blackstone Infrastructure is affiliated with investment powerhouse Blackstone Inc., which has $1.2 trillion in assets under management and is the world’s largest investment manager.

“TNMP has done an excellent job of meeting its customers’ growing demand for electricity and supporting the communities it serves,” Sean Klimczak, Blackstone’s global head of infrastructure, said in a news release. “We look forward to utilizing our long-term investment commitments to support TNMP as they continue on this path of high-demand growth across Texas.”

During TXNM’s fourth-quarter earnings call in February, Chairwoman and CEO Patricia Vincent-Collawn said the company’s five-year Texas capital investment plan had grown by more than $1 billion.

“Our future is so bright with these increased investment levels that we are now targeting earnings growth of 7 percent to 9 percent through 2029,” Vincent-Collawn said.

“Our financial expectations are driven by the continued expansion of grid infrastructure supporting growth and reliability in our Texas service territory,” she added.

In 2024, TXNM reported revenue of $1.96 billion, up 1.7 percent from the previous year.

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