In the News
"The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones"
John Maynard Keynes
Thought Leader of the Year
Nicola has been named "Thought Leader of the Year: Most Read in Energy" by Illuminem, underscoring his profound impact on the global energy discourse. A prominent figure in the field, Nicola, is celebrated for his visionary insights into the energy transition, particularly his innovative approaches to sustainability, decarbonization, and the intersection of technology with energy systems. Nicola’s thought leadership has resonated across industries, offering actionable strategies and inspiring dialogue around achieving a net-zero future. As a researcher, lecturer, and advocate for sustainable energy, Nicola’s work has significantly influenced policy discussions and corporate strategies worldwide.
Illuminem, December 2024
Festival of Italian Creativity
Climate Sustainability Energy opening keynote by Nicola De Blasio
"The energy transition represents a monumental opportunity to reshape the global energy landscape. It is not just about reducing emissions; it is about creating a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient world for future generations. We must do so by avoiding the mistakes and inefficiencies of the past and ensuring inclusivity and equity."
Event Page / Recording - Pending
Federal Reserve, Boston (MA), November 20, 2024
Power Shift: Energy Innovation, Sustainability, and Equity
Frontiers in Science and Technology a panel with Huyen Dinh (NREL), Michael Segal (Commonwealth Fusion Systems) and Valerie Thomas (Georgia Institute of Technology)
Moderated by Nicola De Blasio
Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University
Cambridge (MA), October 22, 2024
Opportunities and challenges of the hydrogen energy transition - a private sector perspective
A Conversation with Gabriel Clemens - CEO, Green Gas E.ON and Managing Director, E.ON Hydrogen
Host: Nicola De Blasio
Global Energy Transition Talks, Harvard-China Project on Energy, Economy and Environment
Cambridge (MA), September 20, 2024
Why is Technology Key to the Climate Crisis? / Mengapa Teknologi Jadi Kunci dalam Krisis Iklim?
La Dimensión Internacional del Hidrógeno Renovable The International Dimension of Renewable Hydrogen
Alejandro Nuñez-Jimenez and Nicola De Blasio
Papeles de Energia - Funcas
June 2024
Green hydrogen: will China, US or EU dominate the global clean energy race?
Featuring Nicola De Blasio
Peggy Sito - South China Morning Post
June 8, 2024
Federlogistica on Shipping and Climate Change
Featuring Nicola De Blasio
Fausta Chiesa - Corriere della Sera
June 6, 2024
Dove va la logistica? Sfide per i paesi G7 (e oltre) / The future of logistics - Challenges for G7 countries and beyond
Derek Zheng Graduates with a Major in Computer Science
Congratulations Derek!!!!
Harvard University Commencement Exercises
May 23, 2024
Sustainable Development in Industry
Speakers: Mike McElroy, Joel Li, Ning Zhang, and Nicola De Blasio
The Future of Green Hydrogen in the United States - an Analytical Approach
Candidate: Felix Dequidt
Master Thesis Defense
Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
April 4, 2024 / 11:00 - 12:30 EST
Consulate General of Italy - Boston
Featuring: Nicola De Blasio
Carrers' Day
March 21, 2024
Nicola De Blasio named TOP 10 most read Thought Leaders in Energy of 2023
Featuring: Nicola De Blasio
February 21, 2024
Blockchain and Energy: Understanding Opportunities and Challenges
Featuring: Nicola De Blasio & Charles Hua
Global Watch - Paper
February 9, 2024
Is there a pot of gold at the end of the hydrogen rainbow?
Speaker: Nicola De Blasio
January 30, 2024
Gotion 2023 - Making Green Energy Accessible and Sustainable
Nicola De Blasio & Derek Zheng
Computer History Museum, Mountain View (CA)
December 15, 2023
Hydrogen: the great gamble or the holy grail of net zero?
Keynote Speaker: Nicola De Blasio
World Hydrogen Congress - Agenda
October 11, 2023
Hydrogen Value Chains
Speakers: Nicola De Blasio & Derek Zheng
Menlo Park, September 20, 2023
Nicola De Blasio becomes the inaugural advisor for Marunouchi Innovation Partners
The Future of Sustainable Plastics
A Global Energy Transition Series Report
Nicola De Blasio, Phoebe Fallon, Blake Bextine, Alessio Lorusso
March 2023
The Impact of Green Hydrogen Adoption at Scale on Steel Value Chains - Geopolitical and Market Implications
Candidate: Leonie Schoeller
Master Thesis Defense
Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
February 28, 2023 / 10:00 - 11:30 AM EST
The Future of Sustainability
Speakers: Nicola De Blasio, Corrado Clini, Erik Solheim, and Georg Kell
Venice (Italy), February 24, 2023
A Deep Dive on Renewable Hydrogen and Industrial Policy Going into 2023: The US, EU, and Beyond
Speaker: Laima Eicke
February 22, 2023 / 2:00 - 3:30 PM CET
Nicola De Blasio Named Top 10 Energy Thought Leaders of 2022
Is Hydrogen Our Future?
Chair: Nicola De Blasio
A collaboration between Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and the Italian Institute for International Political Studies
MED2022 - Mediterranean Dialogues
Rome (Italy), December 3, 2022
Literature: Mission Hydrogen - a 2021 G20 Report
The Role of Blockchain in Energy Value Chains
Speaker: Nicola De Blasio
Dubai (UAE), November 29, 2022
Two Views on Green Hydrogen: Possibilities and Challenges for a Carbon-Free Future
Belfer Center Fall 2022 Newsletter
Featuring: Laima Eicke and Nicola De Blasio
Fall 2022
Mission Hydrogen: Past, Present, and Future
Speaker: Nicola De Blasio
Cambridge (MA), November 15, 2022
Il ruolo dell'idrogeno verde per una mobilita' sostenibile / The role of green hydrogen in sustainable mobility
Author: Nicola De Blasio
ISPI - Italian Institute for International Political Studies
October 28, 2022
Innovation and the Sustainable Energy Transition
A Conversation with Ernesto Ciorra - Chief Innovability Officer, Enel
Host: Nicola De Blasio
Global Energy Transition Talks, Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Relations
Cambridge (MA), October 26, 2022
Unione energetica, questa sconosciuta
A conversation on the lack of energy coordination within the European Union and its implications
Featuring Nicola De Blasio
La guerra dell'energia. A quando la transizione? / Energy wars. When will the transition take place?
How the Russia-Europe energy war is impacting the transition to a low-carbon economy
Featuring Nicola De Blasio
ISPI - Italian Institute for International Political Studies
September 27, 2022
Ecuador's Ecological Transition
A conversation with Gustavo Manrique - Minister of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition, Ecuador
Host: Nicola De Blasio
Global Energy Transition Talks, Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Relations
Cambridge (MA), September 23, 2022
The Future of Green Hydrogen in the European Union
Speaker: Nicola De Blasio
ZENERGY Podcast: Climate Leadership, Finance, and Technology
Featuring Nicola De Blasio on Hydrogen Technology
Host: Karan Takhar
Apple Podcast / Spotify Podcast
September 16, 2022
Green Hydrogen Value Chains - Geopolitical and Market Implications in the Industrial Sector
Speaker: Nicola De Blasio
India's Green Hydrogen Roadmap: Considerations for Public Policy
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
New Delhi - August 26, 2022
Mission Hydrogen - Opportunities and Challenges
Speaker: Nicola De Blasio
India's Green Hydrogen Roadmap: Considerations for Public Policy
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
New Delhi - August 25, 2022
Mission Hydrogen - Past, Present, and Future
Speaker: Nicola De Blasio
Gotion High-Tech 5th New Energy Economic Forum and Opening Ceremony of Gotion Germany
Göttingen (Germany) - June 27, 2022
Hydrogen - Past, Present, and Future
Speaker: Nicola De Blasio
The Future of Sustainable Plastics
Blake Bextine, Project Manager DARPA, and Alessio Lorusso, CEO and Founder Roboze
Hosts: Nicola De Blasio and Phoebe Fallon
Global Energy Transition Talks, Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Relations
April 28, 2022
Hydrogen: Past, Present, and Future
April 7, 2022
Climate Change and International Security Annual Conference
Speaker: Nicola De Blasio on the Geopolitics of Energy
Princeton (NJ) - March 24-25, 2022
Republicans Once Silent on Russia Ratchet Up Attacks on Biden
March 18, 2022
Republicans Once Silent on Russia Ratchet Up Attacks on Biden
Quoting Nicola De Blasio on Nord Stream 2
February 22, 2022
The Future of Renewable Hydrogen in the European Union
"Humanity is at a crossroads, and our path depends on our collective sustainability & energy choices. Illuminem aims to empower us citizens, with the right knowledge to lead a better future."
March 16, 2022
EU at a crossroads. Europe needs speed to keep global hydrogen leadership
Potential for bloc to rise into a position of market pre-eminence while boosting energy transition in the region being undermined by slow-moving policy reform, finds research from the Harvard Kennedy School.
March 15, 2022
Germany's Nord Stream Move Adds to Europe's Fuel Price Crunch
Featuring Nicola De Blasio on the geopolitics of natural gas
"European policymakers saw Nord Stream 2 as a vital tool in easing the pressure on consumers already facing record energy prices."
February 22, 2022
The Two Sides of Plastic and Climate Change
Featuring Nicola De Blasio on the sustainable future of plastic
January 3, 2022
Cina in prima fila nella grande corsa all'idrogeno verde / China leading the race to green hydrogen
Featuring Nicola De Blasio and Alejandro Nuñez-Jimenez
December 13, 2021
Future supply of renewable hydrogen in the European Union
Seminar by Alejandro Nuñez-Jimenez
Seminars by the Cambridge Centre for Environment, Energy, and Natural Resource Governance, University of Cambridge
Cambridge, United Kingdom
October 21, 2021
Il ruolo della blockchain nelle catene del valore dell'idrogeno verde / The Role of Blockchain in Green Hydrogen Value Chains
Fifth policy brief of Mission Hydrogen series dedicated to the future of hydrogen, its impact on global economies and geopolitical implications.
Il quinto articolo della serie Missione Idrogeno curata da Harvard University in collaborazione con l'ISPI e dedicata al futuro dell'idrogeno, al suo impatto per l'economia globale e ai riflessi geopolitici.
October 15, 2021
The Future of Clean Hydrogen: Market Implications
Keynote by Nicola De Blasio
2nd World Hydrogen Congress
Amsterdam - October 05, 2021
Hydrogen Deployment at Scale: The Infrastructure Challenge @EnergyVoices
Today our work on the future of hydrogen was featured on the homepage of Illuminem a new leading platform empowering energy and sustainability information.
September 29, 2021
Updates on the Global Energy Technology Innovation (GETI) Initiative
GETI meets Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries @Harvard to discuss the future of hydrogen and the transition to a low carbon economy.
Topics discussed included: Value Chains in Transition, Future of Renewable Hydrogen in the EU, Hydrogen Potential in India, Renewable Hydrogen and Blockchain, The Future of Sustainability and Orange Hydrogen, Think Pink - Nuclear Hydrogen.
September 27, 2021
L'utilizzo dell'idrogeno su vasta scala: la sfida delle infrastrutture / Hydrogen Deployment at Scale: The Infrastructure Challenge
Fourth policy brief of Mission Hydrogen series dedicated to the future of hydrogen, its impact on global economies and geopolitical implications.
Il quarto articolo della serie Missione Idrogeno curata da Harvard University in collaborazione con l'ISPI e dedicata al futuro dell'idrogeno, al suo impatto per l'economia globale e ai riflessi geopolitici.
September 03, 2021
Plastic Free July Is the Perfect Opportunity to Kick Our Pandemic Habits
Featuring Nicola De Blasio on plastic sustainability for Mic
July 16, 2021
The Global Quest for Sustainability
The Future of Sustainable Mobility addresses the potential of clean hydrogen in road transport, rail, aviation, and shipping for the ISPI-McKinsey report on green infrastructure.
July 15, 2021
Mobilità Sostenibile: quattro strade per l'idrogeno / Sustainable Mobility: Renewable Hydrogen in the Transport Sector
Third policy brief of Mission Hydrogen series dedicated to the future of hydrogen, its impact on global economies and geopolitical implications.
Il terzo articolo della serie Missione Idrogeno curata da Harvard University in collaborazione con l'ISPI e dedicata al futuro dell'idrogeno, al suo impatto per l'economia globale e ai riflessi geopolitici.
June 25, 2021
Cina: superpotenza dell'idrogeno rinnovabile? / China: The Renewable Hydrogen Superpower?
Second policy brief of Mission Hydrogen series dedicated to the future of hydrogen, its impact on global economies and geopolitical implications.
Il secondo articolo della serie Missione Idrogeno curata da Harvard University in collaborazione con l'ISPI e dedicata al futuro dell'idrogeno, al suo impatto per l'economia globale e ai riflessi geopolitici.
May 28, 2021
What Will Green Hydrogen Mean for International Relations?
Our recent paper on the geopolitics of renewable hydrogen featured on JSTOR
Full paper: The Geopolitics of Renewable Hydrogen in Low-Carbon Energy Markets
May 16, 2021
L'idrogeno è l’energia rinnovabile del futuro?
Featuring Nicola De Blasio and Fridolin Pflugmann on the market and geopolitical implications of renewable hydrogen
May 06, 2021
Harvard College Research Grants
We are extremely proud to announce the following awards:
Phoebe Fallon to carry out research on bioplastics - supported by Harvard Kersten Undergraduate Research Fund.
Charles Hua to continue research on green hydrogen and blockchain - awarded by Harvard University Center for the Environment.
Kiana Ziadkhanpour for her research on blockchain applications in the energy sector - supported by Harvard University Center for the Environment.
May 06, 2021
Renewable Hydrogen Potential in the EU
Speaker: Alejandro Nuñez-Jimenez
First policy brief of Mission Hydrogen series dedicated to the future of hydrogen, its impact on global economies and geopolitical implications.
Il primo articolo della serie Missione Idrogeno curata da Harvard University in collaborazione con l'ISPI e dedicata al futuro dell'idrogeno, al suo impatto per l'economia globale e ai riflessi geopolitici.
April 30, 2021
The Geopolitical Imperative of Nord Stream
One of the last ties of an economically declining Russia to Western Europe, Nord Stream must become part of a broader transatlantic strategy which combines shorter-term policy goals to deal with Moscow’s aggressive behavior and a longer-term effort to keep a door open for a more cooperative relationship.
April 27, 2021
The Dilemma over the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline
Trying to block a $11 billion project, that will deliver up to 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year, was always a tall order. Even more so due to the fraught EU-US relations during the previous administration. With the project around 95% completed, the only realistic alternative is for the EU and the US to find a common path forward to address the geopolitical implications.
Future of Hydrogen Initiative
Nicola De Blasio and Henry Lee announce the launch of a new initiative on the role of hydrogen in the transition to a low-carbon economy
Harvard Kennedy School, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Future of Hydrogen with Alejandro Nunez-Jimenez, Fridolin Pflugmann, Charles Hua, and Amanda Sardonis
April 2021
Italian Institute for International Political Studies welcomes new Senior Fellow
ISPI - Istituto per gli Studi di Politica Internazionale
March 2021
Energy and Blockchain: Challenges and Opportunities
Silvio Micali, Nicola De Blasio, Charles Hua and Kiana Ziadkhanpour on blockchain's potential for disruptive innovation in the energy sector
Global Energy Transition Talks, Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center
March 11, 2021
Are Plastics Sustainable? Here's What the Pandemic Can Teach Us
Durability and inexpensiveness—two of plastic’s greatest assets—have made it the workhorse material of modern society. But they have also become its greatest curse by creating a global environmental and sustainability crisis.
Renewable Hydrogen: New Energy Dependencies in a Low-Carbon World
Speaker: Nicola De Blasio
Climate of Empathy
Charles Hua and Kiana Ziadkhanpour awarded grant for podcast series.
Will Renewable Hydrogen Help to Unite Europe?
Alejandro Nuñez-Jimenez and Nicola De Blasio on the future of hydrogen markets in the European Union
El Hidrógeno: ¿La Energía del Futuro?
Featuring Alejandro Nuñez-Jimenez on current and future applications of hydrogen
A Ciencia Cierta, CV Radio
November 10, 2020
Geopolitical and Market Implications of Renewable Hydrogen
Speaker: Nicola De Blasio
HSBC Energy Transition Investor Meeting
October 2, 2020
France seeks German collaboration on hydrogen in EU green recovery
Featuring Nicola De Blasio on hydrogen markets in the European Union
"Harvard Energy Innovations" Club Launched
Harvard Energy Innovations aims to foster a coalition of students, faculty, and alumni across Harvard’s schools to empower and develop tomorrow’s energy leaders. Through experiences and opportunities that advance knowledge, discussion, and action, we will collaborate with stakeholders to generate impact at scale, addressing the critical issues confronting the evolving energy landscape.
Cambridge, MA - August 2020
Batteries and clean hydrogen at the core of a new European industrial policy. The experts speak
Alejandro Nuñez-Jimenez, Maria Sicilia (Enagas) and Lina Galvez (member of the European Parliament) reflect on the role European industrial policy on batteries and clean hydrogen could have in a post COVID-19 sustainable recovery.
June 5, 2020
Addleton Academic Publishers welcomes new editor
Nicola De Blasio appointed editor of the international peer-reviewed academic journal Geopolitics, History, and International Relations
New York City - May 2020
España puede liderar el hidrógeno renovable en Europa
Alejandro Nuñez-Jimenez on how Spain could become a renewable hydrogen leader in Europe
March 31, 2020
L'università di Harvard ai tempi del COVID-19
Nicola De Blasio discusses academic life during the COVID-19 pandemic
Finestre sul Mondo di Tabata Caldironi, Giornale Radio
March 26, 2020
Renewable Hydrogen & New Energy Dependencies in a Low-Carbon World
Speaker: Nicola De Blasio
SPE New York & New England, Schlumberger-Doll Research Center
Cambridge, MA - March 25, 2020
Energy for All & the Transition to Zero-Carbon: The Private-Sector Role
Global Energy Transitions Talks, Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center
Cambridge, MA - March 10, 2020
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Infrastructure Under Attack. What’s Next?
Authors: Nicola De Blasio and Henry Lee
If a single armada of drones can make its way across the Saudi airspace undetected and successfully hit targets with surgical precision and maximum damage, then one must conclude the country's vulnerability quota is quite high.
October 6, 2019
After Trump's Paris exit, what about nuclear?
Featuring Nicola De Blasio on the future of nuclear power
June 5, 2017