OM Forum—Asset-Level Perspectives on the Clean Energy Transition

Problem definition: The clean energy transition is an important component of the net zero transformation, which aims at averting potentially disastrous climate change related to excessive global warming by practically eliminating new global greenhouse gas emissions within 2050. The resulting move toward decarbonized energy systems is projected to encompass massive investments in assets that employ technologies with low environmental impact, some of which are innovative or yet unproven or even undeveloped, an area known as CleanTech. The typical analyses that are informing the dialogue on this process in practice provide insights into decarbonization paths at the technology level. In contrast, managers need to make decisions about assets. Methodology/results: Taking an asset-level view of the clean energy transition that complements its technology outlook, this essay provides a concise entry point into this topic based on both the practitioner literature and personal reflections, highlighting CleanTech innovations and related operational considerations in carbon capture, use, and storage; sustainable fuels; hydrogen; electricity; and concomitant government support activities. Managerial implications: Further, this work advocates for potential CleanTech research or teaching pursuits, especially ones aimed at directly supporting managerial decision making, for which it provides an example from the literature.