Clean Energy Research Intern

About the Program:

WRI's Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition speeds up the transition to a low-carbon, inclusive energy future by helping to build clean energy markets and change institutions. The U.S. Energy team focuses on the US energy transition and decarbonization of the power sector, with a focus of working with local and state governments, large energy buyers, utilities, regulators, NGOs, and others.

Our team accelerates the deployment of clean energy technologies by addressing barriers, replicating successful models, and supporting policies or programs to accelerate adoption and achieve 100% clean energy in the power sector. WRI also undertakes research to support action, covering approaches to: overcoming barriers to clean energy development, expanding wholesale markets and the grid to enable the energy transition, accelerating electrification, and meeting the demand for critical minerals while protecting people and nature.

We focus on removing market and institutional barriers to clean energy deployment through efforts to enable state and local stakeholders to advance clean technologies in light of current context, including growing electricity demand and the changing policy environment. We also lead initiatives under the Polsky Energy Center to address large buyer demand and load growth, siting, critical minerals and circularity and enabling grid expansion WRI integrates equity and social justice concerns into its work to ensure the clean energy transition benefits all.

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

What you will do:
In this role, you will provide research and coordination support to WRI's U.S. Energy team, with a focus on removing barriers to decarbonization of the power sector. This role will support research into new workstreams including managing load growth and facilitating successful permitting and siting of utility-scale clean energy generation and transmission infrastructure. This intern position will provide support of a variety of activities, which could include:

• Developing datasets on state and local ordinances for permitting and siting utility-scale solar, wind, battery storage, and transmission projects.

• Analyzing data on historic workable local ordinances and translating analysis into communications products for state and local policymakers.

• Researching emerging solutions for enabling clean, affordable and resilient power sources to meet rapidly growing loads, including utility regulation and tariffs and state policies.

• Providing support through content development and logistics, including translating complex research related to these topics into digestible documents, data visualizations, and presentations.

• Producing webinars and virtual events.

You will report to a Manager in this role and be supported by the U.S. Energy team, including staff across a host of projects. Your work with other team staff will be coordinated by your supervisor.

Internship Duties

Research (60% time)

• Conduct high-quality research on addressing electricity issues noted above

• Translate complex research related to these topics into digestible documents and presentations

• Collect, clean, organize, analyze and visualize data in support of ongoing projects

• Communicate research on complex topics to internal audiences

Content development (30% time)

• Draft and edit memos, background notes, slide decks, and web content

• Conduct literature reviews

• Create data sets, visuals and presentation decks

• Assist with newsletters, articles, or other written materials

Logistics and facilitation support (10% time)

• Conduct outreach to project stakeholders and partners

• Organize and carry out webinars and virtual events related to ongoing projects in collaboration with WRI staff

• Assist with developing projects, guiding cohorts and learning groups, and reporting to funders

Internship learning outcomes:

• Better understand the challenges and opportunities related to clean energy transition in the U.S.

• Gain experience working as part of a multisectoral team spread across the U.S. within a broader global organization.

• Familiarize yourself with data from leading providers in the energy sector.

• Build connections with leading experts in the field of climate and energy.

What you will need:

• This opportunity is open to current bachelor's or master's degree students or recent graduates, with a strong preference for those with coursework in energy economics, policy, and regulation

• Research in electricity generation technologies, utility planning processes, or electricity sector regulation

• Previous experience working with local and state governments and/or electric utilities

• Research, writing, verbal, and organizational skills

• Computer skills, including proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite

• Data and analytical skills, including ability to obtain, clean, analyze, interpret, and visualize data to derive meaningful insights and support decision-making

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with a diverse range of people and remotely with teams

• U.S. work authorization