Phoenix Staff Joins Renewable Energy Lab’s 2025 Executive Energy Leadership Cohort

The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory has selected City of Phoenix Energy Manager Carlos Aguiar Hernandez as one of 19 leaders participating in the 2025 Executive Energy Leadership program. The curriculum is structured to support decision-makers from government, corporate, nonprofit, and community organizations working to apply best energy practices in their respective communities.

“It’s an honor to represent the City of Phoenix in the Executive Energy Leadership Program and learn from world-class leaders,” said Aguiar Hernandez. “This is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with national leaders on advancing clean energy solutions and bring back innovative strategies directly supporting our city’s sustainability and energy goals.”

Aguiar Hernandez added that he hopes to strengthen Phoenix’s transition to a more resilient, affordable, and renewable energy future, helping all Phoenix communities benefit from the continued shift to clean power.

The four-month NREL program kicked off in June and offers executive decision-makers the opportunity to learn in-depth about energy technologies and analytical tools directly from the organization’s most prominent staff and collaborators. Participants will visit NREL campuses in Boulder and Golden, Colorado, to explore the latest developments within the energy space. At the conclusion of the program, participants will showcase their learning by presenting a group energy project relevant to their community.

Said Phoenix Office of Sustainability Chief Sustainability Officer Carla De La Chapa: “NREL’s world-class research in renewable energy will provide cutting-edge insights into emerging energy technologies, strengthen our ability to lead with data-driven solutions, and foster valuable collaborations. This participation reflects Phoenix’s commitment to innovation, climate leadership, and advancing access to clean energy.”