Energy Seminar: Sharon Tomkins, Sempra Energy

In December 2015, 197 countries adopted the Paris Agreement, a global agreement that aims to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit average global warming to well below 2°C above preindustrial levels.  To achieve this ambition will require a shift in the sources of energy to meet global demand while also increase global access to reliable energy.  

The energy system of 2050 will look radically different – moving from a monolithic, unidirectional system to one that is multi-nodal, bi-directional, dynamic and IA powered.  It will need to include clean fuel sources, such as hydrogen and renewable natural gas, as well as clean electrons from wind and solar. 

This energy transition will also need to address issues beyond simple decarbonization.  More than 800 million people around the world do not have access to reliable electricity.  Economic prosperity is deeply dependent on energy access and consumption.  To be successful, a 21st century energy system must provide energy security, access, resilience and affordability.

In the upcoming seminar, Sharon Tomkins will discuss this energy system transformation and the role the energy industry is playing.

Speaker bio

Sharon Tomkins is Vice President of Sustainability at Sempra Energy.  In this role, she leads Sempra Energy’s environmental, social and governance efforts, as well as corporate sustainability strategy.  Previously, she served as Vice President of Strategy, Engagement, and Chief Environmental Officer for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), one of Sempra Energy’s regulated California Utilities.  In that role, she led SoCalGas’ energy policy and strategy, including the role that natural gas and its infrastructure can play in decarbonizing the energy system.  Prior to taking on this business role, Sharon served as SoCalGas’ general counsel for four years.

Before joining SoCalGas, Sharon was a partner at O’Melveny & Myers LLP, where she was a founding member of its Energy, Natural Resources & Environmental Practice.  Her focus on the energy sector began during her representation of various clients during the California energy crisis.  Sharon also developed and taught the law school class "Energy Law, Policy & Climate Change" at UCLA law school.

Tomkins serves as chair of the board of directors for The California Minority Counsel Project and is a director for the Cal Poly Pomona Philanthropic Foundation.  She previously served as a board member on the United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the Library Foundation of Los Angeles.

Admission Info

Free and open to all.

https://energy.stanford.edu/energy-seminar/upcoming-energy-seminars