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Peter Tertzakian

Energy Economist | Bestselling Author

Peter Tertzakian Headshot
TEDxCalgary | Energy through a convex lens: Peter Tertzakian
Perspectives from an Energyphile
Peter
Peter Tertzakian Headshot
TEDxCalgary | Energy through a convex lens: Peter Tertzakian
Perspectives from an Energyphile

With four decades of experience in the business of energy — from oil and gas to renewables — Peter Tertzakian is a respected industry leader. He’s frequently called on to share his knowledge of strategic macroeconomic and business issues with investors, corporate leaders, policymakers, and educators around the world. Using creative stories and dynamic visuals, Tertzakian distils, clarifies, and communicates complicated issues regarding energy, economics, and the environment in a uniquely imaginative way. His presentations spark and guide important discussions on some of today’s most critical topics.

Tertzakian is the founder of the ARC Energy Research Institute, which provides analysis of current trends in technology and updates on energy-related businesses to ARC Energy Funds’ investors and portfolio companies. In his most recent venture, Tertzakian founded Studio.Energy, a next generation think tank working at the intersection of energy, policy, and economics. By convening decision-makers and using real-time modelling, the studio diagnoses economic health, prescribes interventions to unlock stronger capital flows, and cultivates the next generation of energy leaders.

A graduate of MIT’s Sloan School of Management, Tertzakian is the author of three books, the international bestsellers A Thousand Barrels a Second and The End of Energy Obesity, and his latest, The Investor Visit and Other Stories: Disruption, Denial, and Transition in the Energy Business. He also co-hosts the popular podcast ARC Energy Ideas, curates The Art of Energy at the Peter Tertzakian Gallery in Canmore, and sits on the Board of the National Gallery Foundation.

Speaking topics

Presentations listed below include in-person and virtual keynotes, as well as workshops, fireside chats, and other presentation formats.

  • Disruption, Denial, and Transition in the Energy Business

    We’ve been here before. We’ve faced the shock of disruption, the denial of change and the need to pivot to new business plans. Our energy history holds important lessons that can unlock pathways for the future, including how the energy business must evolve to meet the challenge of climate change.

    In this candid presentation, Peter Tertzakian discusses difficult issues that stakeholders in the energy business must tackle head-on, including sustainable finance, trends in ESG, achieving net-zero by 2050, and the need to innovate. He uses artifacts from his unique energy museum and engaging stories from the past to build new perspectives on current affairs. Juxtaposing energy history with the audience’s present circumstance, he encourages participants to think differently about challenges facing their organizations.

  • Energy, Environment, and Policy: What’s Happening Now?

    The energy landscape is rapidly evolving. The forces of change shaping it include climate and environmental strains, government policy, social pressures, capital markets and business competition, geopolitics, and, of course, technology. But where are we moving to? And what opportunities and roadblocks lie ahead?

    Peter Tertzakian provides a current roundup of what’s happening in the energy industry, including oil and gas, nuclear power, biofuels and new areas of clean energy. This presentation offers a balanced and candid snapshot of the world today from a macro perspective, including energy consumption, emissions, and supply status. A world view is always given; regional or country-level assessments may be provided upon request.

    This session is tailored to corporate leaders, investors, and policy makers. Those affected by energy matters, but not directly in the energy business, can benefit from this content. Sessions typically run 60 minutes with Q&A.

  • Moderated Discussions

    Peter Tertzakian is an accomplished moderator of energy discussions. His style of inquiry is diplomatic yet firm, always seeking to extract, clarify, and contrast the points of view of his diverse audiences. From panel discussions to larger sessions — physical or virtual — he encourages a lively and informative conversation.

    Depending on the client’s objectives, Tertzakian can tailor discussions on a variety of energy transition topics, spanning environmental, social, political, geopolitical, technological, or business issues.

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Books

  • The Investor Visit and Other Stories: Disruption, Denial and Transition in the Energy Business
    The Investor Visit and Other Stories: Disruption, Denial and Transition in the Energy Business

    Renowned energy pundit and bestselling author Peter Tertzakian brings our energy history to life...

    → Read More
  • The End of Energy Obesity: Breaking Today's Energy Addiction for a Prosperous and Secure
    The End of Energy Obesity: Breaking Today's Energy Addiction for a Prosperous and Secure

    How can the world reduce its energy appetite and change its diet of fuels for a prosperous and...

    → Read More
  • A Thousand Barrels a Second: The Coming Oil Break Point and the Challenges Facing an Energy Dependent World
    A Thousand Barrels a Second: The Coming Oil Break Point and the Challenges Facing an Energy Dependent World

    In 2006, world oil consumption exceeded one thousand barrels per second-a level with enormous...

    → Read More

Articles

Client reviews

  • Content Director, EMEA and North America, 121 Group Management

    Peter gave an excellent review of the forces of change and disruption presenting the energy sector today. Highlighting the gap between perception and reality of global hydrocarbon consumption, Peter helped our delegation of investors, analysts and corporates to cut through the noise around the industry and make more accurate assumptions on the energy mix of the future. I’d highly recommend Peter as a presenter for energy sector analysis.

  • Program Manager, Conferences, Informa Markets

    Peter is a consummate professional, and an absolutely fantastic keynote presenter. The delivery of his content was so well done, and left the audience wanting more. Peter’s engaging delivery, thorough and relevant content and thought-provoking takeaways have made him one of the most well-received speakers in our event’s history. Thank you, Peter!

  • Executive Director, Newfoundland & Labrador Environmental Industry Association

    Peter Tertzakian expertly walked the fine line between oil and gas, renewables, and the role that both must play in the world’s pursuit of a low-carbon economy. His pragmatic approach helped initiate a solutions-focused discussion between two camps that often see themselves in competition.

  • Director of the Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre

    Peter gave a powerful keynote address to a packed audience of 100 energy experts in Toronto on the theme of energy technology transitions and the challenges confronting modern economies in balancing energy, economic and climate change goals. These are complex and contested topics, but Peter did a masterful job in presenting the issues in an even-handed, thoughtful and highly engaging way. His carefully curated mix of historical examples, stories and long-term trend data created a compelling and informative narrative. We had outstanding feedback from participants on the event afterwards, and I just wish that we had allowed more time for Peter’s presentation and audience discussion.

  • International journalist, broadcast producer and author.

    Peter Tertzakian manifests the rare ability to engender discussion among an expansive range of individuals of divergent experience and viewpoint. Rooted in deep insights based on his personal experience, and enriched by a dry droll humour, Peter’s presentation style evokes conversation, which he treats as an exploration, a journey; one affording the opportunity to engage in open dialogue.

    It’s been my pleasure to witness Peter engage individuals and groups in economic, political and social discussion — honouring and valuing the beliefs, statements and experiences of others. He empowers others to express themselves. And in doing so, he moves groups to new ways of thinking, new ideas and new resolutions.

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