When people think about the future of energy, they often picture the latest technological breakthroughs: towering wind turbines or solar panels built from advanced materials. “Technology gets the focus, but policy is what dictates offshore wind farm development or whether a city adds electric vehicle charging infrastructure,” Hoover said. “Policymakers and markets are constantly communicating, and that is what shapes the energy landscape of the future,” Hoover said. Those conversations should also include the people most affected by energy decisions, Hoover said. This article is part of a series highlighting Tulane University energy experts and energy industry professionals ahead of the 2026 Future of Energy Forum hosted by Tulane University.