M-RCBG Senior Fellow-Led Study Group: Philippe Tordoir


Friday, April 2, 12:00-1:00pm
View the event recording HERE

Natural gas emits significantly less CO2 than coal, still widely used globally for electricity generation. It is however a fossil-fuel that would not fit in a zero-emission system. The objective of this session is to present and discuss a study on the potential role of natural gas for electricity generation through a comparison of the outcomes of two approaches: a system developed with a zero-CO2 emission target by a certain date and a system based on imposing a CO2 tax translating the social cost of carbon.


Philippe Tordoir headshot in front of whimsical paintingPhilippe Tordoir is a senior executive with general, finance, and business development managerial experience, in international settings, both at headquarters and operational levels, in the energy sector. He is currently Head of Acquisitions, Investments and Financial Advisory in charge of North America, Brazil, the Middle East, Africa and the regulated natural gas business in France for ENGIE. ENGIE is a French-based global energy leader, 170 000 employees, focusing on accelerating the zero-carbon transition by providing turnkey low carbon, energy-efficient solutions and services to global companies and local authorities. During his 15-year experience with ENGIE, he held several senior positions, including CEO of hydro power plants in Bolivia, CFO of a major electric utility in Peru, Board member of ENGIE companies in Chile and as a Director of Business Development Oversight, overseeing global investments of the Group. Before joining ENGIE, he served in several positions at ABB, a global technology supplier for utilities, industry, transportation and infrastructure. He graduated with a degree in electrical-mechanical engineering and a Master of Engineering in Electric Power Systems from Université de Liège in Belgium, a Master of Science in Thermal Power from Cranfield University in the UK, and an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US. As an M-RCBG Senior Fellow, his research will focus on a framework for utilities and government to think about the role of natural gas in the electricity / heat generation mix for the medium and long term. His faculty sponsor is William Hogan, Raymond Plank Research Professor of Global Energy Policy at Harvard Kennedy School.   Email: philippe_tordoir@hks.harvard.edu