ERCOT’s recent projections show steep increases in electricity demand in the next few years, much of it driven by the rise of data centers. HARC, in partnership with the University of Houston, explored how data centers are evolving across Texas and what this means for the grid’s future.

As the U.S. GDP sees its sharpest decline in three years, Houston’s economy faces mounting pressure from falling oil prices, industry layoffs, and shifting trade policies. Experts warn of a potential downturn in the energy sector, while UH Energy emphasizes the importance of policy and trade literacy to navigate the uncertainty.

This article covers the keynote address delivered by Torkel Rhenman, Executive Vice President of Advanced Polymer Solutions at LyondellBasell, at the 2025 UH Energy Symposium on Plastics Circularity. The story highlights Rhenman’s insights on advancing a circular economy for plastics, addressing industry challenges, innovations like MoReTec chemical recycling, and the role of policy, infrastructure, and collaboration in shaping a sustainable future.