WRI and University of Chicago Announce $100 Million Gift from Michael and Tanya Polsky to Accelerate the Global Energy Transition

­World Resources Institute (WRI) and the University of Chicago announced today a combined $100 million contribution from Michael and Tanya Polsky through the Polsky Foundation to accelerate pragmatic, scalable solutions for the global energy transition and prepare the next generation of energy innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders. 

A $75 million gift to WRI—the largest energy-focused gift in its history—will establish the WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition (“WRI Polsky Energy Center”), which will harness analytical power, convening ability and global expertise to help orchestrate the transition to a clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy future. The WRI Polsky Energy Center seeks to overcome critical barriers to modernizing and expanding energy grids, scaling financing and deployment, sourcing critical minerals responsibly and building a skilled, future-ready workforce.  

With nearly 30 years of experience in the energy industry, Michael Polsky is widely recognized as a pioneer and leader in North America’s cogeneration and independent power industry. As a member of WRI's Board of Directors since 2004, he previously endowed WRI’s Polsky Chair for Renewable Energy and has contributed to the funding of projects that increase access to clean, abundant and reliable power. 

“I’ve spent my career in the energy sector, building energy companies here in the United States—starting in nuclear, coal, oil and gas power generation and then expanding into renewables,” said Michael Polsky. “My journey mirrors America’s: from reliance on coal, oil and gas, to embracing new energy sources like wind and solar.”  

“This progression isn’t about ideology—it’s driven by technology, economics and opportunity. As an energy entrepreneur who has designed and built power plants and associated electricity infrastructure that power millions of homes and businesses, I’ve seen firsthand the practical challenges that stand in the way of building energy infrastructure and the solutions that can help America reclaim leadership in energy innovation, manufacturing and deployment.”  

Added Polsky, “The energy transition is inevitable, but it’s not an instantaneous shift—and we must lead it strategically. If we don’t seize this opportunity, others will. In the quest for energy independence, we must build resilient systems that are less vulnerable to volatile markets. We have the opportunity to build efficient, cleaner, low-cost, scalable energy infrastructure while fostering technological leadership. Tanya and I are proud to support WRI’s efforts to shape a future of clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy for generations, and the University of Chicago in shaping the leaders who will realize this vision.” 

Added Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO of WRI: “We are deeply grateful to Michael and Tanya Polsky, visionary philanthropists who are dedicated to transforming the energy sector. Accelerating the global energy transition is one of the most important challenges of our time, and there is no better moment to orchestrate the transition to a new clean energy economy. The WRI Polsky Energy Center will deliver the practical, evidence-based solutions that countries need to move toward a sustainable energy future.” 

In addition, a $25 million gift to the University of Chicago will establish the Polsky Energy Transition Leadership Academy (“Polsky Academy”)—a pioneering program housed within the University’s Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business as a key partner. As a component of the Chicago Curriculum on Climate and Sustainable Growth, a groundbreaking approach to energy and climate education led by the Institute, the Polsky Academy brings a unique focus on experiential learning, immersive field experiences and career mentorship to help students grapple with the dual goals of the need for inexpensive and reliable energy and a manageable climate.  

 “The University of Chicago is committed to providing students with a deep education in how to think. This gift by Michael Polsky will enrich the education of so many of our students who are interested in understanding how the world of energy really works," Paul Alivisatos, President of the University of Chicago, said. “With this generous support, we are better equipped to foster the next generation of leaders and innovators who will address the challenges and opportunities of the energy future.”