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  • July 2022
  • Case
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David Crane’s Clean(er) Energy Strategy at NRG

By: George Serafeim, Michael W. Toffel and Tom Quinn
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:16
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Abstract

In 2015, David Crane was the CEO of NRG, the second-largest energy producer in the United States. NRG got most of its power from fossil fuels, but Crane – hired as CEO in 2003 as NRG emerged from bankruptcy – had invested heavily in alternative energy, loudly proclaiming the business benefits of being a leader on climate change. But by 2015, facing investor and board pressure, Crane was forced to spin off NRG’s renewable assets, marking the end of his bold strategy.

Keywords

Energy; Leadership; Corporate Governance; Transformation; Alternative Energy; Energy Generation; Climate Change; Corporate Accountability; Renewable Energy; Energy Industry; United States

Citation

Serafeim, George, Michael W. Toffel, and Tom Quinn. "David Crane’s Clean(er) Energy Strategy at NRG." Harvard Business School Case 623-005, July 2022.
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About The Authors

George Serafeim

Accounting and Management
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Michael W. Toffel

Technology and Operations Management
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  • ESG: From Process to Product By: George Serafeim
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