Publications
Publications
- July 2022
- HBS Case Collection
David Crane’s Clean(er) Energy Strategy at NRG
By: George Serafeim, Michael W. Toffel and Tom Quinn
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
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.