The University of Houston has been awarded the 2025 TXU Energy Leadership Award in Innovation, recognizing its pioneering contributions to energy research, education, and collaboration. Presented during a special event at Daikin Park, the award highlights UH’s strategic partnership with TXU Energy, which powers all four campuses and supports innovation-driven initiatives. The collaboration includes a $370,000 scholarship commitment for students in energy and STEM fields, reinforcing UH’s role as a leader in shaping a sustainable energy 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.