Carmine Difiglio

Distinguished Associate

Photo of Carmine Difiglio

Carmine Difiglio serves as Director of the Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate (IICEC, Sabanci University).

IICEC is an independent research center collaborating with governments, industry partners, universities and research institutions. IICEC provides energy and climate research and provides a forum for the discussion of pertinent energy and climate policy issues. 

Previously, Professor Difiglio was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Analysis at the U.S. Department of Energy where he advised the Secretary of Energy on a wide range of energy policy issues. Before then, Difiglio was Head of Technology Policy at the International Energy Agency (IEA). At the IEA, he established the Energy Technology Perspectives model and project (2001). Energy Technology Perspectives continues to this day as a flagship IEA publication by showing what technologies and investments are needed to meet G20 and Paris climate goals. 

Difiglio is a featured speaker on topics ranging from the international oil market, improving energy security, how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the prospects for avoiding the worst consequences of global climate change. His speaking engagements include Chatham House, the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the Aspen Institute, the International Seminars on Planetary Emergencies and numerous conferences in London, Istanbul, Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Geneva, Madrid, Rome, Milan, Delhi, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro and many American cities. Professor Difiglio also serves as Co-Chair of the World Federation of Scientists’ Permanent Monitoring Panel on Energy and has chaired several professional committees in various organizations including the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the International Energy Agency. His publications include a wide variety of modeling and policy assessments concerning energy efficiency, motor-vehicle fuel economy, alternative energy supplies, greenhouse gas emissions, international oil markets and energy security. Professor Difiglio received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.