Mihaela Carstei

About Mihaela Carstei

Strategic adviser with deep knowledge of the energy sector and expertise in harnessing partnerships and communications to drive impactful results for clients. I began my career in the think tank world, rising to Acting Director of the Atlantic Council’s Energy and Environment Program. Beyond research and thought leadership on energy sector policies, regulations, and technologies, my responsibilities also included program management, fundraising, organizing high-profile events, and stakeholder engagement. I then took on strategic advisory roles with companies in the energy sector and with governments in the European Union and Eastern Europe. My research and insights have been featured in media outlets such as CNN, CCTV, Al Jazeera, and The Hill. Driven by curiosity and an appreciation for complex systems, I co-founded of F-World: The Fragility Podcast, a unique platform that disseminates expert knowledge on fragile and conflict-affected states featuring insights from top academics, officials, and practitioners.

Experience

1. Principal

   Carbonsix

   Jan 2015 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   CarbonSix provides strategic advice and expertise on regulatory frameworks, tailored market insights, as well as outreach and communications to unlock sustainable investments in energy infrastructure- Selected assignments: Advised the CEO and senior management of a major U.S. utility during early-stage business development for a first-of-a-kind power generation and chemical production technology to be deployed in Eastern Europe; assisted a start-up to bring to market an innovative CO2 abatement solution for the electricity sector; evaluated energy solutions and business models for climate-smart agriculture projects in the European Union (EU)- Stakeholder engagement: Designed, developed, and supported the implementation of targeted communication campaigns and outreach strategies to advance project objectives with external partners and government officials. Guided and prepared executives for speeches and public appearances involving third-party policy groups and community organizations- Strategic positioning and business development: Identified opportunities for co-financing from EU and national funding streams for energy infrastructure projects; delivered briefs, reports, and other customized knowledge products covering developments in the energy sector, mapping institutional and market players, and identifying emerging risks and opportunities- Project development: Supported the design and implementation of feasibility studies; national and sub-national permitting and approval processes. Tracked legislation and regulations at the planning and development stages and provided in-depth analysis on implications for project development.

Education

• University of Montana

  BS in Business Administration, International Business and Management

• Syracuse University - Maxwell School

  MA, International Relations and Economics

• The Bucharest University of Economic Studies

  Phd Candidate, Economics and International Affairs