Top 10 Progressive CEOs In USA 2024

Shaping the Future of Clean Energy

JOSEPH DOMINGUEZ

President & CEO,

Constellation

In the ever-evolving energy landscape of the United States, where the challenges of producing clean, carbon-free energy are growing with alarming speed, few leaders have stepped forward with the vision, expertise, and boldness necessary to lead transformative change. One such leader is Joseph Dominguez, President and CEO of Constellation Energy, a company that has positioned itself at the heart of the nation’s clean energy revolution. Under Dominguez’s leadership, Constellation has become the largest producer of clean, carbon-free energy in the U.S., delivering power to millions of homes, businesses, and public sector customers across the country. In a time when the world is desperately seeking sustainable energy solutions, Dominguez has navigated Constellation’s complex path to provide approximately 10% of the nation’s clean energy, harnessing a combination of solar, wind, hydro, and the country’s largest nuclear fleet. “As we face the climate crisis, every step forward counts,” Dominguez remarks, reflecting on the daunting tasks that lie ahead in the quest for a carbon-neutral future. Constellation’s commitment to achieve 100% carbonfree generation by 2040 is a testament to Dominguez’s forward-thinking leadership. But it’s not just about energy production; it’s about fostering technological innovations and setting an example for the entire industry. Constellation’s efforts have already set the stage for the integration of advanced technologies, like hydrogen blending in natural gas plants and carbon capture technologies, that promise to further accelerate the transition to a cleaner future.

A Foundation Built on Legal Expertise and Strategic Leadership

Joseph Dominguez’s path to CEO was not paved overnight. Before assuming the leadership of Constellation, Dominguez honed his skills and built an extensive background in both energy policy and corporate strategy. His career began in the legal realm, where he earned a reputation as a strategic thinker. He worked at Exelon Corporation, Constellation’s parent company, where he held several key positions, including Senior Vice President and General Counsel. In these roles, Dominguez developed a deep understanding of the regulatory environment and helped shape Exelon’s response to the shifting tides of the energy sector. He further strengthened his leadership portfolio when he transitioned to the role of CEO at ComEd, a major U.S. utility, where he led the company through a transformative period. It was during this time that Dominguez proved himself as a visionary capable of executing largescale change while maintaining the balance between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. His success at ComEd earned him the opportunity to take the helm of Exelon Generation, where he oversaw the company’s power generation operations, setting the stage for his eventual leadership role at Constellation. “I’ve always been passionate about the energy sector, but the real challenge lies in transforming how we approach energy production and consumption,” Dominguez says. “Our industry is not just about keeping the lights on; it’s about doing so in a way that safeguards the future of our planet.”

Leadership in Action

His leadership is often described as transformative. Whether it’s expanding Constellation’s renewable energy capacity or advocating for robust climate policies, Dominguez’s unwavering focus on a sustainable energy future has garnered respect across the industry. “We need to think about energy not just as a commodity but as a crucial driver of our economy and our future,” Dominguez reflects. “The work we’re doing today will have a lasting impact for generations to come.”

Addressing the Clean Energy Challenge: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions

At Constellation, Dominguez tackled the most pressing issue in today’s energy landscape: reducing carbon emissions while meeting the rising demand for electricity. By leaning into clean energy technologies, Constellation has not only become a leading supplier of renewable energy but also a key player in decarbonizing the power sector. Dominguez’s approach to navigating this challenge is strategic and multifaceted, focusing on harnessing emerging technologies and positioning Constellation to thrive in a rapidly changing energy economy. A hallmark of Dominguez’s leadership has been his ability to embrace innovation. Under his guidance, Constellation has advanced initiatives such as carbon capture, the development of green hydrogen, and the expansion of nuclear power. As Dominguez points out, nuclear energy plays a critical role in the push for carbon-free energy, a fact that is often overlooked in discussions dominated by wind and solar energy. “The role of nuclear in achieving a clean energy future cannot be underestimated,” he emphasizes. “It provides the reliability and scale that intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar can’t always deliver.”

Dominguez’s drive to keep Constellation at the forefront of the energy transition extends beyond the company’s internal operations. In his conversations with policymakers, he advocates for policies that incentivize technological innovation while ensuring grid reliability. His proactive stance on regulations, like the Environmental Protection Agency’s restrictions on emissions from fossil fuel plants, has positioned Constellation as a leader in carbon-free solutions.

A Vision for 2040 and Beyond

Looking ahead, Joseph Dominguez remains committed to accelerating Constellation’s transition to a carbonfree future. With a goal of achieving 100% carbon-free generation by 2040, Dominguez envisions a future where clean energy is not only sustainable but abundant. As he leads Constellation into the next era of energy, his vision for a greener, more resilient future is crystal clear. “Achieving a carbon-free future is a monumental challenge, but it’s one we’re prepared to meet,” Dominguez concludes. “Our journey is just beginning, and we are ready to lead the way.” In the realm of clean energy, Joseph Dominguez is not just a leader—he is a trailblazer, guiding Constellation toward a brighter, more sustainable future. With unwavering dedication and strategic foresight, Dominguez’s impact will continue to shape the energy landscape for years to come.

"We need to think about energy not just as a commodity but as a crucial driver of our economy and our future"