Energy policy expert, author, journalist and documentary filmmaker Robert Bryce headlines this year’s PVF Roundtable Q4 Networking Meeting, sponsored by Weldbend Corp. The event is on Oct. 11 at the Houston Marriott Westchase. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with dinner and program to follow at 6 p.m.

Bryce is the acclaimed author of six books on energy, power, innovation and politics. In addition, he hosts the Power Hungry podcast and is a frequent contributor to the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Forbes, Time, Real Clear Energy, Newsweek and other publications.

His latest book, “A Question of Power: Electricity and the Wealth of Nations,” tells the human story of electricity and highlights the factors needed for successful electrification, while explaining why so many people in the world are still stuck in the dark.

Everyone attending the October PVF Roundtable event will receive a copy of the book.

“We wanted to bring a different perspective that could be helpful to PVF Roundtable members as they navigate the uncertain times we face in the energy sector,” says James Coulas Jr., president and CEO of Weldbend. “As part of the PVF Roundtable mission, members are committed to exchanging relevant industry information, and Robert Bryce understands the factors that could significantly affect our business.”

When asked about what PVF Roundtable attendees can expect from his presentation, Bryce said he will serve up “a big dose of energy realism.”

One of the topics he plans to address is why the United States must not copy Europe’s energy policies.

“Germany, Britain, France and other European countries sleepwalked their economies straight into the ditch,” Bryce says. “Europe made four interrelated mistakes: too much spending on renewables, too little spending on hydrocarbons, they closed their baseload coal and nuclear plants, and they relied too heavily on imports.”

He goes on to say that despite the obvious lessons to be learned from Europe, some of America’s most influential non-governmental organizations and many American politicians still want to follow Europe’s lead.

Bryce also explained how he feels his remarks will be helpful to business owners and those employed in the energy sector.

“When the attendees leave the event in Houston, I want them to feel like they’ve been blasted by a truth bomb,” Bryce says. “I want them to have a deeper understanding of the vast scale of our energy and power needs, why power density matters, why our power and energy systems are shaped the way they are, and why so much of the hype about alternative energy and renewables is just that — hype. I also want them to understand that despite the many challenges we face, the U.S. remains in an enviable position compared to the rest of the world.”

Weldbend Corp., the only full range domestic manufacturer of both carbon steel fittings and flanges, is a regular sponsor of PVF Roundtable and other industry events. For more information or to register for the event, please go to www.pvfroundtable.org.

Kathy Wyatt is a communications consultant and former broadcast journalist.