The Energy Gang

They called the film Avengers: Infinity War the most ambitious crossover event in history. We can’t quite make the same claim, but at Wood Mackenzie’s 2025 Solar and Energy Storage Summit, we did record a crossover episode. Ed Crooks, host of Energy Gang, is joined by Sylvia Leyva Martinez, Wood Mackenz’s principal analyst for solar power and host of Interchange Recharged, to discuss the future of energy, and of the electricity grid in particular.They are joined by Rob Chapman, Senior Vice President of Energy Delivery and Customer Solutions at the non-profit research group EPRI, the Electric Power Research Institute, which aims to help power society toward a reliable, affordable, and resilient energy future. Rob talks about a key theme in his work: the importance of flexibility on the electricity grid. Increased reliance on solar and wind power has created challenges in keeping the grid balanced and the lights on. Surging demand for electricity for new data centres to train and run AI models is giving rise to a whole new set of issues. More flexible demand and supply on the grid is increasingly valuable. But where can it come from?Data centres don’t usually offer a lot of flexibility in their operations. People want to use ChatGPT and watch Netflix even at night and when the wind is low. So what can the hyperscalers do to create flexibility? Are virtual power plants an effective option? And how can the energy industry improve collaboration to find solutions that promote the clean energy transition while keeping prices down?You can find Energy Gang wherever you get your podcasts, and follow Interchange Recharged with Sylvia Leyva Martinez for deep dives into the innovations that are accelerating the energy transition.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

“With great uncertainty comes great opportunity”, says Abby Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, in this special episode of the Energy Gang, recorded live at Wood Mackenzie’s Solar & Energy Storage Summit.Is she right? And what are those opportunities? To find out, host Ed Crooks welcomed Abby and Shyam Srinivasan, CEO and Co-Founder of Zitara Technologies, for a special discussion on the state of the solar and storage industries today.Uncertainty is the buzzword of the moment: uncertainty over tariffs, over tax credits, over the evolution of AI, and over the economic outlook. The Trump administration’s new tariffs are disrupting supply chains and prompting companies to delay investment decisions. At such a volatile time, it’s easy to be caught out by a sudden change in policy.Companies have different strategies for coping with all this uncertainty. Some have been stockpiling solar panels; a few have been stockpiling batteries. And all the while, there are some powerful global trends still driving the industry: overproduction in China that is still driving down costs, and the need for new electricity generation of all types to power data centers for AI.Abby, Ed and Shyam debate the uncertain policies and forecasts that are making companies hesitant to invest, and find some pointers to help navigate through the storm. And they lift their eyes from the day-to-day chaos to consider what are the real opportunities for the longer term once the immediate crisis is over.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

These are hard times for investment in low-carbon energy. The lack of progress in international climate negotiations, threats to policy support, and an increased awareness of the challenges of decarbonization, have created some strong headwinds. Everyone agrees that more breakthroughs in innovative emissions-reducing technologies are essential for tackling climate change. So how can innovative energy companies raise the capital they need to scale?Catalytic capital can provide long-term investment in clean energy and accelerate early-stage climate technologies. To find out how it can make a difference, host Ed Crooks welcomes back to the show Amy Duffuor. Amy is the co-founder and general partner at Azolla Ventures, a $300 million VC firm dedicated to having an impact on emissions. They do it through catalytic capital, which is still looking for a return, but can be more patient and flexible than conventional investment.In challenging times for investment in decarbonization, cleantech startups need to be able to explain their broader significance for the energy system and the economy, as well as their impact on emissions. “For climate tech to succeed it's not just about the innovation itself, but about understanding the narrative that surrounds it," Amy says.Also joining the show is Melissa Lott, partner general manager at Microsoft.* Together they look at the geopolitical tensions and US policy frameworks that are influencing investor confidence and support for innovation. And they ask the question: with the world clearly not on track to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees C, how can we get investment to flow into adaptation strategies to build long-term resilience. Can it be done? Listen to find out. *Melissa’s opinions in this episode are her own and do not reflect the opinions of Microsoft.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

If President Trump’s tariff strategy succeeds in sparking a revival in US manufacturing, one consequence will be surging demand for power. We are already seeing electricity demand starting to pick up after 15 years of stagnation, driven by new data centers for AI and a wave of factory-building for semiconductors and batteries that is already under way. How can the electricity industry increase capacity to meet that growing demand and provide the power that the country needs?That’s the question for this special episode of the Energy Gang, recorded live in front of an invited audience at the headquarters of the American Clean Power association in Washington DC. Host Ed Crooks talks to Chris Shelton, the Chief Product Officer at AES, Travis Kavulla, the Vice-President for Regulatory Affairs at NRG Energy, and MJ Shiao, the Vice President of Supply Chain and Manufacturing at American Clean Power.They discuss whether electricity demand growth is really happening, which technologies are best placed to provide new supply, and who will end up paying for the investment needed to increase capacity. The Trump administration’s focus has been on “baseload” power, particularly new natural gas power plants. But there are reasons why they cannot be a complete solution. Renewable energy and battery storage also have important roles to play.The group also assess the impacts of changing energy policies under a Republican administration and Congress. What will be the fate of tax credits for low-carbon energy under the Inflation Reduction Act? And will moves to expedite permitting and environmental approvals make it easier to build all kinds of new infrastructure, including power and energy facilities, in the US?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

The Chinese car company BYD, the world’s top-selling manufacturer of electric vehicles, is launching two models that can charge in five minutes; about the time it takes to fill a tank with gasoline. It’s news that looks like a landmark moment in the energy transition, the way that the release of the DeepSeek model was for AI. It’s another eye-opening breakthrough out of China that should have the US worried. Or is it?To explain the significance of this latest leap forward in Chinese technology, Ed Crooks is joined by Amy Myers Jaffe, director of the Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab at New York University, and Robbie Orvis, senior director for modelling and analysis at the think-tank Energy Innovation.They debate the question: is the US being outpaced in the global race to innovate in clean energy technology? If the US has lost the automotive innovation race to China, what does that mean for US car companies? Robbie argues that the US auto industry needs solid policy support for domestic battery manufacturing to stay competitive. The Trump administration is relying heavily on tariffs: will that strategy be effective, or might it actually hinder progress in building a modern industrial base in the US?Amy calls for a shift in how US policy approaches innovation in the EV sector, and energy generally. Can the recipe that created the spectacular success of Silicon Valley be recreated in the energy industry? The gang also discuss the problems at Tesla. In the face of challenges in China and Europe, how will the company respond?Tune in for a lively discussion on these critical questions, and more. Join the conversation about the future of energy and innovation. Follow the show wherever you get your podcasts, and visit woodmac.com/podcasts for more information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Investors have gone sour on clean energy. In a troubled time for stock markets in general, where is the capital for energy flowing now?Host Ed Crooks is joined by Shanu Mathew, Senior VP and Portfolio Manager at Lazard Asset Management, and Amy Myers Jaffe, Director of the Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab at NYU. Shanu returns to the show to break down how institutional investors, under pressure to deliver returns, are shifting strategies on energy. Amy shares insights on cleantech venture capital trends, and the factors that support investment in low-carbon solutions. With support for renewables under threat, and cutting-edge technologies facing mounting challenges, is the transition to low-carbon energy slowing down or recalibrating? Meanwhile, Big Oil companies are changing course on their decarbonisation strategies and approaches to addressing climate change. BP and Shell are pulling back from power and renewables and emphasising oil and gas investments instead, after pressure from investors. Are they adapting to market realities, or are they abandoning clean energy too soon? And what will their strategic shift mean for the rest of the industry and for the climate? Amy discusses the close ties between oil prices and capital flows into cleantech.Finally, there’s no end to the debate around AI’s evolving role in energy infrastructure. Electricity demand growth remains a dominant trend. The hyperscale data centre users, such as major tech firms, have emerged as key players in power demand. But trust issues persist between them and energy providers. The sector has a history of overestimating demand growth, leading to overbuilding. Are we in danger of going through that cycle all over again?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

Charge when it’s cheap, when energy is abundant, and discharge when the energy is needed. The role of energy storage will be critical to the transition to low-carbon technologies. It’s an exciting time in the industry, with spectacular growth in battery storage markets in the US and around the world, and it’s predicted to continue. “We’re in the hockey stick growth phase,” says Swetha Sundaram, VP of solar and BESS (battery energy storage systems) at RWE, and a co-author of ‘The BESS Book’. She joins Ed Crooks on the show to look at where that growth is coming from. The systems being built today mostly use lithium-ion technologies to store energy for a few hours. But there are huge opportunities for long-duration energy storage (LDES), too. The LDES Council, an industry group, estimates that the build-out of up to 8 TW of potential power supply from long-duration storage by 2040 represents a $4 trillion investment opportunity. Julia Souder is CEO of the LDES council, and she’s also on the show to talk about the next generation of storage. Julia, Swetha and Ed are also joined by Energy Gang regular Melissa Lott, a Partner General Manager at Microsoft. She’s a PhD energy systems engineer, and she explains the different roles short and long-duration energy storage will have in the energy transition and the power grid of the future.Follow the show wherever you’re listening, and reach out to us with feedback – we’re @energygangshow.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

In 2018, President Donald Trump said “I’m a tariff man”, declaring they were the way to make America rich again. Six years on and just weeks into his second term, he is putting that philosophy into practice. President Trump has announced a barrage of new and increased tariffs on imports into the US, including a 10% levy on all goods from China. He has threatened 25% tariffs on imports from Canda and Mexico, although those were put on hold for a month. And he has announced a strategy of reciprocal tariffs, promising to match other countries’ barriers to imports from the US with equivalent levies on their exports. It is a time of turbulence. What does it mean for the energy transition?  To analyse what all these actual and threatened tariffs mean for energy security, the economy and the climate, host Ed Crooks – Vice-Chair for the Americas at Wood Mackenzie - is joined by three policy experts from the US and Canada. Samantha Gross is the director of the Energy Security and Climate Initiative at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. Joseph Majkut is director of the Energy Security and Climate Change Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. And Andrew Leach is an energy and environmental economist at the University of Alberta. Together they discuss the Trump administration’s strategy, and where it might lead. How do the tariff plans align with President Trump’s goals for boosting energy production and driving down prices for consumers? What happens to complex international supply chains as tariffs rise? And where does this leave the global effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions? Samantha Gross says the situation is ‘”rotten for the climate”. Does she have a point?Let us know what you think. We’re on X, at @theenergygang. Make sure you’re following the show so you don’t miss an episode – we’ll be back in two weeks, Tuesday morning at 7am eastern time.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

It’s a historic moment in energy, with a leap forward in AI technology coming as the Trump administration sets a new direction for the US. The Energy Gang break down what it all means. When they make The Energy Transition – The Movie, the week of 27th January 2025 will be a pivotal scene. The Chinese AI company DeepSeek sent shockwaves through stock markets, as it revealed its model that apparently is capable of better performance than its competitors at a fraction of the cost. Host Ed Crooks talks through the implications for energy with regulars Amy Myers Jaffe of New York University and Melissa Lott of Microsoft. Together they discuss the market reactions to the launch of DeepSeek, shifting forecasts for AI demand, and the implications for the industry and for government.President Donald Trump has come into office putting emphasis on the importance of energy supplies for AI as a matter of national security. His administration wants more “baseload” power. But there is a debate on what that word means for a modern electricity system, and whether it even has any relevance. Do modern solutions for grid stability make talk of baseload power obsolete in 2025?Finally the gang review the flurry of executive orders signed by President Trump. Climate change is off the agenda as a priority for the US administration. What does that mean for energy, in the US and around the world? Follow The Energy Gang wherever you get your podcasts and go to woodmac.com/podcasts for more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

Finding a role for hydrogen in a low-carbon energy economy. Hydrogen has been called the Swiss Army knife of energy, because it has so many potential applications, from home heating to heavy industry. But so far, deployment around the world has been slow. And in recent months there has been a series of setbacks for plans to use clean hydrogen to decarbonise energy systems. So what’s the problem? Is it unsuitable infrastructure, policy uncertainty, or fundamental challenges of physics and economics? Does hydrogen really have a role to play in the low-carbon energy system of the future? And if it does, what does the industry need to get there?To find out, host Ed Crooks is joined by Dr Melissa Lott, Partner General Manager in Energy Technologies at Microsoft, and Austin Knight, Vice President for hydrogen at Chevron New Energies. Hydrogen is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it could help us tackle some of the toughest challenges in decarbonisation. It may be expensive, but in some sectors it looks like a more cost-effective solution for achieving net zero than any other option.For some proposed applications, it looks pretty clear that hydrogen is going to be a non-starter. But Austin says there are some sectors where it still has a viable future. Chevron is investing in hydrogen fuel suppliers and fuelling stations for heavy trucks across California, for example. As Melissa says, the infrastructure just isn’t there yet to make hydrogen a viable option today. But is it a case of “if” hydrogen becomes a commercial reality, or “when”? Find out here.We want to hear your thoughts and comments, so get in touch. We’re on X, at @theenergygang Or on BlueSky @woodmackenzie.bsky.socialSubscribe to the show so you don’t miss episodes, out every second Tuesday at 7am ET. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

Hydrogen has been called the Swiss Army knife of energy, because it has so many potential applications, from home heating to heavy industry. But so far, deployment around the world has been slow. And in recent months there has been a series of setbacks for plans to use clean hydrogen to decarbonise energy systems. So what’s the problem?Is it unsuitable infrastructure, policy uncertainty, or fundamental challenges of physics and economics? Does hydrogen really have a role to play in the low-carbon energy system of the future? And if it does, what does the industry need to get there?To find out, host Ed Crooks is joined by Dr Melissa Lott, Partner General Manager in Energy Technologies at Microsoft, and Austin Knight, Vice President for hydrogen at Chevron New Energies. Hydrogen is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it could help us tackle some of the toughest challenges in decarbonisation. It may be expensive, but in some sectors it looks like a more cost-effective solution for achieving net zero than any other option.For some proposed applications, it looks pretty clear that hydrogen is going to be a non-starter. But Austin says there are some sectors where it still has a viable future. Chevron is investing in hydrogen fuel suppliers and fuelling stations for heavy trucks across California, for example. As Melissa says, the infrastructure just isn’t there yet to make hydrogen a viable option today. But is it a case of “if” hydrogen becomes a commercial reality, or “when”? Find out here.We want to hear your thoughts and comments, so get in touch.We’re on X, at @theenergygangOr on BlueSky @woodmackenzie.bsky.socialSubscribe to the show so you don’t miss episodes, out every second Tuesday at 7am ET.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

The people, places and technologies to watch this year.Host Ed Crooks is joined by regulars Amy Myers Jaffe and Melissa Lott to share their predictions for energy in 2025. They discuss the policy changes expected from Washington under the Trump administration, the crucial role for California as a leader in clean energy, the exciting new technologies that may be launched or ramped up this year, and the political and business leaders who will be shaping our future.The team also discuss some of the threats and challenges the energy industry could face this year. Amy warns that the wind sector is in trouble; is it really? And what about the wild cards: the unexpected events that could force everyone to reassess their plans? Melissa has concerns about the impacts of extreme weather: how will a warming world affect our lives? As the latest news on bird flu shows, the threat of another deadly pandemic is real; Ed analyses the risks.It’s going to be another tumultuous year in energy. To help make sense of it, get all the insights and analysis from us here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2025

Host Ed Crooks is joined by regulars Amy Myers Jaffe and Melissa Lott to share their predictions for energy in 2025. They discuss the policy changes expected from Washington under the Trump administration, the crucial role for California as a leader in clean energy, the exciting new technologies that may be launched or ramped up this year, and the political and business leaders who will be shaping our future.The team also discuss some of the threats and challenges the energy industry could face this year. Amy warns that the wind sector is in trouble; is it really? And what about the wild cards: the unexpected events that could force everyone to reassess their plans? Melissa has concerns about the impacts of extreme weather: how will a warming world affect our lives? As the latest news on bird flu shows, the threat of another deadly pandemic is real; Ed analyses the risks.It’s going to be another tumultuous year in energy. To help make sense of it, get all the insights and analysis from us here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2025

China’s booming EV industry, AI and clean energy, questions over hydrogen, and the other big stories from 2024.To round off a momentous year for clean energy, Ed Crooks is joined by regulars Melissa Lott and Amy Myers Jaffe to reflect on the highs and lows of 2024. The gang revisit the predictions they made in January, share their highs and lows for the year, and talk about their favourite episodes of 2024. And, as is fast becoming a tradition on the show, we finish the year with some relevant holiday gifts.Some of our predictions for 2024 were spot on, but others were slightly off. The team discuss the continued rise and rise of China’s largest electric vehicle company BYD, and look ahead to what 2025 holds for the EV industry. Amy predicted big things for hydrogen this year, as did Melissa for geothermal. Did these fast-moving sectors hit the heights that they expected? And where do they go from here?There were some real lows in 2024, mostly related to international politics and conflict. But there were also some much more positive trends related to the energy transition, including the spread of low-cost solar panels and battery storage around the world. As for The Energy Gang: we had plenty of high points through the year. Amy, Melissa and Ed choose the episodes that they most enjoyed taking part in – and listening to – in 2024. Subscribe to The Energy Gang so you don’t miss the first show of 2025, where Ed, Amy and Melissa will look ahead to what promises to be another massive year for clean energy.   Listen back to the shows mentioned in the episode:•             Is There an Energy Transition? (April)•             Cleantech Entrepreneurs at NYU (Climate Week, September)•             The Future of AI and the Grid (November) The articles Melissa mentioned: https://www.power-eng.com/renewables/fervo-energy-claims-70-reduction-in-geothermal-drilling-time-2/https://www.eenews.net/articles/blm-approves-massive-geothermal-project-moves-to-ease-permitting/ This episode is brought to you by Enbridge. Listen to Enbridge and GZERO’s podcast Energized: The Future of Energy at GZEROmedia.com/theenergygangSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2024

More than 100 countries have pledged to cut methane emissions, with not much to show for it so far. What is being done to change that?Methane – the main component of natural gas – is the second most significant greenhouse gas, after carbon dioxide. It accounts for about 30% of all the human-induced warming the world has experienced since the 19th century.At COP26 in 2021, many countries got together to launch the Global Methane Pledge, to drive action on reducing emissions. There are now 111 countries, accounting in total for almost half of global methane emissions, that have signed up to that pledge. Their goal is to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030.So how much progress has been made in the past few years? Not a lot, is the answer. Instead of starting to decline to meet that targeted 30% reduction, methane emissions have actually been going up.At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, last month, methane was one of the key items on the agenda. Many people there were talking about ideas for bending the curve, to get methane emissions heading in the right direction at last.While he was at the conference, host Ed Crooks talked to Henrique Bezerra, the regional lead for Latin America for the Global Methane Hub. That's an organization backed by philanthropic money that works on practical projects to cut methane emissions. Henrique discusses the options available to tackle the problem.Ed also talked to a key figure working to change one of the largest sources of methane emissions: the global oil and gas industry. Bjorn Otto Sverdrup is the chair of the executive committee for the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, a group backed by 12 big international oil and gas companies that works on reducing emissions.He's also the head of the secretariat for a larger group that has signed up for the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter. That includes more than 50 big oil and gas groups, including many leading national oil companies from emerging economies, that have pledged to work together to reach net zero emissions from their operations by 2050.What are companies really doing to cut emissions? What strategies and technologies can help detect and prevent leaks of methane? And how can carbon markets play in role in reducing emissions? Ed and his guests discuss those questions, and assess whether their efforts will start to pay off in time to hit the goals that so many countries have set. This episode is brought to you by Enbridge. Listen to Enbridge and GZERO’s podcast Energized: The Future of Energy at GZEROmedia.com/theenergygang See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

The climate talks agreed a $300 billion finance deal. Not everyone is happy about it.The COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, finally ended around 5.30am on Sunday morning, almost 36 hours after they had been originally scheduled to close. The good news was that the negotiators representing about 200 countries agreed a deal on climate finance: flows of capital from developed countries to low and middle-income countries, to help them cut emissions and adapt to a warming world. The bad news was that many countries felt the amount agreed – $300 billion a year by 2035 – was much too low. India and other developing countries had suggested a sum of $1 trillion or more a year was needed.Ed Crooks, now back home after attending the talks, is joined by Energy Gang regulars Melissa Lott, the partner general manager for energy technologies at Microsoft, and Amy Harder, the executive editor of the energy and climate news service Cipher. They discuss the outcomes from the negotiations: what was agreed and what it means. We also hear from Amy’s colleague Anca Gurzu, who was following all the action at the talks in Baku.This conference was billed as “the finance COP”. If it had failed to agree a deal on finance, that would have been disastrous for the international effort to tackle climate change through the UNFCCC. But with a deal offering so much less than the amounts that developing countries had been hoping for, where does COP29 mean for the global energy transition? And as we look ahead to the crucial COP30 in Brazil a year from now, can we expect the countries of the world to commit to more ambitious goals for cutting emissions?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2024

As policy changes course in the US, is energy efficiency the key that can unlock a sustainable future? In our latest episode from the COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, host Ed Crooks talks to our guests about the challenges facing the energy transition, including the far-reaching implications of a second Trump administration, as asks whether getting smarter about the ways we use energy can be part of the solution. In the first part of the show, Ed welcomes back Vijay Vaitheeswaran, Global Energy and Climate Innovation Editor at The Economist. He and his team have a couple of big pieces in the latest edition, giving their views on the outlook for the transition in the US and around the world. They are joined by Zach Friedman, Senior Director of Federal Policy at Ceres, which is a US-based group that works with investors and businesses in sustainability issues. The trio discuss how US energy policy is likely to change under the Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress. They debate whether innovative mechanisms such carbon tariff for the US that is like the European carbon border adjustment mechanism could help align the administration’s economic objectives with climate goals. They highlight some hopeful signs for clean energy development, including the prospect of permitting reform that could expedite infrastructure projects. And they also explore why energy efficiency—a critical yet often overlooked component of the energy transition—could unlock massive cost and emissions savings while paving the way for renewable energy growth.  Later in the episode, Ed speaks with Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI, which describes itself as a “think-tank, a do-tank and a scale-tank”. He makes a compelling case for why energy efficiency is the "first fuel" of the transition: the best fuel of all is the fuel you don’t need. He argues for the central role of efficiency in reducing emissions, lowering costs, and supporting renewable energy targets. At COP28 in Dubai a year ago, the world agreed a goal of doubling of global energy efficiency improvement rates by 2030. So far it has not made any progress towards that goal. But with innovative approaches such as modular retrofits for housing, Jon illustrates how leadership and vision can dismantle structural barriers, making energy efficiency a linchpin of the low-carbon transition.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2024

How a deal at the climate talks could make a real difference to the energy transitionIn our latest episode from the COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, Ed Crooks explores the challenges and opportunities of mobilizing climate finance to support the energy transition in emerging markets. As the "Finance COP", COP29 is under pressure to deliver concrete outcomes on climate finance. The goal is an agreement that could mean $1 trillion a year or more flowing from rich countries to low and middle-income countries, to finance cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and investments to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. But what does climate finance really mean for countries tackling the climate challenge? And how can innovative funding solutions and systemic reforms ensure that financing reaches the countries and projects that need it most? On this episode, Ed is joined by Raquel Moses of the Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator, which helps low-carbon energy projects in the region find commercial backers. She emphasizes the importance of disaggregating climate finance into grants, equity, concessionary loans, and other forms of lending, and explains why it is so important for everyone at COP29 and beyond to be clear about what they mean when they talk about it. Clarity on funding is critical for clearing obstacles to project development, particularly in the Caribbean and other emerging markets. Ben Attia of Allied Climate Partners also joins the discussion. He highlights the shortage of bankable projects in emerging markets, and explains how his organization deploys philanthropic capital to de-risk early-stage infrastructure developments. By preparing projects for commercial investment, ACP helps bridge the gap between available funding and viable projects. Raquel and Ben argue that addressing systemic issues, including the lack of early-stage equity investment, the complexity of aggregating small projects, and the risks associated with currency fluctuations in emerging markets, are essential to unlocking the $1 trillion-plus in annual climate finance needed to meet global goals. Finally, Ed talks to JP Thia, lead economist of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), to discuss the particular challenges for climate finance in Asia. It’s a region with large and often fast-growing economies, with a hunger for increased energy supply. JP discusses the importance of pairing climate goals with economic development, to align incentives and drive participation from the Global South. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2024

As many nations face challenges in meeting their Paris Agreement goals, some businesses are stepping up to fill the gap. Climate action is not just a responsibility but a lucrative opportunity In this latest episode of The Energy Gang from COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Ed Crooks explores the critical role of businesses in addressing climate change. He talks to business leaders and experts about the challenges and opportunities facing companies at the forefront of climate action. Ed and his guests explore how industries such as steel, chemicals, and transportation are innovating to transition to low-carbon solutions. Nicolette Bartlett of the CDP, the disclosure platform for carbon and other environmental impacts, says the business opportunities in addressing climate change have soared in recent years. Companies with emissions reduction goals want to drive decarbonization of their supply chains, creating new markets for businesses that can shrink their carbon footprints. Mike Train, the Chief Sustainability Officer of Emerson, one of the world’s leading industrial automation groups, says his company is still committed to a roadmap for achieving 100% renewable electricity and net-zero emissions by 2030. Mike explains how transparency, innovation, and employee engagement are key to balancing investment costs with long-term growth. Finally, Ed is joined by the leaders of two groups that work with blue-chip companies including Amazon, Google, Ikea and Netflix. Maria Mendiluce, of the We Mean Business Coalition, and Johan Falk, of the Exponential Roadmap Initiative, discuss why businesses are pivotal in shaping global climate policies. From lobbying for ambitious targets to fostering collaboration across value chains, companies are driving progress even amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties. The episode also explores the connections between government policies and corporate strategies. Businesses need consistent regulations and financial frameworks to unlock investments and accelerate the transition to renewable energy and sustainable practices. As COP29 continues, the focus remains on achieving an ambitious deal on climate finance to support developing countries and emerging economies. The conversations from this episode underscore the need for public and private sector efforts to work together to deliver real change.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

A special COP29 episode exploring the power of states, regions, and cities to advance the energy transition amid uncertain national policies In this special episode of The Energy Gang from COP29, Ed Crooks brings together a panel of expert guests in Baku, Azerbaijan, to discuss the global implications of the US election and the growing importance of state-level leadership in climate action. He is joined by Wade Crowfoot, California's Secretary for Natural Resources; Travis Kellerman, Senior Climate Policy Advisor to New Mexico's Governor, and Jessica Trancik, a professor at the Institute for Data, Systems and Society at MIT. Ed and his guests explore the evolving dynamics between US states and federal policy in the face of a second Trump administration’s likely withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement. The panel discuss the role of US states as climate pioneers, especially as federal support wanes. California and New Mexico, along with other climate-active states, are championing clean energy policies, pushing for renewables and other low-carbon infrastructure, and setting emissions standards that other states and countries will follow. Wade and Travis talk about the differences and similarities between the challenges they face, and their individual and collective responses. Some of their ideas, including permitting reform, may be aligned with the priorities of the Trump administration. Others such as stricter vehicle emissions standards, will not. One area that could offer scope for co-operation between the federal government and climate-forward states is the need to boost electricity supplies for artificial intelligence, which is a priority for national security as well as economic growth. Jessica Trancik explains the potential innovative approaches to power data centers from clean energy sources. Helen Clarkson, CEO of The Climate Group, also joins the show to share insights from her work, highlighting how states, cities, and regions around the world are forming coalitions that share knowledge and drive ambitious climate commitments. The gang also provide their thoughts on COP29 as a platform for international dialogue and collaboration, and discuss the importance of these gatherings for holding governments accountable and inspiring innovation in climate action.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2024

The role of development banks in climate finance The COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, have climate finance at the top of the agenda. As global leaders and experts gather to deliberate on pathways to a sustainable future, the focus is on how funding from richer nations might facilitate decarbonization and resilience in poorer and middle-income countries. These discussions are not just about altruism, but recognize the economic interdependence and shared benefits of global climate action. Put simply, poorer countries need financial help to commit to ambitious goals for curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Development banks have emerged as pivotal actors in the climate finance landscape. Defined by their mandate to lend money for social and economic development on a not-for-profit basis, these banks are uniquely positioned to leverage limited resources for maximum impact. For example, with every dollar invested, a development bank can secure an additional seven to nine dollars from capital markets, a feat not readily achievable by direct government funding. Harry Boyd-Carpenter, Managing Director for Climate Strategy and Delivery at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Avinash Persaud, Special Advisor on Climate Change at the Inter-American Development Bank, join our host, Ed Crooks to highlight that development banks are central to the current climate finance discourse. Their ability to mobilize large sums of money and finance long-term, low-cost projects makes them indispensable to the climate goals set at COP 29. Champa Patel, Director for Governments and Policy at the Climate Group, also joins the discussion. She points out that although there is much at stake, the multitude of unresolved issues makes optimism challenging. Even so, the potential benefits of achieving a robust and effective climate finance mechanism justify the effort and dedication of all involved. The goals are ambitious, but the path ahead is fraught with challenges. Key issues include defining what constitutes climate finance, setting a quantitative goal, determining who can access these funds, and on what terms. The lack of consensus on these crucial aspects makes the discussions at COP 29 particularly intricate. Listen to our first in a series of episodes recorded live from COP29 in Baku for all of the key developments, insights and commentary from this important global event.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

President Trump plans a sharp change of direction The US elections last week are set to transform the energy landscape, with the Republicans now in control of the presidency, the Senate, and likely the House of Representatives. They intend to set a new direction for energy policy, emphasising affordability and reliability over sustainability and climate. In this special episode of The Energy Gang, we explore what this shift means for the American energy sector and the potential implications for both domestic and global markets. Host Ed Crooks is joined Amy Myers Jaffe, Director of the Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab at New York University; Robbie Orvis, Senior Director at the think-tank Energy Innovation, and a new voice on the show: Ray Long, President and CEO of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). Their discussion gives a preview of what we can expect over the next four years. They debate how a new set of priorities in Washington will affect low-carbon energy sectors including wind, solar and storage, as well as carbon capture, hydrogen, and nuclear energy. What will happen to the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits, which are crucial to the outlook for renewables? How will national security policy and the rise of artificial intelligence shape the new administration’s thinking. What is the outlook for the US vehicle industry as Chinese EV sales boom? And how could President-elect Trump’s tariff plans affect all energy sectors, both low-carbon and high-carbon? Tune in for answers to all these questions, and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving energy policy landscape. As negotiators gather for the COP29 UN climate talks in Baku this week, the future of the US under a new administration is going to be top of mind for everyone.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2024

Electricity grids rely on transformers. Shortages are slowing down the transition to clean energy.Transformers are such commonplace pieces of local infrastructure that most people barely notice them. In America, they include those dustbin-shaped objects on poles for power lines, and in the UK they are those rectangular boxes on the pavement. But transformers have a critical function in making the electricity grid work, and they also play a vital role in the energy transition, too. If you want to add new generation to the grid, or increase local power supplies so people can charge their EVs, very often you are going to need transformers. And right now, getting hold of them is not easy.So why are these crucial pieces of kit in short supply? And how can we get more of them?To discuss this critical question, host Ed Crooks is joined by his Wood Mackenzie colleague Xizhou Zhou, Head of Power and Renewables. Xizhou has a whole lot of data on the scale of the problem, including how long you have to wait to get hold of a transformer, and how much prices have been going up.They are joined by Energy Gang regular Melissa Lott, who until very recently was a professor at Columbia University’s climate school. And we also have a newcomer to the show: Travis Edmonds, the Head of Supply Chain Management for North American Transformers at Hitachi Energy. Working out how to get transformers to people who need them is how he spends his days, so there is no-one really better qualified to explain the realities of the shortage and suggest ways to fix it.It's a complicated subject, with many different aspects to it and many different perspectives on the problem. And it is one of the issues that will decide the future of clean energy, in America and around the world. The Energy Gang break it down, make sense of it all, and explain where they think the industry is headed now.Keep listening to the end of the episode to find out about Melissa’s new job!For more information on the Wood Mackenzie multi-client study ‘Making the Connection: Meeting the electric T&D supply chain challenge’, visit: https://www.woodmac.com/products/supply-chain-intelligence/multi-client-study-meeting-electric-td-industry-challenges/This episode is brought to you by Enbridge. Listen to Enbridge and GZERO’s podcast Energized: The Future of Energy at GZEROmedia.com/theenergygangSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

To make the leap from niche products to the mass market, electric vehicles need to reassure potential buyers that they have enough range and enough charging options that they won’t get stranded by the side of the road with a flat battery. Amy Myers Jaffe, director of the Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab at New York University, has been suffering repeated frustrations in her search for working charging points for her EV. If the charging companies can’t get this right, it will be a big problem for expanding the market for EVs, and Amy is looking for answers.In this episode Amy joins host Ed Crooks to discuss EV charging in the US, tacking issues including: Is the industry growing fast enough? Where should new charging stations be built? What technology will they be using?Stepping in to give a perspective from the EV charging industry is Mike Battaglia, COO (and soon-to-be CEO) of Blink, a global leader in electric vehicle charging systems. He dispels some myths about EVs, and shares some of his predictions about the future of the charging industry.Together Ed, Amy and Mike talk about the rise of charging stations, both in the US and around the world. Mike explains Blink’s business model, and talks about his plans for the company. They explore the challenges in public EV charging, from software glitches to maintenance issues, and discuss how companies are stepping up to solve them. An EV is just one part of a complex system that includes charging points, power grids and generators, just as a gasoline vehicle is part of a system including filing stations, refineries, pipelines and oilwells. For EVs to succeed, the industry has to persuade customers to switch over to that new and unfamiliar system. Can the charging sector address those significant challenges and ease customers’ concerns? To keep up to date with everything we discuss on the show, and more, sign up for the newsletter the Inside Track.Let us know what you think. We’re on X, at @theenergygang. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any of the discussions. Available on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to Enbridge and GZERO’s podcast Energized: The Future of Energy at www.gzeromedia.com/energizedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2024

The Energy Gang wraps up Climate Week in New York, after six days of debates, discussions, initiatives and pledges. Scheduled alongside the UN General Assembly, Climate Week brought together leaders from business, policy, finance, academia and activism to share ideas and push forward real solutions for climate change. Host Ed Crooks sits down with Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group which organizes Climate Week, to talk about the big stories that emerged from the week. Climate Week has evolved from a small business-focused event to a larger platform, engaging diverse sectors in climate action. This year it included about 900 separate events, attended by an estimated 100,000 people.Helen explains the evolution of the event, and its shift of focus from the question of why companies should act on climate, to ideas for implementing solutions. Regulations that obstruct investment in low-carbon energy are emerging as one of the biggest challenges in the transition, and Helen and Ed discuss how to break down these barriers and facilitate the growth of renewables. Support from tech companies and other businesses for the development of clean energy was a key theme through the week. The launch of the 24/7 carbon-free coalition of energy buyers, backed by the Climate Group, was one of the big announcements of the week.Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, also joins the show to discuss the Biden administration’s role in supporting Ukraine's energy security amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, and the importance of building a resilient energy infrastructure. He says one of the key issues at his meetings at Climate Week has been the importance of the supply chain for critical minerals, and the need to reduce dependence on China by creating new capabilities for mineral extraction and processing. Plus, Ed and Ambassador Pyatt debate the role of the U.S. in leading the energy transition globally. Find all our Climate Week reporting on The Energy Gang, wherever you get your podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2024

The transition to a low-carbon energy system will need a lot of people with bright ideas for how to do things differently. It is the greatest business challenge of our time, and also the greatest opportunity.In this latest special edition of the Energy Gang for Climate Week NYC, Ed Crooks and Amy Myers-Jaffe host a live taping of the show in front of an audience of Amy’s students at NYU.Joining them on the show are two founders of innovative cleantech companies. Marissa Beatty leads Turnover Labs, which is developing an advanced electrolysis process that can directly convert impure carbon dioxide wastes into valuable chemicals. Apoorv Sinha leads Carbon Upcycling Technologies, which uses industrial carbon dioxide emissions, combined with natural materials or industrial wastes, to create new materials with improved performance and lower emissions. Together they tell their stories of innovation and entrepreneurship, discussing the obstacles they faced, the support that helped them, and the strategies they used on their journeys from laboratory tests to commercial deployment. Also on the show is one of the biggest names in the world of cleantech venture capital investment: Dan Goldman, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Clean Energy Ventures, which invests in early-stage cleantech companies that are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Along with Marissa and Apoorv, he talks about the role of venture capital funding in the transition, and how policy can support innovative new businesses. A consistent policy frameworks is vital to foster long-term growth in the clean energy sector, but is that at risk in the US?The team offer words of wisdom for anyone thinking of trying to launch their own cleantech startup. If you want to help fix the climate problem while making money at the same time, what do you really need to know? Dan, Marissa, Apoorv and Amy have some answers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2024

The US is entering a new era of electricity demand growth, after two decades of flatlining consumption. It is a shift that has huge implications for consumers, the industry and climate goals. Ed Crooks hosts a special live edition of the podcast, recorded at NYU for NY Climate Week, to debate the risks and opportunities in this new world for US power. On the panel:Caroline Golin, Global Head of Energy Market Development and Innovation at GoogleKate Gordon, Chief Executive of California ForwardAmy Myers Jaffe, Director of NYU's Climate and Sustainability LabXizhou Zhou, Head of Power Renewables at Wood Mackenzie Together they discuss the double-edged sword that is AI. It can drive increased efficiency throughout the energy industry, but also creates greatly increased demand electricity. Caroline discusses Google's commitment to achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy for its data centers, and advocates for innovative business models to support clean energy goals. Kate explains how extreme heat, electrification, and the push for decarbonization are reshaping energy needs. Balancing economic growth with climate resilience, job creation, and community engagement is a difficult challenge. How can it be done? Xizhou argues that the US has been unprepared for the recent surge in energy needs. How can the nation build out new infrastructure to alleviate the tensions and bottlenecks that are emerging?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2024

The US is entering a new era of electricity demand growth, after two decades of flatlining consumption. It is a shift that has huge implications for consumers, the industry and climate goals. Ed Crooks hosts a special live edition of the podcast, recorded at NYU for NY Climate Week, to debate the risks and opportunities in this new world for US power. On the panel:Caroline Golin, Global Head of Energy Market Development and Innovation at GoogleKate Gordon, Chief Executive of California ForwardAmy Myers Jaffe, Director of NYU's Climate and Sustainability LabXizhou Zhou, Head of Power Renewables at Wood Mackenzie Together they discuss the double-edged sword that is AI. It can drive increased efficiency throughout the energy industry, but also creates greatly increased demand electricity. Caroline discusses Google's commitment to achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy for its data centers, and advocates for innovative business models to support clean energy goals. Kate explains how extreme heat, electrification, and the push for decarbonization are reshaping energy needs. Balancing economic growth with climate resilience, job creation, and community engagement is a difficult challenge. How can it be done? Xizhou argues that the US has been unprepared for the recent surge in energy needs. How can the nation build out new infrastructure to alleviate the tensions and bottlenecks that are emerging?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2024

We kick off our series of podcasts at Climate Week, by looking at the role that the oil and gas industry can play in the energy transition. Host Ed Crooks is joined by Bjorn Otto Sverdrup, who chairs the executive committee of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, a group backed by 12 of the world’s largest oil companies that works on ways to reduce emissions. Oil and gas companies play a crucial role in providing the energy the world needs today. But the transition means shifting to lower-emitting sources and technologies. So can the oil and gas industry really play any constructive role in our energy future?Bjorn says the industry's challenge is twofold: using its capital and capabilities to develop new, lower-carbon energy solutions, while at the same time work to improve the existing energy system to reduce emissions. In the short term, reducing methane emissions is one of the most important actions the oil and gas sector can take to combat climate change. Also joining the show is Gernot Wagner, a climate economist at Columbia university. He argues that while getting methane emissions down is important, there’s a need for more long-term, large-scale, thinking. Immediate emissions reductions of 5% or 15% may be great, but not if they distract from the more ambitious goals of getting to 90% or 100% reductions. Switching to a more efficient gas furnace may cut emissions now, but it locks in fossil fuel dependence for decades. Instead, transitioning to electric solutions such heat pumps is essential to achieve the full reduction needed over the coming decades. The gang open the Climate Week discussions with a debate on this short-term versus long-term goal-setting. What short-term fixes make sense? Are we letting the perfect be the enemy of the good? What kind of price on carbon do we need? And what exactly is the long-term role of the oil and gas industry as we move to net zero?  Let us know what you think. We’re on X, at @theenergygang. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any of the Climate Week discussions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2024

There’s no transition without transmission, they say. It’s a cliché because it’s true. The US Department of Energy says that the nation will need to expand transmission capacity by 60% by 2030 to meet growing clean energy demand. A recent study found that delays in transmission development are adding $2.5 billion annually in additional costs to consumers due to the inefficiencies of the current grid. So why is building transmission lines in the U.S. so hard? To find out, host Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers-Jaffe of NYU are joined by Christina Hayes, Executive Director of Americans for a Clean Energy Grid. Her organization, which is backed by clean energy and tech companies and environmental groups, works to “expand, integrate, and modernize the North American high-voltage grid.”Christina explains some of the complexities of building new transmission lines in the US, taking us through the regulatory, local, and state barriers that slow down the development of new capacity that is essential for the growth of renewable energy.The Manchin-Barrasso Bill, legislation proposed in the Senate to expedite the construction of new energy infrastructure in the US, has been generating some heated debate. Could the proposals be a game-changer for infrastructure development that will accelerate deployment of clean energy and help cut emissions? Or do they give too much to fossil fuel interests relatives to the potential gains for renewables? The gang debate the pros and cons of the bill, and how much impact federal legislation can have when so many barriers exist at the local level. They also discuss some of the other key issues for the grid. FERC Order 1920 was issued in May: what is it, and why is it so significant for transmission planning? And advanced transmission technologies: how can innovations such as reconductoring and grid-enhancing technologies make the grid stronger and more flexible, and what obstacles are in the way of these investments?To keep up to date with everything we discuss on the show, and more, sign up for the newsletter the Inside Track: www.woodmac.com/nslp/the-inside-track/sign-up/The article Ed mentions early on in the show is here: https://www.cleanenergygrid.org/fewer-new-miles-2024/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2024

The need to meet increased demand while cutting emissions is exposing some fundamental issues in the industry.It’s common knowledge that data centers use a lot of energy, and will use even more in the future as AI applications develop. One thing is not clear, though: who will end up paying for all that extra electricity?US utilities typically used to receive perhaps one or two large customer requests – meaning 20 megawatts or more – each year. Now, they may be receiving one or two of those requests every week. The need for increased electricity supply means increased investment in generation, transmission and distribution. And that investment has to be paid for. So who is going to end up picking up the tab?To find out more, Ed Crooks is joined by regular guest Dr Melissa Lott, a professor at the climate school at Columbia University, and Brian Janous, co-founder and CEO of Cloverleaf Infrastructure, which develops sites that can support large energy-dense users such as AI data centers and chip manufacturing plants. With 12 years previously leading energy strategy for Microsoft, Brian is well placed to answer the big questions on energy demand, investment and customers’ bills. With Melissa and Ed, he explains how the industry can balance the need to increase supply with the need to achieve decarbonization targets. What role does flexibility play in a highly electrified system, and how can it be leveraged to enhance grid reliability and resilience? Can the ambitious sustainability goals of tech companies like Microsoft and Google be achieved in the face of their rapidly growing demand for power, and what compromises might need to be made? And is nuclear power a source of 24/7 clean energy that could plug the demand gap? The gang debate its efficacy as a long-term solution to the energy needs of Big Tech. Meeting the energy demand for AI is a complex topic. The Energy Gang will be exploring it further in a special episode recorded live at New York Climate Week, September 22-29. If you can’t make it to New York for what is one of the energy industry’s biggest events of the year, subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the discussion.Ed and regular guest Amy Myers-Jaffe of NYU will be speaking with Caroline Golin, Chief Sustainability Officer at Google, and Kate Gordon, the CEO of CA FWD, a statewide organization dedicated to building a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive economy in the state of California.Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss an episode. Find us on X – we’re @theenergygangTo keep up to date with everything we talk about on the show, sign up for our weekly Inside Track newsletter. You’ll get extra analysis from Wood Mackenzie and be notified when a new episode of the podcast is out. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2024

The (shrewdly named) Inflation Reduction Act has been called the most significant climate legislation ever passed in the US. When it did pass, in 2022, the critical vote was cast by senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia. Now in office as an independent, he and Republican senator John Barrasso from Wyoming came together to put forward a bill which advanced out of the Senate committee stage earlier this month. It’s meant to clear away some of the regulatory and legal obstacles that delay and deter infrastructure projects, including renewable energy and power transmission lines. It’s faced criticism from environmental groups but support from the American Clean Power Association and the oil and gas industry.  To unpack what it means for the rollout of renewables, Ed Crooks is joined by Melissa Lott, professor at The Climate School at Columbia University in New York, and Emily Grubert, an Associate Professor at the Keough School of Global Affairs at Notre Dame University. Together they examine the bill, and discuss the impact it could (if passed) have on production targets for wind and solar on federal lands.  In January President Biden paused approvals for pending and future applications to LNG exports. The proposed Manchin/Barrasso bill would end this pause. Emily gives her take on this; she wrote recently that the US needs a ‘a coherent national strategy for the role of natural gas in the US energy system’. What does that strategy look like?Plus, the gang debate what needs to happen for carbon removal to make a real impact on net zero goals. Emily says that ‘market-based, unconstrained, and for-profit CDR presents fundamental and predictable risks for climate and justice goals.’See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2024

Proposed permitting reforms could accelerate both renewable energy projects and new fossil fuel infrastructure. Is that a good deal for the climate?The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is seen as the most significant climate legislation ever passed in the US, because of the array of new, expanded and extended tax credits it offers for low-carbon energy. But when it was passed in 2022, the critical vote in the Senate was cast by Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia, and he always saw the IRA as just Part One of a two-part strategy. The second part would be to reform the processes for approving new infrastructure projects, to make it quicker and easier to deploy low-carbon energy technologies. The quid pro quo would be that the reform would also expedite the production and processing of fossil fuels.Senator Manchin is co-sponsoring a bill to deliver those reforms with Senator John Barrasso, a Republican from Wyoming, and their proposed legislation has been making progress in the Senate. It has faced criticism from environmental groups, but found support from both the renewables and oil and gas industries: the American Clean Power Association and the American Petroleum Institute. To unpack what the proposal could mean for the future of energy in America, Ed Crooks is joined by Melissa Lott, professor at the Climate School at Columbia University in New York, and Emily Grubert, an Associate Professor at the Keough School of Global Affairs at Notre Dame University. Together they examine the bill and discuss the impact it could have both on wind and solar power, and on gas pipelines and LNG plants.One provision in the bill would end the Biden administration’s “pause” on new approvals for LNG exports. Emily has been studying the issue, and shares her views. She wrote recently that the US needs a new “national strategy” for the role of gas in the energy system. What might that strategy look like?Plus, the gang debate what needs to happen for carbon removal to make a real difference to achieving our net zero goals. Emily warns that for-profit carbon dioxide removal “presents fundamental and predictable risks for climate and justice goals”. What are those risks, and – given that carbon removal looks likely to be needed – how can we minimize them?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2024

Complex, outdated, expensive: concentrating solar power used to be a clunky way of harnessing the sun. What’s changed to now make it viable? Concentrating Solar Power, or CSP, takes energy from the sun, converts it to heat, and uses it to drive a turbine to provide renewable electricity. It has more moving parts than photovoltaic (PV) solar – which has none – so there is more that can go wrong. But it has the big advantage that the heat can be stored for days, weeks and even months, meaning that CSP can support grid stability even when the sun isn’t shining. Its real competition isn’t PV solar, but other “clean firm” power sources such as geothermal. The US Department of Energy is funding 25 projects in this area, with almost $100 million to research and develop CSP technologies. To discuss the technology and the viability of a process that’s been trying to get off the ground in the US for decades, Melissa Lott and Amy Myers-Jaffe are joined by Dr Matt Bauer from the Solar Energy Technologies Office.They explore the different generations of CSP technology, with Gen 3 focusing on higher temperature heat and more efficient power cycles. The steep learning curve and capital intensity of CSP plants is a particular barrier to deployment at the moment, as is the risk associated with building large thermal plants. The potential for CSP to bridge seasonal energy storage gaps is there; unlocking it is the problem.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2024

As the world struggles to co-operate on the energy transition, international trade rules can be a foundation for the new low-carbon economy.  Ed Crooks is joined by regular guest Amy Myers-Jaffe, Director of New York University’s Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab, and new guest on The Energy Gang: Dan Esty, who is the Hillhouse Professor of Environmental Law and Policy at Yale University. Dan goes a long way back in clean energy: he was on the US delegation that negotiated the original Framework Convention on Climate Change back in 1992. And he has recently been working for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, to develop a sustainability strategy for the global trading system.Dan argues that the trade system may be the best way to get everyone in the world, and businesses in particular, to “lock arms and move together” to decarbonize the global economy. The goal is to make sure that “no one's competitively disadvantaged by stepping out in front of the pack when it comes to this movement to a clean energy future."Ed, Amy and Dan explore this concept in this week’s show. The trade system provides a structured framework of rules that can enforce environmental standards globally. By integrating these standards into trade policies, countries can be encouraged to adopt low-carbon technologies without fearing competitive disadvantages. Businesses and countries are reluctant to switch to clean energy if they think their competitors won't do the same. Trade rules can make sure everyone plays fair. What’s more, a reformed trade system that promotes clean energy technologies can also create economic opportunities around the world. The gang discuss how new rules could help developing countries.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2024

Author of ‘The Price Is Wrong’, Brett Christophers, joins the show to discuss the theories in his book. On a recent episode of the show, host Ed Crooks was joined by Melissa Lott and Joseph Majkut to discuss two books that were generating a lot of interest in energy circles. One of those, The Price Is Wrong, argues that inadequate profitability is the key reason why the transition to low-carbon energy is not moving fast enough to address the threat of global warming.There are plenty of interesting and provocative points raised in the book, so it made sense to hear them direct from the source. Ed and Melissa are joined by author and academic Brett Christophers to dissect the main points: the challenges and obstacles faced by renewable energy projects in terms of profitability and investment, and the true impact of these on progressing the energy transition.Christophers says that low returns in renewables are a result of competition, volatility in wholesale power markets, and the design of energy markets – ‘returns are lower in renewables because there’s too much money chasing too few projects.’ Ed and Melissa weigh in with their thoughts on this. Plus, they discuss the importance of market design, the role of power purchase agreements, and the need for stability in renewable energy projects. There’s a definite need for more stability-providing sources to make renewable energy projects bankable on a larger scale. Are PPAs the answer? Listen back to the review of The Price Is Wrong with Ed, Melissa and Joseph here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/can-capitalism-save-the-planet/id663379413?i=1000658599656See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2024

In this third special episode of the Energy Gang from the Reuters Global Energy Transition 2024 conference in New York, we focus on the crucial theme of financing the energy transition. We discuss how various stakeholders are addressing the financial challenges and opportunities presented by the shift to renewable energy. Our first guest is Utopia Hill, the Chief Executive of Reactivate, a Chicago-based company developing renewable energy projects for low to moderate-income communities in the US. Utopia shares insights into how Reactivate is creating inclusive solutions that ensure the benefits of the energy transition reach underserved populations. Next, we speak with Nia Jones, the Environment and Climate Director of the African-American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. Nia emphasizes the importance of partnerships and cooperation among businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations in advancing the energy transition. She discusses how her organization is working to deliver renewable energy to people who might not otherwise have access to it. The scale of the financing required for the energy transition means that the private sector will have to play a key role. Valerie Smith, Chief Sustainability Officer at Citi, joins us to explore what this means for a major international bank. She tells us how Citi is contributing to sustainable finance initiatives around the world. For additional perspectives on the role of finance, we hear from Eric Cohen, Head of Green Economy Banking at JP Morgan Chase, and Greg Randolph, Managing Director of New York State’s NY Green Bank. They share their views on how financial institutions to supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy, and what more could be done to accelerate that progress.  Many thanks to Utopia Hill, Nia Jones, Valerie Smith, Eric Cohen, and Greg Randolph for their invaluable contributions to this discussion. You can find Ed and the show on most social media platforms: we’re @theenergygang on X. Subscribe to the Energy Gang on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss the next show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2024

In this second special episode of Wood Mackenzie's The Energy Gang, recorded at the Reuters Global Energy Transition 2024 conference in New York, we speak with leaders at some of the key companies shaping the energy transition. We hear about how they are tackling the challenge of meeting rising demand for electricity while at the same time reducing emissions.Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, talks about his ambitions in the US market, which are centered around selling the company’s Kraken technology platform to utilities. He highlights the global potential of digitalization in propelling the energy transition forward.The transition towards renewable energy is governed not only by technological progress, but also by regulatory and policy frameworks. Our second guest, David Carroll, Chief Renewables Officer at Engie, talks about how legislation including the Inflation Reduction Act, and regulatory initiatives such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) Order No. 1920, can catalyze the adoption of renewable energy sources.Next we talk to Ana Quelhas, Managing Director of the Hydrogen Business Unit at EDP Renewables, about the role of hydrogen in the shift away from carbon-intensive energy.  Some of the hype around low-carbon hydrogen has been dying away over the past year or two. But Ana Quelhas argues that, if done right, hydrogen can still be an important part of a zero-carbon energy system, for uses where direct electrification may not be feasible.And finally, Bill Newsom, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Power Americas, tells us about what the energy revolution means for equipment suppliers. His company is developing and deploying solutions that address the demand for “clean firm” power that is available round-the-clock, through hydrogen and carbon capture. He talks about the prospect that these technologies could help provide the massive increase in 24/7 low-carbon electricity that will be required for new data centers and factories, and to charge electric vehicles.Look out for the next special episode from day three of the conference, available on Friday June 28.You can find Ed and the show on most social media platforms: we’re @theenergygang on X. Subscribe to the Energy Gang on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss the next show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2024

In this second special episode of Wood Mackenzie's The Energy Gang, recorded at the Reuters Global Energy Transition 2024 conference in New York, we speak with leaders at some of the key companies shaping the energy transition. We hear about how they are tackling the challenge of meeting rising demand for electricity while at the same time reducing emissions.Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, talks about his ambitions in the US market, which are centered around selling the company’s Kraken technology platform to utilities. He highlights the global potential of digitalization in propelling the energy transition forward.The transition towards renewable energy is governed not only by technological progress, but also by regulatory and policy frameworks. Our second guest, David Carroll, Chief Renewables Officer at Engie, talks about how legislation including the Inflation Reduction Act, and regulatory initiatives such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) Order No. 1920, can catalyze the adoption of renewable energy sources.Next we talk to Ana Quelhas, Managing Director of the Hydrogen Business Unit at EDP Renewables, about the role of hydrogen in the shift away from carbon-intensive energy.  Some of the hype around low-carbon hydrogen has been dying away over the past year or two. But Ana Quelhas argues that, if done right, hydrogen can still be an important part of a zero-carbon energy system, for uses where direct electrification may not be feasible.And finally, Bill Newsom, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Power Americas, tells us about what the energy revolution means for equipment suppliers. His company is developing and deploying solutions that address the demand for “clean firm” power that is available round-the-clock, through hydrogen and carbon capture. He talks about the prospect that these technologies could help provide the massive increase in 24/7 low-carbon electricity that will be required for new data centers and factories, and to charge electric vehicles.Look out for the next special episode from day three of the conference, available on Friday June 28.You can find Ed and the show on most social media platforms: we’re @theenergygang on X. Subscribe to the Energy Gang on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss the next show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2024

This is a special episode of Wood Mackenzie's The Energy Gang, recorded at the Reuters Global Energy Transition 2024 conference in New York.  It has a great lineup of speakers from the worlds of business, finance, and government, giving us an opportunity to talk to some of the key people who are driving the energy transition.  One of the panellists on the first day was Kristina Skierka, CEO of Power for All, a campaign group working on energy access in low-income countries. Host Ed Crooks talked with her about how decentralized renewables can reduce energy poverty, and how partnerships between business, philanthropy and government can help countries make progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Power for All is working on what it calls its “Utilities 2.0” initiative, looking for ways to combine centralized and decentralized energy to create robust, integrated systems that will improve service delivery and stimulate increased demand.Another session at the event was a technology showcase, where we heard from companies developing innovative ways to cut emissions. One of them was Cella, which has a new method for permanent carbon removal. Its approach accelerates the natural geologic process that turns carbon dioxide into a mineral: it injects captured carbon dioxide into volcanic rocks, where mineralization permanently locks it underground. Ed talked with Corey Pattison, Cella’s co-founder and CEO, and they discussed the different methods of carbon mineralization, the geology needed for the process to work, and the potential advantages for this method over conventional carbon dioxide storage.   There was also a Town Hall session for attendees, allowing open discussion on any topics the participants wanted to bring up. Ed raised a question suggested on LinkedIn, about the potential trade-off in the transition between speed and scale in the deployment of low carbon technologies, and energy equity. We report back on some of the responses to that question. Look out for the next special episode from day two of the conference, available on Thursday June 27. You can find Ed and the show on most social media platforms: we’re @theenergygang on X. Subscribe to the Energy Gang on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss the next show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2024

Two books that are essential reading for energy wonks give contrasting views on how to tackle climate change.The hot book in the energy world right now is Brett Christophers’ The Price Is Wrong: Why Capitalism Won’t Save the Planet. It’s a detailed look at the structural issues in electricity markets and the challenges of generating returns on renewable investments, arguing that inadequate profitability is the key reason why the transition to low-carbon energy is not moving fast enough to address the threat of global warming.It’s a provocative thesis that has sparked heated debate, on both sides of the debate. If you work in the energy business, you need to get to grips with the argument, even if you ultimately think it’s wrong.In this episode, Ed Crooks is joined by Melissa Lott, Professor at Columbia University’s Climate School, and Joseph Majkut, director of the Energy Security and Climate Change Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, to discuss the question of whether private investment and market forces can bring about the reduction in emissions that the world needs.They also review another important book that has broadly the opposite message: Askhat Rathi’s Climate Capitalism – Winning the Global Race to Zero Emissions. That book focuses on the real examples of progress in the energy transition.At a time when the pace of the energy transition globally may be faltering, and the 1.5 degrees limit to global warming is getting further and further out of reach, Climate Capitalism shows just how much change and innovation there is in the industry. Bill Gates says it’s an important read for anyone in need of optimism.In spirit, at least, it seems like a very different message from The Price Is Wrong. But are the fundamental conclusions of the two books really so different? Ed, Melissa and Joseph discuss whether there might be some common ground there after all.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2024

Regulators are trying to clear the path to the grid that clean energy needs.To go from an electricity system based on coal and gas to one based on solar and wind, the US needs a very different power grid. On some estimates, annual installations of new transmission capacity need to double. To help build the grid that a new clean electricity system will need, the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has been working on regulatory reforms, intended to smooth the path for new investments in transmission lines. Ed Crooks is joined by Amy Myers-Jaffe of New York University and Shanu Mathew of Lazard Asset Management, to unpack the latest orders from FERC. What are the regulators trying to do, and why do some people object to their plans? And what will the proposed reforms mean for the energy transition in the electricity sector in the US? It has been a busy few weeks for big announcements in energy. A new round of tariffs on clean energy products from China was announced this month by President Biden, with rates of 100% on electric vehicles, 50% on solar modules, and 25% on lithium-ion batteries. The goal is to revive clean energy manufacturing in the US, but critics say the tariffs could be counter-productive, because they will drive up the cost of low-carbon technologies for American businesses and consumers.One important gauge of the state of the energy transition is the health of investment in low-carbon stocks. The news on that over the past couple of years has not been great. So what are the markets telling us about the future of clean energy? Shanu gives us his analysis, and joins Amy and Ed to debate investor sentiment and what it means. For more analysis and to keep up-to-date with everything that happens with the Energy Gang, sign up for the newsletter at woodmac.com/the-inside-trackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2024

AI is driving up demand for electricity. How can we meet that demand with clean energy?It has been a big theme on the Energy Gang this year: the massive additional demand for energy that could be created by data centers for artificial intelligence. It’s an emerging issue that threatens to cause new challenges for the world’s attempts to achieve net zero goals.So it is a great opportunity for us to have on the show a representative from Google, a company that relies heavily on data centers and is at the forefront of the AI revolution. It also has some ambitious decarbonization goals: the aim is to power the company’s operations entirely with clean energy by 2030.  Maud Texier is the global director of clean energy and decarbonization development at Google. She joins Ed Crooks and Amy Myers-Jaffe to explain how she sees the path to achieving that goal by 2030. Google’s objective of 24/7 clean energy requires sourcing renewable power that aligns with its consumption patterns. That means not just buying enough renewable energy to match its usage over the course of a year: every kilowatt-hour consumed must be carbon-free. It’s a challenging goal that it driving Google, like other companies with similar objectives, to explore new ways to generate power, store energy and manage the grid. Google is looking at or already investing in a range of innovative energy technologies, including enhanced geothermal, hydrogen, long-duration storage and advanced nuclear. Big energy users such as Google can do a lot to shape the evolution of the energy industry. But policy support is, as ever, crucial to achieving net zero goals. How is Google engaging with policymakers and regulators to help support the deployment of clean energy? New standards in the European parliament, aimed at improving energy efficiency, include mandates for data centers to report their performance. Are we moving towards an era of more stringent regulation of energy use for data centers and other large loads?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2024

The Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office has a grandstand view of the energy transition. Where is it going next?Jigar Shah, one of the originators of the Energy Gang, now runs the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, playing a key role in advancing clean energy projects. By helping to bridge the gap between R&D and large-scale deployment, it encourages private sector investment and supports the administration’s work to achieve its net zero goals.Jigar was appointed Director of the LPO in March 2021 with a brief to “to rev those engines back up” after a quiet period under the Trump administration. He returns to the Energy Gang to discuss the progress he has made so far, and the goals he is working towards in the future. In particular, he talks about the hot topic of the moment in energy: how to meet increased demand for electricity driven by data centers for AI, new factories, and electric vehicles.Much of the new load being added to the electricity system will not be flexible. Data centers mostly need to be available 24/7. So how is the grid going to manage these growing demands? Host Ed Crooks is also joined by Amy Myers-Jaffe, Director of NYU’s Energy, Climate Justice & Sustainability Lab, to discuss Jigar’s views on the solutions to these challenges.Topics covered include Virtual Power Plants, enhanced geothermal and advanced nuclear. Those latter two are among the handful of sources of energy that we usually think about when we are discussing “clean firm power”. Geothermal in particular is generating a lot of buzz lately. What will it take to get it deployed at scale? Is it pulling ahead of advanced nuclear in the race to commerciality and large-scale deployment?The Energy Gang will be recording live from the Global Energy Transition event in June in New York. To secure a discounted ticket, use the ENERGYGANG500 discount code. Visit https://events.reutersevents.com/energy-transition/global-energy-transition-new-york to book. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2024

Fossil fuels still dominate the world’s energy supplies. Do we need different terminology to talk about what’s happening?We talk about “the energy transition” all the time. But is that language misleading? 20 years ago fossil fuels were 85% of the world’s energy, today they’re just a few percentage points less. If there is a transition to low-carbon energy, it is happening only slowly, and it needs to move much faster to achieve the climate goals of the Paris Agreement. The world has made huge strides in both the cost and deployment of renewable energy, but can we really say that we are in a transition away from fossil fuels?Host Ed Crooks is joined by Melissa Lott, a professor at Columbia University’s Climate School, and Amy Myers Jaffe, director of NYU’s Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab, to discuss the way the language we use shapes our ideas about energy policy. Amy quotes her Tufts University colleague (and previous guest on the show) Kelly Sims Gallagher: “climate doom and gloom really disregards the progress that's been made”. That progress includes 56 countries, between them responsible for over half of global emissions, passing direct climate mandates to limit greenhouse gases.But despite all that action, we still get the great majority of our energy from fossil fuels. The gang debate whether the current global shift towards low-carbon energy represents a real "transition", or maybe even a “transformation”. Or is it merely an addition of new energy sources on top of the existing ones such as oil and gas.Ed, Amy and Melissa debate the feasibility of achieving net zero by 2050, considering the political and economic hurdles ahead. Innovations including carbon pricing, electrification, and advances in renewable energy technologies will play prominent roles in shifting us towards cleaner energy systems. Will they be enough?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2024

Conversations from the Gulf Coast Power Association conference. This bonus episode of the Energy Gang was recorded live during the spring meeting of the Gulf Coast Power Association in Houston, Texas. Host Ed Crooks is joined by Beth Garza, President of the Gulf Coast Power Association, Frank O'Sullivan, Managing Director for Clean Energy at S2G Ventures, and Ken Medlock, Senior Director at the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University. The GCPA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a strong energy industry in the Texas and Gulf Coast region.First up Ed speaks with Beth about the increase in electricity demand in the region. Unlike most of the US, the Gulf of Mexico coastal region has already been seeing growth in demand for electricity over past couple of decades. But now there are signs that this growth is being kicked into a higher gear as a result of a wave of new data centers, manufacturing facilities and LNG plants. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in this new era.Increasing strain on the Texas grid is one problem. The catastrophic consequences of Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, in part caused by failures in natural gas supply and gas-fired generation, exposed how the system was unprepared for such an event. Beth Garza discusses the changes that have been made in the three years since then, and how the industry can tackle the new challenges facing the grid.Plus, Frank O’Sullivan and Ken Medlock join Ed on stage for a panel discussion on strategies for integrating new technologies as the demand for power rises. They debate the key trends in electricity demand growth, and the ability of Texas as a deregulated competitive market to respond to these new opportunities and difficulties.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2024

As half the world heads to the polls, how important will the results be for efforts to cut emissions?Over half the world lives in a country that will be holding an election this year. The votes come at a time when resistance to the energy transition is building in many parts of the world, as concerns around energy security grow and some of the challenges of decarbonization come into focus. In the US, a finely-balanced election offers voters two sharply differing visions of the energy future. But there are other places around the world where elections could also shape the direction of energy policy, including the EU, where parties that are skeptical of climate action are on course to win an increased number of seats in the European Parliament.To explore the ramifications of these key elections around the world, host Ed Crooks is joined by Energy Gang regular Amy Myers Jaffe, director of New York University’s Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab, and by Vijay Vaitheeswaran, global energy & climate innovation editor at The Economist. The show is recorded live from NYU, as the gang take part in discussions on the outlook for elections and energy policy in 2024.Together they debate the potential consequences of the US election for issues including permitting reform clean energy tax credits, and look at some other significant votes around the world, in India, Mexico, the European parliament among others.While other countries are arguing over the right course for energy policy, China is betting big on low-carbon technologies, adding a huge amount of manufacturing capacity in solar, EVs and lithium ion batteries. Those are what the Chinese government calls “the new three” sectors, intended to drive export growth, and they are having a far-reaching impacts on energy all around the world.The Biden administration has pinned its climate policy on using support for low-carbon energy to incentivize manufacturing investment and create well-paying jobs. But with China adding so much capacity in key sectors, sending prices for products such as solar panels tumbling, the challenges facing that strategy are growing. That is an issue that will play out in elections in the US and elsewhere this year: what does it mean for clean energy globally if China continues to dominate the competition?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2024

Big power users are getting together to accelerate the development of advanced clean energy technologies.The hottest topic in energy right now is the expected surge in demand for electricity. Data centers for AI, new factories, and electric vehicles are driving power consumption higher in the US, after about 15 years of stagnation. Solar and wind power can meet some of that increased demand, but many users, including data centers, want clean electricity round the clock. So there is a new urgency in the need for new clean energy technologies, including advanced nuclear, next-generation geothermal, low-carbon hydrogen, and long duration storage.Unlike wind and solar, these emerging technologies have not yet been deployed at scale, and they are generally have much higher costs. There is a chicken-and-egg problem: costs will only come down as these technologies scale up, but companies are reluctant to deploy them because they are too expensive.Now Google, Microsoft and Nucor have come up with an idea that could be at least part of the solution. They are collaborating on new commercial structures to help new clean energy technologies scale up and reduce the risk for investors.To discuss that plan, host Ed Crooks is joined by regular guest Dr Melissa Lott, professor at the climate school at Columbia University, and Michael Webber of the University of Texas at Austin. Michael is also chief technology officer at Energy Impact Partners, which is a $3 billion venture fund that invests in some of these emerging technologies. Together they debate the consequences of that surging demand for electricity, and the role of new technologies in avoiding disastrous outcomes for our international climate goals.They also talk about another promising source of clean energy: natural hydrogen, which is found in geologic reservoirs rather than being made from water or from methane. The US Geological Survey estimates there could be 5 trillion tons of natural hydrogen in rocks around the world; a vast, untapped energy reserve that could significantly contribute to meeting global low carbon hydrogen needs.Given that a world with net zero emissions could use about 500 million tons of low-carbon hydrogen a year, that is a very exciting resource base. But is it really plausible that natural hydrogen could be viable as a significant contribution to clean energy supplies? The energy gang has some answers.There’s an urgent need for innovative solutions to tackle rising energy demand. Join the discussion on X – we’re @theenergygangSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2024

AI isn’t just threatening to take our jobs, it’s also draining our electricity.Data centres centers used to have power demand measured in the tens of megawatts. Now they are in the hundreds of megawatts, and the new ones that are being proposed have demand in the thousands of megawatts: gigawatts. At the Distributech conference in Feburary, Harry Sideris of Duke Energy said it used to be a big deal when they had a customer wanting to add 10MW or 20MW of load. Now they have several planned data centers for AI needing 1000MW each. How is this additional demand being met?  The good news, from a climate point of view, is that part of the answer is going to be a lot more solar and wind power, and energy storage. The bad news is that, according to the plans that US utilities are setting out, there are going to be more gas-fired power plants, too. US gas-fired generation capacity is on course to rise by 25% over the next 15 years, and although those plants will increasingly be used mainly to back up variable solar and wind power, they still mean that the chances of achieving net zero emissions from electricity by 2035 look slim. On this episode of Wood Mackenzie's The Energy Gang, Ed Crooks is joined by Amy Myers-Jaffe, Director of NYU’s Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab, who returns to the show to explore the feasible paths to net zero in light of increased energy demand. Also joining this week is Samantha Gross, Director of the Energy Security and Climate Initiative at the Brookings Institution. Together they debate the outlook for electricity demand, and take stock of the implications for theclimate goals of the Paris Agreement.One big question: Is it time to give up on the objective of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees C? The world looks like crossing that threshold soon. In fact, on one measure, we have already crossed it. The 1.5 degrees C limit has been seen as essential to avoid the worst effects of climate change. But John Kerry, who just stepped down as President Joe Biden’s climate envoy, said recently that the world was on course for more like 2.5 degrees of warming. Many businesses still have alignment with a 1.5 degree scenario as one of their climate goals. Ed, Amy and Samantha discuss whether it’s time to face reality and set new goals that are more likely to be achievable. And finally, more evidence that despite all the negative commentary around EVs, on a global scale the industry is doing just fine. In China, sales are surging and prices are falling. Sales of what China calls “new energy vehicles” – that is, battery electrics, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles – were up 37.5% in the first two months of 2024 compared with the same period of 2023. In that period – January and February of 2024 – those New Energy Vehicles took 33.5% of the car market. The prices are on the way down too. Reuters has calculated that BYD has cut the prices of its EVs by an average of 17%. This seems like great news for cutting emissions and eventually decarbonizing road transport. But what does it mean for the car industries in other countries?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2024

This bonus episode of Wood Mackenzie’s The Energy Gang is our third from the Distributech conference in Orlando.Distributech is the leading event for the electricity transmission and distribution industry in North America. It gave our host Ed Crooks a fantastic opportunity to talk to many of the leading figures from the industry, including those who provide technology for moving and managing electricity, and those who use that technology to serve their customers.In this episode, Ed is joined by Ali Ipakchi, Executive VP of Smart Grids and Green Power at OATI, a grid technology company. Ali was at Dtech in 2014, and some of the issues he was talking about then seem familiar still today. So what has really changed in technology for the power industry since then? Ali talks about how ideas and technologies that were cutting-edge and radical a decade ago are now becoming mainstream.Ed also sat down with Don McPhail, who’s Business Manager for energy and decarbonisation at Uplight, a software company that serves utilities. They talked about the importance of demand management, the integration of distributed energy resources, and the automation of customer engagement processes as examples of key factors for developing a more flexible and resilient power grid. Finally, Ed talked to two of Wood Mackensie’s delegates at Distributech: Fahimeh Kazempour, head of grid modernisation, and Elham Akhavan, senior research analyst specialising in grid edge and microgrids. They share their impressions of the events, highlight some of the ideas and innovations they found most interesting, and explore the implications for the wider questions of the energy transition. They also address a critical question in the hectic, exciting conversation about the power industry: how much of it is hype, and how much reflects real change? Fahimeh asks the question: whatever happened to the Blockchain? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2024