Energy Transition

In this, the twelve episode of the Energy Transition series, Tom Narayan, Autos Analyst at RBC Capital markets hosts a discussion with included Nakul Duggal, Sr. Vice President and General Manager, Automotive for Qualcomm Technologies; Richard Tame, VP of Finance at Aurora; and Tom Fennimore, CFO at Luminar Technologies. On the future of vehicle automation and the hugely transformational opportunities for user experience and safety.

How can electricity grids adapt to become more dynamic as we move to increased renewables penetration as part of the energy transition?

Digitalization has the potential to transform the oil & gas industry, from streamlining processes to enhancing operational performance and safety. As the industry contends with the challenges of the energy transition, businesses must become leaner, more efficient and less carbon intensive. Technology can help address all these aspects, whether it be real-time wellhead data, methane leak detection or even virtual platform design for new projects. In order to delve deeper into the subject, we will discuss how Digital tools including AI and machine learning can help all areas of the business. We will also talk through how these tools have impacted the energy transition so far and what could happen in the coming years.

There are few industries that have seen its financial results as directly impacted by climate related losses as the insurance industry in recent years. The industry is a key stakeholder in the transition; Insurers are already contributing significantly to the transition to a low-carbon economy. On the liabilities side, more insurers are factoring climate risk into their underwriting decisions. On the asset side, many companies have investment strategies that support climate mitigation. In this podcast, we will focus on the role of insurance, the impacts of climate change and how it can support the energy transition.

What are the key obstacles to the energy transition? How dependable is renewable energy compared to old school fossil fuel energy? And what is a realistic time frame over which the energy transition process might occur? To answer this part of the energy transition equation, RBC Capital Markets invited Ezgi Barcenas, Global Vice President, Sustainability at AB InBev; Deborah Byers, EY Americas Industry Leader, at Ernst & Young LLP; and Kevin Groh, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, at Loblaw Companies Limited.

What are the opportunities and challenges for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)? How important is legislation for adoption and will consumer demand accelerate? To discuss this key topic, RBC Capital Markets is joined by Brian Hlavinka, Director, Emerging Opportunities at Williams, Mark Nelson, EVP Downstream & Chemicals at Chevron and John Dannan, Principal at Generate Capital.

Why is carbon capture seen as a 'best of both worlds' technology and what is needed to accelerate development and reduce costs.  Hear from Biraj Borkhataria, Deputy Head of European Research and John Musk, Utilities Equity Research as they are joined by special guests to discuss how Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) is expected to increasingly play a key role in reaching climate goals and reducing emissions in the coming decades.

What role can renewable fuels play to help decarbonise industries such as aviation and reach emissions targets? Hear from host Biraj Borkhataria, Deputy Head of European Research and Brad Heffern, Equity Analyst as they are joined by special guests to discuss the growing momentum for the renewable fuels industry, the success factors required and the traceability of the supply chain.

What role can grids play in delivering net zero? Hosted by Anthony Ianno, Global Co-Head of Power, Utilities and Infrastructure he is joined by Nicolas Akins, CEO American Electric Power, David Hutchen CEO, Fortis and John Pettigrew, CEO, National Grid as hey discuss the opportunities for grid operators to benefit from the decarbonization trend and changing consumption patterns, existing and emerging challenges for grids and the importance of indirect greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the different modes of mobility that would be most adequate for hydrogen applications and what would a reasonable adoption timeframe look like for each? Hosted by Tom Narayan and Sebastian Kuenne, they are joined by Mark Freymuller, CEO Hyundai Mobility, Daniel Chatterjee, Head of Technology Management & Regulatory Affairs, Rolls Royce, Dr. Tim Lindsey, Senior Advisor, University of Illinois and Anise Ganbold, Project Leader, Global Commodities, Aurora Energy Research to discuss the type of fuel source most appropriate for various modes of mobility.

As Hydrogen looks set to play a key role in a cleaner economy globally over time, Biraj Borkhartaria, Deputy Head of Research and John Musk, Utilities Equity Research are joined by guest speakers to discuss what sectors hydrogen is set to play a key role in, what the obstacles as well as growth opportunity are and when its likely to become a viable business.

To help accelerate the energy transition, focusing on the financing of the renewable developments and the increasing role of Power Purchase Agreement ('PPAs') is key. Hosted by John Musk and Fernando Garcia, they are joined by guest speakers to discuss financing of renewable assets in areas such as PPA market dynamic, structure of PPA contracts and the impact of merchant prices. During this discussion the also discuss trends in project financing and gearing levels across renewable assets.