Switched On

The first quarter of 2024 has seen a flurry of sustainable finance policy activity and a wave of mandatory reporting rules. Yet on the flip side, anti-ESG policies are gaining traction in the US. On today's show, Dana is joined by Maia Godemer, senior associate for green and sustainable finance at BloombergNEF, to discuss this rapidly changing environment. Together, they consider BNEF's new Sustainable Finance Policy Quarterly, touching on the new EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and how it differs from the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Sustainable Finance Policy Quarterly 1Q 2024 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33831See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the host of this year's G-20 meetings and next year's COP30 climate conference, Brazil is in the spotlight. Ranked sixth globally for energy transition investment in 2023, and third for both wind and solar capacity additions, Brazil is aiming to use its vast array of natural resources to ensure its future as a clean energy powerhouse. On today's show, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF's head of Latin America research, James Ellis, and analyst, Vinicius Nunes. They discuss Brazil's potential for green hydrogen production, growing electric vehicle (EV) adoption in a market that is already dominated by vehicles powered by biofuels, and the role of the Amazon forest in voluntary carbon markets. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Latin America Market Outlook 1H 2024: Brazil Drives Growth - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33999See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, draft guidance for the US hydrogen production tax credit was introduced in December 2023, with the aim of promoting decarbonization in hard-to-abate sectors and enhancing energy security in the country. While some applauded the draft guidance for preventing greenwashing and driving real decarbonization, others view these requirements as excessive, and fear they could potentially discourage investment in green hydrogen production. On today's show, BNEF's head of hydrogen research, Martin Tengler, hosts a conversation on hydrogen production in the US, with panelists Kathleen Barron, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Constellation; Claire Behar, Chief Commercial Officer at Hy Stor Energy; Elena Scaltritti, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe; and Andy Vesey, President and Chief Executive Officer at Fortescue North America. They discuss whether the tax credit rules are helping or hurting green hydrogen production in the US, the lack of demand incentives compared with the EU, and the role that nuclear could play in the hydrogen sector's future. Today's episode was recorded live at the BNEF Summit New York. To learn more about BNEF's Summits and to listen to more interviews, please visit https://about.bnef.com/summit/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, has the potential to help decarbonize aviation and is the most scalable technology for this hard-to-abate sector in the near term. With offtake agreements for SAF surging over the past two years, the nascent industry has been showing promise. However, hurdles remain due to scarcity of supply, resource competition from renewable diesel, and a lack of technological diversification. On today's show, Dana is joined by Daisy Robinson and Rose Oates, two members of BloombergNEF's renewable fuels team. Together they discuss the regional policies that are driving the uptake of cleaner jet fuels, the different feedstocks used to produce SAF, and the greenium that SAF faces when compared with traditional fuels. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: 2024 Sustainable Aviation Fuel Outlook: Getting Airborne - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33497/view  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China is churning out clean energy technology at a breakneck pace, driving down prices on everything from solar panels to lithium ion batteries. With supply far exceeding demand, the timing couldn't be worse for the many countries that are looking to onshore clean-tech equipment manufacturing. On today's show, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF's Head of Trade and Supply Chains, Antoine Vagneur-Jones. They discuss the impetus behind the Chinese government's drive to dominate the clean-tech export sector, the sheer scale of the global manufacturing overcapacity and whether it's already sufficient to meet net-zero goals, and the US reaction to Chinese companies potentially offshoring production to countries like Mexico. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: China's Clean-Tech Overcapacity Threatens Onshoring Dreams - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33543 Mexico Won't Be China's EV Export Hub to US Anytime Soon - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33761See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voluntary carbon markets are coming off a tumultuous year, with constant public scrutiny and high-profile scandals undermining investor confidence. Despite the turmoil, the market has grown to a record size, as corporations look to carbon offsets to reach their net zero goals. On today's show, Dana is joined by Layla Khanfar, BNEF corporate sustainability and carbon offsets analyst, alongside Kyle Harrison, BNEF's head of sustainability research for the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. They discuss BNEF's long-term carbon-market scenarios, the different types of offsets that are available for purchase, and how private companies are stepping in to help fill the regulatory void. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Long-Term Carbon Offsets Outlook 2024 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33315/viewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seaborne freight is the lifeblood of the global economy. It's also a heavy polluter. Now that shipping companies, retailers and governments are all looking to decarbonize the supply chain, what is the outlook for clean shipping fuels? In a broad field of competing options including ammonia, methane and LNG, which is the most viable? On today's show, Dana is joined by Mohith Velamala, a senior associate on BloombergNEF's oil team. Together they discuss the maritime sector's existing decarbonization targets and whether these can realistically be met, the stringent EU policies that are having a global impact, and the long-term outlook for fleet growth and its potential carbon footprint. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: 2024 Marine Fuel Outlook - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33189  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world races to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, countries are ramping up their efforts across the supply chain, from mining raw materials to fostering consumer demand. For the fourth year, BloombergNEF has ranked the potential of 30 markets to build a secure, reliable and sustainable lithium-ion battery supply chain, with Canada leapfrogging China to clinch the top spot this time around.  On today's show, Dana is joined by the head of BNEF's metals and mining team, Kwasi Ampofo, and metals and mining analyst Ellie Gomes-Callus. Together they discuss the ranking, including which countries are performing best across the five categories assessed, and also unpack the recent volatility in the lithium market and the impact that Indonesian policy has had on nickel prices. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33323 Harnessing Africa's Critical Minerals Potential - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33517See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The aviation industry's pathway to net zero is far from certain. Operational improvements and technologies such as sustainable aviation fuel and zero-emission aircraft could offer substantial emissions reductions, but questions remain around timing, scalability and customers' willingness to pay. So what strategies can airlines apply to reduce their carbon footprint and meet their net-zero commitments? On today's show, Jade Patterson, a BloombergNEF senior associate in sustainable fuels, interviews United Airlines' Chief Sustainability Officer, Lauren Riley. Together they discuss United's strategy for achieving its climate goals, the governmental policies that could encourage carriers to adopt greener practices, and the venture fund that United has founded to help clean up aviation writ large. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to BNEF Forums and Summits: Link to BNEF's Regional Forums page - https://bbgevent.app/bloombergnef-forum-2024/#/ Link to BNEF's Flagship Summits page - https://about.bnef.com/summit/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With plastic production set to double by 2050, immediate action is needed to address plastic waste pollution and the inefficiencies of existing recycling systems. Chemical recycling could help process lower-grade feedstocks, significantly upping the amount of plastic that can be given a second life, but is the sector ready to do so? On today's show, Dana is joined by Kirti Vasta, a senior associate from BloombergNEF's sustainable materials team. Together they discuss the different forms chemical recycling can take, what's driving investment in the space, and the unexpected places that recycled plastics can go. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Chemical Recycling of Plastics (Part 1): Market Update -  https://www.bnef.com/insights/32709 Chemical Recycling of Plastics (Part 2): Tech and Costs -  https://www.bnef.com/insights/32963See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As electric vehicle sales skyrocket, so too will the need for EV batteries and the metals that make them work. That's where recycling comes in. By 2035, some 3.7 million metric tons of batteries could be nearing the end of their lives. Pull them apart to repurpose their innards, and you could have 10-18% of the key materials needed for battery manufacturing. On today's show, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF energy storage analyst Andy Leach. Together they discuss why production scrap from the manufacturing process is the most important feedstock for near-term recycling, how EV ownership rates across different regions will impact the longer-term availability of key metals, and the policies and incentives that are designed to encourage and enforce battery recycling. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Market Outlook 2024 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33401See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chinese government is rolling out one of the world's most ambitious clean energy plans, targeting 1,200 gigawatts of installed renewable capacity by 2030. Part of their strategy involves building megabases, huge clean-energy developments that will generate more than one-third of the targeted total. Yet bringing a multi-gigawatt megabase to fruition, and doing it on such a tight time scale, is no minor feat. On today's show, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF analysts Tianyi Zhao and Xiangyu Chen. Together they discuss the policies that are driving megabase rollout, how the enormous demand for wind and solar equipment is impacting prices, and the new ultra-high voltage grids that will carry the power generated from remote megabases to major cities. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: China's Unprecedented 455GW Energy Megabase Plan - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33031See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the beginning of each year, BloombergNEF releases the Energy Transition Investment Trends report, its definitive resource on global investment in the low-carbon energy transition. Since the report's inception a decade ago, investment levels have steadily risen, breaking the $1 trillion mark in 2021 and reaching a record $1.5 trillion in 2022. Was 2023 another record year for energy transition investment, and which sectors saw the most notable growth or decline? On today's show, Dana is joined by BNEF's Deputy CEO, Albert Cheung, and Head of Technology and Innovation, Mark Daly. They discuss financing global supply chains, which clean energy technologies are on track for meeting net-zero targets, and whether climate tech equity financing has rebounded from recent lows. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Energy Transition Investment Trends 2024 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33273See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

California has long been proactive when it comes to environmental policy, implementing measures ranging from a carbon market to put a price on emissions, to legislation to phase out the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars. But are current policies going far enough, and what can be done to ensure the state's position as the climate leader in the US? On today's show, we bring you an interview from our recent San Francisco Summit, where California State Senator Scott Wiener sat down with Corey Cantor, a Senior Associate in BloombergNEF's Electric Vehicle team. Together they discuss California's need for better public transportation alongside the shift to cleaner cars, the new law Wiener spearheaded on corporate emissions disclosure, and the potential impact of a Trump second term on the Golden State. Today's episode was recorded live at BNEF's San Francisco Summit. To learn more about our Summits and to listen to more interviews, please visit https://about.bnef.com/summit/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's bonus episode of the podcast, Dana is joined by Kathy Gao, a Senior Associate from BloombergNEF's Hydrogen team, to unpack the things to watch for the sector in 2024. Together they discuss offtake agreements and the potential for shipping and aviation to step up as customers, whether nuclear could become a viable method of hydrogen production among the plethora of available options, and the policies that could drive supply and demand in the year ahead. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Hydrogen: 10 Things to Watch for 2024 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33105/viewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For every dollar supporting fossil-fuel supply, at least $4 must be put towards low-carbon energy this decade to keep the world on track to limit warming to 1.5C. But are the capital flows of corporations and financial institutions anywhere close to this balance? BloombergNEF has devised the Energy Supply Investment and Bank-Facilitated Financing Ratios to find out. On today's show, Dana is joined by two of BNEF's Sustainable Finance Associates, Trina White and Ryan Loughead. Together they discuss how energy financing varies by geography, how the sector has been performing against the wider market for debt and equity, and the ratios required to 2030 and in the decades ahead. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Energy Supply Investment and Bank Financing Ratios 2022 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33005 Energy Supply Banking Ratio Tool (ESBRT 2.0.1) - https://www.bnef.com/insights/30865See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's bonus episode of the podcast, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF's Industrial Decarbonization Specialist, Julia Attwood, to discuss what to watch in this space in 2024. Together they talk about the expanding opportunities to use captured CO2 and the growth in storage capacity for this gas, the momentum in large-scale chemical recycling of plastics, and the potential decarbonization of the steel and cement sectors. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Industrial Decarbonization: Things to Watch in 2024 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33115See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's bonus episode of the podcast, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF's Head of Wind Research, Oliver Metcalfe, to discuss the things to watch for the wind sector in 2024. Together they talk about whether this year will offer a more stable environment for offshore wind development, if auctions for such projects will see more success, and the challenges facing Chinese turbine makers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Set against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, this year will see elections taking place in markets that account for a combined 67% of global GDP. With the uncertainty that changes in leadership can bring, could these crucial votes lead to a slowing of investment in the energy transition as investors wait for the results and clear policy direction? On today's show, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF's Head of Global Policy, Victoria Cuming, and US policy analyst, Derrick Flakoll. Together they discuss the implications for the Inflation Reduction Act should Donald Trump return to the White House, how useful polling data really is, and if growing right-leaning sentiment will be reflected in the upcoming European Parliament elections. Links to research notes from this episode: Wave of Elections Poses Risk for the Energy Transition - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33191See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's bonus episode of the podcast, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF metals analyst Yuchen Huo, to discuss the things to watch in industrial metals markets in 2024. Together they talk about what a continued slump in China's property sector could mean for steel demand, how the expansion of electricity grids will drive the need for copper, and the impact of the ongoing surge in solar power capacity on aluminum. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Industrial Metals Monthly: Things to Watch in 2024 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33089/viewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With an energy mix dominated by aging and increasingly unreliable coal power plants, South Africans have been putting up with rolling blackouts all the way back to 2007. The government's latest energy strategy lays out a path to reduce these electricity shortages by replacing coal-fired generation. But rather than renewables being the natural successor, the focus is instead on gas. On today's show, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF's Head of Regional Energy Transitions, Emma Champion. Together they discuss why South Africa is still looking to fossil fuels for its power supply, why the new energy blueprint has rolled back utility-scale solar targets as smaller rooftop installations boom, and the attractiveness of the country as a renewable energy investment opportunity versus other markets in the region. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: South Africa Favors Gas Over Solar as Successor to Coal - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33121 Climatescope 2023 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32751 South Africa Power Transition Outlook - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32751See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The start of each year sees BloombergNEF look at what could play out across the energy transition over the next 12 months. During January, Switched On will interview the brains behind the ‘Things to Watch' series, starting with what to expect from the electric vehicle market. On today's episode, Dana sits down with Colin McKerracher, BNEF's Head of Advanced Transport. Together, they discuss the race between Tesla and BYD to claim the global EV sales crown, the new opportunities presented by emerging markets, and whether 2024 could be the year that oil demand sees a real dent from the shift to electric drivetrains. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: EVs and Clean Transport: 10 Things to Watch in 2024 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33099See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extreme weather events like fires and floods are causing companies to take a closer look at the physical risks posed by climate change, and how they could impact their income and balance sheets. Despite the financial threat posed, awareness of physical risk is currently low and exposure to potential losses and damage is still underreported in financial disclosures. As demand for transparency grows among investors and policymakers, what is the actual scale of the threat from physical climate risk, and what can be done to improve reporting and data collection? On today's show, Dana sits down with Danya Liu, an analyst from BloombergNEF's climate risk team. Together, they discuss the different forms physical risk can take and which weather events leave the largest financial impact, why the financial services industry is especially vulnerable to climate-driven catastrophes, and how insurers could help improve awareness of physical risk and data reporting. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Beyond Fire and Floods: Firms Gauge Costs of Physical Risk - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32983See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BNEF Pioneers is BloombergNEF's annual climate-tech competition identifying game-changing innovations with the potential to accelerate global decarbonization and halt climate change. Last year, awards were given in three categories: accelerating the deployment of hydrogen, building a net-zero food production system, and sustainable metals and materials for an electrified future. On today's show, Dana is joined by guest host Benjamin Kafri, BNEF's Head of Client Relations and Innovation, to explore the third of these categories. Together, they interview representatives from Jetti, Nth-Cycle and Li-Cycle, the three Pioneers Award winners dedicated to cleaning up the world's metals and materials supply chains. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. BloombergNEF's 2024 Pioneers Award page - https://about.bnef.com/bnefpioneers/ BloombergNEF's 2023 Pioneers Award winners - https://www.bnef.com/insights/31219See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pesticides are considered an indispensable part of modern agriculture, but with links to environmental damage and soil pollution, their use comes at a cost. Could cutting-edge technologies that harness artificial intelligence help clean up farming's chemical footprint? On today's show, Dana sits down with Alexander Liddington from BloombergNEF's sustainable agriculture team. Together, they discuss the positive environmental impact and cost savings that ‘green-on-green' detection could have for farmers, as advanced cameras and AI are deployed to identify the weeds hiding among crops. They also explore the limitations of drones for precision pest control and whether pesticide manufacturers are embracing the technological revolution. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Precision Pesticide Delivery: Booming, to Spray the Least - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32161 AGCO and Trimble Link Up to Develop Anti-Weed Weaponry - https://www.bnef.com/shorts/s2eenwdwlu6801 Bayer Enters Collision Path With Farm Equipment Makers - https://www.bnef.com/shorts/s4gjmbt1um0w01See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final agreement signed at the COP28 climate summit marked a significant step forward, addressing for the first time the need to transition away from fossil fuels. Among its signatories were oil-and gas-rich nations in the Middle East, many of whom currently center their economies around the export of fossil fuels. But what are these countries' clean energy plans, and do they have alternative business models to offset the potential losses from a greener future? On today's show, Dana sits down with Philip Geurts, an analyst from BloombergNEF's oil team, to talk about the Middle East. Together, they discuss OPEC+ and the significant output cuts from some of its members, the debate over when and if peak oil demand will be reached, and whether hydrogen offers the region a realistic path away from fossil-fuel production. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Fossil Fuels Are Raking in Investments in Emerging Markets - https://www.bnef.com/shorts/s53df5dwx2ps00?context=eyJjb250ZW50VHlwZSI6InNob3J0IiwicmVnaW9uIjpbXSwic2VjdG9yIjpbIjJkNjM3YWE4NDExYjNiMjUiLCIyZDYzN2FhODQxMWI0YjA5Il0sImF1dGhvciI6W119 Hydrogen Hard-Pressed to Become Pillar of Big Oil's Future - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32349/view $290 Billion Oil Cash Edge Allows Late Mideast Transition - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32111  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As power grids evolve to accommodate new clean energy sources and smart technology, they are becoming more vulnerable to cyberattackers looking to exploit weaknesses in these increasingly connected systems. But what form do these attacks take, and what can be done to prevent them in the first place? On today's show, Dana sits down with Amanda Ahl from BloombergNEF's grids and utilities team. Together they discuss what form a cyberattack on the grid can take and the scale of damage it can cause, the marketplace for cybersecurity and costs involved in securing networks, and how utilities can future-proof their infrastructure against new artificial intelligence and quantum computing threats. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Guarding the Grid: Utilities Fortify Cyber Defenses - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32631See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a quarter of offshore wind project deals having been canceled in the US this year, the Biden administration's target of having 30 gigawatts of installed capacity by 2030 is looking even further out of reach. But why are developers coming under so much pressure and are these strains also being felt onshore? On today's show, Dana sits down with Chelsea Jean-Michel and Atin Jain from BloombergNEF's wind team. Together, they discuss the impact of inflation and interest rate hikes on US offshore wind projects, why some developers are allowed to re-bid on contracts they've canceled, and also why Texas is a bright spot for the rollout of onshore turbines. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Global Wind Market Outlook 2H 2023 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32859?context=eyJxIjoib25zaG9yZSIsImNvbnRlbnRUeXBlIjoiaW5zaWdodCIsInJlZ2lvbiI6W10sInNlY3RvciI6WyIyZDYzN2FhODQxMTJiOTg4Il0sImF1dGhvciI6W10sImluc2lnaHQtdHlwZSI6W119 Offshore Wind Market Outlook 2H 2023: Ramp-Up Delayed - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32797See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has historically lagged behind mainland China and Europe for electric vehicle ownership, but is this about to change? If you believe GM and Ford, who cite falling demand for the delaying of their near-term EV sales targets, the logical answer would be no. But here at BloombergNEF, we've been crunching the numbers and what they show is not only are US sales of battery-electric cars rising, they are poised to cross the 1 million mark this year. On today's show, Corey Cantor from BNEF's EV team returns to talk with Dana. Together they discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act has supercharged the US market, whether red or blue states have the highest EV uptake, and whether Rivian can cross the ‘EV valley of death' to scale from a startup to mass production. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Rivian's Path Through ‘EV Valley of Death' Looking Clearer - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32741 US Annual EV Sales Close In on 1 Million All-Electric Cars - https://www.bnef.com/shorts/s3va1ydwx2ps01?context=eyJjb250ZW50VHlwZSI6InNob3J0IiwicmVnaW9uIjpbXSwic2VjdG9yIjpbXSwiYXV0aG9yIjpbIjQwNjI3Il19 US EVs Hit 1 Million Annual Sales - With Time to Spare - https://www.bnef.com/shorts/s20elht0g1kw01?context=eyJjb250ZW50VHlwZSI6InNob3J0IiwicmVnaW9uIjpbXSwic2VjdG9yIjpbXSwiYXV0aG9yIjpbIjQwNjI3Il19 EV Sales Speed Past the 10% Tipping Point in 10 US States - https://www.bnef.com/shorts/s1p7zydwx2ps01?context=eyJjb250ZW50VHlwZSI6InNob3J0IiwicmVnaW9uIjpbXSwic2VjdG9yIjpbXSwiYXV0aG9yIjpbIjQwNjI3Il19 Biden States Faster to Adopt EVs But It's Not All Politics - https://www.bnef.com/shorts/s1nv4tt0g1kw01?context=eyJjb250ZW50VHlwZSI6InNob3J0IiwicmVnaW9uIjpbXSwic2VjdG9yIjpbXSwiYXV0aG9yIjpbIjQwNjI3Il19See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a good news, bad news situation for solar right now. On the one hand, annual installations are continuing to break records, with China set to build almost as much solar this year as the entire world rolled out in 2022. But on the other hand, the industry is suffering from a supply glut, weighing on the prices and margins of module makers. What is driving China's boom and will the global momentum continue? Are there any underestimated threats to growth beyond grid bottlenecks? On today's show, Dana sits down with Jenny Chase, lead solar analyst at BloombergNEF. Together, they discuss the latest outlook for solar, the onshoring of US production and whether its modules can be competitive against cheaper foreign producers, and the role solar can play in ambitions to triple global renewables capacity by the end of the decade. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Global PV Market Outlook, 4Q 2023 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32793See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Large power transformers, or LPTs for short, are integral for the functioning of the energy grid. But with BloombergNEF forecasting that the US will need to nearly double its units by 2030, will the country manage to meet the demand, or could it be facing further bottlenecks? On today's show, Dana sits down with Eva Gonzalez Isla from BNEF's modeling team. Together, they discuss what large power transformers are and what they do, US government policy and whether it has been aiding or hampering production, and the countries that are making up for a shortfall in the US's transformer production capacity. Today's episode draws from the BNEF research note US Risks Power Transformer Supply Gap Becoming a Chasm. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: US Risks Power Transformer Supply Gap Becoming a Chasm - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32571See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investment in carbon capture and storage is skyrocketing. Last year, the technology attracted some $6.4 billion globally, more than double the year before. But why are industries now looking to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to cut down on their carbon emissions, rather than other, better-established methods? On today's show, Dana sits down with Allen Tom Abraham and Anastasia Tomasidou from BNEF's Sustainable Materials team. Together, they take a look at the various sectors that are utilizing CCS technology, methods of carbon capture and storage and potential bottlenecks in the existing system, and the role that policy plays in the expansion of CCS across the globe. Today's episode draws from the BNEF research note CCUS Market Outlook 2023. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: CCUS Market Outlook 2023 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32621See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil and gas majors have long stated their intention to diversify away from fossil fuels and move toward clean energy production. However, in the last few years, many have wound back these plans, shooting for less ambitious targets or returning to their traditional business models. Against this backdrop, can climate-conscious investors hold major fossil-fuel companies to account?  On today's show, BNEF Sustainable Finance analyst Ryan Loughead hosts a conversation on oil and gas investment with panelists Annika Brouwer, Sustainability Specialist at Ninety One Asset Management; Ronan Hodge, Technical Lead from the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ); Thina Saltvedt, Chief Analyst in Sustainable Finance at Nordea Bank; and Peter Taylor, Corporate Engagement Programme Director for the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC). Together they discuss the different approaches of asset managers who keep oil and gas investments on their books, the challenges around divesting from fossil-fuel holdings, and the varying strategies of oil and gas majors themselves. Today's episode was recorded live at BNEF Summit London. To learn more about BNEF's Summits and to listen to more interviews, please visit https://about.bnef.com/summit/. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate change and the transition to a net-zero economy presents both opportunities and risks to companies and assets. But how might an investor assess this exposure? On today's show, Dana sits down with Tifenn Brandily and Mike Daly from BNEF's Transition Risk team to take a look at two proprietary models, the Clean Energy Exposure Ratings and the Transition Risk Assessment Company Tool. Delving into the methodology behind these, Tifenn and Mike explain how they analyze revenues generated by less-transparent industries, and which sectors are most exposed to the transition's risks and rewards. Links to research notes from this episode: Transition Risk Assessment Company Tool (TRACT) - https://www.bnef.com/insights/28081 Clean Energy Exposure Portfolio Tool (CEEPT) - https://www.bnef.com/insights/31449 BNEF Clean Energy Exposure Ratings 2023 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/31451See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Energy security has come into sharp focus over the past two years, as the shifting geopolitical landscape shakes up power markets around the world. To help customers, numerous governments have introduced regulatory mechanisms to tackle inflation and strengthen domestic energy requirements. But in some instances, these policies have undermined climate goals and even had knock-on effects to the stability of utilities companies themselves. So just how damaging have the last few years been, and are we still on track to meet our net-zero goals? On today's show, BNEF's Deputy CEO, Albert Cheung, hosts a conversation on energy security with panelists Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy; Georgios Stassis, CEO and Chair of Public Power Corporation; and Rui Teixeira, CFO of EDP. Together they discuss the energy ‘trilemma' of sustainability, affordability and security, including what's required to increase the pace of clean energy deployment and the compatibility of ever-increasing fossil-fuel investments with a net-zero future. Today's episode was recorded live at BNEF Summit London. To learn more about BNEF's Summits and to listen to more interviews, please visit https://about.bnef.com/summit/. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Removing carbon directly from the air might seem like a technology of the distant future, but ‘direct air capture' is increasingly becoming a reality, especially as companies try to figure out how they're going to meet their net-zero targets. How does DAC actually work, and how seriously should we take it compared to other means of carbon removal? On today's show, Dana sits down with Sharon Mustri and Brenna Casey from BNEF's Sustainable Materials team. Together they take a look at the companies that are investing in DAC, the cost of this technology as well as its rival carbon removal methods, and how one can go about storing all that carbon once it's been filtered and captured. Today's episode draws from the BNEF research note Direct Air Capture: Market and Cost Outlook, which assesses the DAC market through 2050. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Direct Air Capture: Market and Cost Outlook - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32021 Amazon, Microsoft Boost Demand for Carbon Removal Tech - https://www.bnef.com/shorts/s16pkct0g1kw01 Occidental's Big Buy May Alter Path of $150 Billion Market - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32055See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, yet the pathways to this target are complicated by the country's recent history. In the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima meltdown, Japan suspended all of its nuclear reactors, which at the time supplied one third of the nation's energy. Today, the majority of these reactors still lie dormant, and fossil fuels are filling the energy void. So how can Japan achieve its climate goals? On today's show, Dana sits down with Isshu Kikuma, an associate from BNEF's Tokyo office. Together they talk about the clean energy technologies Japan is using to replace its fossil fuel outlay, the country's still-complex relationship with nuclear energy, and the surprising group that's currently blocking the nation's geothermal energy potential.Today's episode draws upon themes found in BNEF's New Energy Outlook: Japan. The regional New Energy Outlook reports analyze local technology pathways to reach net zero and the policy recommendations BNEF identifies as key for a successful transition. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: NEO Japan - https://www.bnef.com/insights/31823/view Geothermal in Japan: A Tale of Hot Springs Vs Net Zero - https://www.bnef.com/insights/30857See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a volatile year for natural gas. Last winter, global gas prices spiked in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and European nations rushed to replace sanctioned Russian pipeline supply. North America increased LNG exports with most of these volumes going to Europe to meet higher demand for seaborne cargoes. Prices have since normalized thanks to a relatively mild winter, helping the spot demand recovery in Asia. But now, as cold weather returns, European and North Asian demand, and global gas supplies are once again in the spotlight. On today's show, Dana speaks to Iryna Sereda, BNEF's Head of European Gas, and Abhishek Rohatgi, the Head of Global LNG and APAC Gas, about their newly published Winter Gas Outlook. Together they discuss European gas inventories, Asian markets, where new supply is coming online, and how demand dynamics are shifting around the world. They also talk about how climate events from El Niño to global warming are complicating gas market forecasts and why they remain cautiously optimistic for the year ahead. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Global LNG Winter Gas Outlook 2023-24 - https://about.bnef.com/blog/global-lng-winter-outlook-2023-24/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lithium is integral to the majority of electric vehicle battery chemistries, making it one of the world's most sought-after metals. Once it's out of ground, who controls the supply of lithium and its refining? With the majority of major diversified miners not actively taking part in lithium extraction, who are the companies involved in this space? On today's show, Dana speaks with Ellie Gomes-Callus from BNEF's metals and mining team, and Dr. Andy Leach from the energy storage team. Together, they discuss the different methods of lithium mining and their varying ecological impacts, why the major diversified miners are largely avoiding the extraction of this metal, and the relationship between lithium and different battery chemistries. They also consider whether sodium-ion technology poses a threat to lithium's current dominance. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: 1H 2023 Battery Metals Outlook: Shift In Demand Dynamics Energy Transition Metals Production Scores: Australia Top Sodium-ion Batteries Target China's Mini EVs to Cut Costs Rio Tinto Doubles Down on Lithium Mining With Rwanda Deal Battery Metals Monthly - August 2023See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to charging an electric vehicle in the US, drivers face a complex landscape. Tesla currently dominates the sector with its highly efficient stations and ultra-fast chargers, but an array of companies are vying for a share of this burgeoning market. And with $7.5 billion from the Biden administration's NEVI program now available for building out the nation's charging network, the competition is hotter than ever. On today's show, Dana speaks to Ryan Fisher, BNEF's head of EV Charging, and Corey Cantor, a Senior Associate from BNEF's New York office. Together they discuss the different US charging networks, who owns them, how many chargers they each have. They also discuss how the public charger rollout varies from state to state, the subsidies involved, and whether anyone is in a position to challenge Tesla. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Automakers Assemble for US EV Charging - Six Years Late - https://www.bnef.com/insights/31871 EV Charging Outlook 2023: Grounds for Optimism - https://www.bnef.com/insights/31781 GM Crawls Back to Twitter and Tesla to Save EV Ambitions - https://www.bnef.com/insights/31583/viewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ammonia is one of the world's most widely used chemicals, found in everything from fertilizers to explosives. But this tiny, crucial molecule has a heavy carbon footprint, with ammonia production and end use applications accounting for 2-3% of emissions worldwide. Now, green ammonia could be within reach, as hydrogen, its key component, moves toward an emissions-free production process of its own. To find out more, Dana speaks with Adithya Bhashyam, an Associate from BNEF's Hydrogen team. Together they explore the relationship between ammonia and hydrogen, ammonia's potential as a clean shipping fuel, and the prospect of using ammonia as a more efficient means of transporting green hydrogen itself. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Ammonia Market Primer: The Struggle to Go GreenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month, BNEF's New Delhi Summit took place alongside the B20 meetings, the official business community engagement forum for the G20. Among BNEF's guests was Amitabh Kant, the G20 Sherpa for the Indian government, who sat down for a conversation with BNEF CEO Jon Moore on the Summit stage. Amitabh has had a long career in public service, including serving as the Secretary for India's Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, the Chairman and CEO of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corporation, and the Secretary for the Indian Ministry of Tourism. He is now the CEO of the Government of India's think tank NITI Aayog. Together, he and Jon discussed Amitabh's vision for Indian green hydrogen production, the nation's expanding EV sector, and how attracting private capital investment will help decarbonize India's hard-to-abate sectors. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Information on upcoming BNEF summits - https://about.bnef.com/summit/ Videos of interview and talks from previous BNEF summits - https://www.bnef.com/videos?video-type=summitSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.