The Energy Gang

Negotiations in the COP 30 climate talks are continuing in Belem, Brazil. The headlines are focusing on the divisions between countries that are shaping this year's climate talks. But despite the doom and gloom, there are some practical steps being taken to support the transition towards lower-carbon energy. There may be a notable lack of significant new pledges. But making a pledge is the easy part. Implementation is always harder, and that is the focus for COP30.At COP28 in Dubai two years ago, a goal was set to double the pace of global energy efficiency gains, from 2% a year to over 4% a year. Can we hit that goal, and what will it mean if we do?To debate those questions, Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers Jaffe are joined by Bob Hinkle, whose company Metrus Energy develops and finances efficiency and building energy upgrades across the US. Bob is there at the talks in Belem, and gives his perspective on the mood at the meeting. The presence of American businesses at the conference this year is definitely reduced compared to other recent COPs. But Bob still thinks it was well worth him going. He explains what he gets out of attending the COP, why energy efficiency has a vital role to play in cutting emissions, and why he is still optimistic about climate action.Another initiative that came out of COP28 was the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (ODGC): a group of more than 50 of the world's largest oil and gas companies, which aim to reach near-zero methane emissions and end routine flaring by 2030. Bjorn Otto Sverdrup is head of the secretariat for the OGDC, and he joins us having just returned from Belem.Bjorn Otto tells Amy and Ed that there has been some real progress in the industry. The 12 leading international companies that are members of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative have reported some positive numbers: their methane emissions are down 62%, routine flaring is down 72%, and there's been a 24% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions.There is still huge potential for cutting in total greenhouse gas emissions by curbing methane leakage and routine flaring worldwide. How can we make more progress? Bjorn explains the scale of the opportunity, the real-world constraints, and the growing role of new technology including satellites and AI in detecting leaks. Keep following the Energy Gang for more news and insight as COP30 wraps. Next week we'll talk about what happed, what was promised, what didn't happen, and what to expect on climate action in 2026.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

COP30, which began this week in Belém, Brazil, marks a decade since the Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 in 2015. It's being billed as the “implementation COP”: instead of grand new announcements of international agreements, governments are supposed to be focused on delivering on the commitments they have already made. Host Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers Jaffe welcome back Amy Harder, National Energy Correspondent at Axios. She says not every COP is created equally, and “this is definitely one of those COPs that are more of an ebb than a flow.”But that said, it doesn't mean COP30 will inevitably be unproductive. Amy Myers Jaffe, who is the Director of NYU's Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab, argues that COP30 “could wind up over time being seen as a more successful meeting than people are currently thinking it will be.”Instead of a new comprehensive global framework, the objectives for this year's talks will be a series of smaller-scale sectoral initiatives: scaling sustainable fuels, tackling industrial emissions, protecting forests, and aligning private capital with policy goals. The Energy Gang also welcomes to the show for the first time Lisa Jacobson, who is President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy. She joins the show from Brazil to give the boots on the ground view as the conference begins. Previous COPs have generally put the mosh emphasis on government action. Lisa says that a focus on what's good for business might be a better way to spur change. Clean energy technologies are winning in many markets around the world because they make commercial sense. Policy can be helpful, but is it ultimately the business case that has to be what pushes the energy transition forward? Ed, Amy, Amy and Lisa debate the changes to US energy and climate policy, China's emissions trajectory, the global impact of EU measures, and how much of the clean energy build-out is now driven by economics rather than politics. And they wonder whether there is a central paradox in global climate policy. If the future of energy will be decided by market forces and national interests, not by anything that happens at COP30, is that a sign that the series of past COPs has been a success? We've got more coverage of COP30 coming soon, so make sure you're following us for all the key news and insight from Brazil. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

COP30, now getting under way in Belem, Brazil, has been billed as “the implementation COP”, which means a focus on governments taking real steps to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. We will be examining all the key issues for government negotiators in the talks very soon. But for this show, we are looking at the role of business. At New York Climate Week in September, the discussion was all about how businesses are facing up to the challenges of meeting growing demand for energy while also curbing emissions. With the rise of AI and broader electrification trends driving up power demand in some places at rates not seen for decades, sustainability goals are under pressure. Will companies abandon them? Or are they just finding new ways to decarbonise while keeping things going? Two companies in very different industries but both focused on similar goals, are Prologis and Trane. First up, host Ed Crooks speaks to Susan Uthayakumar, Chief Energy and Sustainability Officer at Prologis. She explains how the world's largest logistics real estate company is turning its vast rooftop space into a decentralized power network. It is building on-site solar, storage, and microgrids to keep global supply chains resilient, while generating new revenue streams.Then, Holly Paeper, President of Commercial HVAC for the Americas at Trane, describes how cooling systems are becoming a cornerstone of sustainable infrastructure. From AI-driven optimisation to data centres that can heat Olympic swimming pools, Holly talks about ways to reinvent thermal systems to reduce energy waste, enable grid flexibility, and turn buildings into active contributors to their communities.For all the breaking news and insight from COP30, follow Energy Gang wherever you get your podcasts. Expect our top team of energy experts, plus leaders from the worlds of business, finance and policy, as we break down what you need to know from the opening week of the talks.Got power? At HiTHIUM, we make sure the answer is always YES. Ranked Top 2 globally in battery shipments for 2025.HiTHIUM delivers safe, reliable, and profitable energy solutions that keep the clean energy transition powering forward. Let green energy benefit all. Trusted worldwide. Built to last.Reach out and let's talk energy that works - for good!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As world leaders, businesses and NGOs start their journeys to Brazil for the COP30 climate talks, more than 200,000 people attended ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi, the world's biggest energy event. Energy Gang was there to bring you the highlights from the week's discussions. One of the key talking points was the theme of energy addition, rather than transition. In other words, the idea that new renewables and other low-carbon sources are adding to global energy supplies, rather than replacing fossil fuels. With forecasts showing an acceleration in power demand growth driven by AI, and the continuing need for increased energy supply to raise living standards in low and middle-income countries, calls for a rapid transition away from oil, gas and coal seem to many to be unrealistic. At ADIPEC, the conversation centred around the vision of new low-carbon supplies stacking on top of hydrocarbons, to reduce costs, increase access and cut emissions intensity. But there was confidence in the prospect of robust global demand for oil and gas, in particular, for decades to come. To debate that vision and assess what it means for the world, host Ed Crooks is joined by energy executives and analysts who have been part of the conversation. Dr Carole Nakhle is the founder and CEO of Crystol Energy, an independent advisory firm. She was first up to discuss whether decarbonisation targets are being pushed further into the future, and how they can be met if clean energy is complementing fossil fuels rather than replacing them. “Complementarity beats substitution,” Carole says. What does that mean for energy security, access and emissions? Next, Ed spoke with John Gilley, CEO of Kent, which designs and engineers assets for the energy industry, including both oil and gas and low-carbon technologies. John isn't worried about a slowdown in clean energy deployment. When energy is cheaper, it gets used, he says, and solar and wind keep winning on cost. He believes climate change is the greatest challenge of our times, and his purpose at Kent is to support ways to tackle it, while meeting the world's demand for energy. John and Ed talk it all through.Sascha Sissiou is sales director for the Middle East and Africa at Aerzen, a German manufacturer of equipment for oil and gas and other industries. Sascha argues that, far from the momentum towards decarbonisation slowing, it is actually speeding up, as reflected in demand from Aerzen's customers. Demand for flare-gas recovery and other emissions reduction technologies has grown, and Aerzen is rolling out new large compressors for the hydrogen industry. Sustainability standards now influence sourcing, logistics and manufacturing across industries from wastewater to petrochemicals. Next, Clay Seigle, senior fellow at the thinktank CSIS, talks about the implications of sustained oil demand for energy security. On climate, he highlights the importance of industry-led investments in methane controls and carbon capture. Looking ahead, permitting reform could emerge as the next big US energy story; Clay explains why. Finally, as the Energy Gang prepares to switch focus to COP30, Ed sat down with Bjorn Otto Sverdrup, who's the head of the secretariat for the Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter. They bring together more than 50 leading oil and gas companies from around the world to work together to cut their emissions. Bjorn says the industry's top CEOs are staying the course on near-term decarbonisation goals with high impact - cutting methane and eliminating routine flaring by 2030 – because they make operational and reputational sense. There will be more to come on this issue at COP30. We will be bringing you all the big stories and exclusive commentary and analysis on COP30 from our energy expert friends, as well as some new voices. So don't forget to follow the show wherever you get your podcasts, to keep up with all our coverage of the climate talks over the next two weeks. This episode was recorded live at ADIPEC 2025, the world's largest energy event, held in Abu Dhabi from 3–6 November. With more than 205,000 attendees and 1,800 speakers, this year's theme - Energy Intelligence Impact - sparked vital conversations about the future of energy. Learn more about the event at adipec.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Electricity demand in the US is rising faster than it has in decades, driven by AI and a wave of investment in domestic manufacturing. But with transmission lines and other electricity infrastructure taking years to permit and build, how can America secure the power it needs fast enough to remain competitive?In this special episode of The Energy Gang, recorded at the ACORE Grid Forum in Washington DC, host Ed Crooks speaks with industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers tackling the challenge of “speed to power”, and asks them for their ideas on how to accelerate the build-out of the next grid.Ed begins the episode with Heather Reams, President of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, who explains why bipartisan consensus on permitting reform is finally within reach, and what it will take to sustain political will through an election year.Next, Richard Kauffman, Chair of the Coalition for Green Capital, shares his perspective on how creative financing models and public-private partnerships can unlock investment for distributed and community-scale energy projects that strengthen the grid from the ground up.Ed then speaks with Rob Gramlich, Founder and President of Grid Strategies LLC, who breaks down the regulatory and planning challenges slowing progress on transmission and offers insight into the reforms needed to modernise America's grid for a new era of demand.Technology can help find solutions faster. Theodore Paradise, Chief Policy and Grid Strategy Officer at CTC Global, discusses how advanced conductors with carbon fibre cores can double transmission capacity without building a single new line. He also explains how CTC's new partnership with Google is accelerating the deployment of new transmission technology.Finally, Ray Long, President and CEO of ACORE, joins Ed to bring all the threads together, highlighting how political leadership, technology, and finance must converge if the US is to meet its rising power needs and remain globally competitive.This episode was recorded at the ACORE Grid Forum in Washington DC.You can also watch the full conversation in video format on YouTube - just search Energy Gang.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when the surge in electricity demand comes faster than we can build the infrastructure to support it? Live in front of an audience at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, host Ed Crooks leads a conversation on the future of the US energy grid, skyrocketing load from data centers and electrification, and why politics keeps getting in the way of practical solutions. Neil Chatterjee, the former Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), has spent a long time working on the interaction of markets and policy in energy. He says: “America needs to take the politics out – or the lights go out.” Is overzealous federal regulation really undermining the reliability of the grid? How can we win support for realistic solutions that will keep the lights on and ChatGPT on line. Joining Ed and Neil to discuss these questions is regular guest Amy Myers Jaffe, who is director of the Energy, Climate Justice & Sustainability Lab at NYU. She proposes that AI might not be the cause of both blackouts and a climate catastrophe. She argues that we might actually save more energy from using AI than we consume in powering the data centers that support it.Debating the issues with Amy, Ed and Neil is Cecilio Velasco, managing director in infrastructure at KKR, a global investment firm that deploys capital in infrastructure. Cecilio brings the investor view on what it will take to unlock the trillions in capital needed for a reliable and resilient energy system in the age of AI. The panel address the uncomfortable truth that the US may need every available electron – from wind and solar to batteries to nuclear power and gas – to meet its goals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As global energy systems evolve, emerging economies face a defining challenge: how to secure affordable power for today while investing in the low-carbon solutions that will drive tomorrow's growth. Can energy diversification unlock a new era of industrial development, resilience, and inclusive prosperity?In the third and final episode of our special series ahead of ADIPEC 2025, host Ed Crooks is joined by Charlotte Wolff-Bye, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at PETRONAS, and Andrew Smart, Senior Managing Director at Accenture. Together, they explore how countries in Asia, the Middle East and beyond are using integrated energy strategies to build stronger, fairer economies.Charlotte explains how PETRONAS is redefining its role as a national energy company: supporting Malaysia's growth through lower-carbon development, capacity-building, and nature-based solutions. She outlines how the company's investments in renewables, hydrogen, and carbon capture are creating skilled jobs, building local supply chains, and delivering a “just transition” that lifts communities.Andrew shares Accenture's perspective from the Middle East, where nations are emerging as pivotal connectors between the Global North and South-linking capital, technology, and opportunity. He discusses how digital innovation, AI, and regional interconnection are reshaping resilience and competitiveness, while new financing and regulatory models aim to make clean-energy investment bankable at scale.The message from emerging economies is clear: energy transition and economic development can must advance hand-in-hand. Finally, the group considers what a decade of progress might bring us, including more collaborations across borders and across sectors. They explain why new connections such as regional power grids, diversified supplies, and joined-up policies and corporate strategies point to brighter futures for energy and human development.This is the third and final special episode sponsored by ADIPEC 2025, where the theme is Energy Intelligence Impact. The event brings together 205,000+ attendees and 1,800+ speakers in Abu Dhabi from 3–6 November 2025. The Energy Gang will be recording live at the event. Join us there to be part of the conversation.Learn more and register at adipec.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everyone agrees it takes too long and costs too much to build energy infrastructure in America, but what exactly needs fixing, and can we make progress without rolling back vital environmental protections?In this special episode of Energy Gang, recorded live at the ACORE Grid Forum in Washington D.C., host Ed Crooks takes a deep dive into one of the most complex and consequential issues in US energy policy: permitting reform. Ed begins the episode in conversation with Matt Christiansen, partner at Wilson Sonsini and former General Counsel at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Drawing on his experience inside the commission, Matt explains where the real choke points lie in the permitting process, how federal and state powers intersect, and what the newly confirmed FERC commissioners could do to accelerate much-needed grid investment.Later, Ed sits down with three experts who work daily on these challenges in Congress and the private sector: Elizabeth Horner, partner at ArentFox Schiff and former counsel to Senators Shelley Moore Capito and John Barrasso; Daniel Palken, Director of Infrastructure for Energy and Permitting at Arnold Ventures; and Jeremy Horan, Permitting Lead at ACORE. Together, they unpack the politics behind reform, the relationship between permitting and transmission planning, and the growing urgency created by surging power demand from data centers and new manufacturing.The group also discusses the mood in Washington, and hopes that bipartisan momentum can be built to support pragmatic, economy-wide permitting reform.This episode is the first of two recorded live at the ACORE Grid Forum, where industry leaders, regulators, and policymakers came together to discuss the future of America's electricity system.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nuclear power is back at the centre of the global energy conversation again. Is a real renaissance in the industry under way? Or are we just in another moment of excitement before familiar challenges emerge and the hype cycle turns down again?In the second of three special episodes ahead of ADIPEC 2025, host Ed Crooks speaks with Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, about how the role of nuclear power in a world of turbocharged electricity demand growth and continuing pressure to cut greenhouse gas emissions.Sama explains how nuclear power has shifted from an afterthought at climate summits to a cornerstone of countries' decarbonisation strategies. COP28 in Dubai in 2023 marked a turning point, she says. 199 countries formally recognised nuclear power as essential to meeting their climate goals, and 31 of them committed to triple nuclear generation capacity by 2050. Investment is accelerating, with new projects breaking ground across Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. And where new developments are slow, countries are embracing lower-cost options, including extending plant lifetimes and restarting previously retired reactors.The discussion explores the growing influence of AI and data centres, which give new relevance to nuclear because of their round-the-clock need for electricity. AI is part of a new alignment of conditions that mean that this time the momentum behind nuclear power is real, Sama argues. Financing is available, governments are pragmatic, and the tech giants are now among the most vocal advocates for 24/7 clean baseload power.Sama and Ed also unpack the rise of small modular reactors (SMRs). Factory-built to a larger degree, repeatable, and scalable, SMRs could open new opportunities for industrial clusters, remote regions, and energy-hungry digital infrastructure. They may not be the answer to all the challenges the nuclear industry faces, but they should definitely have a role to play. However, Sama warns that probably only a handful of designs will survive the early shake-out that will be needed to streamline the SMR industry. Finally, the conversation turns to policy and politics. In a more polarised world, nuclear is emerging as rare common ground, backed by governments seeking climate progress, energy security, and economic competitiveness. Sama calls for a balanced system that values integration over ideology: renewables, nuclear, and smarter grids working in tandem.This is the second of three special episodes sponsored by ADIPEC 2025, where the theme is Energy Intelligence Impact. The event brings together 205,000+ attendees and 1,800+ speakers in Abu Dhabi from 3–6 November 2025. The Energy Gang will be recording live at the event. Join us there to be part of the conversation. Learn more and register at adipec.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Ed Crooks talks to Jason Liu, Chief Executive of Wood Mackenzie and co-author (with Chief Analyst Simon Flowers) of a new book, Connected, about the fast-changing world of energy. They are also joined by Sunaina Ocalan, formerly Senior Director for Corporate Strategy & Climate at the oil and gas company Hess, now Senior Analyst and Co-Head for Americas Energy & Transition at Bernstein Research. Together, they explore how energy leaders can plan, invest and operate operate in a world where different sectors, technologies and geographies are interconnected in more powerful and complex ways than ever before.They talk about the language of “the energy transition”, and whether it can lead to misconceptions. Global demand for hydrocarbons is still growing, and they will continue to play a critical role in our energy system for decades to come, even as new supply from renewables and other low-carbon sources surges higher. A wider appreciation of that reality is driving a shift from siloed thinking about individual sectors to integrated solutions. For example, companies are increasingly looking at pairing solar and storage with gas generation to meet demand from data centers for reliable low-carbon power.Sunaina takes us inside the the thinking of energy leaders as they assess strategies and investment decisions. She sets out a practical approach to scenario analysis, with “exit ramps” so companies can pivot as facts change. The aim isn't to predict one future, but to be ready for a range of possible outcomes. That means balancing the advantages and disadvantages of a wide range of technologies, and taking a strategic view through short-term fluctuations as far as possible. Effective decision-making is impossible without reliable data. Jason warns about three traps: using too little real data, leaning on synthetic/modelled data without ground truth, and poor integration across different sectors. Data collection technology is advancing rapidly, and with sensors, satellites and market intelligence, decision-makers can increasingly see what's really happening with precision and granular detail, often in real time.Then there's AI. Like other industries, the world of energy is being transformed by the tools that have become available over the past few years. Scenario runs have been cut from months to minutes, with hundreds of models combined to give a comprehensive coherent picture. AI tools can even assess the best models to use on particular data sets: a capability Jason calls hyper-modelling. And still there is a vital role for human intelligence and judgement, to find and interpret the information that the AI tools miss. The challenges in the energy sector today are vast. It is a cliche to say that uncertainty is higher than ever, but today it genuinely seems true. The pace of innovation in AI is changing the world in ways that have never been seen before. But the opportunity is vast, too. The energy industry will need $75 trillion or more in investment over the next 25 years, to meet ever-growing demand while reducing the impact on the environment. The businesses that succeed in making the most of this opportunity will be the ones that get three things right: the right data, the right AI capabilities, and the right people, all brought together to deliver actionable insights. Download the book (free): Connected: Bringing predictability to the increasingly uncertain world of energy.Let us know what you think. We're on X, at @theenergygang and Bluesky, at ‪@theenergygang.bsky.social. Make sure you're following the show so you don't miss an episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Low-carbon hydrogen has taken a few knocks in the headlines lately. There have been cancelled projects and fewer splashy announcements. Policy support has been jittery. Is momentum fading, or are we simply moving out of the hype phase and into the serious work of delivery? Host Ed Crooks puts that question to two industry leaders who are aiming to build hydrogen businesses at scale: Pierre-Étienne Franc, CEO of HY24, and Alex Tancock, CEO of Intercontinental Energy.Pierre-Étienne argues the market is normalising rather than stalling. The projects that are reaching final investment decision have risen sharply in size, and production of electrolyser modules has scaled from tens of megawatts to hundreds of megawatts. One crucial change is that the centre of gravity of the industry is shifting toward Asia and the Middle East. The first wins can come where hydrogen already has a job to do: swapping grey molecules for green in fertilisers and refining. In the steel industry, the green premium for low-emissions metal looks manageable. And over time, hydrogen can start meeting power and industrial demand via ammonia and methanol. For heavy trucks, hydrogen may have a role as a complement to battery electric vehicles, deployed where long charge times and grid bottlenecks make them impractical.Alex explains his production model. His 26-gigawatt Australian Renewable Energy Hub in the Pilbara would decarbonise roughly 4% of the region's iron-ore output. It's designed as repeatable “LEGO blocks”: the project can be build out with dozens of near-identical phases that drive down cost with each addition.Some in the low-carbon hydrogen industry used to talk about how $1/kg was the production cost that would be needed for large-scale deployment. Alex says that benchmark is no longer relevant. What matters now is capex, the supply chain, and the cost of capital, he says, and China's ultra-automated factories are slashing equipment costs. However, Europe still needs clearer rules to unlock demand. For sectors like sustainable aviation fuel, durable policy will be essential while costs remain high. This is the first of three special episodes recorded in the run-up to the ADIPEC 2025 conference. Its theme: Energy. Intelligence. Impact. ADIPEC has sponsored this series to invite more of you to join the conversation in Abu Dhabi on 3–6 November 2025, alongside 205,000+ attendees and 1,800+ speakers. The Energy Gang will be on the ground recording during the event, come and find us to share your perspective. Find out more and register at adipec.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recorded in front of a packed room at NYU's Kimmel Center during Climate Week NYC, Ed Crooks and Amy Myers Jaffe moderate a debate on the high-stakes topic of AI and energy. They dig deep into the questions raised by the surge of investment in data centers: what it means for grid stability and electricity bills, and how new technologies and market structures can help the power industry adapt.Climate Week this year often felt more like AI Week, given how many discussions were centred around it. To explore the issues, the team Ed and Amy are joined by representatives of two of the key companies at the heart of the revolution. Josh Parker is Head of Sustainability at NVIDIA, and Craig Sundstrom is Head of Energy & Sustainability Policy at AWS. Xizhou Zhou, Wood Mackenzie's Head of Power and Renewables, also joins the discussion, to add his perspectives on how the industry is changing The load shock is real. Xizhou says that more than 116 GW of US data centers are under construction or fully committed to interconnect in the next few years: equivalent to about 15% of US peak load today. After two decades of flat demand, the electricity industry must rebuild its muscle memory for rapid infrastructure build-out. US power prices went up 6% in the past year, with rates in some states going up far more. What is driving that surge? And what can be done to provide some relief for hard-pressed consumers? One answer comes from rapid progress in the technologies that make AI possible, including the chips. NVIDIA's Josh Parker notes NVIDIA has cut energy use for inference tasks by 100,000× over the past decade ,and by about 30× in just the past two years. Craig from Amazon explains how new grid-enhancing technologies could quickly make a difference, pointing to an AWS/RMI study showing that 6.5 GW of extra capacity could be freed up on the PJM grid without building any new transmission lines. He adds that AI is already helping in California, where smart battery dispatch is cutting costs in real time. Data centers don't only use electricity for computation: they create a lot of heat, too. Josh says there are ways to use that heat, and describes Scandinavian projects that use it for their local district heating networks. With geothermal and new small modular reactors unlikely to reach widespread deployment until well into the 2030s, the panel agrees that the real solutions in the next few years lie in upgrading transmission, expanding storage, redesigning rates, and building in flexibility.It's a busy and lively discussion, with a couple of questions from the audience answered by the panel. If you have any further questions or comments on the show, we'd love to hear them. You can comment on Spotify, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or find us on YouTube and leave a comment there. Thanks!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For COP30, the international climate talks in Brazil in November, the countries of the world are supposed to roll out their new Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs: their commitments to cut emissions. China's NDC is particularly eagerly awaited: it is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Its NDC has been described as the most important document that will be published this year. In this edition of the Energy Gang, recorded at New York University, host Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers Jaffe (Director of NYU's Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab) explore the security, technology and climate implications of China's energy policy. They are joined by someone who knows a lot about China's role in the energy transition: David Sandalow, who is the Inaugural Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. He talks through China's rapid clean energy rollout, from solar to EVs, and its implications for the race for dominance in AI. We also welcome back Joseph Webster of the Atlantic Council, who studies China's energy system and the implications for geopolitics.China's energy surge in recent years has been staggering. The country added 217 gigawatts of solar capacity in 2023, and kept growing into 2024 and 2025. It is also leading the world in batteries and electric vehicles. Joseph explains how China's energy investments intersect with military tech, particularly in AI and batteries, positioning China as a global leader in energy and technology innovation. Is the US struggling to keep up?Then, late drama! While we were recording, China finally released its new NDC, pledging a relatively modest 7-10% emissions reduction from peak levels. Some other countries and climate campaigners had hoped for more ambition. But the numbers involved are still staggering. The NDC sets a target of expanding wind and solar capacity to 3,600 GW by 2035, six times 2020 levels, and three times the entire generation capacity of the US, in all technologies. Ed, Amy, David and Joseph react to the news in real time and debate what it means for energy in the US and beyond.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At Climate Week NYC continues, the hottest topic is the question of how to meet growing demand for electricity while cutting emissions. In New York State, electricity use is expected to increase by 25% over the next 15 years. To meet that demand, the state plans to add tens of gigawatts or renewables. But that is not enough. It also wants more “dispatchable, emissions-free” power to keep the grid stable, and that includes new nuclear reactors.Back in June, Governor Kathy Hochul asked the New York Power Authority to move ahead with at least 1 gigawatt of new nuclear generation. And the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is exploring what it needs to do to make that happen. Doreen Harris is President and CEO, and she explains to host Ed Crooks that nuclear is a central pillar of an emissions-free power mix.She says New York's plan isn't about bringing back old reactors like the ones at the Indian Point nuclear plant, controversially closed in 2021. The state wants new designs that are safer, modular, and more efficient. NYSERDA is leading a “Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development”, expected to be published by end of 2026, to explore technologies ranging from large reactors to small modular and micro reactors. Ed and Doreen discuss the plan, and the barriers and opportunities for nuclear in the US.Support from federal, state and local governments is going to be essential to make new nuclear construction a reality. But backing from the private sector will also be essential. Nick Campanella is a Senior Equity Research Analyst at Barclays investment bank. He says new nuclear investment will move forward only if three pieces line up: clear policy support, customers willing to buy the power, and an EPC ready to build the plant.Nick and Ed discuss the cost overruns and delays that have plagued nuclear projects in the West. Hyperscalers might be able to get costs down by committing to multiple reactor builds at once. The ‘first-of-a-kind' project is always risky. The ‘nth-of-a-kind' developments that benefit from the lessons learned on previous projects should be more predictable, and less costly. Nick believes it is quite possible that a final investment decision to build at least one new nuclear plant in the US is very possible before the end of 2026. If that happens, the first project to go ahead could be for large plants, not small or micro reactors. The US grid doesn't need tens of megawatts; it needs thousands.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's New York Climate Week this week, and we're bringing you highlights from all the key debates and discussions. Climate Week NYC is one of the most important gatherings in the energy calendar, bringing together business leaders, investors, scientists, campaigners and policymakers to discuss the global effort to prevent catastrophic global warming.Last year, confidence in renewable energy was riding high, but now the conversation is shifting toward the challenge of meeting rising electricity demand. The race to achieve the most advanced AI capabilities is widely seen in the energy industry as the most urgent issue it is facing today. And that is creating challenges for the drive towards decarbonization.At the Climate Week opening ceremony, Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, said that climate advocates have “not explained to people in the right way what needs to be done”. He urged them to connect their messaging to immediate, everyday issues rather than distant disasters. To discuss all this, host Ed Crooks is joined by Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group, which puts on the event. She describes Climate Week NYC as the “green room for COP,” a place to sharpen focus before the big UN negotiations that are this year being held in Belem, Brazil, in November. While climate ambition is clearly faltering in the US, she says, there are rapid shifts under way elsewhere, such as the explosion of cheap rooftop solar in Pakistan. As this divide opens up between the US building on its strengths in fossil fuels, and other countries embracing low-carbon technologies, America risks losing competitiveness, she warns. Plus, the financial analyst's view on the big themes of the week. Will Thompson is a Director in the Thematic Investment Research Team at Barclays Investment Bank, and he spends a lot of his time at the moment thinking about the intersection of AI and energy. He talks to Ed about how AI is driving a surge in electricity demand, with US data centers potentially doubling their share of the nation's power use by 2030. And he describes the “power wall” facing AI: a looming bottleneck when companies want more power than the grid can provide. To overcome this, tech giants are moving toward distributed or “bring your own power” solutions, such as on-site natural gas plants and battery storage, he says. This shift prioritizes “speed to power” over cost and could push up emissions in the near term. Will and Ed discuss permitting delays, grid constraints, and fragile supply chains as the major barriers to accelerated investment in electricity supply capacity. There is bipartisan urgency in the US to secure AI dominance over China. Will it be enough?Follow the show wherever you get podcasts, so you don't miss any of our Climate Week coverage.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, there is renewed interest in what can be done to capture carbon dioxide. Until now, most of the investment in carbon capture has gone into projects to take those emissions and store them underground forever. But what if we could make use of that captured carbon? To find out what role carbon capture and utilization, or CCU, could play in tackling climate change, host Ed Crooks is joined by three experts in the sector. He is joined by Sarah Lamaison, who is the CEO and co-founder of CCU start-up Dioxycle, Tim van den Bergh, the climate tech innovation lead at the World Economic Forum, and John Ferrier, a senior research analyst at Wood Mackenzie. Together they unpack what CCU actually is (and isn't), and where it can deliver the biggest punch; for example in the chemical industry, which is a sector in large part built on carbon.Sarah explains how Dioxycle's carbon electrolysis can turn carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into high-value molecules such ethylene using electricity and water. It is effectively “dual” decarbonization: it uses captured carbon instead of fossil feedstock, and also avoids process emissions.But despite those compelling advantages, CCU faces some steep challenges. The gang examines the policy landscape, and the economics that can make or break CCU projects. John outlines why support has historically skewed toward carbon storage rather than utilization: it offers measurable, near-term reductions and simpler business models. To accelerate the growth of CCU, it needs clearer incentives, and standardized lifecycle assessment of carbon emitted and avoided. Sarah compares Europe's current framework, which can disadvantage CCU, with more supportive tax credits that are available in the US. She explains that the choice of product to be made using CCU really matters. For fuels, conventional feedstocks such as crude oil and natural gas are hard to beat on cost. For complex chemical pathways, there is room for CCU to undercut incumbents as efficiency improves. Tim looks at the system level, calling for global, aligned policies, early markets in cost-competitive niches and “patient capital” to bridge the valley of death that innovative companies face as they scale up.There's a strong case that can be made for CCU, if policy, finance, and industry can travel in the same direction. This episode explains what would be needed to make that a reality, taking businesses from promising pilots to deployment at scale and cost parity with conventional feedstocks.UpLink is a World Economic Forum initiative focused on impactful early-stage innovation. It builds ecosystems that enable purpose-driven, early-stage entrepreneurs to scale their businesses for the markets and economies that are essential to a net-zero, nature-positive and equitable future. You can learn more in the World Economic Forum and Wood Mackenzie's new report on scaling CCU, available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI is adding to US electricity consumption at a pace not seen in decades. That demand growth is creating new strains on the grid in many parts of the country. But what if AI could instead help keep the system running? Varun Sivaram is a founder & CEO of Emerald AI and a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He says that far from undermining the grid, AI could actually save it. If we can enable AI data centers to provide flexibility during times peak stress, they can become a powerful ally for reliable, affordable, and clean electricity.Earlier this year, the Energy Gang hosted a conversation with Tyler Norris of Duke University, author of an influential paper assessing the potential for large flexible loads in the US electricity system. He argued that if grid operators could ask data centers to dial back the power consumption when the system is under strain, those new facilities could get online faster without waiting for long transmission and generation upgrades. In effect, flexibility is like a fast-track pass: by allowing short reductions in consumption during peak stress, the grid can handle more demand and data centers can connect sooner.That's the theory. In this show we talk about how to make it a reality.To explain how data center flexibility works, and will work in the future, Varun joins host Ed Crooks, regular guest Amy Myers Jaffe, Director of NYU's Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab, and resident investment expert Shanu Mathew, Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst at Lazard Asset Management. How can data center developers, operators and customers create flexible loads? Spread computing tasks across multiple sites, pause the less time-critical ones during grid stress, and use smarter software and batteries to smooth short spikes. The gang discuss early real-world tests with utilities and tech companies, and why some regions are considering rules that let them temporarily reduce power to big users rather than risk neighborhood blackouts. Is this all hype? Some of the claims being made are running ahead of what is actually being achieved in the industry today. And even as chips get more efficient, demand for AI is growing even faster. But Varun wants to run more pilots, reward flexibility with quicker hookups, and build toward a “virtual power plant” made of data centers that can respond in milliseconds. If the irresistible force of AI development is to overcome the immovable object of power grid capacity, that is the kind of innovation that is going to be needed.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The COP21 climate talks in Paris in 2015 were hailed as a historic success. They resulted in a global agreement to curb climate change, and set a framework for every country in the world to contribute to achieving that goal.Ten years on, the conference no longer looks such a triumph. Greenhouse gas emissions are still rising, and so are global temperatures. The Paris agreement's goals for keeping global warming in check seem to be slipping out of reach.So what is the world really getting out of the UN's annual COPs? (The name stands for the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.) Every year, pledges are made and commitments agreed, but real-world changes have not been nearly fast enough to achieve those international goals. COP30 is coming up fast: it will be held in Belém in northern Brazil, a little over two months from now. What can we expect from this latest attempt to drive forward global action on climate?To look ahead to the meeting, host Ed Crooks is joined by climate and energy journalist Simon Evans, deputy editor at the climate science publication Carbon Brief. Simon and Ed were on the ground in Azerbaijan last year at COP29. They reflect on the outcomes from that meeting, and the progress that has been made – and not made – in the months since then. Regular guest Amy Myers-Jaffe – director of NYU's Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab – is also back on the show, asking about the broader context of international efforts on climate change. She raises the question of whether China and the EU have stuck to their commitments under that historic Paris Agreement. They ask: is COP30 is likely to be a success or a failure? And is it time for a completely new approach to global cooperation on climate?With the UN strategy for curbing global warming in crisis, Ed, Simon and Amy discuss the effectiveness of COPs, the potential for carbon pricing, and new ideas for strengthening international climate efforts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is the global transition to low-carbon energy accelerating or slowing down? One answer is that it depends where you look. In the US, energy policy has shifted away from support for low-carbon technologies, but China is continuing with record installations of solar, wind, and batteries, and record sales of EVs. With AI emerging as the central arena for great power completion, which model will work best at providing the power the new technologies need?The AI revolution will be the most transformative change in human history. That's according to Gerard Reid, this week's guest, a veteran energy commentator and co-founder of the advisory firm Alexa Capital. Gerard, who also co-hosts the podcast Redefining Energy, says he thinks AI will reinvent the world's energy system. There is a widening gulf between ‘petrostates' such as the US, which are rich in oil and gas and favor fossil fuels, and the ‘electrostates', led by China, which is dominates global manufacturing for technologies such as solar panels, batteries and EVs.Europe, which is relatively resource-poor, is following China's path out of necessity, while India and others weigh up which model to adopt. Gerard, host Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers-Jaffe debate the different approaches that different countries are taking to build secure energy systems that will be able to meet growing demand for electricity for AI. Electricity is now the ultimate security priority, demanding grid upgrades, new technologies to support resilience including vehicle-to-grid, and new strategic partnerships. Gerard argues that OPEC's current strategy suggest it sees oil demand peaking soon. As the world adopts Chinese EVs and other low-cost, low-carbon technologies, some big questions are becoming increasingly urgent. Will the US continue to cling to fossil fuels? Will cheap solar upend electricity industries around the world? And above all, will the race for strategic and economic success be won by whichever country integrates AI, low-cost power, and resilient grids first?Ed Crooks is Vice Chair for the Americas at Wood Mackenzie. Amy Myers-Jaffe is the Director of NYU's Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The grid “is designed for the core components - supplying electricity - but we are definitely pushing it to its limits,” says Melissa Lott, Partner for energy technologies at Microsoft*. The electricity grid has been described as one of the greatest achievements of human civilisation, because of its complexity, scale, and essential role in our societies. But it's been around for over century, and in some places its components are many decades old. Whatever you think about the future of energy, it seems clear that we need a modernized grid to meet the new challenges we are facing, including growing demand and increased reliance on variable renewables. So how do we build the right things in the right places? Joining Melissa and host Ed Crooks is first-time Energy Gang guest Alice Jackson. She's a VP of Grid Modeling at the think-tank and cleantech investment firm Breakthrough Energy*. Alice shares how Breakthrough Energy is working to help develop a grid that will meet future needs, around the world. Among other work, they are building open-source, open-access tools for grid planners, to shorten the time needed to secure regulatory approvals and start building. With rising energy needs driven by data centers for AI and new gigafactories, and new types of load such as EV charging, the grid requires radically different system planning to meet demand. On top of that, the physical infrastructure that makes up the grid is aging and badly in need of renewal in many developed countries. Alice, Ed and Melissa discuss the challenge of balancing the need to replace old and crumbling infrastructure with the need to scale up capacity to match demand. The gang also assess a recent paper from the US Department of Energy, which warns that “the status quo is unsustainable” for the nation's grid. And they debate cutting-edge approaches that are being proposed to help boost flexibility in electricity systems and minimise the need for more fossil fuel generation. The US energy department report discussed in this episode can be found here: https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-releases-report-evaluating-us-grid-reliability-and-security*Melissa and Alice are appearing in this episode in a personal capacity; their views do not necessarily represent those of Microsoft or Breakthrough Energy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we take a trip in a time machine, five years into the future. 2030 has been set as a deadline for many climate goals, and is a milestone for checking progress towards a low-carbon energy system. Ed Crooks, Amy Myers Jaffe and Melissa Lott imagine themselves five years from now, and look back at how the US energy industry has changed since the “big beautiful bill” was passed. What do they think have been the key headlines from the last half-decade? And how will history judge America's energy bets?The reconciliation bill that was signed into law by President Trump on July 4 restricted support for low-carbon energy, especially wind and solar power, and doubled down on fossil fuels. The gang break down the sectors that are most at risk, and assess what the changes to tax credits will mean for project developers in renewables and storage. EVs are another sector that will be hit hard. Amy warns that the end result is likely to be a struggling US auto industry and increased Chinese dominance. Another important change is that geopolitics is playing an increased role in deciding who can claim tax credits and who can't. The new rules on FEOCs – foreign entities of concern – from China, Iran, Russia and North Korea could cause headaches for battery storage developers, in particular.Mitigating the impact of all that are state policies and private sector commitments to invest in clean energy, which will continue to push the industry forward. Will they be enough? Amy Myers Jaffe is Director of the Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab at NYU. Melissa Lott is a Partner at Microsoft, focusing on energy technology, speaking on the show in a personal capacity.With host Ed Crooks, they assess whether the “big beautiful bill” will result in a lasting setback for clean energy in the US, or just a pause for breathe before the next leap forward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Building out the electricity grid was traditionally a predictable and straightforward business. Now it's like trying to land a jet on a moving aircraft carrier in the dark. That's a quote from this week's guest Quinn Nakayama. He's the senior director of Grid Research and Innovation at Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). He joins host Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers Jaffe to discuss how California is dealing with all the uncertainty created by new demands being placed on the grid: variable renewable generation, electric vehicles, data centers, and more. Quinn refers to the fast-changing electricity system of today as the ‘crazy grid', because so many things are happening at once. Wind and solar power create new challenges for grid stability, while batteries and demand response offer new solutions. Electric vehicles, following mandates from the state of California and other governments around the world, create new patterns of electricity consumption. The latest breakthroughs in AI are creating a surge in power demand from data centers. And those advances in AI are also opening up new possibilities for grid management. Planning is harder than ever. Are Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) an important solution? Amy, Ed and Quinn debate their effectiveness; these tools are helpful, but they can't solve everything. Large loads such as data centers still need major upgrades to wires and substations. But with a high penetration of electric vehicles, California is working on smart tech that makes it easier to install EV chargers without expensive upgrades. PG&E is also exploring faster ways to connect large users, such as allowing temporary solutions until new lines are built. Despite the range of innovations that are available, and the exciting rate of progress in new technologies, the US risks falling behind other countries. Quinn and Amy warn that cuts in support for clean energy and EVs could lead to the US losing out to China, which is investing heavily in these technologies. The Reconciliation Bill that was signed into law last week included abrupt curtailments of tax credits for wind and solar power. So what is the right way forward for the grid? For the electricity system to meet the fast-evolving demands of the modern world, it needs everything: more energy, more flexibility, and faster action. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week the US budget reconciliation legislation, dubbed the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill', squeaked through the Senate on a 51/50 vote. The bill has wide-ranging implications for energy in the US, including an imminent end to tax credits for wind and solar power. To discuss what the new legislation means, host Ed Crooks is joined by regular guest Amy Myers-Jaffe, director of NYU's Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab. Also joining the show are Robbie Orvis, senior director of Modeling and Analysis at the think-tank Energy Innovation, and Jeremy Horan, VP for Government Affairs at ACORE, the American Council on Renewable Energy. They discuss some of the key implications of bill: less investment in wind and solar, increased use of natural gas, and a relatively bright outlook for battery storage. And they explain the dramatic twists and turns of the past few days that have brought us to where we are today. They also dive into the impacts of the dreaded rules on FEOC: Foreign Entities of Concern. These are new regulations intended to ensure that companies controlled by China and Russia, among others, don't benefit from US energy subsidies. But they will have the effect of tying the industry up in a mountain of new red tape. Before that, Ed and Amy talk about an even more dramatic event in global energy: the US intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict. The US dropped 30,000 pound ‘bunker-buster' bombs on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated with threats to close the Straight of Hormuz: the critical artery that delivers oil from the Gulf to the West. But by the middle of last week, tensions had eased significantly: there was a ceasefire, and negotiations were under way to agree a lasting peace. Put it all together, and it adds up to a hectic couple of weeks for the future of energy. Expect in-depth analysis of all the news, and ideas on how the energy industry can prepare for what's coming.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sponsored content from Shoals Technologies Group.EBOS – electrical balance of systems – includes everything that carries electricity from solar panels to the grid: wiring, switches, connector boxes and other components. It might not grab headlines, but it's the backbone of every solar and storage project, and is essential to performance, reliability and project success. In this special episode of The Energy Gang, host Ed Crooks talks with Stephen LaFleur, Senior Director of Sales for Utility-Scale Solar at Shoals Technologies Group, about why getting EBOS right is critical. Stephen explains how incorporating EBOS early in project planning helps EPCs and developers avoid delays, lower costs, and ensure long-term reliability.Connectors are just one example of an EBOS component that can cause serious issues. A recent report from HelioVolta found that 83% of projects surveyed had at least one connector-related issue, many of them due to simple installation mistakes. In one solar portfolio, connector failure and replacement costs added up to nearly 60% of annual revenues. So how can developers avoid that kind of severe cost impact? Stephen and Ed discuss. Also joining the conversation is Grant Reasor – he's an Associate Electrical Engineer for Solar PV and Storage Projects at Burns & McDonnell, the international architecture, engineering and construction firm. From a project engineer's point of view, he unpacks why EBOS matters more than ever, especially as the industry shifts to higher voltages and looks to repower aging solar sites.The solar and storage industries are evolving fast. Stephen and Grant break down how smart EBOS choices can improve efficiency, reduce risk, and support the next wave of clean energy growth.This episode is brought to you by Shoals Technologies Group. If you are in clean energy, you know that project success depends on more than just panels and batteries, it's about the electrical backbone that connects it all. That's where Shoals comes in. Their factory-built, rigorously-tested EBOS solutions for solar and storage streamline installs, reduce costs, and improve long-term reliability. Want to learn more? Just head over to shoals.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The world is experiencing a new reality: infrastructure, agriculture, and supply chains were built for a historical climate that no longer exists. Last year the average global surface temperature was about 1.47° C warmer than in the late 19th century, according to NASA. On current trends we are on course for perhaps 2.7° C of warming by the end of the current century: far in excess of the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5° C.As it becomes increasingly likely that the world is not going to cut greenhouse gas emissions enough to meet that Paris goal, it becomes more and more important for us to learn how to adapt and become more resilient in a warming world.It's an issue that has been a focus for Dr Sarah Kapnick, the Global Head of Climate Advisory at the bank JP Morgan. She is a former Chief Scientist at NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and she knows the worlds of climate science and climate finance inside out.She returns to the show to talk to host Ed Crooks and regular Amy Myers-Jaffe about what the world's failure to get on track for meeting the Paris goals means for finance, investment and our futures. Together they unpack what global warming means for economies, energy systems and vulnerable communities. One critical point where climate damages and risks are emerging as an urgent issue is in insurance costs. Some areas are becoming uninsurable as threats of flooding or wildfires mount. The impacts are worst for low-income communities and countries. Without support to adapt and build resilience, many nations could face a climate-induced debt spiral. So what can we do to be prepared for a warming world? How are energy companies investing to stay ahead of the risks? And can there be a profitable business in climate adaptation? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the third and final special episode recorded live from the ACORE Finance Forum, host Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers Jaffe talk to industry leaders to explore some key issues in renewable energy technology and finance.Amy starts the episode by speaking with David Ulrey, CFO of Fervo Energy, an innovative geothermal startup. David shares insights into Fervo's projects, including their initial commercial pilot in Nevada and the ambitious 100-megawatt development in Utah. They discuss the challenges and successes of pioneering next-generation geothermal energy, the potential for the technology to offer clean, reliable power across the US, and the evolving landscape of financing structures in the industry.Ed then sits down with Mona Dajani, global co-head of Energy, Infrastructure and Hydrogen at the law firm Baker Botts. Mona provides an expert perspective on the shifting sands of energy dealmaking amidst political and economic uncertainty in the US. She highlights how companies are rapidly pivoting their strategies, shifting from green hydrogen to alternative technologies or repurposing sites for data centres, and discusses why global markets remain committed to clean energy despite changing US policy priorities.Later, Ed and Amy speak with leaders from businesses supported by ACORE's Accelerate programme. Amy talks with Tonya Hicks, founder of Power Solutions Inc, who shares her inspiring journey as a woman entrepreneur in electrical contracting and renewable energy. Tonya stresses the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of policy volatility and argues that the industry's momentum will continue despite political shifts.Ed also speaks with Jennifer Rouda, CEO of 7Skyline, who discusses the unique challenges faced by tribal governments in the US pursuing renewable energy projects. Jennifer highlights the critical role of bridging finance and impact investors as federal funding becomes less predictable.Finally, Ed and Amy wrap up with a comprehensive conversation with Ray Long, President and CEO of ACORE. Ray summarises key themes from the forum, including the industry's concerns about the abrupt potential removal of energy tax credits and the urgent need for viable alternative financing mechanisms. He underscores the economic and environmental impacts of current legislative uncertainty and outlines the future resilience strategies the clean energy industry may adopt. This concludes our three-part series from the ACORE Finance Forum. We'll be back in two weeks, resuming regular coverage of all the latest developments and discussions shaping 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.

As the US races against China to develop the most advanced capabilities in AI, energy is critical. In this second episode from the ACORE finance forum, we speak to experts about how US energy policy, and in particular the reconciliation bill now being debated in Congress, might affect that race.Host Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers Jaffe talk first to Joseph Webster, a Senior Fellow at the think-tank the Atlantic Council. They discuss the need for increased power supplies for data centers, the US reliance on clean energy supply chains that originate in China, and the challenges facing attempts to reduce that dependence.Ed and Amy then talk to Seth Hanlon, a Senior Fellow at the New York University Tax Law Center, and to Lesley Hunter, the Senior VP for Policy and Engagement at ACORE. They dig into the politics around the reconciliation bill currently being worked on in the Senate. Seth previously worked at the US Treasury on the implementation of the energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act, and shares his perspectives on the possible effects of the new legislation that could come out of Congress. Lesley provides her insight on the prospects for persuading senators to support a more favorable outcome for the clean energy industry.This is the second of three special episodes from the ACORE Finance Forum. We'll be back next week with further coverage of all the essential conversations at the event.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Energy Gang are at The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Finance Forum in New York City, which brings together industry leaders, investors, and bankers to discuss the hottest issues in clean energy. Host Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers Jaffe talk to ACORE Chief Executive and President Ray Long about the uncertainty hanging over the industry following the debate in Congress over repealing energy tax credits. He talks about the reasons why a Republican president and Congress should preserve tax breaks for low carbon technologies to advance their energy dominance agenda. Ed and Amy also talk to Meghan Schultz, EVP and Chief Financial Officer of Invenergy, the largest independent power producer in the US, and to Ted Brandt, CEO and Founder of Marathon Capital. They explain the impact that uncertainty over tax credits has already had on their businesses. They discuss what rising demand from data centers means for electricity prices. And they explore the potential implications if subsidies for low carbon energy are scrapped.Finally, Ed and Amy reflect on what the proposed legislation could mean for energy competition between the US and China.This is the first of three special episodes from the ACORE Finance Forum. We'll be back tomorrow with further coverage of all the essential conversations at the event.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legislation with massive implications for clean energy in the US has been making progress in Congress. The Republican party's “big beautiful bill”, introducing sweeping changes to taxes and government spending, would phase out most of the tax credits for low-carbon energy that were created, expanded or extended in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022.To unpack the proposals and examine what they might mean for the US and the world, host Ed Crooks is joined by some of the Energy Gang's top policy wonks:Amy Myers-Jaffe, Director of NYU's Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability LabRobbie Orvis, Senior Director for Modelling and Analysis at the thinktank Energy InnovationRay Long, President and Chief Executive of the American Council on Renewable Energy They discuss whether the phaseout of tax credits for wind, solar and storage will deter the development of renewable energy. The credits have created a whole industry to support investment in new renewables projects. What happens if those credits go away?The group also dig into the crucial details of the proposals, including changes to the transferability of tax credits, and more stringent provisions on “foreign entities of concern” or FEOCs. Those rules could affect the majority of clean energy projects in the US. As of Tuesday 20th May, the game is not over. Some Republicans in the House and the Senate senators think the proposals don't fit with the administration's bigger goals, and have been fighting to save at least some of the credits.The gang set out the various options for how the negotiations over the bill could play out, and assess the potential damage.And they ask the question: could clean energy in the US actually be better off without support from tax credits?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the most talked-about academic paper this year in the world of energy. Rethinking Load Growth, co-authored by Tyler Norris of Duke University has caused a stir in energy circles because it offers a new perspective on the hottest issue of the moment: how to provide power for new data centers and other large consumers. With new sources of electricity demand growing rapidly – from data centers for AI to battery factories to EV charging networks – grid planners are scrambling to understand how to integrate large new loads without breaking the system or budgets. That is the question for Rethinking Load Growth, and it delivers a startling insight: The US grid could absorb 98 gigawatts of new load, IF those loads can be sufficiently flexible. They would need to be curtailed for just 0.5% of the year, which is about 42 hours in total – not all in one go, but in blocks averaging a couple of hours at a time.That kind of load flexibility could unlock faster, cheaper grid expansion, with big implications for investors, policymakers, and companies racing to develop new data centers and other facilities.Tyler joins the show with host Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers-Jaffe to discuss his research. They debate the questions:Why is his paper is causing so much interest in energy circles, and beyondWhat real-world adoption of flexible load looks like for data centersWhether virtual power plants (VPPs) are the missing pieceAnd how governments and regulators could make or break this opportunitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/theenergygangSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

The interplay of public and private financing.In another special episode of The Energy Gang from COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Ed Crooks explores the challenges and opportunities of mobilizing climate finance to support the energy transition in emerging markets. With a focus on bridging the gap between ambition and action, this episode explores the nuances of climate finance, the critical role of project preparation, and the growing need for equity investment to unlock sustainable development.As the "Finance COP", COP29 is under pressure to deliver concrete outcomes on climate finance. This episode highlights the urgent need for innovative funding solutions, greater public-private collaboration, and systemic reforms to ensure that financing reaches the countries and projects that need it most.Raquel Moses of the Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator emphasizes the importance of disaggregating climate finance into grants, equity, concessionary loans, and other forms of capital. She explains why clarity on funding types is critical to addressing bottlenecks in project development, particularly in the Caribbean and other emerging markets.Ben Attia of Allied Climate Partners highlights the shortage of bankable projects in emerging markets and explains how his organization deploys philanthropic capital to de-risk early-stage infrastructure projects. By addressing first-loss capital and 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 in annual climate finance needed to meet global goals.In the final part of this episode, we talk to Jang Ping Thia of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to discuss how MDBs can support the energy transition in rapidly growing regions like Asia. He emphasizes 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.

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.

A special COP29 episode exploring the power of states, regions, and cities to advance the energy transition amid uncertain national policiesIn 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.

The role of development banks in climate financeThe 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.

President Trump plans a sharp change of directionThe 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.

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.