Podcasts about clean energy transition

Get in touch - leave me a messageNo one wants to ship water around the world. That one line says a lot about the next phase of energy storage.In this episode of Climate Confident, I'm joined by Min Tang, Director of International Business at Rongke Power, one of the world's leading vanadium flow battery companies. We get into why long-duration storage is moving from climate tech side-story to core grid infrastructure, and why that matters for decarbonisation, energy transition planning, net zero delivery, emissions reduction, and policy.You'll hear why vanadium flow batteries are not trying to replace lithium-ion batteries, and why that matters. Different problem. Different tool. Min explains how flow batteries can run for more than 20,000 cycles, retain capacity over decades, and support grid-scale black start, the kind of resilience that becomes rather important when grids are asked to absorb more renewables, power more electrification, and stay upright while demand from industry and AI data centres grows.We dig into the economics too: why storage duration changes cost, how electrolyte leasing can cut upfront CapEx, and why local supply chains could become a major strategic advantage. You might be shocked to learn that localisation is baked into this technology because the electrolyte is mostly water. Glamorous? No. Important? Absolutely.

In this episode, Ian is joined by Mario Acquistapace, Investment Research Director at CapGen, to discuss the theme of energy transition, including:An overview of the energy transition landscape, including the drivers and opportunitiesThe evolution of our investment research process Clean Energy Transition's investment strategy and our rationale for selecting them as a partner

Get in touch - leave me a messageFake people. Fake comments. Real clean energy projects killed.This is what climate delay looks like in the AI era.In this episode of Climate Confident, I'm joined by Leah Qusba, CEO of GoodPower, an organisation working at the intersection of climate tech, culture, policy, and decarbonisation. We explore a hard truth about the energy transition: solar, wind, batteries, and electrification may be ready, but public trust, local permission, and disinformation are now decisive barriers to getting projects built.You'll hear why Leah believes fossil fuel dependence is becoming harder to defend as “secure energy”, especially when oil and gas volatility keeps spilling into bills, food prices, business costs, and household budgets. We dig into why clean energy should be framed less as sacrifice and more as protection: protection from price shocks, geopolitical risk, climate impacts, and the charming little habit fossil fuels have of making everything more expensive.We also get into GoodPower's research on what actually changes minds. Their storytelling work has reached tens of millions of people and, in tested campaigns, shifted audiences from NIMBY to YIMBY by 11%. Leah explains why the right messenger can matter more than the perfect message, why rural voices can unlock rural support, and why creators in food, fashion, gaming, cars, comedy, and culture may be more effective climate communicators than traditional climate voices.And yes, we talk about AI-generated disinformation in permitting decisions, fake public pressure, and why pre-bunking false claims before they spread may become essential for emissions reduction, net zero delivery, and climate policy that survives contact with reality.

Most people see action on climate change as essential. But powerful lobbies continue to push the other way. Understanding what drives corporate opposition to climate policy therefore matters enormously. New research examines one underexplored factor: company ownership structures. Are publicly listed firms more likely to oppose climate action than privately held ones? Does it matter how concentrated a company's ownership is, or how short-term its investors' horizons are? And what are the implications for governments trying to advance climate policy? Joining host Alan Renwick to discuss the findings is Jared Finnegan, Lecturer in Public Policy at the UCL Department of Political Science and one of the study's co-authors. Mentioned in this episode: Fighting the Future: Short-Term Investors and Business Opposition to Climate Policy by Jared J. Finnegan and Jonas Meckling, British Journal of Political Science.

I spoke with Dr. Thea Riofrancos about the ethical concerns that come with trying to transition away from fossil fuels and to a clean energy system, specifically focusing on lithium mining as the example she highlighted in her book. Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism Music is by Evan Schaeffer

Cornell Atkinson Center:  https://www.atkinson.cornell.edu/ Clean Air Task Force: https://www.catf.us/ energy@cornell: https://ecornell.short.gy/KFArWw The clean energy transition is reshaping how the world powers economies, builds infrastructure, and plans for a resilient future. This Keynote from the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability brings together three leading experts to break down the core technologies, systems, and societal shifts defining this transformative moment. Designed for professionals across sectors, the conversation will offer a clear, accessible overview of renewable energy, grid modernization, carbon management, sustainable materials, and the complex policy and market forces driving global progress. It will also highlight how Cornell researchers, alongside key partners like the Clean Air Task Force, are advancing effective, science-based solutions for a sustainable future. What You'll Learn: How renewable energy systems can scale alongside existing infrastructure while reducing fossil fuel dependence Why grid modernization and energy storage are crucial for reliability in a renewable-powered future The essential role of carbon capture and removal technologies in achieving true net-zero emissions How sustainable materials, circular systems, and mineral supply chains strengthen long-term energy security Key societal, economic, and policy shifts needed to ensure an equitable energy transition How the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability is partnering with industry and communities to drive meaningful impact Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.

Get in touch - leave me a messageWhat if fossil fuels aren't energy security at all, but exposure dressed up as realism?This war is making that harder and harder to ignore.In this bonus episode of Climate Confident+, I unpack why the US and Israel's war against Iran is forcing a faster rethink of fossil fuels, renewables, EVs, and electrification. This is a solo episode with me, Tom Raftery, and the stakes couldn't be clearer: if your economy, business, or household still depends on fuels whose supply and price are hostage to geopolitics, then your energy security is far shakier than most politicians care to admit.You'll hear why I argue that fossil fuel dependence is not just an emissions problem, but an exposure problem. We dig into how war-driven shocks hit shipping, transport costs, inflation, industrial margins, and policy. And you might be surprised to learn why renewables, storage, grids, and EVs are starting to look less like climate tech talking points and more like strategic infrastructure for decarbonisation, emissions reduction, and real resilience.I also break down the numbers from IRENA and the IEA, including the cost advantage of new renewable power, the scale of clean energy investment, and the growing impact of electric vehicles on oil demand. Plus, I share a personal story from the Iberian blackout that brought home just how practical electrification can be in a crisis.

Guest: Oliver Gunasekara, CEO & Co-Founder, Impossible Metals Website: impossiblemetals.com Eureka Collection System animation: https://impossiblemetals.com/blog/next-generation-eureka-collection-system-animation-now-available/ Context & Further Reading: ISA (International Seabed Authority): isa.int DISCOL experiment — long-term seafloor disturbance study: https://www.discol.de/index.html IEA Critical Minerals Report (recycling projections): https://www.iea.org/reports/global-critical-minerals-outlook-2025 Our previous episode: Trump Administration Ocean Policy Forum with Dr. Andrew Thaler, Dr. Diva Amon, and Angelo Villagomez Key Terms: Polymetallic nodules: Mineral-rich concretions found on the deep seafloor, taking millions of years to form UNCLOS: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Common Heritage of Mankind: Legal principle that certain global resources belong to all of humanity ISA: International Seabed Authority — the UN body governing deep seabed mining in international waters AUV: Autonomous Underwater Vehicle BGR: German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe)

Send me a messageAI may be booming, but the real bottleneck to it's growth may be turbines. And if firm power can't scale fast enough, parts of the energy transition hit a wall.In this episode, I'm joined by Brad Hartwig, Co-founder and CEO of Arbor Energy, to unpack a part of the climate tech and energy transition story that gets far too little attention: the physical machinery needed to deliver reliable, round-the-clock power. Arbor is developing modular supercritical CO2 turbines with integrated carbon capture, aimed at tackling one of the hardest problems in decarbonisation: how to provide firm, scalable electricity while still driving emissions reduction and keeping net zero in view.We dig into why turbine shortages are becoming a serious constraint on hyperscale data centres, utilities, and industrial electrification, and you'll hear why Brad believes this is now a critical choke point for both AI infrastructure and climate progress. You might be surprised to learn how stretched the traditional turbine supply chain has become, and why legacy manufacturers may be structurally mismatched to meet the moment.We also get into oxy-combustion, methane leakage, biomass, carbon sequestration, long-duration storage, and the awkward reality that wind, solar, batteries, and grid expansion, while essential, may still leave gaps when it comes to firm power. This is a grounded conversation about climate tech, policy, energy transition strategy, and what serious infrastructure thinking looks like when the easy slogans run out.

Comments/ideas: ACFpod@outlook.comASEAN requires a staggering $280 billion annually to meet its clean energy targets, placing the mobilisation of global capital at the heart of the regional agenda. In this episode, Dinita Setywati and Alnie Demoral, two experts from the energy think tank Ember explain why a modernised power grid is the essential backbone for Southeast Asia's green transition. You will learn how to de-risk renewable energy projects and evaluate competing financing models from China, Japan, and the US. Discover how better regional coordination and multidisciplinary education can bridge the investment gap to secure Asia's climate economy.ABOUT DINITA AND ALNIE: Dr Dinita Setyawati analyses electricity policy across Southeast Asia and promotes the use of clean power in electricity, transportation and industrial sectors. She holds a PhD in Global Environmental Study from Kyoto University of Japan, and a Master's in Southeast Asian Studies from SOAS, University of London. She is often consulted and has published on topics related to energy justice and sustainable development. She is an author of peer-reviewed publications and a book including State-of-the-Art Indonesia Energy Transition.Alnie Demoral is experienced in energy modeling and policy assessment. She has worked with various national and regional organizations across the Philippines and Southeast Asia to advance sustainable energy development and strengthen energy security through modeling and data-driven analysis. Her work focuses on identifying policy gaps and providing evidence-based recommendations to address them. She holds a Master of Science in Energy Engineering and is currently pursuing her PhD in the same field at the University of the Philippines.RECOMMENDATIONS:From AI to emissions:  Aligning ASEAN's digital growth with energy  transition goals. A report by Ember on how AI can support power system operation and renewables integration.Sexy Killers. An Indonesian documentary examining the environmental, social, and political impacts of coal mining and coal power investment in Indonesia [Note YouTube erroneously flags the documentary as having inappropriate content].Dr Dinita Setyawati, State-of-the-Art Indonesia Energy Transition: Empirical Analysis of Energy Programs Acceptance (Springer 2023). A book on Indonesia's energy and societal transition.Trump & Iran: Strategy or Instability? - Inside America. A TRT World documentary exploring recent US–Iran tensions and their geopolitical implications.Bitter Rivals: Iran and Saudi Arabia, Part One – FRONTLINE. A Frontline PBS documentary series on the history and evolution of US–Iran relations, providing context for current conflicts.[Not available in all countries] HOST, PRODUCTION, ARTWORK: Joseph Jacobelli  |  MUSIC: Ep76 onward excerpts from Vivaldi's La Follia, played by Luca Jacobelli.

Send me a messageWhat if the biggest climate lever in fashion isn't better materials, but simply wearing clothes longer?The fashion industry accounts for roughly 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of industrial water pollution. In this episode of Climate Confident, I'm joined by Phoebe Tan, co-founder of Taelor, a menswear rental subscription service using AI-driven styling and real-world garment data to rethink how we consume clothing. The challenge isn't just fabric choice. It's overproduction, underutilisation, and a system optimised for churn instead of longevity.We dig into how rental models can increase garment utilisation and reduce emissions by extending lifecycle wear. You'll hear why durability data, wear rates, damage rates, wash cycles, may be more powerful than sustainability marketing. Phoebe explains how Taelor feeds performance insights back to brands, effectively becoming a live testing lab for quality and circularity. And we explore a hard truth: convenience often drives behaviour change faster than climate messaging ever will.If net zero requires rethinking consumption systems, fashion is a revealing case study. This isn't about trends. It's about utilisation density, supply chain feedback loops, and whether circular fashion can scale beyond a niche audience.

Send me a messageCoal produces 4,000–8,000x more waste per MWh than wind.But you can't take a photo of CO₂, so we ignore it.In this episode, I'm joined by climate futurist and long-term decarbonisation modeller Michael Barnard. We cut through headlines to examine where the energy transition is actually heading - from electrification and maritime shipping to mass timber, industrial relocation, and grid efficiency. The stakes? Whether we build a cheaper, cleaner energy system, or cling to fossil-era assumptions.You'll hear why electrifying everything could cut primary energy demand by up to half.We dig into how 40% of global shipping may simply disappear as fossil fuel trade declines.And you might be shocked to learn why solar panels and wind turbines create thousands of times less waste per MWh than coal, yet attract far more outrage.We also explore how cheap renewables are reshaping industrial geography, why Spain's sunshine could outcompete former gas hubs, and how making electricity cheaper than fossil fuels changes everything.Interestingly, Seville's iconic wooden “Setas” isn't just architecture, it's proof that mass timber can replace steel and concrete at scale, locking carbon into buildings instead of the atmosphere.This is climate tech grounded in physics, economics, and human behaviour, not hype.

As Mumbai hosted its first Climate Week, the spotlight is on how India's fast-growing cities will navigate the accelerating energy transition. Renewable power is now cheaper than ever, electric vehicles are expanding globally, and India has emerged as one of the world's largest generators of wind and solar energy. Yet the shift away from fossil fuels is proving uneven. Regulatory bottlenecks and financing gaps are slowing the pace of change even as electricity demand surges. That demand is set to climb further with the rapid expansion of AI and data centres, raising fresh questions about energy sources and long-term lock-ins. At the same time, Mumbai faces intensifying heatwaves, heavier rainfall and the long-term threat of sea-level rise, vulnerabilities that sit uneasily alongside large-scale infrastructure projects and rising air pollution levels. Urban planning choices made today, from coastal development to transport electrification, could determine whether the city builds climate resilience or compounds future risk. Can India's growth story remain compatible with its climate commitments? Will rising power demand from technology and infrastructure revive fossil fuel dependence, or accelerate clean electrification? Can India's financial capital turn climate pressure into an opportunity to lead? Guest: Helen Clarkson, CEO, Climate Group Host: Vinaya Deshpande Pandit Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send me a messageAI's energy demand isn't a future problem. It's straining grids today. And most companies aren't ready.In this episode, I'm joined by Beatrice Clark, Vice President of Sustainability and Social Impact at Turtle and Hughes, a North American electrical distributor and systems integrator working at the sharp edge of the energy transition. We unpack what surging AI and data centre growth means for infrastructure, resilience, and real-world decarbonisation - not in theory, but on the ground.You'll hear why energy demand from AI is now “on the tip of everybody's tongue”, and how utilities and independent producers are scrambling to keep up. We dig into the tension between diesel reliability and microgrid ambition, and why hybrid redundancy may be the uncomfortable truth of the transition. You might be surprised to learn how fleet electrification looks when you're moving heavy loads across unpredictable routes. It's not ideology. It's maths, logistics, and physics.We also explore double materiality, Scope 3 collaboration, and why sustainability only works when it strengthens operational performance. Net zero isn't achieved in PowerPoint. It's delivered through infrastructure, policy, and accountability across the value chain.If you care about climate tech, grid transformation, emissions reduction, and what decarbonisation actually looks like inside energy-intensive businesses, this conversation cuts through the noise.Listen now to hear how Beatrice Clark and Turtle and Hughes are navigating the hard realities of the energy transition.Podcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers: Anita Krajnc Cecilia Skarupa Ben Gross Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Send me a messageHeating cities by opening windows is not a joke. It's how many buildings still control temperature in winter, and it's a climate disaster hiding in plain sight.In this episode, I'm joined by Drew Maggio, Technical Director at Highmark Building Efficiency, to unpack why buildings are one of the biggest, most underestimated levers in the climate transition, especially in dense cities like New York.Buildings account for roughly 70% of New York City's emissions, yet much of the stock was designed for an era of cheap fossil fuels, crude controls, and worst-case thinking. Drew works at the sharp end of fixing that. We talk about what actually breaks when you try to electrify old buildings, and why bad assumptions, not bad technology, are slowing progress.You'll hear why oversizing heat pumps for rare freezing days drives up costs and kills projects. We dig into how treating heat as a resource, not waste, unlocks massive gains, from wastewater heat recovery to capturing subway heat that currently just bakes tunnels to 100º F. And you might be surprised by how much energy can be recovered before it ever leaves a building.We also get into Local Law 97, New York's landmark building emissions regulation, and why it's forcing real-world change instead of glossy pledges. This is a grounded, practical conversation about decarbonisation, climate tech, policy, and the uncomfortable reality that many “heritage” systems are simply uncontrolled systems we've tolerated for too long.

Send me a messageEurope is drowning in cheap clean power, and still wasting it.The problem isn't renewables. It's what happens when the grid can't cope with abundance.In this episode of the Climate Confident Podcast, I'm joined by Oonagh O'Grady, Vice President of International Origination at Hydrostor, a global leader in long-duration energy storage. We dig into one of the most under-discussed blockers of the energy transition: what happens after wind and solar scale, but before the grid is ready.Oonagh explains why short-duration batteries, while essential, aren't enough once renewables reach 40–50% of the system. We unpack why grids are hitting curtailment, negative pricing, and instability, and why eight to twenty-four hours of long-duration energy storage is fast becoming the backbone of a reliable, net-zero power system.You'll hear why advanced compressed air energy storage can deliver fossil-free, utility-scale flexibility for decades, how it compares with batteries and pumped hydro on cost and performance, and why inertia and grid stability are suddenly back in the spotlight after recent European outages. We also get into the policy side: what leading regions like California, Australia, and the UK are getting right, and what Europe must do now if it wants secure, affordable, decarbonised electricity in the 2030s.This is a grounded, evidence-led conversation about climate tech that actually works at scale - and a reminder that without long-duration storage, the energy transition stalls just when it should be accelerating.

Send me a messageEurope doesn't have a clean energy problem. It has a grid problem.Solar is cheap. Batteries are scaling. Demand is exploding. The system in the middle is cracking.In this episode, I'm joined by Rob Stait, Managing Director of Alight's behind-the-meter business, to unpack why the energy transition is now being held back less by technology and more by infrastructure, regulation, and outdated thinking. Alight develops and owns onsite solar and battery systems for large energy users across Europe, using long-term PPAs to lock in savings, cut emissions, and build resilience.We dig into why waiting for cheaper solar or batteries is often the wrong call, and why businesses that move early gain a structural advantage. You'll hear how behind-the-meter solar and battery storage bypass grid bottlenecks entirely, why blaming renewables for blackouts misses the real issue, and how decentralised generation is reshaping energy security, affordability, and decarbonisation all at once.We also explore the uncomfortable reality facing Europe's grids, the growing role of data centres and electrification, and why microgrids are starting to look less like an edge case and more like the logical endgame of the energy transition. This is a grounded conversation about climate tech that works, emissions reduction that scales, and why net zero will be built through economics as much as policy.

Clean energy won't save us from the effects of climate change.Amid corporate Net Zero campaigns, the politics of the Green New Deal, and the calls to abandon fossil fuels for renewable technology — or vice versa — lies a troubling truth: No clean technological solutions can solve the problem of human-induced climate change.To find a credible path to a sustainable future, we must set aside hopes of building our way out of humanity's addictions to energy and material convenience. In Why We Struggle to Go Green: Hard Truths about the Clean Energy Transition (Texas A&M Press, 2025), Tom Ortiz offers a clear-eyed assessment of our efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change. As a mechanical engineer who has traversed the conventional and renewable energy landscapes for 30 years, Ortiz provides an in-depth yet easy-to-understand assessment of the harsh reality facing mankind.Bridging the gap between academic research and journalism, Ortiz shows why there are no easy answers in the energy transition. Beginning with a general overview of human energy use and a summary of key physical constraints on energy and natural resource extraction, the book details five pillars of the transition: electrification, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, recycling, and carbon pricing. Ortiz concludes with recommendations for changes society can make that, while perhaps painful and controversial, will reduce our collective environmental impact and bequeath a more manageable legacy to future generations.Why We Struggle to Go Green cuts through the hype and rhetoric to offer something rare: climate change realism from someone who's spent decades looking for solutions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Clean energy won't save us from the effects of climate change.Amid corporate Net Zero campaigns, the politics of the Green New Deal, and the calls to abandon fossil fuels for renewable technology — or vice versa — lies a troubling truth: No clean technological solutions can solve the problem of human-induced climate change.To find a credible path to a sustainable future, we must set aside hopes of building our way out of humanity's addictions to energy and material convenience. In Why We Struggle to Go Green: Hard Truths about the Clean Energy Transition (Texas A&M Press, 2025), Tom Ortiz offers a clear-eyed assessment of our efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change. As a mechanical engineer who has traversed the conventional and renewable energy landscapes for 30 years, Ortiz provides an in-depth yet easy-to-understand assessment of the harsh reality facing mankind.Bridging the gap between academic research and journalism, Ortiz shows why there are no easy answers in the energy transition. Beginning with a general overview of human energy use and a summary of key physical constraints on energy and natural resource extraction, the book details five pillars of the transition: electrification, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, recycling, and carbon pricing. Ortiz concludes with recommendations for changes society can make that, while perhaps painful and controversial, will reduce our collective environmental impact and bequeath a more manageable legacy to future generations.Why We Struggle to Go Green cuts through the hype and rhetoric to offer something rare: climate change realism from someone who's spent decades looking for solutions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/environmental-studies

Clean energy won't save us from the effects of climate change.Amid corporate Net Zero campaigns, the politics of the Green New Deal, and the calls to abandon fossil fuels for renewable technology — or vice versa — lies a troubling truth: No clean technological solutions can solve the problem of human-induced climate change.To find a credible path to a sustainable future, we must set aside hopes of building our way out of humanity's addictions to energy and material convenience. In Why We Struggle to Go Green: Hard Truths about the Clean Energy Transition (Texas A&M Press, 2025), Tom Ortiz offers a clear-eyed assessment of our efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change. As a mechanical engineer who has traversed the conventional and renewable energy landscapes for 30 years, Ortiz provides an in-depth yet easy-to-understand assessment of the harsh reality facing mankind.Bridging the gap between academic research and journalism, Ortiz shows why there are no easy answers in the energy transition. Beginning with a general overview of human energy use and a summary of key physical constraints on energy and natural resource extraction, the book details five pillars of the transition: electrification, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, recycling, and carbon pricing. Ortiz concludes with recommendations for changes society can make that, while perhaps painful and controversial, will reduce our collective environmental impact and bequeath a more manageable legacy to future generations.Why We Struggle to Go Green cuts through the hype and rhetoric to offer something rare: climate change realism from someone who's spent decades looking for solutions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture

Power system flexibility has emerged as a central challenge of decarbonizing the electric power industry worldwide. In China, new coal-fired generation is still being added to meet rising peak loads, and newly-constructed coal plants are required to operate flexibly, but the system still features a relatively low degree of flexibility. In this podcast Anders Hove, […] The post OIES Podcast – Flexibility Case Studies for China's Clean Energy Transition appeared first on Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

Send me a messageWhat happens when solar stops being just “cheap” and becomes game-changingly efficient as well, pushing past 30% and reshaping global power economics?In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Thurlow, a 25-year solar veteran and commercial lead at Caelux, to unpack how perovskite-silicon tandem modules could transform not just clean energy - but the resilience, cost base, and strategic footing of every organisation betting on electrification. With AI, manufacturing, and data centres driving power demand through the roof, the timing couldn't be more critical.You'll hear how silicon, after 50 years of slow gains, is suddenly getting a step-change boost - not from exotic space tech, but from a thin layer of perovskites that can add 5–6 efficiency points in a single leap. We break down why this matters for utility-scale projects, residential economics, and global supply chain risk as manufacturing begins to regionalise.You might be surprised to learn how close this is to reality: Caelux has already shipped its first commercial product, with more deployments planned in 2026. And Aaron explains why this shift could help companies bridge policy uncertainty, lower project costs, and even change the global balance of energy independence.

John Helveston of George Washington University discusses why a U.S. pullback from China on EVs is risky, and why engagement could strengthen America’s auto industry. --- China has rapidly become the center of global EV innovation, producing cars that are cheaper, faster to develop, and increasingly competitive in international markets. The United States, by contrast, is pulling back, eliminating incentives and pursuing policies that distance the country from China just as the global EV transition accelerates. George Washington University’s John Helveston, whose work focuses on global EV markets and China’s manufacturing system, argues that this course risks sidelining the U.S. from the technologies and supply chains shaping the automotive future. On the podcast, he explains why a more pragmatic approach that protects national security and workers while engaging with China’s central role in the EV ecosystem may be essential for America’s long-term position in the global auto industry. John Helveston is an associate professor in the department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering at George Washington University. Related Content Electric Vehicle Penetration and Urban Spatial Restructuring: A Case Study of Beijing with Geospatial Machine Learning https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/electric-vehicle-penetration-and-urban-spatial-restructuring-a-case-study-of-beijing-with-geospatial-machine-learning/ Battling for Batteries: Li-Ion Policy and Supply Chain Dynamics in the U.S. and China https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/battling-for-batteries-li-ion-policy-and-supply-chain-dynamics-in-the-u-s-and-china/ Energy Policy Now is produced by The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. For all things energy policy, visit kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Isaah Mhlanga, Chief Economist at RMB, about Africa’s shifting place in the global economy as outlined in RMB’s latest report, “Continent at a Crossroads: Africa’s Place in the World, Today and Tomorrow.” With the continent undergoing rapid transformation driven by population growth, urbanisation, and accelerating digital adoption, we unpack the most significant investment opportunities leading up to 2035 and the trends that will shape Africa’s economic trajectory. Mhlanga also explores how Africa can turn its young population into a competitive advantage, the role of technology in boosting global integration, how natural resources can be leveraged for sustainable development and the clean energy transition, and the key challenges, from governance gaps to limited access to capital , that stand in the way of unlocking the continent’s full potential. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send me a messageWhat if the real disruption in solar isn't the technology — but the business model behind it?This week I'm joined by Scott Therien, Director of Strategic Partnerships at REC Solar, to unpack one of the most important, and least discussed, shifts in the energy transition: the move from one-off construction projects to long-term, risk-bearing power-purchase agreements. It's a change that's quietly reshaping who owns energy infrastructure, who carries the financial risk, and how quickly commercial sectors can decarbonise.In this episode, you'll hear why the old “buy a solar system and hope it performs” mindset is being replaced by something far more aligned - developers putting up the capital, carrying the downside, and only winning when the customer wins. We dig into how solar-plus-storage now beats diesel on cost and resilience in many markets, why procurement processes often sabotage their own climate goals, and what separates successful projects from expensive disappointments. You might be surprised to learn how much hinges not on panels or batteries, but on load profiles, tariff structures, and whether an organisation actually knows what it wants.We also explore the future: a post-ITC world, the rise of data centres as demand engines, and unexpected benefits like agrivoltaics, including sheep producing better wool under solar arrays. It's a vivid reminder that decarbonisation isn't just an engineering exercise; it's a systems shift.

David Bromberg didn't want to start a company, and he didn't want to work at a big one. So after completing his Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon, he left for California and a job at a solar energy startup. Two years later, though, David returned to Pittsburgh to co-found a company with his Ph.D. advisor – an international expert in integrated circuit design -- and another colleague. Pearl Street Technologies developed software that automated and accelerated the grid interconnection process for renewable energy projects. The company was acquired in early 2025 by Austin, Texas-based Enverus. Midwest Moxie's executive producer is Audrey Nowakowski. She produced this episode. Subscribe to Midwest Moxie wherever you get your podcasts. And if you love Midwest Moxie as much as we do, help us out by posting a review.

A new University of Oxford report finds a rapid switch to renewables could double energy-sector productivity in low-to-middle income economies within 25 years. In many countries, this would result in a GDP boost by mid-century of around 10%. "Opting for clean energy could be an economic boon for solar-rich countries such as Burundi, DR Congo and Mozambique," says Professor Sam Fankhauser, Interim Director of Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment. "For context, 10% of GDP is roughly the amount countries typically spend on public health. These productivity gains are unprecedented, and it could be the developing countries that benefit the most." The importance and benefits of a clean energy transition Renewable energy boosts productivity in two ways: more electricity is generated per dollar invested, with fewer losses (for example to heat) compared to fossil fuels, and renewable energy is cheaper - enabling households, businesses and industries to run for longer at lower cost. The report quantifies this gain over the next 25 years and finds that renewable energy productivity gains are much higher in the Global South, resulting in an important advantage in the growing net zero economy. Renewables could finally start to close the income gap between rich and poor countries, say the authors. The report, part of a three-year research programme funded by energy company SSE, also investigates how renewable energy investment has already boosted GDP in low and middle-income countries as compared to fossil fuels. Spending on renewables gets multiplied in the local economy much more than fossil fuels - along the supply chain and through local wages. The analysis shows that from 2017-2022 this has boosted the GDP of the 100 largest developing countries (excluding China) by a combined US$1.2 trillion - the equivalent of 2 to 5% of GDP for most nations. In COP30 host Brazil, renewable investments raised GDP by US$128 billion. However, the authors caution that the economic benefits of renewables do not automatically flow to host communities. Instead, deliberate benefit-sharing mechanisms such as community benefit funds and co-ownership are needed. The report concludes by emphasising the potential of distributed renewable energy for accessibility and inclusion. "The success of the renewable energy transition will depend not only on lower costs and higher productivity - both of which are now all but guaranteed - but on our collective ability to ensure that its benefits are fairly and widely shared, leaving no community behind," says Professor Fankhauser. Rhian Kelly, Chief Sustainability Officer at SSE, comments: "Meaningful consultation must sit at the heart of every approach to community engagement. The most successful models go well beyond minimum requirements, reflecting the priorities and context of local people. By sharing learnings, we can identify what works best - and ensure that dedicated community funds are transparent, flexible, truly responsive to local needs. In the UK and Ireland, these funds have already supported more than 12,000 projects. With clear policy frameworks - including minimum contribution thresholds and standardised benefit-sharing agreements - we can build on this success and deliver lasting benefits for communities." The report will be uploaded here: https://www.smithschool.ox.ac. uk/research/economics sustainability About the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment The Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford equips enterprise to achieve net zero emissions and the sustainable development goals, through world-leading research, teaching and partnerships. https://www.smithschool.ox.ac. uk/ See more breaking stories here.

Earlier this month, Minnesota-based Xcel Energy announced it wants to double the amount of lithium battery storage it already planned to install next to its Sherco coal-fired power plant in central Minnesota. The batteries would allow Xcel to store energy produced at its wind, solar, nuclear and natural gas plants across the Upper Midwest.MPR News reporter Kirsti Marohn has been covering how batteries that store electricity on demand are becoming an increasingly important part of the transition to clean energy. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share more about her reporting as part of a weekly check in with MPR News reporters based in greater Minnesota.

On 30th September and 1st October 2025 we held our inaugural Money Maze Allocator Summit (MMAS). We gathered 120+ global investors & allocators - many of whom have been previous guests - for 2 days of fascinating investment discussions. It proved incredibly popular & much of that was a result of the quality of panels, moderators & topics! The moderator was the brilliant Annachiara Marcandalli, Global Head of Sustainability at Cambridge Associates.  The panel was Brian Menell (Chairman and CEO, TechMet), Per Lekander (CEO, Clean Energy Transition), Bill Orum (Partner, Capricorn Investment Group) & Kristin Eshak Weldon (Senior Managing Director, CCI).  The climatic changes challenging our world should not be in doubt. The responses, the consequences and the investment opportunities and risks are profound. The panel encompasses rare earths, electrification, power sources, uses and solutions, the EV charge, the continued role of hydrocarbons & much more… -- MMAS  - More Info & 2026 Event Registration - Please note that the 6th/7th October date indicated on the webpage remains provisional (as of 30/10/25). The Money Maze Podcast is kindly sponsored by Schroders, IFM Investors, World Gold Council and LSEG. 

A live discussion with Sanya Carley and David Konisky, authors of the new book Power Lines, on the inequities that define America’s energy system—and how they could carry into the clean energy future if left unacknowledged. --- In this special live episode of Energy Policy Now, recorded before an audience during Climate Week at the University of Pennsylvania, guests Sanya Carley and David Konisky discuss their new book Power Lines: The Human Costs of American Energy in Transition. The book explores how America’s energy system both reflects and reinforces deep social and economic divides, and why a cleaner grid won’t automatically lead to a fairer one. Drawing on a decade of research and stories from communities on the front lines of the energy transition, Carley and Konisky show that before the nation can make progress toward energy justice, it must first recognize the people and places most affected by the inequities built into the system. Power Lines explores how those inequities shape lives and communities across the United States. Sanya Carley is the Mark Alan Hughes Faculty Director of the Kleinman Center and Presidential Distinguished Professor of Energy Policy and City Planning at the Stuart Weitzman School of Design. David Konisky is the Associate Dean for Research and a Lynton K. Caldwell Professor at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. Together, they co-direct the Energy Justice Lab. Recorded live at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy during Penn’s Climate Week. Related Content: Communicating Climate Policy: Raising Public Awareness through Trusted Sources https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/communicating-climate-policy-raising-public-awareness-through-trusted-sources/ Navigating Tensions in Just Energy Transitions https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/navigating-tensions-in-just-energy-transitions/ Energy Policy Now is produced by The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. For all things energy policy, visit kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Grootes speaks to Seithati Bolipombo, Chief Commercial Officer at Mulilo, about the EU’s R230 billion pledge to support South Africa’s clean energy transition. The investment is set to boost Independent Power Producers, expand renewable energy infrastructure, and strengthen investor confidence, positioning South Africa as a key hub for sustainable energy collaboration with Europe. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded live on stage at our Everything Electric Farnborough show during the panel Tariffs, Tensions & the Race to Electrify: How Global Politics Is Shaping the Clean Energy Transition. From trade barriers and protectionist policies to shifting alliances, misinformation and industrial competition, the clean energy transition is playing out against an increasingly political backdrop.  With a year of Labour leadership in the UK and mounting global competition, this discussion dives into how politics is shaping the future of EVs, supply chains, and energy infrastructure. On stage with Robert Llewellyn: Tim Dexter – Vehicles Policy Manager, Transport & Environment James Court – Public Policy Director, Octopus Electric Vehicles Ajai Ahluwalia – Head of Supply Chain, RenewableUK Tanya Sinclair – CEO, Electric Vehicles UK 00:00 Hello live from the show! 00:17 Ad Break 00:42 Welcome to our guests 02:51 Current state of play 15:40 Making electricity cheaper 24:18 Chinese EVs in Europe 28:40 Marginal Pricing   Why not come and join us at our next Everything Electric expo: https://everythingelectric.show Check out our sister channel Everything Electric CARS: https://www.youtube.com/@fullychargedshow Support our StopBurningStuff campaign: https://www.patreon.com/STOPBurningStuff Become an Everything Electric Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fullychargedshow Become a YouTube member: use JOIN button above Buy the Fully Charged Guide to Electric Vehicles & Clean Energy : https://buff.ly/2GybGt0 Subscribe for episode alerts and the Everything Electric newsletter: https://fullycharged.show/zap-sign-up/ Visit: https://FullyCharged.Show Find us on X: https://x.com/Everyth1ngElec Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialeverythingelectric To partner, exhibit or sponsor at our award-winning expos email: commercial@fullycharged.show Everything Electric MELBOURNE - Melbourne Showgrounds 14th, 15th & 16th November 2025 Everything Electric SYDNEY - Sydney Olympic Park 6th, 7th & 8th March 2026    #fullychargedshow #everythingelectricshow #homeenergy #cleanenergy #battery #electriccars #electric-vehicles-uk

Most of us don't put a whole lot of thought into the electricity that powers our daily lives. We just flip the switch and expect the lights to go on. A proposed sale of one of Minnesota's largest electric utilities is getting a lot of attention now. It's getting people to think more closely about who owns electric companies and who's going to pay for the solar, wind and other infrastructure needed to transition to a green energy future. Dan Kraker has been covering the clean energy transition in northern Minnesota and joined Nina Moini to talk more about the proposed sale.

Conservationist and environmental advocate Ben Lowe discusses our ecological crisis, the role of Christian faith and spirituality, and how churches can respond with hope, action, and theological depth. He joins Mark Labberton for a grounded conversation on the intersection of faith, climate change, and the church's role in ecological justice. As Executive Director of A Rocha USA, Lowe brings over two decades of experience in environmental biology, ethics, and faith-based conservation to explore how Christians can engage meaningfully with environmental crises. They moves from scientific clarity about climate urgency to the theological blind spots that have hindered the Christian response. Together, they explore how churches across the U.S. and beyond are reclaiming creation care—not as a political issue, but as a form of discipleship and worship. With stories ranging from urban stream cleanups to coral reef restoration, Lowe emphasizes small, local, relational efforts that respond to God's ongoing work in the world. At the heart of the conversation lies a call to moral will, theological clarity, and faithfulness in the face of ecological grief. Episode Highlights “The world is good—but it's groaning.” “Small does not mean insignificant… We have the solutions. The problem is not our technical ability—it's our moral and political will.” Learn More about A Rocha Visit arocha.us for more information. About Ben Lowe Rev. Dr. Ben Lowe is Executive Director of A Rocha USA, a Christian conservation organization engaged in ecological discipleship, community-based restoration, and climate advocacy across the U.S. and globally. He holds a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary ecology from the University of Florida and a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Wheaton College. Ben has spent over two decades working at the intersection of faith, science, and environmental justice, and is passionate about equipping churches to participate in God's restoration of creation. Since his first encounter with A Rocha as a Wheaton student in 2003, Ben has served on A Rocha staff teams and boards, nationally and internationally, most recently as Deputy Executive Director of A Rocha International. Ben's training as a scientist and a minister inform his leadership and development of A Rocha USA's national strategy and team. Originally from Singapore, Ben was the founding national organizer of Young Evangelicals for Climate Action and has served on the boards of A Rocha USA, A Rocha International, the Au Sable Institute, and Christians for Social Action. He is the author of multiple books and his work has been featured in media outlets including Audubon Magazine, Christianity Today, and The New York Times. He has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from Wheaton and a PhD from the University of Florida focused on the human, religious, and ethical dimensions of environmental change and conservation. Ben is based in the warm and watery state of Florida, USA, where he can often be found kayaking on the Indian River Lagoon. Show Notes Earth Day began in 1970, a pivotal moment for environmental awareness—“That means that I was a junior in high school when the world embraced this name as a way of trying to bring attention to the whole world about environmental issues.” Mark Labberton opens with concern for “the political moment that we're in… in the United States and in other places around the world.” Ben Lowe introduces the biblical framing: “This world is good, but it's also groaning.” Why Climate Action Still Matters “We don't know where we would be, were it not for Earth Day 50 years ago.” “The question is not whether we know what to do, but whether we're doing the right thing and we're doing enough of it.” “It's never too late to take action and to get engaged.” Scientific Consensus and Urgency “The science has gotten a lot more sophisticated and a lot clearer.” “We're not talking about hypothetical issues anymore. We're talking about issues that many, if not all of us, are tangibly experiencing now.” “Things are moving faster, further and at a greater scale and magnitude than we were hoping to be experiencing right now.” Oceans, Heat, and the Limits of Natural Buffers “The oceans are a huge gift to human society and they have been buffering and absorbing a lot of the heat and the carbon that we've been emitting.” “The oceans are not limitless… We are seeing signs that the oceans are warming more than they can sustain.” “Every year now we have these hurricanes that are huge in terms of their scale and the amount of water that they can suck up from these overheated oceans.” Practical Impact of Climate Change “My homeowner's insurance rates more than doubled in the last few years.” “We're just getting all these signs coming from all of our systems that are warning us that we are on a completely unsustainable path.” “The silver lining to us being the driver of so many of these problems is that we can also choose to be part of the solution.” Role of the Church in Ecological Transformation “The church can really shine a light of hope, of love of the good news that God promises for this world in the midst of all that.” “Small does not mean insignificant.” “We have the solutions we need… The problem is not our technical ability, it's our moral and political will that has been lacking.” Global Clean Energy Transition “We are in a great transition, but that transition is happening and it's sort of unstoppable.” “The question is how quickly will it happen and will we be able to move it forward quickly enough?” “Christians have a particular contribution… we can bring the moral will to help shape the decisions.” A Rocha's Global and Local Work “A Rocha is a network of Christian conservation organizations in about 25 countries around the world.” In Florida, “we're helping to work with local partners, universities, high schools, churches, to conserve the lagoon.” “In Austin, Texas… we have a lot of Spanish language programming… to help connect recent immigrants with the communities that they're living in.” Partnering with Churches for Creation Care “The cutting edge of what we're moving into now though is our work with churches.” “Research… are showing that there is a shift happening with more and more Christians in churches becoming aware of the problems in God's world.” “Now we have more and more people coming to us, so much that we're growing, but we're not growing fast enough and we have to turn some people away.” Localized Action and Practical Partnerships “We launched a cohort of Vineyard USA churches… to support Vineyard congregations that want to get more involved.” “We walk them through a process of discerning… the ways that God might be inviting them to participate in what God's already doing.” “We're working with a church on Oahu in Hawaii that bought a defunct golf course… we're working together to help restore the native habitat.” Creation Care as Worship and Witness “We see this as being in God's hands… and us as playing a faithful role in responding to what God is doing.” “What would a follower of Jesus do in this situation?” “Everything that we do to care for creation… the offering itself is one that we direct to God as the creator.” Theological Reformation, Not Innovation “It's not theological change so much as it's theological reformation. This is orthodoxy.” “We don't see this work as of our own initiative. What we see ourselves doing is responding to what God is already doing.” End Times Theology and Ecological Responsibility “We don't treat anything else in life that way. We don't treat our bodies that way. We don't treat our children that way.” “It has been biblically Orthodox from the very beginning to care for God's world.” “It's not because we're Christian, it's because we've not been Christian enough.” Political Identity vs. Christian Witness “We see these issues first and foremost through our political lenses instead of through our theological biblical Christian lenses.” “These issues transcend any particular political ideology or party.” “They're moral issues, they're faith issues, they're spiritual issues, and for us, they're an integral matter of our Christian discipleship and witness.” How A Rocha Helps Churches Avoid Partisan Pitfalls “We try to say, all right, what does God call us to do as people, as his image bearers in the world today?” “Let's do a stream cleanup together.” “You kind of learn as you go… and before you know it, you look back and you realize, oh gosh, how far I have come.” Discipleship and Environmental Stewardship “The longer I'm in this work, the more I'm learning how to care for creation and help others do the same.” “The closer I grow to Christ too, and the more I find myself being conformed into what the Bible calls us to be.” “It's not always an easy journey, but it's a really good and life-giving and sanctifying journey.” Mark's Personal Reflection: Replanting His Garden “It has utterly changed the way that I now look out the kitchen window.” “Just that small change has given me a better sense of life, a better sense of creation… a better sense of the importance of having a world that you can meditate on.” Ben Lowe's Formative Experiences in Singapore and the Black Hills “We'd sort through the catch with them and they'd give us the things that they couldn't sell.” “Being able to step out into a national forest and breathe the air… reminds me that… there is still so much good in this world worth protecting.” Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.

Send me a messageProcurement's role is changing, or at least, it should be. In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sat down with Conrad Snover, CEO of ProcureAbility, to unpack why procurement still struggles to evolve beyond a transactional role, and what it'll take to transform it into a true driver of value.We covered a lot, from why most procurement teams still don't have a seat at the strategy table, to how utilities are coping with 2+ year lead times on transformers while trying to hit electrification targets. Conrad shared real-world examples of how procurement leaders can build resilience without stockpiling inventory, and why relationships, not just contracts, are the key to sustainable supply chains.We also talked about the path from tactical to strategic to profit-generating procurement, how digital tools (including AI) are shifting the playing field, and the operational basics that still hold too many teams back.If you're leading supply chain or sustainability efforts, and you've ever been frustrated by the inertia of outdated procurement practices, this episode is well worth your time.

Three years ago, Congress passed President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in climate action in U.S. history. The IRA set in motion a sweeping set of investments in nearly every aspect of energy and climate, mostly in the form of subsidies and tax credits, to boost domestic production of electric vehicles, batteries and carbon-free energy. Those investments have flowed to every state, but the majority have landed in Republican-held districts.  In spite of that, Congressional Republicans nearly unanimously passed President Trump's “Big, Beautiful Bill” which the president signed on July 4. The megabill guts nearly all the program funds allocated under the IRA and slashes incentives and credits for solar, wind, energy efficiency and electric vehicles — precisely at a time when we need to dramatically scale up those sectors to address climate change. Why did Republicans let this bill move ahead? And how much will it exacerbate the climate crisis in the coming decades? Guests: Katherine Hamilton, Chair, 38 North Solutions Clayton Aldern, Senior Data Reporter, Grist Lisa Jacobson, President, Business Council for Sustainable Energy John Szoka, CEO, Conservative Energy Network   On July 31, Climate One is hosting Premal Shah and Kinari Webb for a live episode recording! With years of experience navigating the global climate movement, the two are sure to offer unparalleled insights during their conversation with Co-Host Greg Dalton. Tickets for the show, which will be held at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, are available now through our website. Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today. For show notes and related links, visit our website. Ad sales by Multitude. Contact them for ad inquiries at multitude.productions/ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three years ago, Congress passed President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in climate action in U.S. history. The IRA set in motion a sweeping set of investments in nearly every aspect of energy and climate, mostly in the form of subsidies and tax credits, to boost domestic production of electric vehicles, batteries and carbon-free energy. Those investments have flowed to every state, but the majority have landed in Republican-held districts.  In spite of that, Congressional Republicans nearly unanimously passed President Trump's “Big, Beautiful Bill” which the president signed on July 4. The megabill guts nearly all the program funds allocated under the IRA and slashes incentives and credits for solar, wind, energy efficiency and electric vehicles — precisely at a time when we need to dramatically scale up those sectors to address climate change. Why did Republicans let this bill move ahead? And how much will it exacerbate the climate crisis in the coming decades? Guests: Katherine Hamilton, Chair, 38 North Solutions Clayton Aldern, Senior Data Reporter, Grist Lisa Jacobson, President, Business Council for Sustainable Energy John Szoka, CEO, Conservative Energy Network   On July 31, Climate One is hosting Premal Shah and Kinari Webb for a live episode recording! With years of experience navigating the global climate movement, the two are sure to offer unparalleled insights during their conversation with Co-Host Greg Dalton. Tickets for the show, which will be held at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, are available now through our website. Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today. For show notes and related links, visit our website. Ad sales by Multitude. Contact them for ad inquiries at multitude.productions/ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US President Donald Trump’s new sprawling bill will make a major dent on the country’s clean energy industries. Jack Board and Liling Tan get the lowdown on what it means and whether the ripple effects could extend around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is transforming our world — and the energy sector. Earlier this year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released a comprehensive report examining both AI's projected energy demands and how it  might reshape energy systems. But while headlines often raise alarms around electricity demand growth, the reality is more nuanced and complex. While data centers currently account for just 1.5% of global electricity use, that share is expected to double by 2030, driven largely by the growth of AI. In some regions, particularly in the US, data centers could account for nearly half of all electricity demand growth in the coming years. So how should we understand the relationship between AI and energy? What does this mean for power systems around the world? Is artificial intelligence a friend or foe to the clean energy transition? This week, Jason Bordoff speaks with Laura Cozzi, about the IEA's findings on AI's energy demands. Laura is the chief energy modeler at the International Energy Agency, and its director of sustainability, technology, and outlooks. She oversees the IEA's analytical work on energy, climate, and economic modeling, and led the team that produced the agency's report on artificial intelligence and energy. Credits: Hosted by Jason Bordoff and Bill Loveless. Produced by Mary Catherine O'Connor, Caroline Pitman, and Kyu Lee. Engineering by Gregory Vilfranc.  

Ron Pernick is the founder of Clean Edge, a firm specializing in thematic research surrounding clean energy, transportation, water, and the power grid.  In this episode, we discuss the evolution of these themes and how a new administration may impact their continued growth. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

This is Episode 1 of our sub-series "Environmental Issues along the Belt and Road"The series considers the complexities of Chinese actors' impacts on the environment, extractive activities, and role in driving sustainability solutions from the sands of the Mekong River to lithium mines in Argentina. China produces 80% of the world's solar panels, over 60% of all wind turbines, and more electric vehicles than the US and the EU combined. In this episode, we ask how China became so dominant in clean energy technology manufacturing, how its products are exported to other countries trying to transition their energy systems, and what impacts the clean energy tech sector is having in places where manufacturing occurs. We interview 3 experts in related topics: Anders Hove is Senior Research Fellow at the China Energy Research Programme at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. Previously, he was Project Director for the Sino-German Energy Transition project at GIZ, and a non-resident fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. Anders co-hosts the Environment China podcast. Related reading here, here and here. Dr. Cecilia Springer is a Principal at Global Efficiency Intelligence and Co-director of the Industrial Electrification Center. She has over 10 years of experience conducting technical research on energy policy and industrial decarbonization, with a regional focus on U.S., China, and Southeast Asia. She is a non-resident at the Global China Initiative (formerly the assistant director) at the BU Global Development Policy Center where she led the Energy and Climate research group and was a post-doctoral fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center. Related reading here, here and here. Dr. Nikita Sud is Professor of the Politics of Development at the University of Oxford and Governing Body Fellow of Wolfson College. She is author of the books "Liberalization, Hindu Nationalism and The State: A Biography of Gujarat" and "The Making of Land and the Making of India." Her work explores the transition to renewable energy, and the institutional, political and financial mechanisms that underlie this in regions that are geostrategically crucial, while being environmentally highly vulnerable. We discuss her research on Rempang Eco City, a planned Chinese investment of Solar PV manufacturing in Indonesia. Thanks for listening! Follow us on BlueSky @beltandroadpod.blsk.social

Beebop AI is pioneering a new middleware layer for power grid orchestration, securing $5.5 million in funding to help utilities and energy retailers optimize energy consumption and costs. In this episode of Category Visionaries, I sat down with Jan Willem Rombouts, CEO and Founder of Beebop AI, to discuss how his background at Goldman Sachs and experience building his first energy tech company shaped his approach to solving one of the energy transition's biggest challenges: balancing power grids in an increasingly renewable-powered world. Topics Discussed: Jan Willem's journey from Goldman Sachs' trading floor during the financial crisis to energy tech entrepreneurship The painful lessons learned building Restore, which pioneered virtual power plants and was later acquired by Centrica How Beebop AI creates a middleware layer that orchestrates power consumption across customer devices like EVs, solar panels, and heat pumps Why power grid orchestration is critical to making renewable energy both reliable and affordable Beebop's strategic flywheel connecting utilities and device manufacturers The go-to-market strategies that helped Beebop gain traction with major European utilities   GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Engineer network effects into your go-to-market strategy: Beebop designed a utility-to-OEM flywheel where each new utility customer helps bring device manufacturers onto their platform, creating a powerful network effect. Jan Willem explained: "What we designed was that we would first contract these utilities... our anticipation was that they would be able to engage with these OEMs, with these manufacturers more easily, to essentially invite them to integrate with our platform." This approach turns customers into channel partners who can open doors that would be difficult for a startup to access directly. Break through complex sales cycles with land-and-expand: When selling to utilities and large corporations with notoriously long sales cycles, Beebop starts with a low-cost, high-value initial offering focused on insights and business case validation. Jan Willem noted: "Our initial proposition is very low cost and very high value... we allow them to see what the business case is... to create somewhat of a solid launching pad on which we can then expand and go to actual operationalization." This approach shortens time-to-value and creates internal champions. Focus on customer economics, not just your technology: Despite having complex technology, Beebop leads customer conversations with how their solution impacts key metrics like customer lifetime value, margin, churn, and customer acquisition costs. "Before we have explained anything about how new our software is, where it positions in the technology stack, we just show what kind of awesome products they can build... creating tens of percentages of discounts on their energy bills." Design for global scale from day one: Based on lessons from his first company, Jan Willem deliberately architected Beebop to work with market structures that are universal across regions: "What we did this time... is we chose markets that have a universal footprint and so that look essentially the same whether you're in the UK or you're in Texas or you're in Germany or you're in Sweden." This approach avoids the scaling challenges of having to constantly adapt to different regulatory environments. Bring process to event marketing: Beebop transformed their trade show approach by adopting a disciplined, metrics-driven strategy learned from Datadog's former CMO. Jan Willem shared: "The big learning for me was to be super intentional. If you go to a trade show, be super clear about exactly how many marketing qualified, how many sales qualified leads you want out of it, and then engineer a team with different roles and responsibilities." This systematic approach yields measurable ROI from events that many startups struggle to achieve.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I sat down with Faustine Delasalle, CEO of the Mission Possible Partnership (MPP), to delve into the real challenges, and opportunities, of decarbonising heavy industry and transport.Faustine and I explored the current state of industrial decarbonisation, including the progress made over the last five to six years in proving that sectors like steel, cement, and shipping can transition to low-carbon alternatives. But as she points out, technical feasibility doesn't always translate into financial viability. The sticking point? Making green industrial projects bankable.We discussed the role of the so-called "green premium" (or dirty discount), why demand signals are crucial, and how the current lack of buyers at scale is stalling momentum. Faustine makes a strong case for the combination of policy mandates and targeted subsidies to unlock investment - drawing comparisons with the growth trajectories of solar and electric vehicles.A key takeaway from our chat: the path to scaling green hydrogen could start with ammonia, which Faustine sees as the first domino in the next industrial revolution. We also looked at which regions are moving fastest, what's holding others back, and why emerging economies might play a central role in the coming decade.If you're in policymaking, finance, or industry, and serious about accelerating climate action, this is one to tune into.Listen and follow Climate Confident wherever you get your podcasts.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Roman Arutyunov is the Co-founder and SVP of Products at Xage Security, a Series B startup focused on protecting critical infrastructure—including energy systems—from cyber threats. Xage is backed by investors like Chevron Technology Ventures, Aramco, Piva Capital, Valor Equity Partners, and Overture.Cybersecurity is a growing concern as our energy systems become more distributed, electrified, and digitally connected. We spoke with Roman about the vulnerabilities in today's infrastructure, the motivations behind cyberattacks, and how the rise of AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape.In this episode, we cover: [2:11] Introduction to Xage Security[3:12] Cybersecurity 101: Ransomware, nation-state threats, and attacker motivations[7:10] Operational tech (OT) vs. information tech (IT)[13:29] Xage's Zero Trust security approach[15:45] Customer segments and differing security challenges[20:47] Navigating regulations vs. fast deployment timelines[23:40] How AI is shaping both threats and defenses[28:00] When multifactor authentication becomes a vulnerability[31:59] Real-world cyberattacks on energy systems[34:10] Xage's funding history and growth trajectoryEpisode recorded on Feb 20, 2025 (Published on Mar 26, 2025) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

For market purists, any mention of the term industrial policy used to evoke visions of heavy-handed Soviet-style central planning, or the stifling state-centric protectionism employed by Latin American countries in the late 20th century. But that conversation turned dramatically over the last several years, as President Joe Biden's signature legislative achievements like the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act showcased policies designed to influence and shape industries ranging from tech to pharma to green energy. My guest today, Harvard Kennedy School Professor Ricardo Hausmann, is the founder and director of the Growth Lab, which studies ways to unlock economic growth and collaborates with policymakers to promote inclusive prosperity around the world. Hausmann says he believes markets are useful, but have shown themselves inadequate to create public benefits at a time when public objectives like the clean energy transition and shared prosperity have become increasingly essential to human society. In a wide-ranging conversation, we'll discuss why industrial policy is making a comeback, tools that the Growth Lab has developed to help poorer countries and regions develop and prosper, and the uncertainty being caused by President Trump's pledge to raise tariffs and protectionist barriers.Ricardo Hausmann's policy recommendations:Encourage governments to track industries that are not yet developed but have the potential for growth and monitor technological advancements to identify how new technologies can impact existing industries or create new opportunities.Develop state organizations with a deep understanding of societal trends and industrial potential, similar to Israel's office of the Chief Scientist or the U.S. Presidential Commission on Science and Technology.Encourage governments to develop a pre-approved set of tools—including training, educational programs, research programs, and infrastructure—that can be quickly mobilized for specific economic opportunities.Teach policy design in a way that mirrors medical education (e.g., learning by doing as in a teaching hospital), because successful policy design requires real-world experience, not just theoretical knowledge. Ricardo Hausmann is the founder and director of Harvard's Growth Lab and the Rafik Hariri Professor of the Practice of International Political Economy at Harvard Kennedy School. Under his leadership, the Growth Lab has grown into one of the most well regarded and influential hubs for research on economic growth and development around the world. His scholarly contributions include the development of the Growth Diagnostics and Economic Complexity methodologies, as well as several widely used economic concepts. Since launching the Growth Lab in 2006, Hausmann has served as principal investigator for more than 50 research initiatives in nearly 30 countries, including the US, informing development policy, growth strategies and diversification agendas at the national, regional, and city levels. Before joining Harvard University, he served as the first chief economist of the Inter-American Development Bank (1994-2000), where he created the Research Department. He has served as minister of planning of Venezuela (1992-1993) and as a member of the Board of the Central Bank of Venezuela. He also served as chair of the IMF-World Bank Development Committee. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Cornell University.Ralph Ranalli of the HKS Office of Communications and Public Affairs is the host, producer, and editor of HKS PolicyCast. A former journalist, public television producer, and entrepreneur, he holds an BA in political science from UCLA and a master's in journalism from Columbia University.Scheduling and logistical support for PolicyCast is provided by Lillian Wainaina. Design and graphics support is provided by Laura King of the OCPA Design Team. Web design and social media promotion support is provided by Catherine Santrock and Natalie Montaner of the OCPA Digital Team. Editorial support is provided by Nora Delaney and Robert O'Neill of the OCPA Editorial Team. 

Interview with Colin Healey, CEO of Premier American Uranium Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/growing-global-support-for-nuclear-energy-drives-uranium-demand-momentum-6080Recording date: 2nd March 2025The future looks incredibly bright for uranium as the world charges forward into a new era of clean energy. Nuclear power, fueled by uranium, is poised to play a starring role in the global fight against climate change. Countries everywhere are waking up to the immense potential of this powerful, low-carbon energy source to help meet skyrocketing electricity demand while slashing emissions.For uranium, it's a story of surging demand and constrained supply - a recipe for explosive growth ahead. More and more countries are getting serious about expanding their nuclear power capacity. Energy powerhouses like China and India have ambitious plans to build scores of new reactors in the coming years. Even in the West, there's a major nuclear renaissance underway, with the U.S., UK, France and others extending the lives of existing plants while greenlighting new builds. It's clear the world is going to need a lot more uranium, and fast.The uranium industry has been in a long slump ever since the Fukushima disaster in 2011. Years of low prices have led to chronic underinvestment in new mining capacity. Even with the major producers starting to ramp back up, there's a good chance supply just won't be able to keep pace with this tidal wave of demand. We could be looking at a major supply crunch in the not-too-distant future.It's not just the fundamentals that are aligning in uranium's favor. There are powerful geopolitical tailwinds at play too, especially for U.S. uranium developers. Washington has finally woken up to the strategic importance of securing domestic supply. They're establishing a national uranium reserve, with buy American rules that are a huge boost for U.S. producers. Add in bipartisan support for nuclear energy and the green light for a new generation of advanced reactors, and the stars are definitely aligning for a U.S. uranium boom.Premier American Uranium are making moves, consolidating a top-notch portfolio of advanced-stage U.S. uranium projects. Their flagship asset in New Mexico is a real gem - it's got a monster resource, a past-producing mine, and serious expansion potential. Plus it's on private land, which is a huge permitting advantage. They're charging ahead with an updated resource and economic study that could be a major catalyst.Premier American is led by a veteran team that knows this industry inside and out. And get this - over half their shares are owned by deep-pocketed strategic investors with a long-term focus. It's a tight capital structure that's built for success.Uranium is a space to watch closely in the years ahead. The supply/demand setup is incredibly compelling, and the macro forces at play are only getting stronger. Companies like Premier American Uranium offer a high-potential way for investors to ride this rising tide. There are always risks to consider in a complex, highly regulated sector like nuclear fuel, but the risk/reward equation definitely seems skewed to the upside. For investors who believe the future is nuclear, uranium looks like a glowing opportunity.View Premier American Uranium's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/premier-american-uraniumSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

How does natural gas fit into the shift toward a cleaner energy future?In this episode of Energized: The Future of Energy, host JJ Ramberg and Enbridge CEO Greg Ebel sit down with former Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio. They discuss how energy jobs have revitalized Ohio's economy, the role workers from the energy industry could play in the upcoming US election, and how natural gas can be combined with renewables to create a cleaner, more efficient energy transition. Subscribe to the GZERO World with Ian Bremmer Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform, to receive new episodes as soon as they're published.

The clean energy transition has a major blind spot, says energy equity expert Sheila Ngozi Oparaocha: it ignores millions of people without access to energy. Highlighting grassroots women's organizations leading the charge towards universal access, she makes a powerful call to prioritize gender equality in energy policies — and to create a sustainable future where no one is left in the dark.

Tuesday, July 23th 2024Today, the Democrats rake in their single biggest fundraising haul in history as Kamala Harris racks up more pledged delegates and a Nancy Pelosi endorsement; former Attorney General Eric Holder has begun vetting vice presidential nominees; the EPA has awarded $4.3B to fund projects in 30 states to reduce climate pollution; where JD Vance gets his weird terrifying techno authoritarian ideas; Kamala Harris won't preside over Bibi Netanyahu's Congressional address; plus Allison delivers your Good News.Tickets and LIVE show dates https://allisongill.comSubscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comStoriesHarris won't preside over Netanyahu's speech to Congress (Washington Post)Eric Holder is running Harris' veep vetting process (Politico)Where J.D. Vance Gets His Weird, Terrifying Techno-Authoritarian Ideas (New Republic)EPA awards $4.3 billion to fund projects in 30 states to reduce climate pollution (AP News)Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe to Lawyers, Guns, And MoneyAd-free premium feed: https://lawyersgunsandmoney.supercast.comSubscribe for free everywhere else:https://lawyersgunsandmoney.simplecast.com/episodes/1-miami-1985Follow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Follow Mueller, She Wrote on Posthttps://post.news/@/MuellerSheWrote?utm_source=TwitterAG&utm_medium=creator_organic&utm_campaign=muellershewrote&utm_content=FollowMehttps://muellershewrote.substack.comhttps://twitter.com/MuellerSheWrotehttps://www.threads.net/@muellershewrotehttps://www.tiktok.com/@muellershewrotehttps://instagram.com/muellershewroteDana Goldberghttps://twitter.com/DGComedyhttps://www.instagram.com/dgcomedyhttps://www.facebook.com/dgcomedyhttps://danagoldberg.comHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/From The Good NewsPATRONS SPONSORING PATRONS (dailybeanspod.com)https://www.knoxcoffeeunderground.com@coffeeunderground.knox (Instagram)Sister District Project (sisterdistrict.com)How To Jumpstart A Car Infographic (infographicjournal.com) Live Show Ticket Links:https://allisongill.com (for all tickets and show dates)Friday August 16th Washington, DC - with Andy McCabe, Pete Strzok, Glenn Kirschner https://tinyurl.com/Beans-in-DCSaturday August 24 San Francisco, CA https://tinyurl.com/Beans-SF Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/OrPatreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

The clean energy transition has a major blind spot, says energy equity expert Sheila Ngozi Oparaocha: it ignores millions of people without access to energy. Highlighting grassroots women's organizations leading the charge towards universal access, she makes a powerful call to prioritize gender equality in energy policies — and to create a sustainable future where no one is left in the dark.