POPULARITY
Top of his MBA class at the University of Bath, technically sharp, and still firing out 20 to 30 applications a day with little to show for it. Nick Chizuka joins Dale and Val for an honest conversation about what it takes to land a role in project controls and consulting right now, and why the rise of AI has made the graduate market tougher than it was even a year ago.It is a candid look at the gap between what universities teach and what employers actually want, the false choice between technical and soft skills, and where the real jobs of the next decade might come from.In this episode:Why a top MBA no longer guarantees a job, and what changedTechnical skills vs soft skills, and why you need bothThe graduates' verdict on data, analytics and machine learningRobotics and physical AI as the next frontierThe energy and infrastructure bottleneck nobody talks aboutUsing the big firms as a springboard, not a destinationGrit, discipline, and hiring for attitude over CVNick's hard-won advice: don't get discouraged, get help, and network relentlesslyA reminder that people are not their behaviours. Set the environment for success and the right person will fly.This episode is sponsored by nPlan.nPlan AI Day, Summer 2026: Construction SuperintelligenceThursday 25 June 2026, from 3:00pmKachette, 347 Old St, London EC1V 9LP, and onlinenPlan's twice-yearly showcase returns with its biggest product moment of the year, including the launch of the nPlan Decision Intelligence Platform. The fireside brings together Peter Hancock, Project Director at National Grid on the Didcot substation, and Dima Pogorelsky, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, for a candid take on delivering the infrastructure behind the AI era. February sold out with standing room only, so book early.Register: https://www.nplan.io/events/nplan-summer-ai-day-2026-construction-superintelligenceListen, subscribe and follow Project Chatter wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this one, pay it forward and share the link.Stay safe, be disruptive, and have fun doing it.
Niki Roach is joined by Steve Elderkin - Director of Environmental Sustainability for National Highways and Evan Bowen-Jones, Chief Executive - Kent Wildlife Trust and MD of Wilder Carbon, co-founder of Rebuilding Nature. In this episode, our guests speak to Niki about a visit to the Netherlands to see how the Dutch were delivering on their nature objectives. Inspired by what they learnt, they went on to develop a similar approach in the UK through the launch of the Strategic Nature Network. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland
The topics, stocks and shares mentions / discussed include:Ai Investing Opportunities For Non-Tech InvestorsMAREX via Winterflood Retail Access Platform (WRAP) provides access to Space X IPOAi essential infrastructureAi BottlenecksEnergy / DatacentersSpace X / SPCXConstellation Energy Group / CEGSiemens Energy / ENRNextEra Energy / NEE + Dominion Energy / DCentrica / CNANational Grid / NG.Sage / SGEComputacenter / CCCRaspberry PI / RPI ChatGPTNvidia / Anthropic / OpenAi / Gemini / Claude AiArtificial Intelligence / AiSoftware as a Service / SaaSDividendsDividend yieldsCash / Debt / GrowthStocks / Investing Winning supporters of the Twin Petes Investing podcastFinancial EducationInvestor Summit Early Bird Tickets are on sale nowThe Twin Petes Investing 2026 Charity Just Giving Fundraising page in honour of Mark Bentley. PLEASE donate whatever you can to support The Financial Times, Financial Literacy & Inclusion Campaign via the link TWINPETES INVESTING PODCAST / PETER HIGGINS is fundraising for FT FINANCIAL LITERACY AND INCLUSION CAMPAIGN& moreShareScope special discount offer code ShareScope : TwinPetesInvestors' Chronicle sponsor Special Trial Offers (investorschronicle.co.uk)Henry Viola-Heir's blog Home – The Ethical EntrepreneurPowder Monkey Brewing Co All Products – Powder Monkey Brewing Co 10% discount code : TWINPETESThe Twin Petes Investing podcasts will be linked to and written about on the Conkers3 website , on the ShareScope website and also on available via your favourite podcast and social media platforms. Thank you for reading this article and listening to this podcast, we hope you enjoyed it. Please share this article with others that you know will find it of interest.
Today, wind power accounts for just under 10% of all electricity globally, around the same as solar, recently overtaking nuclear power. 20 years ago, the figure was under 1%. In that time, the sector's leadership has moved around from Europe to the US to Asia, but one specialist European manufacturer has stayed in the leading group throughout: Vestas — a member of the global wind energy aristocracy. This week on Cleaning Up, Michael Liebreich is joined by Henrik Andersen, CEO of Vestas, to discuss the extraordinary growth in the wind energy industry, the challenges it faces with rising interest rates and political hostility, and where the best place to build turbines is in 2026. Together they do some myth-busting and answer: If wind is so great, why does it need subsidies? Is wind pointless because it's intermittent? Are turbines killing all the birds? What happens to the turbines at the end of their lives? Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, Ecopragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information about the Leadership Circle, visit cleaningup.live Links: Vestas' website: https://www.vestas.com/en/pages/campaigns/sustainability/200-gw Henrik Andersen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrik-andersen-/ WindEurope 2026: From crisis to confidence — https://windeurope.org/news/windeurope-2026-from-crisis-to-confidence/
Festival Republic MD Melvin Benn discusses the company's ground‑breaking project to install mains power at London's Finsbury Park — the first installation of its kind in the UK. The move, a collaboration with Haringey Council and National Grid, aims to reduce reliance on temporary generators and use renewable energy for major concerts. Broke ground in March with the first mains-powered concerts scheduled for the end of June; the change offers operational efficiencies and modest carbon reductions as a statement of intent. Reading is already next in line for a similar installation in 2027. This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where reliability really matters. From corporate town halls and conferences to high-profile live streams, they design and deliver fully resilient systems that work first time. To keep up to date with all the news, subscribe for free here. If you would like to take part in a podcast, then please complete our submission form.
For more than 15 years, the RCP8.5 climate scenario has shaped headlines, policy decisions, financial stress tests and public understanding of climate risk. Now, the scientific community has declared it implausible. So what comes next? This week on Cleaning Up, Michael Liebreich welcomes Professor Roger Pielke Jr. back to explore why RCP 8.5 became the dominant "business as usual" climate scenario, and what its demise means for climate research, policymaking and public debate. They discuss the origins of the scenario, how assumptions about coal consumption drove projections beyond plausible futures and ask whether fear-based climate communication has ultimately helped or hindered public support for climate action. They tackle tipping points, extreme weather, climate policy, scientific self-correction, and the crucial question of how societies should respond to climate risk in a world that is still warming. Until recently, Roger was a tenured professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is now senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and publishes an influential Substack called The Honest Broker. He last made an appearance on Cleaning Up in June 2022. If you want to know the background to the RCP8.5 controversy you should listen to that episode, linked below. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, Ecopragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information about the Leadership Circle, visit cleaningup.live Links: Van Vuuren's 2026 paper on RCP8.5 becoming implausible: https://gmd.copernicus.org/articles/19/2627/2026/ Van Vuuren's 2011 paper on the development of the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-011-0148-z The Honest Broker Substack: https://rogerpielkejr.substack.com/ Michael's writeup on RCP8.5: https://mliebreich.substack.com/p/rcp-85-is-officially-bollox Roger Pielke Jr's past appearance on Cleaning Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2LpMpkrP1w Johan Rockström on Cleaning Up: https://youtu.be/eIJkt_mY12s Jim Skea on Cleaning Up: https://youtu.be/oAWUdL5ZKsk
As electricity demand rises and renewable generation continues to expand, the same question keeps arising: how do we keep power systems reliable, affordable and resilient? This week, Michael Liebreich is joined by Håkan Agnevall, CEO of Wärtsilä, to discuss the changing role of flexible generation in modern electricity systems, the growing importance of grid stability, and why balancing technologies will be critical as renewables become an ever-larger share of the global energy mix. They explore how rapidly growing electricity demand, including from data centres, is reshaping investment decisions, why flexible gas generation may play an important transitional role, and how batteries, renewables and thermal assets can work together to build a more resilient power system. The conversation also examines the future of shipping decarbonisation following delays to the International Maritime Organisation's proposed global carbon-pricing mechanism, the importance of fuel flexibility for vessel owners, and how digital technologies and AI are improving efficiency across industry. Håkan and Michael cover a wide variety of topics, including: Why flexible generation remains essential in renewable-heavy grids How growing electricity demand is changing energy infrastructure planning The role of gas engines, batteries and storage in maintaining grid stability What data centres mean for future power systems Shipping decarbonisation and the IMO's delayed carbon-pricing vote Fuel flexibility and efficiency in maritime transport How industrial companies are using AI to improve performance and reliability Energy security, competitiveness and the changing geopolitical landscape Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, Ecopragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information about the Leadership Circle, visit cleaningup.live Links: Wärtsilä's website: https://www.wartsila.com/ Episode 208 with Anders Lindberg, Wärtsilä's head of energy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtsCCJ4o1WA Episode 229 with Professor Tristan Smith of UCL, on the delayed IMO agreement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdUCidkeDto Episode 235 with Rob Dunn, inside the Start Campus data centre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juAyLAUmU3w
Episode Notes Hello and welcome back to the Slightly Biased Podcast! In Episode 98, Vinny and Grayson spiral through remote work culture, AI paranoia, skyrocketing utility bills, DIY delusions, and the ongoing existential crisis of modern adulthood. One minute it's office collaboration and Teams meetings, the next it's hornet nests, deck renovations, and cucumbers taking over the garden. Vinny reflects on being dragged back into the office full-time after the remote work era spoiled everyone forever, while Grayson launches into a passionate defense of working from home, anti-office-space rants, and the terrifying future of AI replacing workers faster than companies can figure out how to use it. Somehow this also leads into discussions about electric cars, National Grid, billionaires, hydroponic tomatoes, gym enemies, and why every town Facebook group eventually becomes a disaster. Elsewhere in the episode: - Vinny survives a zoo trip with a toddler - Grayson prepares to become a full-time Lowe's guy - The guys discuss pandemic fallout and the future of work - Home improvement confidence reaches dangerous levels - AI gets roasted repeatedly - Tomatoes and cucumbers become a burden - Gym etiquette crimes are exposed If you've ever argued with your thermostat, hated your office cubicle, bought tools you barely know how to use, or convinced yourself you can rebuild your house with YouTube and AI assistance, this episode is for you. Recorded May 17, 2026. Find out more at https://slightly-biased.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
Access to energy has been one of the major driving forces in geopolitics since at least the industrial revolution. Without reliable access to the dominate form of energy, economies stall, people protest, and governments fall apart. The United States has become an energy superpower, leading the way in multiple forms of diversified energy resources, however, its economy remains vulnerable to supply disruptions, particularly for oil and the rare earth minerals currently necessary for renewable energy production. How does the closing of the Strait of Hormuz lead to higher gas prices? What steps can we take to insulate ourselves from these shocks? What are the new and emerging technologies that will reshape our energy infrastructure of the future?This month we speak with Dr. Stephen Bird, Director of the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire, to explore these questions and more. Dr. Bird's career has focused on all aspects of energy policy, with a particular focus on energy conflicts, polarization, and the energy transition. Join the conversation as we explore the critical spaces that energy occupies in our daily lives and how decisions made thousands of miles away can shape your daily life.Stephen Bird is the Director of Carsey School of Public Policy and a professor of political science at the University of New Hampshire. He is also a research professor (courtesy) at the Institute for Sustainable Environment at Clarkson University where he was formerly a full professor of political science. In addition, he's a faculty Research Affiliate with the Positive Energy Project at the University of Ottawa.Stephen's work examines all aspects of energy policy and regulation broadly, with a deep focus on impacting the energy transition. Engagements and research awards have included New York's Energy Research Authority, the U.S. State Department, the European Commission, National Resources Canada, a 2016 Fulbright Research Chair, and the National Science Foundation. Corporate partnerships have included the NY Power Authority, GE, National Grid, AMD, the US Green Building Council, and IBM.His current research and engagements focus on energy conflict & polarization, drivers of energy acceptance (fracking, solar, wind), split incentives and smart housing, and energy technology governance & implementation (microgrids, green data centers).Stephen completed his PhD at Boston University and his Masters at Harvard University.
Send us a voicemail to mark Let Me Sum Up's upcoming 100th Episode! Your friendly neighbourhood climate and energy podcast of record is about to clock up its 100th episode! Global VP for Marketing and Extortion kindly requests Summeruppers to send us a voicemail with your questions for LMSU's intrepid hosts or favourite anecdotes from listening to the pod. All contributions welcome! — In Episode XII of Global Energy Crisis Corner the current fuel crisis might have slipped off the radar of everyday Australians because, well, it's all been Very Much Under Control And Nothing To See Here Except Higher Than Pre-Crisis Domestic Fuel Reserves. That doesn't stop your tired, but resilient-in-our-nerdery intrepid hosts from another serving of what-is-actually-going-on-out-there chat! The latest IEA Oil Market Report makes it clear things are still VERY BAD but the impacts have been softened by countries drawing down on their domestic reserves - particularly China. But how much longer can this last? And how is this being experienced outside rich countries like Australia that can afford to pay extra to bolster imports? This article in the Economist does a good job outlining the impacts across Asia. Buckle up for Episode XIII folks. Our main course Your intrepid hosts dive out of the fire and into the frying pan to dissect ‘Power Flexible AI Factories: A UK-First Demonsration of Grid-Responsive AI Infrastructure', a paper from Chris Williams et al and supported by Emerald AI, Electric Power Research Institute, the UK's National Grid and Nebius. So what does BIG AI think the solution is to managing the growth of power-hungry data centres across the globe? Unsurprisingly this paper is optimistic on the potential for data centres to operate in practice as a form of demand response, to smooth peak demand around significant events (tea kettle breaks for UEFA matches, anyone?) and reduce power consumption by up to 40%. The trial documented in the paper provides some real cause for optimism and throws out some suggestions for reform, but bigger trials and key questions - like who pays for the flex? And how about that water consumption? - still need grappling with. One more things Tennant's One More Thing is: a techno-optimist double delight! CATL deal for 60 GWh sodium-ion batteries for grid storage shows sodium is here and lithium constraints aren't going to be a problem AND Fervo IPO - geothermal startup raises US$1.89b and market values it at $10b+ - they will have the money to get their first 500MW plant up and running this year (Cape Station, Utah). Frankie's One More Thing is: a sneaky peak into LMSU's post Budget analysis to alert folks to a tantalising reference to the Government's work on a ‘market measure' to drive demand for new Australian LCLF production (page 12 of BP1 to be precise). Watch this space! Luke's One More Thing is: some electrification optimism percolating around the country - from the $40m funding in the Budget to help electrify Australia Post's operations to Incat in Tasmania taking their ferries all electric! LMSU also heartily commends to Summerupperers the book ‘Power, Prosperity and Planet: Climate and Energy Policy For All' from friend of the pod, Thom Woodroofe! And that's it for now, Summerupperers. There is now a one-stop-shop for all your LMSU needs: head to letmesumup.net to support us on Patreon, procure merch, find back episodes, and leave us a voicemail!
In this special episode of Cleaning Up from San Francisco Climate Week, Michael Liebreich and Bryony Worthington unpack the geopolitical shocks reshaping the global energy transition. From escalating tensions in the Gulf and their impact on oil and LNG markets, to China's accelerating electrification revolution, the conversation explores how energy security, industrial strategy and climate ambition are colliding in real time. Bryony and Michael debate whether the West can realistically compete with China's manufacturing dominance, why electrification is becoming the defining energy strategy across Europe and Asia, and whether hydrogen has any meaningful role left to play. They also examine California's energy paradox, the future of AI-driven electricity demand, and whether nuclear power can help meet the coming compute boom. Along the way, they tackle the politics of trade, the economics of resilience, the rise of clean tech nationalism, and the uncomfortable societal questions posed by artificial intelligence and automation. This episode covers: The energy implications of instability in the Middle East Why electrification is accelerating globally China's EV and battery dominance The future of LNG, coal and renewables in Asia Why Michael thinks hydrogen is dead policy walking AI, data centres and the coming electricity crunch California's clean energy transformation Whether nuclear power can support the AI revolution Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, Ecopragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information about the Leadership Circle, visit cleaningup.live Links: Absolutely Electrifying - Ep158: Saul Griffith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=238XVTF4ang How Nvidia Made Chips 100,000x More Efficient | Ep215: Josh Parker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0KtA9WKZ3U The Future of Clean Tech Under Trump — Ep198: Jigar Shah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCOaF-qQ_TU
US President Trump told Chinese President Xi that they've had a fantastic relationship and they are going to have a fantastic future together.Chinese President Xi told US President Trump it is a pleasure to meet him in Beijing, while he has always believed that the common interests between China and the US outweigh the differences.US Secretary of State Rubio said the US hopes to convince China to play a more active role in persuading Iran to back down on its actions in the Gulf.An Iranian NSC spokesperson said new confrontations with the US are possible, and they are preparing a law regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.APAC stocks traded mixed; European equity futures indicate a positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.7%.Looking ahead, highlights include Trump-Xi Summit (14th-15th May); UK GDP (Mar/Q1), Industrial Production (Mar), Spanish HICP Final (Apr), US Retail Sales (Apr), Export/Import Prices (Apr), Jobless Claims (May 9), Atlanta Fed GDP. Speakers include ECB's Lagarde, BoE's Pill, Fed's Logan, Schmid, Hammack & Williams. Earnings from Telefonica, Burberry & National Grid.Holiday: Ascension Day Holiday (Closures in Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark).Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk
It's EV News Briefly for Wednesday 13 May 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyBYD PLANS EUROPE-BUILT CARS FOR EUROPEBYD will design and develop a series of purpose-built models for European consumers over the next three years, starting with the Dolphin G PHEV — set to debut in June and making its UK public appearance at Goodwood in July. Executive VP Stella Li has directed engineers to keep European variants under 4.3 metres, with separate B- and C-segment standards, as BYD stops adapting China-market models and instead builds vehicles tailored to dense European cities.MAZDA DELAYS DEDICATED EV TO 2029Mazda has pushed back its first dedicated EV platform by two years to 2029 and cut EV investment by nearly half, shifting resources toward hybrids and China-sourced electrified products. Before 2029, Mazda will sell China-built EVs — effectively rebadged Changan Automobile models — in Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.AUTOMAKERS SEEK NEW EU CO2 CONCESSIONSVolkswagen Group, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz met EU officials in Brussels on 13 May to press for further flexibility on the bloc's 2035 emissions targets, despite having already won concessions just months ago. Germany's VDA lobby warned that the country's auto sector could shed up to 125,000 additional jobs by 2035 without meaningful improvement in competitiveness.OPEL PREVIEWS 207 KW CORSA GSEOpel has revealed the all-electric Corsa GSE, which it claims will be the fastest-accelerating production Opel ever built, with a 0–100 km/h time of 5.5 seconds from a front-mounted 207 kW permanent magnet motor. The car rides on Stellantis' e-CMP platform and features a Torsen limited-slip differential, Alcon four-piston brakes, lowered sports suspension, and uprated battery thermal management.AUSTRALIA DELAYS FEDERAL EV ROAD CHARGEAustralia's federal government has paused its EV road user charge, opting to first develop a coordinated policy with state and territory governments following the High Court's 2023 ruling that struck down Victoria's version. The budget also restructures EV fringe benefits tax support, narrowing the full FBT exemption from April 2027 to EVs priced at A$75,000 or below on novated leases, before shifting to a 25% FBT reduction for all EVs under the luxury car tax threshold from April 2029.GERMAN OPERATORS BACK ELECTRIC TRUCKSA German study by the Institute for Applied Ecology found that 93% of transport companies already running electric trucks are satisfied or very satisfied, citing high reliability, driving comfort, and low operating costs. The same share expect electric trucks to become the standard fleet vehicle by 2030, though operators flagged high upfront costs and depot grid connection complexity as the main barriers.AI CHARGING METHOD CUTS EV BATTERY WEARResearchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed an AI-driven fast-charging method using reinforcement learning that extends EV battery life by 23% without adding to charge times. The system adapts charging current to each battery's state of health and electrochemistry in real time, reducing internal wear and the risk of lithium plating compared to current one-size-fits-all charging protocols.FIRST BUS TESTS DEPOTS AS GRID ASSETSFirst Bus has launched a trial using its electric bus depot infrastructure to support the National Grid, intelligently scheduling charging to absorb surplus Scottish wind power that would otherwise be curtailed. The UK's largest electric bus operator, with over 1,400 zero-emission vehicles, argues the scheme can cut wasted renewable energy, support grid stability, and improve the economics of fleet electrification.LUCID PUTS UK LAUNCH BACK TO 2028Lucid has delayed its UK market entry to early 2028 — the third such postponement — with European President Lawrence Hamilton saying the firm must sequence its expansion carefully after entering seven or eight more continental European markets in 2026 first. Lucid will skip bringing the current Air and Gravity models to the UK, instead launching only on its new mid-size 800-volt platform with the Cosmos coupé-crossover and Earth SUV variants, built on the Atlas drive unit that cuts manufacturing costs by 37%.UK E-VAN RULES EASE FROM 2026From June 2026, the UK government will remove regulatory barriers for electric vans weighing between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes, aligning them with equivalent diesel and petrol vehicles under the Class 7 MOT framework with a first MOT due after three years rather than one. Driver hours rules will also change, removing mandatory tachograph use and base-distance restrictions, with operators set to save up to 60% on MOT costs under the new regime.UK USED EV SALES HIT Q1 RECORDUK used EV sales hit a record 86,943 units in Q1 2026, up 32% year on year, with around one in 23 used car buyers choosing an EV compared to one in 30 in the same period last year. The surge is being driven by growing used EV supply from strong prior new car sales, lower prices, and improving buyer confidence in battery longevity.
The energy system is not about supply and exports and generation and distribution. It's about how we use energy in our daily lives and workplaces. The so-called energy trilemma, affordability versus reliability versus environmental performance looks very theoretical in the boardrooms of an NGO or a consulting company. But it's not theoretical at all for someone struggling to run their life, do their job and pay their bills. What we need is a system focused on usage, not on supply. Joining Michael on Cleaning Up this week is Harish Hande, a Bangalore-based social entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of the Selco Foundation, which focuses on decentralized solar energy solutions for underserved communities. A graduate of IIT Kharagpur with a master's and PhD in energy engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Harish has over three decades of grassroots experience using sustainable energy to drive poverty reduction in rural India. In 2011, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his efforts to make solar power accessible and affordable for the poor through innovative, livelihood‑linked energy services. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, Ecopragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information about the Leadership Circle, visit cleaningup.live Links: The Selco Foundation: https://selcofoundation.org/ Impact Investing Has it Backward: https://nextbillion.net/impact-investing-backward-time-prioritize-needs-social-enterprises-not-just-investors/ How Solar is Saving 100s of Lives in Sierra Leone — Ep204: Project Bo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-5QjSfy2SM A Life of Energy Access and Inclusion - Ep20: Richenda Van Leeuwen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tyk1xcf7nQ What India Gets Right About The Energy Transition | Ep226: Dr Arunabha Ghosh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMrn-JewoCo
Every single scenario for the future that looks at a cleaner energy system has electrification growing to 60, 70, 80% or more, and yet we don't make rapid progress. Why? One of the reasons we don't make progress lies in narratives and culture wars. We hear about heat pumps that don't work, we hear about electric vehicles that don't work, we hear that electrification can't work for high temperature heat and so on, and then we hear a narrative that there is a false solution that will work much better: hydrogen. So how do we electrify things faster? By focussing on what we can do right now, commercially at scale, and removing the barriers that slow those sectors down. Presenting the Electrification Staircase, a tool that breaks down the “Electrify Everything” argument into what can be achieved now, what will be in the near future, and what needs more support to come into being by the middle of the century. This week on Cleaning Up, Michael is joined by the authors of the Electrification Staircase to explore their thinking behind it, how it can be used, and what can be done to get electrification moving even faster. The authors are Adrian Hiel, Director of the Electrification Alliance, Silvia Madeddu, Solutions Architect at Schneider Electric, William Drake, analyst at Liebreich Associates and Thomas Butler, associate at the Regulatory Assistance Project, as well as Michael Liebreich. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, Ecopragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information about the Leadership Circle, visit cleaningup.live Links: The Electrification Staircase: https://electrification-alliance.eu/articles/the-electrification-staircase-is-out/ The Electrification Staircase Appendix: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qfn6xR7g7dXSZTlfkxcpOa8Pp0WKj7BW/view?usp=sharing The Electrification Alliance: https://electrification-alliance.eu/ Regulatory Assistance Project: https://www.raponline.org/ Sylvia Madeddu's Past appearance on Cleanig Up: https://perspectives.se.com/youtube-sustainability-business-schneider-electric/ep103-dr-silvia-madeddu-industrial-heat-is-electrifying
Utilities are under pressure to deliver generation that is dispatchable, affordable, and clean enough to satisfy increasingly stringent environmental rules, notoriously hard to do in one asset. As renewables grow, the gas turbines and engines that have historically filled the gap come with a NOx problem, a CO2 problem, or both. Hydrogen offers a path through, but the supply isn't there yet. So what do you build today?Host Bridget van Dorsten is joined by Shannon Miller, CEO of Mainspring Energy, and Will Hazelip of National Grid Ventures, to dig into a technology most listeners haven't heard of and the first commercial hydrogen-powered deployment of it. Mainspring's 250-kilowatt linear generator is being installed at National Grid's 1,500 MW North Port facility on Long Island, in partnership with NYSERDA, the Long Island Power Authority, and Stony Brook University.Shannon explains how Mainspring redesigned the generator using the power electronics that drive solar inverters, batteries and EVs, replacing mechanical systems with software, eliminating the flame, and operating at temperatures low enough to take NOx out of the equation. An adaptive pressure cycle, software-controlled in real time, runs the same hardware on hydrogen, compressed natural gas, biogas, propane or blends, with no hardware change. The 250 kW form factor matters too: efficiency holds across the full load range, fleet redundancy replaces single-asset reliability risk, and deployment is a concrete pad plus electrical and fuel hookups rather than a multi-year build.Will frames the project against the regulatory backdrop. Long Island sits in a non-attainment zone for NOx, and New York's path to a carbon-free grid requires what the state calls a dispatchable emissions-free resource. The unit will run for 12 months on green hydrogen and on compressed natural gas, with Stony Brook measuring emissions and efficiency, NYSERDA watching for regulatory design, and National Grid building operational experience for the rest of its ageing fleet.The economic case rests on the alternative. New-build hydrogen-capable gas turbines run $3,500–$4,000/kW on capex (per Wood Mackenzie), with delivered power costs reaching $300–$900/MWh once hydrogen is layered in. Shannon's point is that committing to a single-fuel turbine only pays off if the fuel actually arrives at the scale and price you assumed. With hydrogen supply uncertain, that's a stranded-asset risk linear generators avoid by running on whatever fuel is available today. Will adds the carbon-market angle saying that as carbon pricing develops, real-time fuel switching becomes an optimisation lever, not just a hedge.Then there's the supply reality. Total US hydrogen production today isn't enough to fuel a single 500 MW power plant, and with 45V tax credit requirements tightening and federal climate policy in flux, the gap between hydrogen ambition and supply isn't closing fast. Will's suggests starting with the fuels that exist today and scale into hydrogen as supply grows.The episode closes on demand. Mainspring's factory produces 325 MW a year today and can roughly double in 12–15 months, with pull from industrial customers, data centres and AI infrastructure, and utilities at once, driven by the same problem: nobody can get power fast enough.This episode is sponsored by GridBeyond. Energy asset owners face a critical challenge: how to optimize performance and drive new revenue in competitive, fast-moving markets. GridBeyond solves this through AI-powered forecasting, energy trading and optimization. GridBeyond's platform delivers: Precision forecasting to anticipate market opportunities Intelligent market access across multiple revenue streams Real-time control that responds instantly to market conditions Optimization that combines AI insights with expert oversight Whether you're managing batteries, gas peakers, hybrid sites, or complex multi-asset portfolios, GridBeyond helps you turn assets into high-performance revenue machines. The proven platform has helped businesses across the energy sector maximize returns and accelerate their energy transition. Want to learn more? Visit go.gridbeyond.com/recharged https://go.gridbeyond.com/recharged See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week Cleaning Up is back in Brussels, with a deep dive into European energy policy as the continent grapples with the reality of ambitious climate targets, very high energy prices and the vulnerabilities of first Russia's attack on Ukraine, and Israel and the US's recent attack on Iran. Michael Liebreich sits down with a rising star of the European Parliament, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, for a timely conversation at the intersection of energy, geopolitics, and climate strategy. What begins as a discussion on EU energy policy quickly broadens into a much bigger conversation: a blueprint for Europe's survival in a volatile world. Thomas argues that the war in Ukraine is not just about territory, it's about Europe's future. And one of the main battlefields? Energy. The key to peace, he says, lies in breaking Russia's ability to turn oil and gas into power, through a global transition to clean energy. From the inner workings of EU policymaking to the struggle between fossil fuel interests and the Green Deal, this episode dives into: Why Europe must electrify for its own peace and security The political battles shaping the future of EVs, nuclear, and renewables Whether Europe can compete with China and the U.S. in clean tech The concept of an “electro-democracy” alliance Why energy independence may be the only path to freedom Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, Ecopragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information about the Leadership Circle, visit cleaningup.live Links and more: Thomas' Bio: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/256903/THOMAS_PELLERIN-CARLIN/home The 130 Trillion-Dollar Man - Ep84: Mark Carney: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtA5ufMzKAU The Dane who Harnessed the Wind - Ep139: Henrik Stiesdal: https://youtu.be/7rjuZ_aCsFQ
What happens when global energy supply chains can no longer be trusted? Has the U.S. given up its edge in the clean energy race to China? And can politics keep up with the speed of the energy transition and the rise of AI? This week on Cleaning Up, Michael Liebreich sits down with former U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of global energy, politics, and clean technology. They explore how geopolitical tensions, from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz to shifting alliances, are reshaping global energy markets and accelerating the move away from fossil fuels. Granholm offers an insider's perspective on the impact of U.S. policy decisions under both Joe Biden and Donald Trump, including the rise, and partial dismantling, of the Inflation Reduction Act and what that means for US clean energy investment, manufacturing, and competitiveness. The discussion dives into the growing divide between ‘petrostate; U.S. and ‘electrostate' China, the global race for dominance in electric vehicles and battery storage (with companies like BYD leading the charge), and the unintended consequences of tariffs and industrial policy. Looking ahead, Granholm reflects on lessons learned from her time in office, what a future Democratic administration might do differently, and the political and economic challenges shaping the road to the next presidential election 2028: inflation, energy affordability, and the disruptive impact of AI on jobs. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information about the Leadership Circle, visit cleaningup.live Links and more: What Democrats Can Learn From the Trump Energy Playbook: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-26/jennifer-granholm-democrats-should-use-trump-playbook-for-climate For Real Energy Dominance, We Need the IRA: https://heatmap.news/ideas/energy-dominance-ira-granholm Can Data Centres Play Nice With The Grid? Varun Sivaram & Steve Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kSrgRZUCwE The Future of Clean Tech Under Trump — Ep198: Jigar Shah: https://youtu.be/PCOaF-qQ_TU Why Renewables Are Booming Despite the Politics | Ep245: Miguel Stilwell d'Andrade: https://youtu.be/5oL_XlZ8k_M How the US Lost The Race for Clean Energy | Ep 219: Ethan Zindler https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQLkLXt9Uek
Smart EV charging isn't just about saving money on your electricity bill, it's quietly becoming one of the most scalable sources of grid flexibility in Great Britain. Ohme has run the numbers: incentivising 22,000 customers to plug in more often drove a 32–37% increase in plug-in frequency, unlocking dispatchable flexibility across 60 National Grid events.In this episode, Ed is joined by Joshua Willetts and Dan Norton from Ohme. Josh is part of Ohme's customer operations team and starts the conversation with a live demo of the Ohme Home Pro, and then Dan Ohme's Commercial Director takes us through a deep dive of the economics, regulation, and long-term potential of smart home charging.They cover:- How the Ohme Home Pro works, tethered setup, app pairing, tariff integration, and smart scheduling on Octopus Go and equivalent time-of-use tariffs.- Why plugging in little and often (rather than running to empty and topping up) is the behavioural shift that unlocks real-world EV flexibility.- The CrowdFlex trial results: how a 1–3 GBP/week incentive delivered a 32–37% rise in plug-in frequency and fed directly into National Grid dispatch events- What smart charging regulation, including the Energy Smart Appliance (ESA) framework and load control licensing means for charger manufacturers and aggregators- How V2G and vehicle-to-home could evolve once older EV fleets start cycling into second-hand markets, and what cultural shifts are needed firstWant to model EV flexibility potential in your market? Ko, Modo Energy's AI analyst, is built for exactly these questions. Free sign up: https://help.modo.energy/en/articles/13335470-ko-your-ai-analyst?utm_source=podcast_apps&utm_medium=video&utm_id=ohmeTranscript available here: https://modoenergy.com/transmission-podcast/d2135750-c32a-49dd-a218-e3f69cfc48d7────────────────────────────────────────────────────────⏱ CHAPTERS0:00 Intro — Ed Porter, Welcome to Transmission1:04 Meet Joshua & the Ohme Home Pro1:52 App Setup, QR Code Pairing & Smart Scheduling4:44 Why a Box? What's Inside an EV Smart Charger5:22 Live Demo: Charging a Light Bulb via the Ohme App7:53 Charge Speed, Battery Times & Little-and-Often Strategy11:37 Introducing Dan: EV Adoption Stats & the UK Home Charge Market13:33 Barriers to Home EV Charging Installation18:44 Home Charging vs. Public Charging: The Economics20:06 CrowdFlex Explained: Smart Charging as Grid Flexibility23:11 CrowdFlex Results.26:32 Smart Charging Regulation: ESA, Load Control & Revenue Certainty28:43 How Big Could EV Flexibility Get? GB Grid Scale30:34 Vehicle to Grid (V2G) & Vehicle to Home: What's Coming34:40 What Would You Change? Flexibility Contracts as Steel in the Ground────────────────────────────────────────────────────────You can watch or listen to new episodes every Tuesday. Transmission is a Modo Energy production. Your host is Ed Porter — Director EMEA & APAC at Modo Energy.
Smart EV charging isn't just about saving money on your electricity bill, it's quietly becoming one of the most scalable sources of grid flexibility in Great Britain. Ohme has run the numbers: incentivising 22,000 customers to plug in more often drove a 32–37% increase in plug-in frequency, unlocking dispatchable flexibility across 60 National Grid events.In this episode, Ed is joined by Joshua Willetts and Dan Norton from Ohme. Josh is part of Ohme's customer operations team and starts the conversation with a live demo of the Ohme Home Pro, and then Dan Ohme's Commercial Director takes us through a deep dive of the economics, regulation, and long-term potential of smart home charging.They cover:- How the Ohme Home Pro works, tethered setup, app pairing, tariff integration, and smart scheduling on Octopus Go and equivalent time-of-use tariffs.- Why plugging in little and often (rather than running to empty and topping up) is the behavioural shift that unlocks real-world EV flexibility.- The CrowdFlex trial results: how a 1–3 GBP/week incentive delivered a 32–37% rise in plug-in frequency and fed directly into National Grid dispatch events- What smart charging regulation, including the Energy Smart Appliance (ESA) framework and load control licensing means for charger manufacturers and aggregators- How V2G and vehicle-to-home could evolve once older EV fleets start cycling into second-hand markets, and what cultural shifts are needed firstWant to model EV flexibility potential in your market? Ko, Modo Energy's AI analyst, is built for exactly these questions. Free sign up: https://help.modo.energy/en/articles/13335470-ko-your-ai-analyst?utm_source=podcast_apps&utm_medium=video&utm_id=ohmeTranscript available here: https://modoenergy.com/transmission-podcast/d2135750-c32a-49dd-a218-e3f69cfc48d7────────────────────────────────────────────────────────⏱ CHAPTERS0:00 Intro — Ed Porter, Welcome to Transmission1:04 Meet Joshua & the Ohme Home Pro1:52 App Setup, QR Code Pairing & Smart Scheduling4:44 Why a Box? What's Inside an EV Smart Charger5:22 Live Demo: Charging a Light Bulb via the Ohme App7:53 Charge Speed, Battery Times & Little-and-Often Strategy11:37 Introducing Dan: EV Adoption Stats & the UK Home Charge Market13:33 Barriers to Home EV Charging Installation18:44 Home Charging vs. Public Charging: The Economics20:06 CrowdFlex Explained: Smart Charging as Grid Flexibility23:11 CrowdFlex Results.26:32 Smart Charging Regulation: ESA, Load Control & Revenue Certainty28:43 How Big Could EV Flexibility Get? GB Grid Scale30:34 Vehicle to Grid (V2G) & Vehicle to Home: What's Coming34:40 What Would You Change? Flexibility Contracts as Steel in the Ground────────────────────────────────────────────────────────You can watch or listen to new episodes every Tuesday. Transmission is a Modo Energy production. Your host is Ed Porter — Director EMEA & APAC at Modo Energy.
The news agenda this year has been entirely dominated by energy related stories, whether it's the war in Europe being pursued by Russia — formerly Europe's most significant energy provider — the U.S. capturing the head of state of Venezuela — which has some of the biggest oil reserves in the world — or the ongoing attack by Israel and the U.S. on Iran and all its ramifications. But there is also another story, which is the long term rift between the U.S. and the rest of the world about whether and how fast we should be addressing climate change. This week on Cleaning Up, Michael Liebreich is joined by Dr Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, for his third appearance on the podcast. He discusses the International Energy Agency's integral role in trying to steer the world through the current energy crisis, how he sees the global energy system change in response to the crisis, and how his organisation is facing up to criticism from the US over its net-zero scenarios. Fatih and Michael discuss: Why the current crisis could surpass the oil shocks of the 1970s How the International Energy Agency is helping stabilize global markets Efficiency measures and the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz Why solar, batteries, and nuclear may surge amid the chaos Why countries are looking toward coal to fill the gap Whether energy security is now overtaking climate as the top priority The growing divide between the U.S. and global institutions on climate policy And why Birol insists: “Data always wins.” As Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih has positioned the Agency at the centre of global efforts to advance a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy system. Dr Birol joined the IEA in the mid-1990s and progressed from junior analyst to Chief Economist, where he oversaw the flagship World Energy Outlook. He has been included in the TIME100 list of the world's most influential figures and recognised by Forbes as one of the world's most influential figures in energy. He chairs the World Economic Forum's Energy Advisory Board and is an honorary life member of Galatasaray Football Club. This episode was recorded on March 19, 2026. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information about the Leadership Circle, visit cleaningup.live Links and more: The International Energy Agency: https://www.iea.org/ Sheltering from Oil Shocks report: https://www.iea.org/reports/sheltering-from-oil-shocks Fatih's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatih-birol/ The World Energy Outlook 2025: https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2025 Fatih's past appearance on Cleaning Up The World's Preeminent Energy Economist - Ep133: Fatih Birol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc7ItnBRqXI Setting the World's Energy Agenda - Ep28: Fatih Birol – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW5aPlRI44I
How should a central bank respond to energy shocks? Will high oil and gas prices bolster the uptake of renewables? And what is the true cost of net zero 2050? This week on Cleaning Up, host Michael Liebreich sits down with Pierre Wunsch, Governor of the National Bank of Belgium and member of the European Central Bank's governing council, for a candid, behind-the-scenes discussion about how central banks should and can respond to inflation, energy volatility, and climate transition. From the recent surge in oil and gas prices to the lessons learned from post-COVID inflation, Wunsch explains why central banks may have “got it wrong” during the Russia-Ukraine energy shock, and how they're rethinking their response to supply shocks. Michael and Pierre dive into: The costs of net zero, and why a one-size fits all approach to decarbonisation isn't working. Whether European economies can absorb the costs transition without losing competitiveness Why “transitory inflation” didn't stay transitory during the Russia-Ukraine war The risk of political backlash and policy instability Why industry, not households, is the hardest part of decarbonisation for Europe The gap between climate ambition and credible policy tools. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, Ecopragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information about the Leadership Circle, visit cleaningup.live Links and more: Pierre Wunsch bio: https://www.nbb.be/en/cv/pierre-wunsch National Bank of Belgium's Research on Climate: https://www.nbb.be/en/publications-research/publications/topics/climate How China Became a Green Finance Superpower - Ep160: Dr. Ma Jun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu6giWzTxAY The 130 Trillion-Dollar Man - Ep84: Mark Carney: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtA5ufMzKAU
What happens if we're underestimating the speed and scale of climate risk? This week on Cleaning Up, Bryony Worthington sits down with Ricken Patel, Principal at Climate Hub & Founder of activist network Avaaz, to explore how to build successful climate movements, and the case for research into geoengineering. Ricken argues that companies have been accidentally geoengineering since the turn of the Industrial Revolution, as a byproduct of their pollution, and says ‘it's crazy' that research into deliberate forms of geoengineering isn't being allowed. Ricken has a long history as a campaigner and activist working in the climate and democracy spaces. He founded Avaaz, an online activism platform, and led successful campaigns around the Paris Agreement and beyond. He was voted "Ultimate Gamechanger in Politics" by the Huffington Post, listed among the world's top 100 thinkers by Foreign Policy, and named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Patel studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford, graduating first in his class, and holds a Master's from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He went on to live and work on conflict resolution and civilian protection in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan, and Afghanistan for organizations including the International Crisis Group. Together, Bryony and Ricken dive into: Why climate risks may be far greater than current models suggest The cooling effects we're losing as we clamp down on pollution The case for researching geoengineering How democracy, truth, and climate are deeply intertwined And how to build a successful movement around climate change. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, Ecopragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information about the Leadership Circle, visit cleaningup.live Links and more: Ricken's website: https://www.rickenpatel.net/ The Climate Hub: https://www.cc-hub.org The State of the Climate 2026 | Ep242: Zeke Hausfather: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzySrSD8vz8 Parasol Lost: https://actuaries.org.uk/news-and-media-releases/news-articles/2026/jan/14-jan-26-parasol-lost-recovery-plan-needed/
The League Episode #45 – Show Notes In this episode of The League, Benoy Thanjan and David Magid break down how rising geopolitical tensions are driving energy security concerns and accelerating investment in solar and storage. They share insights from Puerto Rico Energy Week, where grid instability is pushing rapid adoption of microgrids, distributed solar, and battery storage. Benoy also highlights the real world impact of installing solar and storage systems for families with critical 24 hour medical needs. The conversation shifts to new momentum in nuclear, with X-energy and Talen Energy partnering to develop small modular reactors in the United States. They also discuss National Grid's thermal network pilots in New York, which use community scale ground source heat pumps to provide efficient heating and cooling. Host Bio: Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla's Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm's renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Connect with Benoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoythanjan/ Learn more: https://reneuenergy.com https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com Host Bio: David Magid David Magid is a seasoned renewable energy executive with deep expertise in solar development, financing, and operations. He has worked across the clean energy value chain, leading teams that deliver distributed generation and community solar projects. David is widely recognized for his strategic insights on interconnection, market economics, and policy trends shaping the U.S. solar industry. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmagid/ If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at info@reneuenergy.com.
This week on Cleaning Up, Michael Liebreich is joined by Emmanouil Kakaras, engineer, academic, and Senior Advisor at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries EMEA, for a grounded, technical conversation about the intersection of emissions and engineering: gas turbines pushing the limits of thermodynamics, the trade-offs between hydrogen, ammonia, and synthetic fuels, and why carbon capture keeps coming back into the conversation. Kakaras draws on decades in both academia and industry to explain how decisions actually get made inside large engineering companies, and why the energy transition isn't about picking a single “winner,” but deploying a mix of solutions at scale. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, Ecopragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information about the Leadership Circle, visit cleaningup.live Links and more: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries: https://www.mhi.com/ Iron-Air Man - Ep144: Mateo Jaramillo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih0gBGCkROM Cracking the Geothermal Code - Ep58: John Redfern: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU8TDupVvjM The Dane who Harnessed the Wind - Ep139: Henrik Stiesdal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rjuZ_aCsFQ Ep121: Prof. Rob Miller "Jet-Zero Hero": https://youtu.be/zqMHiyyWlZo Padeswood CCS: Decarbonizing cement production in the UK https://padeswoodccs.co.uk Primetals: A decade of pioneering green steel solutions Large Heat Pumps and the future of district heating https://spectra.mhi.com/energy-transition/the-untapped-potential-of-district-heating The geothermal plant behind Europe's lithium push https://spectra.mhi.com/energy-transition/the-geothermal-plant-behind-europes-lithium-push What role will ‘new nuclear' play in the energy transition? https://spectra.mhi.com/energy-transition/what-role-will-new-nuclear-play-in-the-energy-transition
This week on Cleaning Up, host Michael Liebreich sits down with Varun Sivaram and Steve Smith to explore one of the most urgent, and overlooked, challenges of the AI revolution: how to power it without breaking the grid. As AI demand explodes, hyperscale data centres are emerging as massive, inflexible loads, rivaling entire cities. But do they have to be a burden on the grid? This conversation dives into a groundbreaking trial led by Emerald AI in partnership with National Grid and NVIDIA—demonstrating that data centres can dynamically adjust their power consumption in real time using software. Key insights include: How AI data centres could reduce grid stress instead of increasing it The concept of “flexible demand” and why it's a game changer for AI data centres Real-world trial results Why “speed to power” matters more than cheap electricity in the AI race How software, not infrastructure, could help unlock billions in grid capacity The hidden flexibility inside AI workloads (and why not all compute is equal) From kettle spikes during football matches to lightning strikes on the grid, this episode reveals how intelligent systems can respond in seconds, turning a looming energy crisis into a massive opportunity. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, Ecopragma Capital, EDP, Euroelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. Read more: The Emerald AI/National Grid white paper: https://www.ngpartners.com/stories/emerald-ai-whitepaper The $60 Billion Plan For Europe's Largest AI Data Centre | Ep235: Robert Dunn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juAyLAUmU3w
Justine Campbell, Chief Legal Officer at National Grid, joins Scott Brown to share grounded leadership insights from operating at the centre of a complex, global energy business.In this episode of Lessons I Learned in Law, Justine reflects on what it truly means to influence at senior level in-house. She explains why the most effective lawyers focus on delivering insight rather than just information, understanding business context, stakeholder priorities and the pace at which decisions need to be made.She also explores how strong legal leadership is built through assembling diverse, high-performing teams. From creating space for constructive challenge to investing in trusted peer networks outside the organisation, Justine shares candid reflections on how perspective shapes better judgement.Her final lesson centres on recognising the responsibility that comes with senior legal roles. Whether advising boards, managing crises or shaping organisational integrity, she highlights why lawyers must balance technical excellence with emotional intelligence and resilience. Listeners also hear personal insights, including her early ambitions outside law and the importance she places on maintaining curiosity throughout her career.Guest Recommendations:Podcast: The Rest is HistoryPodcast: RUNABook: Persuasion by Jane AustenResources & Links Mentioned in This EpisodeExecutive Counsel Accelerator (ECA): https://www.cpduk.co.uk/courses/heriot-brown-executive-counsel-accelerator-eca-courseThe Lodge In-house Legal Community: https://forms.office.com/e/Pq7Uyv8xnSThe Lodge In-house Legal Community: https://bit.ly/TheLodgebyHBConnect with Heriot Brownhttps://heriotbrown.com/About Heriot Brown: At Heriot Brown, we help lawyers find fulfilment in their careers. Beyond recruitment, we foster a thriving community of in-house legal professionals who share insights, experiences, and growth opportunities.Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Lessons I Learned in Law, leave a review, and share it with colleagues building their careers in legal leadership.Chapters:00:00 Opening reflection – Insight over information 00:48 Scott introduces Justine Campbell, CLO National Grid 02:35 Justine's career journey & leadership scope 06:52 Lesson 1 – Insight matters more than technical brilliance 14:10 Building trust with stakeholders & commercial judgement 20:42 Lesson 2 – Leading teams through challenge and change 29:18 Developing future legal leaders & succession mindset 36:05 Lesson 3 – Owning your voice and influence 44:12 GC Hot or Not – Leadership visibility & career signals 49:30 Walk-on song, personal reflections & closing
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chris Fama reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Kurt Borchardt opened his latest electricity bill, he thought there was a mistake.当库尔特·博查特(音译)收到最新一期电费账单时,他简直不敢相信自己的眼睛。"Our electric bill doubled in one month. Almost a $3,000-$4,000 jump on a single bill," wrote Borchardt, co-owner of Artisanal Brew Works in Saratoga Springs, New York, describing the shock on social media."我们一个月的电费翻了一番。单张账单就涨了近三四千美元,"纽约萨拉托加斯普林斯市Artisanal Brew Works啤酒厂合伙人博查特(音译)在社交媒体上描述了当时的震惊。The brewery had already endured a slow winter season, traditionally its weakest period. Then came what he said was a 133-percent increase in electricity prices. The company's National Grid bill has now become its second-largest expense after rent, squeezing margins at a time when customer traffic remains slow.该啤酒厂刚熬过传统上最惨淡的冬季淡季。紧接着就遭遇了133%的电价涨幅。如今,国家电网公司的账单已成为该厂仅次于房租的第二大开支,在客流量持续低迷之际进一步挤压利润空间。"When I saw that bill, I fell out of my chair," Borchardt told local television station WTEN. His frustration reflects a broader national trend."看到账单时,我惊得从椅子上站了起来,"博查特对当地电视台WTEN表示。他的无奈折射出美国正面临的全国性趋势。Electricity prices in the United States are emerging as a new source of economic strain, raising concerns about inflation, industrial competitiveness and political risk, particularly after a colder-than-average winter drove up heating demand and tightened natural gas markets.美国电价正成为新的经济压力源,引发对通胀、工业竞争力和政治风险的担忧——特别是在遭遇比往年更冷的冬季,取暖需求上升而天然气市场供应趋紧之后。The most recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index report showed that overall inflation rose 2.4 percent in the past 12 months ending in January while electricity prices increased 6.3 percent. Though gasoline prices have fluctuated, electricity bills have continued to climb steadily, placing sustained pressure on both households and businesses.美国劳工统计局最新消费者价格指数报告显示,过去12个月(截至1月)整体通胀上涨2.4%,而电价涨幅达6.3%。尽管汽油价格有所波动,电价却持续攀升,给家庭和企业带来持续压力。One key factor behind the rise in electricity prices is surging power demand from data centers and artificial intelligence applications. As the US accelerates investment in AI infrastructure, electricity consumption from large-scale computing facilities has expanded rapidly, placing additional strain on an already aging power grid.电价上涨的关键推手之一是数据中心和人工智能应用的电力需求激增。随着美国加速AI基础设施投资,大型计算设施的耗电量快速扩张,给本已老化的电网带来额外负担。"Since electricity is a very inelastic good, these price increases will continue to put upward pressure on inflation," Aaron Pacitti, an economics professor at Siena University, told China Daily. "One of the main drivers of this increase is the rise in electricity demand from data centers and increased usage of AI.""由于电力属于极度缺乏弹性的商品,这些涨价将持续推高通胀,"锡耶纳大学经济学教授亚伦·帕西蒂(音译)向《中国日报》表示,"主要驱动因素之一就是数据中心用电需求增长和AI使用量增加。"According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, data centers accounted for about 4.4 percent of total US electricity consumption in 2023. Depending on the pace of broader economic growth, that share is projected to rise to between 6.7 percent and 12 percent by 2028.据劳伦斯伯克利国家实验室数据,2023年数据中心约占美国总用电量的4.4%。根据整体经济增长速度,预计到2028年这一比例将升至6.7%至12%。Similar challenges are emerging in other major technology markets as governments seek to balance the rapid growth of artificial intelligence with the need for a reliable power supply.随着各国政府寻求在AI快速发展与可靠电力供应之间取得平衡,其他主要科技市场也面临类似挑战。In the United States, the surge in electricity demand is already beginning to show up in capacity markets.在美国,电力需求激增已开始在容量市场中显现。PJM's latest capacity auction for the 2027-28 delivery year fell 6,623 megawatts short of its reliability requirement, underscoring a growing imbalance between electricity supply and demand, according to a Dec 17 news release from the grid operator, which serves 13 states and the District of Columbia.根据为13个州及哥伦比亚特区服务的电网运营商PJM去年12月17日发布的新闻稿,其最近一次2027-2028交付年度的容量拍卖较可靠性要求缺口达662.3万千瓦,凸显电力供需失衡加剧。Capacity auctions are forward-looking markets in which grid operators secure commitments from power plants to ensure sufficient supply during future peak demand periods.容量拍卖是电网运营商确保未来高峰用电期供应的前瞻性市场。"But this auction leaves no doubt that data centers' demand for electricity continues to far outstrip new supply, and the solution will require concerted action involving PJM, its stakeholders, state and federal partners, and the data center industry itself," said Stu Bresler, executive vice-president of market services and strategy at PJM."但此次拍卖明确表明,数据中心的电力需求仍远超新增供应,解决方案需要PJM、利益相关方、州和联邦合作伙伴以及数据中心行业本身采取协同行动,"PJM市场服务与战略执行副总裁斯图·布莱斯勒(音译)表示。Economists warn that persistently higher utility costs could weigh on overall economic momentum.经济学家警告,持续高企的公用事业成本可能拖累整体经济动能。Production costs生产成本For manufacturers, especially in energy-intensive sectors, higher electricity prices translate directly into rising production costs.对制造商而言,尤其是在能源密集型行业,电价上涨直接转化为生产成本上升。"Higher energy costs will act as a drag on growth and competitiveness for US firms and heighten the affordability issues facing US households," Pacitti said. "Since demand from data centers and AI is unlikely to subside anytime soon, these price increases will act as a modest headwind to growth.""能源成本上升将拖累美国企业的增长和竞争力,加剧美国家庭的支付难题,"帕西蒂说,"由于数据中心和AI需求短期内不太可能减弱,这些涨价将成为增长的轻微阻力。"Beyond demand growth, structural challenges are also contributing to the problem. In many parts of the country, utility companies purchase electricity through wholesale markets, and when demand rises faster than supply, prices increase for all consumers, according to Ari Peskoe, director of the Electricity Law Initiative at Harvard Law School.哈佛大学法学院电力法律倡议主任阿里·佩斯科认为,除了需求增长,结构性挑战也在加剧问题。美国许多地区的公用事业公司通过批发市场购电,当需求增长快于供应时,所有消费者的电价都会上涨。economic strain /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈstreɪn/经济压力fluctuate /ˈflʌktʃueɪt/波动inelastic good /ˌɪnɪˈlæstɪk ˈɡʊd/缺乏弹性的商品capacity markets /kəˈpæsəti ˌmɑːkɪts/容量市场capacity auction /kəˈpæsəti ˌɔːkʃən/容量拍卖utility costs /juːˈtɪləti ˈkɒsts/公用事业成本
What happens when millions of electric cars become part of the energy grid? And could the key to cheaper, cleaner power already be sitting in your driveway? And why are so many automakers pushing back against EV targets? This week on Cleaning Up, host Bryony Worthington speaks with Fiona Howarth, founder of Octopus Electric Vehicles, about the rapid transformation of the global car industry and the powerful role electric vehicles are beginning to play in the energy system. From her early fascination with clean energy to building one of the UK's most innovative EV businesses within Octopus Energy, Fiona shares the inside story of how electric mobility moved from niche curiosity to mainstream disruption. She explains why falling battery costs, bold policy like the UK's ZEV mandate, and fierce competition from Chinese manufacturers such as BYD are accelerating the transition faster than many expected. The conversation explores how EVs are evolving beyond transportation. With vehicle-to-grid technology, cars could become distributed batteries: storing renewable power, stabilising the grid, and even providing drivers with free electricity for their journeys. It's a vision that could reshape both the energy market and the economics of driving. But as some companies race ahead, some traditional automakers are pushing back, asking for slower timelines. Fiona argues that the real risk isn't moving too fast, it's backing the wrong players in a historic technological shift. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live. Links and more: Octopus EVs website: https://octopusev.com/ Cleaning Up interview with Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl-cRh35Hm4 Earth Set Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEarthSetPodcast
This week, we're officially ready to lock in on 2026 (again) after back-to-back trips. We discuss our new office plan to keep utility costs down, Jack's first ski trip out West, a few final thoughts on Disney and play a game of food-related roast or toast & more. EPISODE NOTES: As it warms up, Jack is warming up to not pay National Grid (0:49) Nobody Asked Me, But... (7:18) This just in: Real ID is a scam!!! (10:07) Jack's first ski trip out West (16:44) The Rover review (29:07) PSA: you do not need to sit next to your spouse on an airplane (37:45) Playing out the inevitable scenario a parent on vacation with their kids will experience (44:24) In defense of adults who love Disney: EPCOT rocks (51:08) Behind the Buttons: the story behind getting a car wash at every Hoffman Car Wash in the (proper) Capital Region in one day (53:50) Roast or Toast presented by Snyder's Restaurant (1:12:52) This episode is brought to you by Albany Mechanical Services. Right now, you can book an End Of Winter Furnace Special for just $189 (regularly $249) and receive a thorough cleaning and inspection of your furnace to ensure everything is in working order before winding down the heat and turning on the AC. (Appointments available until March 30 when you call before March 13). Visit albanymechanical.com for more information and to schedule your visit from an HVAC professional today!
Bryony Worthington and Michael Liebreich give their analysis of the impact of the conflict in Iran on global energy markets. How will it impact the Middle East, Europe, Asia, the US, and will it force countries back to coal, or accelerate the clean energy transition? This episode was recorded Thursday March 5. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live.
How can we build out clean energy and infrastructure faster? Is Europe engineering its way to resilience, or pricing itself out of competitiveness? And can we redesign the entire system fast enough to keep up with AI, electrification and rising demand? This week on Cleaning Up, Michael Liebreich sits down with Hilde Tonne, Chair of Arup and former CEO of Statnett, to explore the hard realities behind the energy transition. From offshore wind and nuclear to grid bottlenecks and data centre demand, Hilde brings a uniquely systems-level perspective shaped by decades leading infrastructure transformation across telecoms, energy and engineering. They dive into: Why grid investment, not generation, may be Europe's biggest constraint Whether hyperscaler AI companies should foot the bill for massive grid upgrades The hidden bottlenecks in regulation, permitting and procurement • How ‘total design' thinking can cut carbon by 40% before construction even begins Whether electrification makes Europe more resilient, or more exposed Hilde argues that this transition is no longer just about climate. It's about security, competitiveness, affordability and economic growth. But achieving it will require rethinking regulation, redesigning infrastructure and the bureaucracy around it, and aligning public and private capital at unprecedented scale. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live. Links and more: Arup's website: https://www.arup.com/ Inside Europe's Largest Data Centre: https://youtu.be/juAyLAUmU3w
Get the latest updates from our LinkedIn page! https://onelink.to/treesandlinesWelcome back to another episode of the Trees & Lines podcast. Chris Rooney, Forestry Manager at Rhode Island Energy, joins us to discuss how legislation can be a powerful tool for utilities looking to deliver more consistent, effective vegetation management programs. Chris shares how Rhode Island Energy navigated a major corporate transition from National Grid to PPL Corporation and used that moment as an opportunity to advocate for state level legislation that formalizes their forestry planning process. He explains how the law brings municipalities to the table, enhances community notification, and creates a four year planning cycle with real stakeholder input. The conversation also covers managing a remarkably diverse urban forest across 38 cities and towns, building a Right Tree, Right Place program, and why collaboration with lawmakers, the PUC, and community partners is now central to Rhode Island Energy's vegetation management strategy. Have a listen, hope you enjoy!#VegetationManagement #UtilityArboriculture #UtilityLeadership #GridReliability #UtilityOperations #RightTreeRightPlace #EnergyInfrastructure #Utilities #UrbanForestry #StormPreparedness #SafetyCulture #UtilityInnovation #WorkplaceSafety #LeadershipLessons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From his early days as a paper boy and eagle scout to his time as a naval officer decades later, Casey Kirkpatrick has always believed in service. Today, after more than 25 years with the energy giant National Grid, he's still serving. Casey directs National Grid's strategic engineering team, where he focuses on an emerging threat that most of its east coast ratepayers don't think much about: wildfires. To get ahead of that growing risk, National Grid has partnered with Rhizome, a company that helps utilities understand their wildfire vulnerabilities. This week on With Great Power, Casey tells Brad what National Grid has learned from its work with other utilities and with Rhizome — including a few surprises. They also explore how wildfire preparedness fits into National Grid's broader climate resilience planning, and why the threat looks somewhat different across the utility's UK operations. Credits: Hosted by Brad Langley. Produced by Mary Catherine O'Connor. Edited by Anne Bailey. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is executive editor. The GridX production team includes Jenni Barber, Samantha McCabe, and Brad Langley.
This week on Cleaning Up, host Bryony Worthington sits down with investor and energy strategist Laurent Segalen, co-host of the Redefining Energy podcast, for a sweeping conversation that spans carbon markets, uranium trading, battery innovation, and Laurent's bold plan to connect Canada and Europe with a 5,000km subsea electricity cable. Laurent shares the personal moments that shaped his obsession with energy security, from witnessing Cold War division in Germany to cleaning an oil spill off the beaches of Brittany, and how those experiences led him to the heart of Europe's carbon trading system and into high-stakes commodity markets. Along the way, Laurent recounts: How he became becoming one of the most profitable uranium traders on the market The financial mechanics behind interconnectors, and why east-west cables make money Why sodium batteries could reshape grid storage His experience designing carbon markets, and whether they are working or not. At the centre of the discussion is NATO-L (North Atlantic Transmission One Link): an audacious proposal to link Canadian hydro and wind to European markets through ultra-high-voltage subsea cables. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live. Links and more: NATO-L website: https://nato-l.com/ Redefining Energy Podcast: https://www.redefining-energy.com/ Ep92: Simon Morrish "650 Leagues of HVDC Under the Sea": https://youtu.be/m6KIMswZkWA
This week on Cleaning Up, Michael Liebreich sits down with Miguel Stilwell d'Andrade, CEO of EDP, one of the world's leading clean energy companies.From the front lines of the energy transition, Miguel explains why electricity demand in the United States is exploding, driven by AI, data centres, and re-industrialisation, and why this could make renewables one of the most attractive investments of the decade. He also shares how EDP transformed itself from an 80% coal-based utility into a company generating over 90% of its electricity from renewables.But the transition hasn't been entirely smooth. Miguel recounts the dramatic moment when Spain's grid collapsed, taking Portugal down with it, and what it taught him about resilience, grid stability, and the hidden challenges of running a modern clean power system.They also dive into:Why soaring power demand is changing energy economicsThe real story behind renewable costs and rising electricity pricesThe link between European competitiveness and energy independenceThe political and economic reality of investing in US clean energyWhy resilience may define the next phase of the transitionThis episode was recorded prior to the recent storms in Portugal. For more information on how EDP is responding to the storms, and what to do if you are affected by them, please visit: www.edp.comLeadership Circle:Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live.Links and more:EDP website: https://edp.com/enThe £60 Billion Plan To Rewire Britain | Ep227: John Pettigrew https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Lg1A958aAThe Enormous Ambition Of Germany's New Grid Build Out | Ep233: Tim Meyerjürgens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQgUuJ-dx78The $60 Billion Plan For Europe's Largest AI Data Centre | Ep235: Robert Dunn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juAyLAUmU3wThe Price of Resilience - Ep8: Roger Dennis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CELQT31riDE
This week, we're back at HQ with another sky-high National Grid bill, and it might be time to seek alternative options for where we record this once-a-week-podcast. We're both wondering how Olympians snowboard with AirPods in, Jack walks back his hot take on my coffee with cream intake after the people's poll, tells us about an interesting exhibit in NYC with Clifton Park roots, and more.EPISODE NOTES: It's a big week for Netflix (0:54)…but Seinfeld will always be #1 (1:20)Opening this month's National Grid bill (7:10)Nobody Asked Me, But... (11:37)Where are all the halfpipes at? (20:35)Granny has nice cans (30:55)Jack's DINK dog dilemma (36:35)A Chat GPT redemption story (57:00)First delis, now local diners are down bad (1:08:00)My Macy's credit card got some exercise this week (1:14:53)If you're looking for a new ride without the hassle, discover why drivers across the Capital Region trust Mohawk Chevrolet. From Silverado trucks to family-friendly Equinox or Traverse SUVs and sleek EV options, their online inventory makes it easy to shop, compare, and schedule your test drive or service —all from the comfort of home. Together, let's drive.
In der heutigen Folge sprechen die Finanzjournalisten Anja Ettel und Lea Oetjen über einen neuen Europa-Infrastruktur-ETF, ein neues Sparprogramm bei VW und SpaceX als Rüstungskonzern. Außerdem geht es um Hapag-Lloyd, Flatexdegiro, Heidelberg Materials, Hochtief, ACS, Gold, Silber, Bitcoin, Nintendo, Hasbro, Konami, VanEck Video Gaming and eSports UCITS ETF (WKN: A2PLDF), First Trust Indxx Europe Infrastructure UCITS ETF (WKN: A420NU), Global X European Infrastructure Development UCITS ETF (WKN: A40E7B), Iberdrola, Schneider Electric, Eaton Corp, Airbus, Enel, CRH, National Grid, Vinci, DSV und Compagnie de Saint-Gobain. Wir freuen uns an Feedback über aaa@welt.de. Noch mehr "Alles auf Aktien" findet Ihr bei WELTplus und Apple Podcasts – inklusive aller Artikel der Hosts und AAA-Newsletter. Hier bei WELT: https://www.welt.de/podcasts/alles-auf-aktien/plus247399208/Boersen-Podcast-AAA-Bonus-Folgen-Jede-Woche-noch-mehr-Antworten-auf-Eure-Boersen-Fragen.html. Der Börsen-Podcast Disclaimer: Die im Podcast besprochenen Aktien und Fonds stellen keine spezifischen Kauf- oder Anlage-Empfehlungen dar. Die Moderatoren und der Verlag haften nicht für etwaige Verluste, die aufgrund der Umsetzung der Gedanken oder Ideen entstehen. Hörtipps: Für alle, die noch mehr wissen wollen: Holger Zschäpitz können Sie jede Woche im Finanz- und Wirtschaftspodcast "Deffner&Zschäpitz" hören. +++ Werbung +++ Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte! https://linktr.ee/alles_auf_aktien Impressum: https://www.welt.de/services/article7893735/Impressum.html Datenschutz: https://www.welt.de/services/article157550705/Datenschutzerklaerung-WELT-DIGITAL.html
The UK's electricity grid connection queue ballooned to over a Terawatt of projects - far more than the country will ever need, creating delays for renewable energy developers trying to bring solar, wind, and battery storage online. Connections reform was designed to clear this gridlock, but delays in the process are now pushing back critical infrastructure decisions that could make or break the UK's 2030 clean energy targets.In this episode, Ed Porter speaks with Ed Birkett, New Projects Director at Low Carbon.The conversation explores the current state of connections reform, the challenges facing renewable energy developers navigating the new grid offer system, the critical role of battery storage co-location with solar projects, and why substation siting decisions have become the new bottleneck for getting clean energy projects built on time.Chapters- 00:00 - Introduction and connections reform recap- 01:44 - The 1,000GW grid queue crisis- 02:04 - Transmission versus distribution network access differences- 03:21 - Gate one and gate two grid offers explained- 04:06 - Current status of gate two notifications- 05:28 - Connection date uncertainty and timeline delays- 07:39 - September deadline for final grid offers- 09:15 - Co-location of batteries with solar projects- 11:42 - Why Ofgem removed batteries from solar schemes- 14:58 - Network capacity constraints and upgrade costs- 17:25 - Active network management and curtailment solutions- 20:33 - Distribution versus transmission network capacity planning- 23:47 - Industry response to battery removal decisions- 26:19 - The business case for solar-battery portfolios- 29:51 - Substation siting challenges and planning delays- 32:44 - National Grid's role in new infrastructure- 35:16 - Summer solar generation and negative prices- 38:16 - How solar projects price curtailment risk- 40:10 - Next steps for connections reform implementation- 42:02 - Critical path issues for 2030 delivery- 43:24 - Contrarian view: using existing networks better
The UK's electricity grid connection queue ballooned to over a Terawatt of projects - far more than the country will ever need, creating delays for renewable energy developers trying to bring solar, wind, and battery storage online. Connections reform was designed to clear this gridlock, but delays in the process are now pushing back critical infrastructure decisions that could make or break the UK's 2030 clean energy targets.In this episode, Ed Porter speaks with Ed Birkett, New Projects Director at Low Carbon.The conversation explores the current state of connections reform, the challenges facing renewable energy developers navigating the new grid offer system, the critical role of battery storage co-location with solar projects, and why substation siting decisions have become the new bottleneck for getting clean energy projects built on time.Chapters- 00:00 - Introduction and connections reform recap- 01:44 - The 1,000GW grid queue crisis- 02:04 - Transmission versus distribution network access differences- 03:21 - Gate one and gate two grid offers explained- 04:06 - Current status of gate two notifications- 05:28 - Connection date uncertainty and timeline delays- 07:39 - September deadline for final grid offers- 09:15 - Co-location of batteries with solar projects- 11:42 - Why Ofgem removed batteries from solar schemes- 14:58 - Network capacity constraints and upgrade costs- 17:25 - Active network management and curtailment solutions- 20:33 - Distribution versus transmission network capacity planning- 23:47 - Industry response to battery removal decisions- 26:19 - The business case for solar-battery portfolios- 29:51 - Substation siting challenges and planning delays- 32:44 - National Grid's role in new infrastructure- 35:16 - Summer solar generation and negative prices- 38:16 - How solar projects price curtailment risk- 40:10 - Next steps for connections reform implementation- 42:02 - Critical path issues for 2030 delivery- 43:24 - Contrarian view: using existing networks better
This week on Cleaning Up, Michael Liebreich sits down with carbon removal insider Robert Höglund, CEO of Marginal Carbon, co-founder of CDR.fyi and architect of MilkyWire's Climate Transformation Fund, for a deep dive into what's working and what's not in carbon dioxide removal and corporate climate action.Drawing on five years of hands-on experimentation funding everything from biochar to direct air capture and policy advocacy, Höglund challenges the dominant “speed and scale” narrative. Instead, he makes the case for a new phase: prove and learn. Together, Michael and Robert unpack why the highest-impact climate interventions are often the least measurable, why corporate net-zero targets are more conditional than we admit, and what it will actually take to make carbon removal credible, scalable, and worth paying for.Leadership Circle:Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live.Links and more: Marginal Carbon: Marginal CarbonCDR.fyi: https://www.cdr.fyi/MilkyWire Climate Transformation Fund: https://milkywire.com/Carbon Gap: https://carbongap.org/Julio Friedmann on Cleaning Up: https://youtu.be/DX7k6qnTxE8
What if the future of clean energy isn't decided in Washington, Brussels, or Beijing, but in Lagos, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa? Are we underestimating how fast the Global South is leapfrogging fossil fuels? And what happens when clean energy becomes the cheapest, fastest path to development, not a climate sacrifice?In this episode of Cleaning Up, Michael Liebreich is joined for a third time by Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and UN Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN Energy. Together, they explore how Africa and the wider Global South are quietly reshaping the global energy transition, from rapid growth in solar, storage, mini-grids, and EVs to bold policy moves that many developed economies haven't dared to make.They dive into why energy access is about dignity, health, and gender equality; why finance, not technology, is the real bottleneck; and how local capital, data, and innovation could determine whether “Most of World” powers its future with clean energy or fossil fuels.Leadership Circle:Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live.Links and more:Sustainable Energy For All: https://www.seforall.orgDamilola's past appearances on Cleaning Up:https://youtu.be/TbN1Y1C0idohttps://youtu.be/VcpNOmm1pMwBan Ki-moon on Cleaning Up: https://youtu.be/B14_MeRhfBwThe Sierra Leone Documentary: https://youtu.be/z-5QjSfy2SMClemens Calice on Cleaning Up: https://youtu.be/urmP7zN6n04Alain Ebobissé on Cleaning Up: https://youtu.be/ISTvp0BQz3E
Electric utilities are not generally known as hotbeds of innovation. What would it take for electric utilities to become more innovative? What impact would that have on the adoption of AI technologies in the power sector? Can AI tools help control power price increases for households, instead of creating pressures for increased power prices due to data center demand? Join host David Sandalow as he discusses these topics and others with Sandy Grace, Vice President of US Policy and Regulatory Strategy at National Grid. This material is distributed by TRG Advisory Services, LLC on behalf of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the U.S.. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do we model the climate system? How warm will 2026 be? And can geoengineering be anything more than a bandaid? This week on Cleaning Up, Bryony Worthington sits down with leading climate scientist Dr. Zeke Hausfather on the day the 2025 global temperature data is released. Despite a La Niña year, the planet has just experienced one of its hottest years on record — pushing us ever closer to the 1.5°C threshold. Zeke explains why recent warming has accelerated, how declining air pollution may be unmasking hidden heating, and what disappearing cloud cover could mean for climate sensitivity. The conversation ranges from the surprising accuracy of early climate models, the risks of rising nationalism, and what the U.S. withdrawal from international science means for the world. They also tackle controversial questions: Are worst-case climate scenarios still plausible? Is geoengineering a dangerous distraction — or an emergency brake? And can carbon removals ever work economically at scale. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live. Discover more: Zeke's articles in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/by/zeke-hausfather Zeke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeke-hausfather-7327699/ Zeke's Blog on Substack: https://www.theclimatebrink.com/p/my-2026-and-2027-global-temperature
This week, Jack is back from an early winter vacation to 60s/70s Florida, and is officially marking the start of his new year starting now. We chat about my family's "stinky feet" legacy, Jonah's decision to wear slippers inside the office and hear what shocking remark a flight attendant made to Jack and his wife before their first-ever Allegiant voyage took off. EPISODE NOTES: Big “stinky feet” house over here (0:29) Roast or Toast: Office slippers (5:57) Nobody Asked Me, But… (15:16) Last Sip Club > First Sip Club (20:43) Sitting separately from your travel partner on a plane (30:00) Go easy on the deli ham, kids (48:35) It's time to be the Paul Revere of Lymphatic Drainage (55:42) That's Nuts presented by Mohawk Chevrolet (1:05:02) Jack got a call from the “Office of the President” at National Grid (1:26:57) Upgrade your vehicle this winter and experience top-notch customer service from the team at Mohawk Chevrolet, centrally located off Northway Exit 12 in Ballston Spa. From all the new Chevrolet makes and models to buy or lease, a variety of certified pre-owned vehicles, electric cars and more, Mohawk Chevrolet has what you need to get around the Great Upstate.
Electric utilities are not generally known as hotbeds of innovation. What would it take for electric utilities to become more innovative? What impact would that have on the adoption of AI technologies in the power sector? Can AI tools help control power price increases for households, instead of creating pressures for increased power prices due to data center demand? Join host David Sandalow as he discusses these topics and others with Sandy Grace, Vice President of US Policy and Regulatory Strategy at National Grid. This material is distributed by TRG Advisory Services, LLC on behalf of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the U.S.. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AI tools are everywhere. Real adoption is scarce. In this episode of What Gets Measured, Jake Sanders and Jessica Graeser sit down with Ben Tasker, AI Workforce Development Strategist and Senior AI Strategist at National Grid, to unpack why so many AI initiatives stall—and what actually makes them stick. Ben shares lessons from building applied AI programs across healthcare, higher education, and large enterprises, including what it takes to prepare thousands of people for AI-enabled work. The conversation moves beyond tools into skills, systems thinking, trust, and learning cultures—and why AI strategy succeeds or fails at the human level. If you're a marketer, analytics leader, or operator trying to turn AI experimentation into measurable performance, this conversation will change how you think about readiness, risk, and real impact. SHOWPAGE: www.ninjacat.io/blog/wgm-podcast-why-skills-beat-tools-in-ai
Why does Africa, home to 18% of the world's population, receive just 1% of global energy investment? What's stopping money from flowing to the continent when it has such good wind and solar potential? And what would it take to unlock an energy boom that benefits both Africa and Europe?Spread across 54 countries and with a combined GDP the size of Italy, Africa's population is young and growing rapidly. It is set to grow from 1.5 billion people today to 2.5 billion by 2050. And it could reach 4 billion by 2100, accounting for two out of every five people on the planet. Africans want and deserve the same prosperity shared by richer parts of the world. And that means investment. So why is investment not flowing? This week on Cleaning Up, Michael Liebreich speaks with Clemens Calice, CEO and founder of Cygnum Capital, which invests around $1.3 billion in Africa's energy transition. Together they explore why risk perception and outdated models are slowing investment across Africa. From rooftop solar for factories and mines, to electric motorbikes, power pools, and the geopolitics of gas, this episode makes the pragmatic case for how Africa can leapfrog to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.Leadership Circle:Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live.Discover more:Cygnum Capital: https://www.cygnumcapital.comEpisode 196, Lucy Heintz of Actis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhGDI_0QIHgEpisode 216, Daniel Calderon of Alcazar Energy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMhFOWO4C84Episode 120, Ana Hajduka, founder of Africa Green Co.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktWh_G6Sw_g
Downing Street has expressed outrage at changes introduced by the social media platform, X, to address concerns about its AI tool Grok. Also: Iran's Revolutionary Guard has warned it won't tolerate the current unrest in the country, as protests continue for a thirteenth day. And the National Grid says it is working to restore power to tens of thousands of homes after Storm Goretti brought heavy snow to parts of Wales and England.