Podcasts about renewable

Renewable energy generation continues to grow and increase the need to store energy efficiently and economically for longer durations of time. In the latest episode of Sustainability Leaders, Jayen Veerapen, Senior Advisor with the BMO Climate Institute, explores how zinc-based batteries and storage assets could be an interesting alternative to lithium-ion battery chemistries. His guest is James Larsen, CEO of e-Zinc, an energy storage technology developer with projects in Canada and the US.   “At the stage we're at right now, the modest amount of renewable energy we actually have on the grid, it only really necessitates energy storage assets that have the ability to discharge energy for a few hours. But if you extrapolate out the curve and really think about what does 2030 look like, what does 2040 look like, and beyond, and think about the volume of renewable energy that's coming on line, it's going to create more and more significant imbalances between that supply and demand,” Larsen said.

The Benefits of Recycling Wind TurbinesWhile wind energy is renewable and non-polluting, the wind turbines themselves can create pollution problems. Now, scientists are creating wind turbines that can be made with less energy, but also create less waste because they can be recycled. This, of course, reduces impacts on the waste stream and provides a sustainable alternative to current wind turbines that are often extremely hard to recycle. Moreover, the new material requires less energy to create and mold into the desired output, subsequently reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions.Making Wind Turbines with Recyclable ResinNot surprisingly, even renewable energy resources also have environmental costs. For instance, when the life of a wind turbine ends (after about 20 years), it ends up in landfills. Moreover, as more wind farms are built and older turbines are taken out of usage, the waste burden is significant. Most resins also used in wind turbines require many nonrenewable resources and a lot of energy to produce. In addition, they do not easily degrade.This is why researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) started developing turbines from recyclable resin. They call the resin PECAN, and it is created with “bio-derivable resources” like sugars as opposed to the type of resin that has traditionally been used, which is not bio-derived and extremely hard to upcycle. Specifically, when the wind blades are unusable they are shredded to be used as “concrete filling”, which never biodegrades, while turbines made of recyclable resin can chemically break down within 6 hours.Benefits of Recyclable Resin Not only can PECAN withstand harsh weather, but it does not deform over time. Additionally, once the resin undergoes a chemical process called “methanolysis” it only takes 6 hours for the original carbon and glass to be recovered to be recycled. Moreover, the catalyst to harden the resin is also recovered and this means that it is possible for it to be used again (creating a circular waste stream). Moreover, PECAN produces “40% less greenhouse gas emissions and 30% less energy to make”.Challenges of Implementation There is a general lack of awareness of solutions like PECAN which strive to make our waste stream more circular, and without that awareness, it would not be able to make the large positive impact that it is capable of making. This is also one of the reasons why right now, wind turbines made out of recyclable resin proves to be more expensive, as there is not enough of a demand for it yet.Ryan Clarke believes that creating wind turbines from naturally occurring resources like sugars can be extremely helpful in waste reduction. Additionally, he emphasizes that larger deployment of this technology and increased awareness can lead to major cost savings in the long run. About Our GuestRyan Clarke studied materials science and became a postdoctoral researcher for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he was the study's lead author. Now, he works at Hexion Inc. as a R&D material scientist.ResourcesreNews, NREL Develops Recyclable Resin for Wind BladesENERGY THEORY, NREL Develops Wind Turbine Blades From Recyclable ResinEnvironment + Energy Leader, NREL's Breakthrough in Renewable, Recyclable Wind EnergyFurther ReadingResearch Gate, A Recyclable Epoxy for Composite Wind Turbine BladesNEW ATLAS, Fast-Dissolving Bio Resin Could Drive Recycling of Wind Turbine BladesFor a transcript, please visit: https://climatebreak.org/recyclable-resin-for-wind-turbines-with-ryan-clarke/ 

Since January 1st, Portugal achieved a remarkable feat in its pursuit of sustainable energy. Renewable energy sources supplied 82.2% of the country's total electricity consumption.

Australia has long been a global leader in residential solar adoption, with more than three million households now generating electricity from rooftop panels. This remarkable uptake has transformed how energy is produced and consumed at the household level, positioning Australia at the forefront of distributed energy.But while rooftop solar has become mainstream, the next frontier of the energy transition. Widespread adoption of home battery storage is still in its early stages. As energy markets evolve, the value of grid exports is changing and resilience is becoming increasingly important and home batteries play a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of distributed energy systems. To truly scale domestic storage, new models for ownership and financing are emerging. Shifting the conversation from technology to access. In this episode, we explore what's driving demand for household batteries, what's holding it back, and how smart coordination of home energy systems could transform both household economics and grid outcomes.In this episode of Transmission, Wendel is joined by Jess Padman, Director of Energy Products at the National Renewable Network (NRN). Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:What's behind the rise in household batteries? From feed-in tariff reductions to energy independence and resilience, what's driving demand.The barriers to widespread adoption: Upfront cost, policy lag, and a fragmented supplier landscape.New ownership and financing models for batteries: Why access, not just technology, is key to scaling domestic storage.The role of smart coordination in the home: Coordinating solar, batteries, and appliances to maximise value for households and the grid.Australia as a testbed for residential energy innovation: How policy, culture, and infrastructure have created one of the world's most dynamic residential energy markets.About our guestJess Padman is Director of Energy Products at the National Renewable Network (NRN). With a background in distributed energy, solar programs, and product development, Jess focuses on bringing smart, scalable solutions to the residential energy market, helping more Australians access the benefits of rooftop solar and battery storage.

Australia has long been a global leader in residential solar adoption, with more than three million households now generating electricity from rooftop panels. This remarkable uptake has transformed how energy is produced and consumed at the household level, positioning Australia at the forefront of distributed energy.But while rooftop solar has become mainstream, the next frontier of the energy transition. Widespread adoption of home battery storage is still in its early stages. As energy markets evolve, the value of grid exports is changing and resilience is becoming increasingly important and home batteries play a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of distributed energy systems. To truly scale domestic storage, new models for ownership and financing are emerging. Shifting the conversation from technology to access. In this episode, we explore what's driving demand for household batteries, what's holding it back, and how smart coordination of home energy systems could transform both household economics and grid outcomes.In this episode of Transmission, Wendel is joined by Jess Padman, Director of Energy Products at the National Renewable Network (NRN). Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:What's behind the rise in household batteries? From feed-in tariff reductions to energy independence and resilience, what's driving demand.The barriers to widespread adoption: Upfront cost, policy lag, and a fragmented supplier landscape.New ownership and financing models for batteries: Why access, not just technology, is key to scaling domestic storage.The role of smart coordination in the home: Coordinating solar, batteries, and appliances to maximise value for households and the grid.Australia as a testbed for residential energy innovation: How policy, culture, and infrastructure have created one of the world's most dynamic residential energy markets.About our guestJess Padman is Director of Energy Products at the National Renewable Network (NRN). With a background in distributed energy, solar programs, and product development, Jess focuses on bringing smart, scalable solutions to the residential energy market—helping more Australians access the benefits of rooftop solar and battery storage.

With the Labor government up for another 3 years, Chris Bowen's renewable dream is coming true. National Spokesperson for the Clean Energy Council Chris O'Keefe joins John to talk through the technical details of what a renewable energy rollout will look like in Australia. Listen to John Stanley live on air from 8pm Monday to ThursdaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy Crabtree goes in-house with Tri-Merit's Barry Devine, a veteran in the specialty tax incentive space, on Episode 211 of The Unique CPA. Renewable energy tax credits have come to the forefront as a way for nonprofits to fund community-strengthening projects, and Barry pulls from his extensive experience in leveraging these credits and incentives to illustrate the incredible opportunities that are out there right now. Highlighting the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on making these credits accessible to nonprofits, they discuss real-world examples Barry was a part of, including projects for the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County and a Minnesota hospital, while delving into the legislative landscape and future prospects for renewable energy incentives. Barry's strong advice to CPAs on how to support their nonprofit clients in taking advantage of these lucrative credits is a must-listen. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

This episode covers India's ambitious plans to double its wind energy capacity by 2030, the UK's expansion of offshore wind farms, and the US states' legal challenge against President Trump's executive order halting wind energy development. Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly email update on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard's StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary Barnes' YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us! Allen Hall: Starting the week off in India, India's wind energy sector is investing heavily in capacity and workforce development to double its current 50 gigawatt capacity by 2030. The Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association says they're focusing on technology innovations while advancing the Make in India mission to achieve this ambitious target. The country already has 18 gigawatts of annual manufacturing capacity for turbines and components. Companies like LAN and zf Windpower produce critical parts locally. Positioning India as a potential global export hub. Renewable sector hiring is expected to grow by 19% this year in India with most workers being young [00:01:00] Indians between 26 and 35 years old. Over in the uk the UK's Crown estate has approved expansion of high density wind farms on existing seabed leases to support the country's energy transition. Seven projects will increase capacity by 4.7 gigawatts helping Britain towards its target of 50 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030. Up from the current 15 gigawatts projects include RWE's Ramon two and SSE's and Equinor's Dogger Bank D. The Crown Estate's Marine director Gus Jasper says, this capacity increase program will provide up to 4 million homes with clean energy and decrease the UK's reliance on internationally sourced fossil fuels. Britain is already the world's second largest offshore wind market after China, though inflation and supply chain issues have challenged the sector recently. Over in the United States, a coalition of 17 states and Washington [00:02:00]DC has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's executive order halting wind energy development. The order signed on his first day in office, pauses, approvals, permits, and loans for all wind projects, both offshore and onshore. New York Attorney General Letitia James leading the coalition argues the directive threatens thousands of good paying jobs and billions in investment while delaying the transition away from fossil fuels. The administration recently ordered Norwegian company Ecuador to halt construction on Empire Wind, one near Long Island, despite the project being 30% complete after a seven year permitting process. Wind currently provides about 10% of US electricity, making it the nation's largest renewable energy source. The states argued Trump's order contradicts years of bipartisan support for wind energy and his own declaration of quote, a national energy emergency unquote calling for expanded domestic energy production.[00:03:00] The administration has also suspended funding for floating offshore wind research in Maine and revoked permits for a project in New Jersey. Internationally, other nations are accelerating wind investments with the UK and Canada's Nova Scotia recently announcing major offshore expansion plans. That's this week's top News stories. Tune in tomorrow for the Uptime Wind Energy Podcast.

Grain complexes backed off the highs from the day on fizzled optimism from trade talks. Meanwhile, livestock trade closed lower. Arlan Suderman of StoneX weighed in on the trade. Topics: - Trade rhetoric - Renewable fuels - Fear of falling consumer demand

Nick Martocci, founder of Tower Training Academy, discusses their nationally recognized apprenticeship programs for wind turbine technicians and battery energy storage specialists. The company focuses on creating partnerships and initiatives that support career development and veterans' transition into the renewable energy sector. Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly email update on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard's StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary Barnes' YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us! Allen Hall: As renewable energy technology gets more complex and specialized every day, the industry needs skilled professionals ready to climb those towers and maintain critical systems. This week we speak with Nick Martocci founder of Tower Training Academy in Las Vegas. Tower Training Academy offers nationally recognized apprenticeship programs for both wind turbine technicians and battery energy storage specialists, helping everyone from recent high school graduates to career changers develop essential skills and certifications, while providing lifelong career support. Welcome to Uptime Spotlight, shining Light on Wind Energy's brightest innovators. This is the Progress Powering tomorrow. So we were just talking, it's been a year since we've spoken to you and I follow your Tower Training Academy YouTube page, LinkedIn page. I think you're on Instagram also. Nick Martocci: Yep. Instagram. We got [00:01:00] Facebook. A lot of social media. Uh, a lot has happened in the last time since we've chatted. Uh, been able to send a few more apprentices through the wind turbine program. Uh, I've been able to help out a lot of veterans. We had one veteran actually come through my program, uh, work with us vets to help veterans, uh, transition, uh, into the renewable sector, if you will, and help them out also with transferring them out of a bad situation. Uh, the veteran, he just. Fell onto some harm times and, uh, no, no lie before he was with my program, was actually living in his car and so he got with us vets and uh, was able to get a little assistance from them. Also got with Salvation Army, got some assistance from them and the US vets actually pointed him towards my program. We were able to get him a sponsorship and to this day it's changed his life and he's still, even right now out in the field. Doing torque contention work. [00:02:00] That's awesome. Allen Hall: That's a great story. And I, on your LinkedIn page, I've noticed a couple of ribbing ribbon cutting ceremonies with local dignitaries. Nick Martocci: Yeah, we had a congresswoman Susie Lee, her office was very, very helpful with getting, uh, some other help that we needed. Uh, moved along with, uh, a few other pieces, but she was out there to help us, uh, announce that we actually did become a, the first. Approved apprenticeship for the Department of Labor that's active for our battery energy storage apprenticeship program. And so now we have both programs since last year. Uh, that was something that we had to kind of keep hidden behind the green curtain, if you will. And so I was working on that and now that's already up and running. Uh, we had one apprenticeship approved before us a few years ago and they haven't sent anybody through it and. At the end of this month. Right now we're in March, so at the end of this month [00:03:00] we'll have 10 coming through my program already. Joel Saxum: I think that's super important for the industry right now where that, that the renewables industry, because battery storage growing. Right? I, I mean, I live in Austin, right? So it's just batteries after batteries going into the Ercot market and there's a lack of people, lack of technicians,

* Spain's grid blackout causing even Tony Blair to admit the green agenda's failure and pivot to Trump's carbon capture con * If tariffs aren't inflationary then why was the White House in a frenzy to silence Amazon's plan to itemize skyrocketing surcharge costs? * On the positive side, the REINS Act is back and could check the regulatory abuses of the bureaucracy * Big Pharma's statin lies, FDA-approved “meat glue” in your nuggets, lab-grown milk horrors, and the biggest economic fraud — “health insurance” plus hospitals jacking up bills * Dive into J. Warner Wallace's gritty graphic novel for entertainment and a dose of truth amid the madness!2:30 The Grid Reset? Green Grifters Pivot After Spanish Grid BlackoutThey ignored the warnings and now even Tony Blair is admitting that they went to far for a problem that isn't.  However, the former leftist PM is pivoting to another big scam that's EXACTLY what Trump and his cronies want for the USA 30:15 LIVE audience comments 34:43 Why Did Trump Get So Upset About Itemizing the Surcharge on Amazon?     Itemizing surcharges has long been both a business practice and a protest by restaurants, hotels and others.  But neither Biden's FTC nor the Trump administration like protests     But Trump's administration is in a frenzy to bury the truth about skyrocketing prices from his chaotic tariffs, bullying Amazon's Jeff Bezos into silencing plans to itemize tariff surcharges.  First they said it wouldn't be noticeable, now they're furious and attacking Biden for inflation (didn't Trump's lockdown & UBI programs have something to do with inflation?). 58:27 Another Flip on Auto TariffsTrump's automotive tariffs are rooted in a questionable 1960s law, forcing automakers to slam on the brakes, paralyzing supply chains and strangling the economy with uncertainty.  Now there's been another change.  It's the chaos, stupid, that is destroying the economy.  Did they think ANY of this through? 1:04:02 Will Congress Unleash the REINS Act to Rein in Bureaucratic Tyranny?Politico's in a panic over the proposed REINS Act, set to take back regulatory power they abdicated to the bureaucracy and hand President Trump unprecedented veto power, obliterating the unchecked rule-making of unelected bureaucrats!  Will it pass? 1:11:15 UPS and DHL Making Adjustments for Recession, Downsizing, and Erratic RegulationsUPS to axe 20,000 jobs and shutter 200 sorting centers! The ripple effects of his erratic taxes will decimate small businesses, as even large ones struggle 1:19:18 LIVE audience comments 1:27:29 Trump's Shocking Embrace of Lockdown Queen Gretchen Whitmer     Partisans on both sides are shocked but one of the “bad Democrat governors” of lockdown, wretched Gretchen arguably the worst, once vilified by MAGA for banning seeds and jailing barbers is palling around with Trump — again.     Uniparty power where politics is a sham, and control is king 1:30:42 Statins, Cholesterol, Lying with Statistics, and Lab-MilkExposing the fraud of BigPharma statistics and the FDA's “Free to Do Anything” attitude toward food and pharmaceuticals 1:43:01 Happy Birthday: A Sordid Tale of Corporate Copyright BullyingIf only we all had as many birthdays as intellectual property — kept on life support for a century.  But Warner got caught in the fraud and extortion.  1:46:44 Meat Glue MadnessThe food industry's dirty secret, “meat glue” (microbial transglutaminase), is lurking in your chicken nuggets, veggie burgers, and processed foods while the FDA turns a blind eye. 1:50:42 The Fraud of “Health Insurance”     A shocking case reveals hospitals colluding with insurers to skyrocket bills making bills for those with insurance FAR HIGHER than for the uninsured     Discover how to break free with cash-based care and dismantle this predatory system before it bankrupts your family 1:56:53 Abortion Pill: 22x Higher RisksA bombshell revelation rocks the medical world: the abortion pill's dangers are 22 times worse than reported, with 1 in 10 women facing severe hemorrhaging, infections, and hospitalizations! 2:02:28 “Case Files: Murder & Meaning” — A Gritty Graphic NovelJ. Warner Wallace, ColdCaseChristianity.com, author of the #1 Mystery Graphic Novel in America Dive into the heart-pounding world of Cold Case Christianity's visually stunning new graphic novel that blends raw, realistic crime drama with a subtle yet powerful Christian worldview. Forget preachy tales—this gritty narrative of a team of hardened detectives hunting a cunning serial killer in Los Angeles challenges secular assumptions, sparks deep conversations, and offers free resources to equip you for life-changing discussions. 2:47:05 Police State Power Grab and Elite ExcessesIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show  Or you can send a donation through Mail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764 Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7 Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHT For 10% off supplements and books, go to RNCstore.com and enter the code KNIGHTBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

* Spain's grid blackout causing even Tony Blair to admit the green agenda's failure and pivot to Trump's carbon capture con * If tariffs aren't inflationary then why was the White House in a frenzy to silence Amazon's plan to itemize skyrocketing surcharge costs? * On the positive side, the REINS Act is back and could check the regulatory abuses of the bureaucracy * Big Pharma's statin lies, FDA-approved “meat glue” in your nuggets, lab-grown milk horrors, and the biggest economic fraud — “health insurance” plus hospitals jacking up bills * Dive into J. Warner Wallace's gritty graphic novel for entertainment and a dose of truth amid the madness!2:30 The Grid Reset? Green Grifters Pivot After Spanish Grid BlackoutThey ignored the warnings and now even Tony Blair is admitting that they went to far for a problem that isn't.  However, the former leftist PM is pivoting to another big scam that's EXACTLY what Trump and his cronies want for the USA 30:15 LIVE audience comments 34:43 Why Did Trump Get So Upset About Itemizing the Surcharge on Amazon?     Itemizing surcharges has long been both a business practice and a protest by restaurants, hotels and others.  But neither Biden's FTC nor the Trump administration like protests     But Trump's administration is in a frenzy to bury the truth about skyrocketing prices from his chaotic tariffs, bullying Amazon's Jeff Bezos into silencing plans to itemize tariff surcharges.  First they said it wouldn't be noticeable, now they're furious and attacking Biden for inflation (didn't Trump's lockdown & UBI programs have something to do with inflation?). 58:27 Another Flip on Auto TariffsTrump's automotive tariffs are rooted in a questionable 1960s law, forcing automakers to slam on the brakes, paralyzing supply chains and strangling the economy with uncertainty.  Now there's been another change.  It's the chaos, stupid, that is destroying the economy.  Did they think ANY of this through? 1:04:02 Will Congress Unleash the REINS Act to Rein in Bureaucratic Tyranny?Politico's in a panic over the proposed REINS Act, set to take back regulatory power they abdicated to the bureaucracy and hand President Trump unprecedented veto power, obliterating the unchecked rule-making of unelected bureaucrats!  Will it pass? 1:11:15 UPS and DHL Making Adjustments for Recession, Downsizing, and Erratic RegulationsUPS to axe 20,000 jobs and shutter 200 sorting centers! The ripple effects of his erratic taxes will decimate small businesses, as even large ones struggle 1:19:18 LIVE audience comments 1:27:29 Trump's Shocking Embrace of Lockdown Queen Gretchen Whitmer     Partisans on both sides are shocked but one of the “bad Democrat governors” of lockdown, wretched Gretchen arguably the worst, once vilified by MAGA for banning seeds and jailing barbers is palling around with Trump — again.     Uniparty power where politics is a sham, and control is king 1:30:42 Statins, Cholesterol, Lying with Statistics, and Lab-MilkExposing the fraud of BigPharma statistics and the FDA's “Free to Do Anything” attitude toward food and pharmaceuticals 1:43:01 Happy Birthday: A Sordid Tale of Corporate Copyright BullyingIf only we all had as many birthdays as intellectual property — kept on life support for a century.  But Warner got caught in the fraud and extortion.  1:46:44 Meat Glue MadnessThe food industry's dirty secret, “meat glue” (microbial transglutaminase), is lurking in your chicken nuggets, veggie burgers, and processed foods while the FDA turns a blind eye. 1:50:42 The Fraud of “Health Insurance”     A shocking case reveals hospitals colluding with insurers to skyrocket bills making bills for those with insurance FAR HIGHER than for the uninsured     Discover how to break free with cash-based care and dismantle this predatory system before it bankrupts your family 1:56:53 Abortion Pill: 22x Higher RisksA bombshell revelation rocks the medical world: the abortion pill's dangers are 22 times worse than reported, with 1 in 10 women facing severe hemorrhaging, infections, and hospitalizations! 2:02:28 “Case Files: Murder & Meaning” — A Gritty Graphic NovelJ. Warner Wallace, ColdCaseChristianity.com, author of the #1 Mystery Graphic Novel in America Dive into the heart-pounding world of Cold Case Christianity's visually stunning new graphic novel that blends raw, realistic crime drama with a subtle yet powerful Christian worldview. Forget preachy tales—this gritty narrative of a team of hardened detectives hunting a cunning serial killer in Los Angeles challenges secular assumptions, sparks deep conversations, and offers free resources to equip you for life-changing discussions. 2:47:05 Police State Power Grab and Elite ExcessesIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show  Or you can send a donation through Mail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764 Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7 Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHT For 10% off supplements and books, go to RNCstore.com and enter the code KNIGHTBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.

U.S. President Donald Trump was sworn into office for the second time on Jan. 20, 2025. That means April 30 marks his 100th day back in office. A lot has happened during that relatively short period of time. The Trump administration has implemented sweeping changes to U.S. energy policy, primarily focused on promoting fossil fuels while curtailing renewable energy development. The administration declared a “national energy emergency” to expedite approvals for fossil fuel infrastructure and lifted regulations on coal plants, exempting nearly 70 facilities from toxic pollutant rules. Coal was officially designated a “critical mineral,” with the Department of Justice directed to investigate regulatory bias against the industry. Additionally, the administration ended the Biden-era pause on approvals for new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities, signaling strong support for natural gas expansion. On the environmental front, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced 31 deregulatory actions designed in part to “unleash American energy.” The administration is also challenging the 2009 EPA finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health—a foundational element of climate regulation. President Trump announced the U.S.'s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, effective in early 2026, and terminated involvement in all climate-related international agreements, effectively eliminating previous emissions reduction commitments. Renewable energy has faced significant obstacles under the new administration. A six-month pause was imposed on offshore wind lease sales and permitting in federal waters, with specific projects targeted for cancellation. The administration issued a temporary freeze on certain Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds designated for clean energy projects. Policies were implemented to weaken federal clean car standards, potentially eliminate electric vehicle (EV) tax credits, and halt funding for EV charging networks—indirectly affecting power generation by potentially reducing electricity demand from EVs. Yet, the administration's tariff policy may end up impacting the power industry more than anything else it has done. “One thing in particular that I think would be hard to argue is not the most impactful, and that's the current status of tariffs and a potential trade war,” Greg Lavigne, a partner with the global law firm Sidley Austin, said as a guest on The POWER Podcast. In April, President Trump declared a national emergency to address trade deficits, imposing a 10% tariff on all countries and higher tariffs on nations with large trade deficits with the U.S. These tariffs particularly affect solar panels and components from China, potentially increasing costs for renewable energy projects and disrupting supply chains. Meanwhile, the offshore wind energy industry has also taken a hard hit under the Trump administration. “My second-biggest impact in the first 100 days would certainly be the proclamations pausing evaluation of permitting of renewable projects, but particularly wind projects, on federal lands,” said Lavigne. “That is having real-world impacts today on the offshore wind market off the eastern seaboard of the United States.” Despite the focus on traditional energy sources, the Trump administration has expressed support for nuclear energy as a tool for energy dominance and global competitiveness against Russian and Chinese nuclear exports. Key appointees, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, have signaled a favorable stance toward nuclear power development, including small modular reactors. All these actions remain subject to ongoing legal and political developments, with their full impact on the power generation industry yet to unfold.

Rye River Brewing Company, Ireland's leading independent craft brewery, based in Celbridge Co. Kildare, has signed a one-year Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) with Pinergy, the energy transition company. This agreement will enable the award-winning brewery to power its entire operation using renewable energy sourced from Beale Hill wind farm in Listowel Co. Kerry. The initiative is among the first of such contracts to be put in place for an indigenous Irish owned craft brewery committed to sustainable energy and environmental practices. The CPPA forms part of Pinergy's Guarantee of Origin offering, which allows companies to purchase electricity generated from wind or solar farms based in Ireland that is feeding into the national grid. With this agreement, Rye River Brewing Company joins a growing number of forward-thinking Irish businesses embracing sustainable energy solutions. This CPPA will meet 100% of the brewery's annual energy requirements, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and bolstering its commitment to environmental responsibility. This move to renewable energy will significantly reduce Rye River Brewing Company's carbon footprint, the equivalent of up to 222.5 flights from Dublin to New York annually. Commenting on the Power Purchase Agreement, Tom Cronin, Founder & CEO of Rye River Brewing Company., stated, "We are very proud of the fact that by partnering with Pinergy, every KW of energy coming in to Rye River Brewing Company comes from Beale Hill wind farm in Kerry, generating green and renewable energy. Sustainable energy creates very little to no carbon emissions and offsets our need for fossil fuels. The transition to a sustainable energy system is crucial for mitigating climate change and creating a more sustainable future." Rye River Brewing Company's commitment to sustainability has been at the forefront of the business for a number of years. They have invested approximately €5 million in enhancing efficiency at their brewery, reducing water usage by over 25% in recent years and electricity consumption by 15% since 2018. Rye River Brewing Co. has also recently partnered with Pinergy to utilise their energy management system, Acutrace, which provides clear visibility of exactly where and when energy and other utilities such as water, are used and what it costs, empowering Rye River Brewing Co. to make data-driven decisions and further optimise their energy and water consumption. Alan Clarke, Pinergy Energy Consultant said; "We are delighted to announce this new CPPA with Rye River Brewing Company, a true leader in the Irish craft brewing scene. This agreement demonstrates their unwavering commitment to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact. This move sets a fantastic example and standard for the craft brewing industry and we hope to see more breweries follow their lead." To date, Pinergy has secured corporate power purchase agreements for more than 220GWh of annual Irish wind generation under its Guarantee of Origin offering with demand expected to increase substantially in the coming years as more companies look to reduce their carbon footprint. See more stories here.

The result in Gilmore was the closest in the country at the 2022 federal election, with Labor's Fiona Phillips holding onto the seat by just 373 votes.

Meghan Weinman joined Carrix and SSA Marine in 2024 as Vice President of Sustainability. She is an industry leader across the sustainability, transportation, and environment sectors and has worked throughout North America and internationally, including Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.  Prior to joining Carrix and SSA Marine, Ms. Weinman was a Managing Director at Edison Energy, leading the Transportation Electrification and Clean Energy Practice. She has also served in roles in management, engineering, and consulting across sustainability and built infrastructure. Ms. Weinman has served as a mentor for the Clean Tech Alliance, an industry advisor at Kellogg School of Management, and is also a frequent speaker on topics relating to sustainability, transportation, clean energy transition, climate, and women in leadership. Meghan Joins Sustainable Nation to Discuss: The scope of sustainability at SSA Marine and 2030 targets Decarbonization strategies including renewable energy sourcing Renewable diesel and hydrogen fuel options Advice and recommendations for sustainability professionals Meghan's Final Five Questions Responses: What is one piece of advice you would give to other sustainability professionals that might help them in their careers? Taking on different roles that strengthen understanding of the overall business is always something that would benefit sustainability. I started out in engineering, I went to business school, I'm now in my role today. That has been hugely helpful to understand different parts and wearing different hats and really being able to think cross functionally. With that, networking with other professionals not only in your industry, but adjacent industries. I always learn things when I talk to others in their roles. I had lunch with one of my colleagues who's at Alaska Airlines and we got to swap stories about how they're handling waste management. That was really helpful. Lastly, being a collaborative partner and really looking at how you can solve problems for stakeholders internally always is a way that can benefit not only sustainability, but the business overall.  What are you most excited about right now in the world of sustainability?  I'll go back to the answer that I gave around doing things that are really good for the business, but that can be sustainability initiatives. I get really excited about doing things that can be mutual wins across an organization. I've been working in electric vehicles now for almost 10 years through a couple of different roles, and there's been so much progress that's been made in terms of technological advancement. The commitment from automakers and equipment makers and increasingly the technology is becoming more and more of a mainstay, and that makes it easier and easier to incorporate into operations. It also brings about cost parity. Those are the things that I'm really getting excited about because it really is at a tipping point.  What is one book you'd recommend sustainability leaders read?  I'll give one book in two different categories. One that jump started my interest in sustainability over 20 years ago, and I'm sure this is probably known to most readers, was Natural Capitalism. That really helped me think about sustainability in a different way and really put into perspective the work that we're doing. But more recently I'm enjoying books that are at the intersection of business and can really help in a sustainability role, and so they're actually negotiation books, and you might wonder why negotiation. It's about coming up with solutions that may benefit many stakeholders across an organization and finding solutions that benefit potentially both sides. If you're thinking about how to convince your CFO or your commercial team, really think about it from a perspective of: how do I get what I want in sustainability, and also the finance team gets what they want. I'm going to give two books here, but one of them is Negotiate Without Fear by Victoria Medvec, and the other one is Getting to Yes, which is a classic by Roger Fisher and William Ury. Those are two that I would recommend any sustainability professional think about in terms of their own organization.  What are some of your favorite resources or tools that really help you in your work?  I really do like getting newsletters. I love reading and finding out what's happening across the industry. A couple that I like is ESG Dive from Industry Dive. That one I find to be really great information about what's happening across different companies, a blend of news and initiatives. I also really like Fortune's newsletters. Fortune has a number of newsletters, but one that has a lot of sustainability topics in there is the Trust Factor. They talk a lot about how sustainability and ESG is really paramount to businesses. But they also have other great newsletters too, like CEO Daily and CFO Daily, and they dabble into sustainability in those newsletters, too.  Where can our listeners go to learn more about you and the work being done at SSA Marine?  You can connect with me on my LinkedIn, Megan Weinman. You can also go to SSA Marine's LinkedIn page or visit our website, ssamarine.com to learn more about our work. Our sustainability report is on there. You can read more stories about things that we've been doing across the company, and our 2024 report will be in there too later on in 2025. 

Today the EPA announced a waiver for E-15 blended fuel for the Summer driving season. Renewable fuel supporters welcome the news but still hope for a legislative fix this year. 

The International Maritime Organization recently agreed to a global deal to tackle shipping emissions after over a year of tense and fraught talks, with the US dramatically exiting discussions. The agreement includes mandatory marine fuel standards and a carbon trading mechanism. It will need to be adopted in October, but some countries still vocally oppose the measures. In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Commodity Insights journalist Max Lin, Edmund Hughes from the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), and Georgios Kasimatis from DNV Maritime to gain insight into the complexities of these regulations and their implications for the decarbonization of the maritime sector. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays. 

Earth Day officially started on April 22 1970 and is officially recognized as April 22, but there are usually celebrations on different days of the week, such as SF Climate Week, which is this week! In this episode, we talk about important topics related to climate change and renewable energy. We explore the role of renewable sources like solar and wind, and how climate change impacts certain communities more than others. We share ideas for how you can make a difference this Earth Day and highlight career opportunities in the green energy field. Plus, we discuss the importance of standing up for the environment, taking legal action, and keeping up with global climate events.   If you are in the Bay Area, make sure to go to NorCal Solar's party on Friday April 25th, and find out more here at www.NorCalSolar.org/events   Topics covered: Renewable energy sources Divisions in society affecting views on climate change Climate change and fairness for disadvantaged groups Pollution and health risks from refineries Sea level rise and storms affecting the Outer Banks, NC The Wright Brothers' breakthrough in flight Earth Day activities like recycling and contacting lawmakers Organizing neighborhood cleanups Inspiring others to protect the environment Career opportunities in renewable energy Becoming a leader in environmental work Encouraging others to explore green energy careers Renewable energy jobs without a college degree Joining EarthDay.org and contributing Global climate conferences and their impact   Reach out Aidan Charron here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aidancharron Website: www.earthday.org   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

The International Maritime Organization recently agreed to a global deal to tackle shipping emissions after over a year of tense and fraught talks, with the US dramatically exiting discussions. The agreement includes mandatory marine fuel standards and a carbon trading mechanism. It will need to be adopted in October, but some countries still vocally oppose the measures. In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Commodity Insights journalist Max Lin, Edmund Hughes from the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), and Georgios Kasimatis from DNV Maritime to gain insight into the complexities of these regulations and their implications for the decarbonization of the maritime sector. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays. 

Clean Wisconsin has been keeping track of the many attacks on bedrock environmental safeguards being carried out by the Trump Administration. Dozens of rules and regulations that protect our air, water, land, endangered species and more are being targeted. With so much happening in such a short time, how do you know what's important, what's just a lot of bluster, and what's even legal?  Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Brett Korte, Clean Wisconsin attorney Resources for You: Running list of attacks on environmental safeguards 1/20 Freeze All In-Progress Standards  EO - Freezes in-progress climate, clean air, clean water (including proposed limits on PFAS in industrial wastewater) and consumer protections. 1/20 Energy Emergency Declaration EO - Authorizes federal government to expedite permitting and approval of fossil fuel, infrastructure, and mining projects and circumvent Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act requirements. 1/20 Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement EO - Reverses the US' international commitment to tackling climate change and reducing pollution. 1/20 Revokes Biden Climate Crisis and Environmental Justice Executive Actions EO -  Reverses U.S. commitment to fight climate change and its impacts, and protect overburdened communities. 1/20 Attacks on Clean Car Standards EO -  to stop clean car standards that required automakers to reduce tailpipe pollution from vehicles beginning in 2027. 1/20 Resumes LNG Permitting EO - Expedites Liquid Natural Gas export terminal approval over analysis finding exports raise energy costs for consumers. Attacks Climate and Clean Energy Investments from IRA and BIL EO - Freezes unspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and directs agencies to reassess. 1/20 Attacks NEPA Protections EO - Rescinds order requiring White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to assess environmental and community impacts and allow community input into federal infrastructure projects. 1/21 Expands Offshore Oil Drilling EO - Reopens U.S. coastlines to offshore drilling. 1/21 Terminate American Climate Corps EO - Ends all programs of the American Climate Corps, which created thousands of jobs combatting climate change and protecting and restoring public lands. 1/21 Freezes New Wind Energy Leases EO - Withdraws wind energy leasing from U.S. waters and federal lands. 1/21 Open Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other Alaska Lands for Drilling EO - Reopens sensitive federal lands and waters in Alaska to drilling. 1/28 EPA's Science Advisory Panel Members Fired Memorandum - Acting EPA administrator James Payne dismisses members of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee and Science Advisory Board, which provides independent expertise to the agency on air quality standards and sources of air pollution. 1/28 EPA Suspends Solar For All Grants Memorandum - The EPA halted $7 billion in contractually obligated grants for Solar For All, an Inflation Reduction Act program that delivers clean energy and lower prices to vulnerable communities 1/31 Trump administration scrubs "climate change" from federal websites Memorandum - Mentions of climate change have been removed from federal websites such the Department of Agriculture, which includes the Forest Service and climate-smart agriculture programs, and the EPA. 2/3 Trump requires removal 10 existing rules for every new rule EO - The order requires that when an agency finalizes a new regulation or guidance they identify 10 existing rules to be cut. 2/3 Interior secretary weakens public lands protections in favor of fossil fuel development Sec Order - After Trump's "Unleashing American Energy" executive order, Interior Secretary Burgum ordered the reinstatement of fossil fuel leases, opened more land for drilling, and issued orders weakening protections of public lands, national monuments and endangered species, and overturned advanced clean energy and climate mitigation strategies. 2/5 Energy secretary announces review of appliance efficiency standards Sec Order - Energy Secretary Wright ordered a review of appliance standards following Trump's Day One order attacking rules improving the efficiency of household appliances such as toilets, showerheads, and lightbulbs as part of a secretarial order intended to increase the extraction and use of fossil fuels. 2/5 Army Corps of Engineers halts approval of renewables Guidance via DOD - The Army Corps of Engineers singled out 168 projects – those that focused on renewable energy projects – out of about 11,000 pending permits for projects on private land. Though the hold was lifted, it was not immediately clear if permitting had resumed. 2/6 Transportation Department orders freeze of EV charging infrastructure program Memorandum - A Transportation Department memo ordered the suspension of $5 billion in federal funding, authorized by Congress under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, for states to build electric vehicle chargers. 2/11 SEC starts process to kill climate disclosure rule Memorandum - The acting chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission paused the government's legal defense of a rule requiring companies to identify the impact of their business on climate in regulatory findings. The rule was challenged in court by 19 Republican state attorneys general and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright's Liberty Energy, among others. 2/14 EPA fires hundreds of staff Memorandum - The Trump administration's relentless assault on science and career expertise at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continued today with the firing of almost 400 staff who had ‘probationary' status. 2/14 DOE issues the first LNG export authorization under new Trump administration DOE Secretary Wright issued an export authorization for the Commonwealth LNG project in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, despite a 2024 DOE report finding that unfettered LNG exports increase energy bills and climate pollution. 2/18 Trump issues order stripping independent agencies of independence EO - Trump signed an executive order stripping independent regulatory agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of their independence, moving them to submit proposed rules and final regulations for review by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) and granting the attorney general exclusive authority over legal interpretations of rules. The order is likely to be challenged as Congress created these agencies specifically to be insulated from White House interference. 2/19 Zeldin recommends striking endangerment finding Memorandum - After Trump's "Unleashing American Energy" executive order, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has told the White House he would recommend rescinding the bedrock justification defining six climate pollutants – carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride – as air pollution to be regulated by the Clean Air Act. 2/19 Trump administration moves to rescind all CEQ regulatory authority Rulemaking - The Trump administration has moved to rescind the Council on Environmental Quality's role in crafting and implementing environmental regulations, revoking all CEQ orders since 1977 that shape how federal agencies comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which requires the government to consider and disclose environmental impacts of its actions. 2/19 Trump directs agencies to make deregulation recommendations to DOGE EO - Trump issues executive order directing agencies to work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to make recommendations that will accelerate Trump's efforts to dismantle regulations across the federal government as part of his 10 out, 1 in policy. Among the protections likely to be in DOGE's crosshairs are those that keep polluters from ignoring environmental laws and protect clean air and water. 2/19 FEMA staff advised to scrub "changing climate" and other climate terms from documents Memorandum - A Federal Emergency Management Agency memo listed 10 climate-related words and phrases, including "changing climate," “climate resilience,” and “net zero," to be removed from FEMA documents. The memo comes after USDA workers were ordered to scrub mentions of climate change from websites. 2/21 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Director Placed on Administrative Leave Guidance - According to media reports, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin has put the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) director on administrative leave. The GGRF is a $27 billion federal financing program that addresses the climate crisis and is injecting billions of dollars in local economic development projects to lower energy prices and reduce pollution especially in the rural, urban, and Indigenous communities most impacted by climate change and frequently left behind by mainstream finance. 2/27 Hundreds fired as layoffs begin at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Guidance - On Thursday, February 27, about 800 employees at NOAA, the agency responsible for the nation's bedrock weather, climate, fisheries, and marine research, were fired in the latest round of Trump administration-led layoffs. The layoffs could jeopardize NOAA's ability to provide life-saving severe weather forecasts, long-term climate monitoring, deep-sea research and fisheries management, and other essential research and policy. 3/10 Energy secretary says climate change a worthwhile tradeoff for growth Announcement - Speaking at the CERAWeek conference, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the Trump administration sees climate change as “a side effect of building the modern world,” and pledged to “end the Biden administration's irrational, quasi-religious policies on climate change." 3/10 Zeldin, Musk Cut $1.7B in Environmental Justice Grants Guidance - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the cancellation of 400 environmental justice-related grants, in violation of a court order barring the Trump administration from freezing "equity-based" grants and contracts. 3/11 EPA eliminates environmental justice offices, staff Memorandum - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin ordered the closure of environmental justice offices at the agency's headquarters and at all 10 regional offices and eliminate all related staff positions "immediately." The reversal comes just days after the EPA reinstated environmental justice and civil rights employees put on leave in early February. 3/12 EPA Announcement to Revise "Waters of the United States" Rule Announcement - The EPA will redefine waters of the US, or WOTUS, to comply with the US Supreme Court's 2023 ruling in Sackett v. EPA, which lifted Clean Water Act jurisdiction on many wetlands, Administrator Lee Zeldin said 3/14 Zeldin releases 31-rollback ‘hit list' Memorandum (announced, not in effect as of 4/10) - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to dismantle federal air quality and carbon pollution regulations, identifying 31 actions ranging from from soot standards and power plant pollution rules to the endangerment finding – the scientific and legal underpinning of the Clean Air Act. 3/14 EPA halts enforcement of pollution rules at energy facilities Memorandum - According to a leaked memo, the EPA's compliance office has halted enforcement of pollution regulations on energy facilities and barred consideration of environmental justice concerns. The memo states: "Enforcement and compliance assurance actions shall not shut down any stage of energy production (from exploration to distribution) or power generation absent an imminent and substantial threat to human health or an express statutory or regulatory requirement to the contrary.” 3/14 Trump revokes order encouraging renewables EO - Trump signed an executive order rescinding a Biden-era proclamation encouraging the development of renewable energy. Biden's order under the Defense Production Act permitted the Department of Energy to direct funds to scale up domestic production of solar and other renewable technologies. 3/17 EPA plans to eliminate science staff Memorandum - Leaked documents describe plans to lay off as many as 1,155 scientists from labs across the country. These chemists, biologists, toxicologists and other scientists are among the experts who monitor air and water quality, cleanup of toxic waste, and more. 3/16 EPA invites waivers on mercury pollution and other hazardous pollutants Memorandum - The EPA invited coal- and oil-fired power plants to apply for exemptions to limits on mercury and other toxic pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Mercury is an extremely dangerous pollutant that causes brain damage to babies and fetuses; in addition to mercury, pollution from power plants includes hazardous chemicals that can lead to cancer, or damage to the lungs, kidneys, nervous system and cardiovascular system. 4/3 Trump administration adds "deregulation suggestion" website A new page on regulations.gov allows members of the public to submit "deregulation" ideas. The move is the latest in the Trump administration's efforts to slash public health, safety, and climate safeguards, and comes soon after the administration offered companies the opportunity to send the EPA an email if they wished to be exempted from Clean Air Act protections. 4/8 Series of four EOs to boost coal  EO - Under the four orders, Trump uses his emergency authority to allow some older coal-fired power plants set for retirement to keep producing electricity to meet rising U.S. power demand amid growth in data centers, artificial intelligence and electric cars. Trump also directed federal agencies to identify coal resources on federal lands, lift barriers to coal mining and prioritize coal leasing on U.S. lands. In a related action, Trump also signed a proclamation offering coal-fired power plants a two-year exemption from federal requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals such as mercury, arsenic and benzene. 4/9 Executive Order Attacking State Climate Laws EO - Directs the U.S. Attorney General to sue or block state climate policies deemed "burdensome" to fossil fuel interests — including laws addressing climate change, ESG investing, carbon taxes, and environmental justice. 4/9 New expiration dates on existing energy rules EO - The order directs ten agencies and subagencies to assign one-year expiration dates to existing energy regulations. If they are not extended, they will expire no later than September 30, 2026, according to a White House fact sheet on the order. The order also said any new regulations should include a five-year expiration, unless they are deregulatory. That means any future regulations would only last for five years unless they are extended. 4/17 Narrow Endangered Species Act to allow for habitat destruction The Trump administration is proposing to significantly limit the Endangered Species Act's power to preserve crucial habitats by changing the definition of one word: harm. The Endangered Species Act prohibits actions that “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect” endangered plants and animals. The word “harm” has long been interpreted to mean not just the direct killing of a species, but also severe harm to their environment  

In this episode of the Battery Insiders Podcast, Dr Simon Engelke speaks with Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission, about the transformative role of battery technology in achieving net-zero emissions. They discuss the rapid decline in battery costs, the importance of long-duration storage solutions, the challenges and opportunities in electric vehicle integration, regulatory hurdles, investment landscapes, and the global perspectives on energy transition. The conversation highlights the unstoppable momentum towards a sustainable energy future driven by innovation and collaboration.

Renewable energy and reducing waste are hot topics for Michigan, and pretty much everyone these days. Joining Chris to discuss their work in this space, their Grand Rapids facility, and an upcoming event, is the Founder and CEO of Woodchuck.ai and best selling author of “Unleashing Abundant Energy”, Todd Thomas.

Renewable energy isn't just about sustainability—it's a strategic tool for boosting cash flow, increasing net operating income (NOI), and maximizing property value in commercial real estate.  Carl Moose is an expert at the intersection of real estate and renewable energy, helping investors and business owners transform their buildings into high-performing assets. As the creator of the Energized Real Estate Model and and co-owner of GreenLight Energy Solutions, Carl specializes in leveraging federal, state, and utility incentives to unlock hidden value in properties. Today, he's here to share how smart energy strategies can give commercial real estate owners a major competitive edge. Find out more: https://www.greenlightenergy.solar https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourfocusguy Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com Attention real estate investors! Save the date for the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference, happening April 24-25, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This event is the perfect place to connect with fellow investors, gain valuable insights, and elevate your real estate game. With a lineup of expert speakers and numerous networking opportunities, you won't want to miss it. https://www.midwestreiconference.com

In this episode of Global LPG Conversations Argus' David Appleton talks to Ewa Abramiuk – Lété, General Manager of Liquid Gas Europe about a landmark report the association has published on the potential growth and availability of renewable LPG and rDME in Europe as well as the upcoming European Congress in Katowice, Poland.

If President Trump's tariff strategy succeeds in sparking a revival in US manufacturing, one consequence will be surging demand for power. We are already seeing electricity demand starting to pick up after 15 years of stagnation, driven by new data centers for AI and a wave of factory-building for semiconductors and batteries that is already under way. How can the electricity industry increase capacity to meet that growing demand and provide the power that the country needs?That's the question for this special episode of the Energy Gang, recorded live in front of an invited audience at the headquarters of the American Clean Power association in Washington DC. Host Ed Crooks talks to Chris Shelton, the Chief Product Officer at AES, Travis Kavulla, the Vice-President for Regulatory Affairs at NRG Energy, and MJ Shiao, the Vice President of Supply Chain and Manufacturing at American Clean Power.They discuss whether electricity demand growth is really happening, which technologies are best placed to provide new supply, and who will end up paying for the investment needed to increase capacity. The Trump administration's focus has been on “baseload” power, particularly new natural gas power plants. But there are reasons why they cannot be a complete solution. Renewable energy and battery storage also have important roles to play.The group also assess the impacts of changing energy policies under a Republican administration and Congress. What will be the fate of tax credits for low-carbon energy under the Inflation Reduction Act? And will moves to expedite permitting and environmental approvals make it easier to build all kinds of new infrastructure, including power and energy facilities, in the US?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this latest OIES podcast James Henderson talks to Anne-Sophie Corbeau about the EU's plans for renewable hydrogen, with a particular focus on the industrial sector. The discussion starts with a description of the current state of the hydrogen market in Europe before defining the nature of renewable hydrogen in particular and explaining why it […] The post OIES Podcast – Challenges and Opportunities for Renewable Hydrogen in Europe appeared first on Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

On May 3rd, just five weeks from now, Australians will be heading to the polls. The campaigning is underway after a visit to the Governor General by the Prime Minister. So, who will convince Australians they deserve to lead the country for the next three years, Anthony Albanese or Peter Dutton? It's an election with key policy differences so far all about the cost of living and energy policy.  Today, election analyst Casey Briggs explains why there's a growing number of swing voters.He's been looking at what they're thinking as politicians begin the hard sell.  We want you to help shape ABC News Daily's coverage of this election campaign. Send us a short voice memo telling us what's caught your attention in this campaign. We'll dedicate one episode each week of the campaign to explain a policy area and the politics around it with an expert or a journalist. We need topics and policies that a lot of people will be interested in. Email us: abcnewsdaily@abc.net.auFeatured: Casey Briggs, ABC election analyst

The opposition has promised to cut the fuel excise by 25c for a year, taking the rate from about 50c to 25c per litre.

In this second part of the conversation, Mark O'Malley returns to discuss with co-host Michael Barnard grid reliability and the evolving challenges of integrating renewable energy.The conversation examines successful examples from Germany, Denmark, and Ireland, highlighting Ireland's unique position as a synchronous island. Texas also emerges as a case study, demonstrating how increased wind and solar capacity has contributed to improved grid stability. While these examples show progress, the discussion underscores the importance of balancing reliability standards with cost-effectiveness and exploring solutions such as flexible supply chains and industrial demand response to manage renewable intermittency.The episode delves into the state of research on power system transformation. While planning methodologies for renewables are well understood, gaps remain in implementation and data availability. Inverter-based resources (IBRs) are making strides, but their seamless integration into the grid remains a work in progress. High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology has proven effective, but its interaction with AC systems requires further study. The need for improved models is evident, as utilities and grid operators require greater confidence before deploying new technologies. However, commercial realities often hinder investment in specialized power system analysis tools, further complicating the transition.A key topic is the Global Power System Transformation Consortium (GPST), which is working toward becoming a legal entity capable of managing resources and funding. The initiative aims to support system operators worldwide in implementing cutting-edge research and solutions, requiring significant financial backing. Estimates suggest that $2 billion will be needed for global implementation, with an additional $500 million required for research and demonstrations. Despite these financial hurdles, progress is being made, as developers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) recognize the economic benefits of supporting GPST.Beyond funding, the industry faces another pressing challenge—an acute shortage of highly skilled power system professionals. While the demand for expertise is growing exponentially, talent production is increasing at a much slower pace. Bridging this gap will require targeted strategies to develop a new generation of engineers and researchers, ensuring that the power sector can keep up with the accelerating energy transition.Action items from this episode include reaching out to Mark O'Malley to explore GPST funding opportunities and developing strategies to scale up the production of skilled professionals in the power sector.        

Renewable energy has been a hot topic the last few years, especially with farmers and their land. Graham Christensen is a family farmer out of Nebraska who is also the president of a company that develops solar energy systems. He gives a different perspective on renewable energy to put minds at ease. Christensen also gives insight on the things to watch out for when signing contracts with large renewable energy companies. One of these being the companies holding on to the land for long periods of time to try to access the mineral resources. He also shares how he feels renewable energy can be used the right way on a large scale.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renewable natural gas is, well, a natural when it comes to replacing diesel as a clean fuel for truck fleets. Hexagon Ability's senior vice president, global sales and marketing Americas, tells HDT Talks Trucking why. Eric Bippus thinks that a new era of "common sense" in Washington could help fleets adopt one of the cleanest and most diesel-like fuels available for trucks today.

This week's guest is Mike Roeth, Executive Director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency or NACFE.  NACFE has been around for over 15 years - originating from a workshop run by the Rocky Mountain Institute in 2009.  Their objective is to drive the development and adoption of efficiency enhancing, environmentally beneficial, and cost-effective technologies, services, and operational practices in the movement of goods across North America.  Mike has been leading NACFE in these efforts pretty much since its inception.  In the conversation, Mike discusses the concept of the “Messy MIddle” - a term that NACFE introduced to the industry.  The Messy Middle is the period between the trucking industry transitioning from a well established and known technology (that would be diesel internal combustion engines) to a future technology (zero emission battery electric vehicles).  Major technology transitions are never simple or clean, and NACFE recognizes this and analyzes how different powertrain technologies (to include Renewable diesel, Biodiesel, Natural Gas, Green Hydrogen, and battery electric) can be employed to bridge this middle ground.   In the podcast, Mike discusses how different trucking operations (payload, duty cycle, required range) are better suited to different powertrain technologies, highlights the challenges and hurdles to the adoption of these powertrain technologies, and outlines the roles that the various stakeholders play.

What is the Waverley Street Foundation?The Waverley Street Foundation, founded by Laurene Powell Jobs in 2016, aims to attack climate related issues through funding community-led programs, leading to community action against climate change. The Waverley Street Foundation specifically funds programs related to renewable energy and regenerative agriculture, as these sectors have an immense impact on the environment and vulnerable communities. The Foundation's approach to achieving climate-related goals is unique, as their solutions revolve around investing in prominent community institutions in order to benefit the entire community, showing people that we all benefit from a healthy planet.Regenerative Agriculture as a Climate SolutionRegenerative agriculture is the practice of using farming and agricultural techniques to help reverse climate change, including some techniques that date back to Native American cropping systems and the way in which they interact with the soil. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the goals of the practice include helping to “mitigate climate change, improve soil health, restore biodiversity, enhance ecosystems, and contribute to human health.” By focusing on the larger community impacts of sustainable farming practices, the Waverley Street Foundation promotes a close connection between people and their food systems. As an example,  the Foundation established agreements with local school districts to support fresh and nutritious lunches, bringing  local regenerative farmers into the supply chain, thereby improving farmers' economics, and allowing them to decide to continue planting regenerative crops. Other Community-Based Climate InitiativesThe Waverley Street Foundation is also currently working on converting health clinics from being run on diesel fuel to solar in India. This not only reduces pollution and carbon emissions, but can also help make healthcare more affordable for residents, while providing new local jobs installing, fixing, and financing the panels. In order to evade the most devastating climate change impacts, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. The ultimate goal of the Waverley Street Foundation is to approach climate change with a new outlook: “Cultivating Health, Justice and Joy,”  emphasizing the role that climate change has in harming vulnerable communities' everyday lives rather than solely focusing on technical solutions. Jared Blumenfeld, the president of the Waverley Street Foundation, argues that “unless we can make the case to them, that climate action is going to support and make their communities stronger, I don't think we win many of the other arguments.”About Our GuestJared Blumenfeld is the former Secretary of CalEPA and current President of Waverley Street Foundation, the climate philanthropy funded by Laurene Powell Jobs. Blumenfeld also served as Director of San Francisco's Department of Environment. Currently, at Waverley, he is working on critical environmental issues, such as oil litigation, renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and food systems.ResourcesWaverley Street Foundation, WorkWaverley Street Foundation, What if lunchrooms served the freshest food in town? Regeneration International, Why regenerative agriculture?California Department of Food and Agriculture, Defining Regenerative Agriculturefor State Policies and ProgramsUnited Nations, Renewable energy – powering a safer futureWaverley Street Foundation, AboutFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/climate-action-through-community-driven-philanthropy-with-jared-blumenfeld/

About the Guest: Caroline Tracey is a distinguished writer focusing on topics related to art, literature, environment, and migration in the U.S., the Southwest, Mexico, and borderland regions. Caroline contributes to the Border Chronicle, among other reputable publications such as N1, The Nation, and The Guardian. Not only does she have expertise in English, but she is also trilingual, proficient in Spanish and Russian. Caroline's significant contributions to journalism include winning the 2019 Scoundrel Time Summer Literary Seminars nonfiction contest for her work on migrant deaths in South Texas. With a PhD in geography from UC Berkeley, Caroline is currently working on a book about salt lakes, set to be published by W.W. Norton. Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke converses with Caroline Tracey, a talented journalist with a focus on the borderlands of the U.S. and Mexico. The discussion revolves around Plan Sonora, a significant energy transition and development initiative in the Mexican state of Sonora, which borders the U.S. state of Arizona. Through this lens, Caroline explores the impacts of renewable and fossil fuel energy developments, such as lithium mining and solar arrays, on both local ecosystems and indigenous communities. Her insights underscore the complex balance between industrial progress and environmental conservation. The episode gives an in-depth look at Plan Sonora's four key components: a major solar array in Rocky Point, the nationalization of lithium mining reserves, an expansive natural gas pipeline project, and logistic developments that aim to transform Sonora into an economic hub. Caroline delves into activism efforts against these developments, particularly highlighting successful campaigns led by environmental groups against the Mexico Pacific's Saguaro Energy Project. By doing so, she paints a vivid picture of the current tensions between commercial ambitions and advocacy for ecological protection and cultural preservation. Key Takeaways: Plan Sonora: This encompasses solar power projects, lithium mining, natural gas pipeline proposals, and logistical developments, transforming Sonora into a critical player in renewable energy. Cross-border Impacts: Renewable energy developments in Mexico cater largely to U.S. demands, raising concerns about "green colonialism." Opposition and Activism: Indigenous communities and environmental activists are actively opposing certain projects due to cultural and environmental implications, most notably the pipeline and terminal proposals along the Gulf of California. Political Dynamics: Recent changes in Mexico's administration and judicial system reform are smoothing the way for energy investment and curtailing environmental regulations. Economic and Environmental Tensions: Despite opportunities for economic growth, critics argue these projects risk damaging vital ecosystems and stripping local communities of benefits. Notable Quotes: "Personally, I increasingly think that enlisting large corporations to do your climate mitigation work is inevitably going to kick you in the butt." - Chris Clarke "They plan to build a couple other solar plants that are of similar size…[in] the Gulf of California." - Caroline Tracey "There are four pipelines that are being developed right now…[raising] economic development to the detriment of people in Mexico." - Caroline Tracey "If indeed we're going to transition to renewable energy, that means first of all, stopping new extraction projects." - Caroline Tracey Resources: Caroline Tracey’s work at the Border Chronicle: https://www.theborderchronicle.com Caroline Tracey’s personal website: https://cetracey.com Ballenas ó Gas in Spanish: https://ballenasogas.org/ and in English: https://whalesorgas.org/ Article by By Martha Pskowski, Inside Climate News, and Alejandra Martinez, the Texas Tribune on opposition to the Saguaro Pipeline in Van Horn, TX: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/20122023/west-texans-rally-against-cross-border-pipeline/ Stay tuned to "90 Miles from Needles" for more enlightening discussions on desert protection and environmental advocacy.Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast by Raw Selection, hosted by Alex Rawlings. Brent Burnett, Head of Infrastructure and Real Assets at Hamilton Lane, shares insights on infrastructure growth, key trends, and the 2025 outlook. Tune in for a deep dive into its role in PE. Breakdown:[00:00] Welcome to the Raw Selection Private Equity Podcast with host Alex Rawlings and guest Brent Burnett, Head of Infrastructure and Real Assets at Hamilton Lane.[00:30] Brent shares his background in infrastructure investing and career journey.[01:22] How Brent's experience in real estate and industrial assets shaped his focus.[02:17] Brent's role in launching a real assets fund and joining Hamilton Lane.[03:06] Growing interest in infrastructure investments and Hamilton Lane's outlook for 2025.[03:59] Increasing allocations to private infrastructure in both private wealth and institutional sectors.[04:56] Infrastructure's role in AI, energy transition, and supply chain optimization.[05:48] Interest rate impacts on infrastructure investments and risk classifications.[07:10] Core plus and value-add infrastructure offsetting interest rate pressures through growth.[08:07] How secondary market pricing and asset valuation have adjusted.[09:29] Breaking down valuation trends in power, transportation, telecom, and environmental assets.[09:57] Data centers and renewable energy—hot sectors with valuation risks.[10:53] Renewable energy valuation trends and cautious investment approaches.[11:48] Stable valuation trends in other infrastructure sectors.[13:14] Political impact on infrastructure investing, including policy shifts in the US and UK.[14:11] Infrastructure growth drivers—data telecom and renewable energy.[15:09] Challenges in expanding data center capacity, including power and water constraints.[15:39] Role of renewable energy tax credits in US policy and investment strategy.[17:02] Historical renewable capacity growth under different US administrations.[18:27] Low likelihood of drastic policy changes affecting renewable energy investments.[20:18] Fundraising challenges and market dynamics in infrastructure.[21:20] Expectations for improved fundraising conditions in 2025.[22:43] How difficult fundraising conditions benefit co-investment strategies.[23:11] Brent's positive outlook for deal flow in 2025 and accountability joke.[23:39] Alex highlights Raw Selection's executive search services for private equity firms.[24:07] Hamilton Lane's evergreen funds expanding access to private infrastructure investments.[24:35] Benefits of infrastructure investments—income, appreciation, and diversification.[26:54] Brent shares his favorite books, podcasts, and influences.[27:21] Recommended business podcasts, including Dry Powder and In Good Company.[27:49] Interest in psychology and behavioral economics through Hidden Brain.[28:49] Books Brent is reading: Atomic Habits, The Comfort Crisis, and Empire of the Summer Moon.[30:41] A mix of professional and entertainment reading for learning and growth.[31:08] How to connect with Brent on LinkedIn for further discussions.[32:02] Closing remarks and thanks to listeners of The Private Equity Podcast. Thanks for listening! Connect with Brent Burnett hereSubscribe on iTunes or Spotify. For questions, email alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.  

Renewable energy is often discussed in political terms, but here's a straightforward look at the financial side. In the last decade, solar energy costs have fallen dramatically—by nearly 90% since 2010.  In top markets, solar panel costs dropped from about 29 cents per kilowatt-hour to under 3 cents. By contrast, new coal and gas plants […] The post 498: What Renewable Energy Looks Like without the Politics appeared first on Wealth Formula.

https://youtu.be/6GImikPccQYMatt and Sean talk about how recycling renewable energy tech is a major step forward, and what comes next. Do we have this problem solved?Watch the Undecided with Matt Ferrell episode, How We Solved Renewables BIGGEST Problem https://youtu.be/j1HWNXmmld4?list=PLnTSM-ORSgi7uzySCXq8VXhodHB5B5OiQ(00:00) - - Intro & Feedback (13:49) - - Renewables Biggest Problem Discussion YouTube version of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/stilltbdpodcastGet in touch: https://undecidedmf.com/podcast-feedbackSupport the show: https://pod.fan/still-to-be-determinedFollow us on X: @stilltbdfm @byseanferrell @mattferrell or @undecidedmfUndecided with Matt Ferrell: https://www.youtube.com/undecidedmf ★ Support this podcast ★

The transformation of global power systems is accelerating as wind and solar become dominant energy sources. In the latest episode of Redefining Energy Tech, Mark O'Malley, Leverhulme Professor of Power Systems at Imperial College London, offers a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of this transition in an in-depth conversation with host Michael Barnard.O'Malley brings decades of expertise in energy system integration, drawing from his work at McGill University, NREL, and the Energy Systems Integration Group. The conversation highlights a pivotal 2018-2019 workshop on achieving high renewable penetration, setting the stage for discussions on the shift from traditional synchronous generators to inverter-based resources.The move to an inverter-driven grid presents new technical hurdles, particularly in balancing supply and demand while maintaining stability. O'Malley outlines six critical research areas shaping the future of power systems: inverter technologies, distributed energy resources, planning and adequacy, control room modernization, stability detection tools, and system services.One of the most pressing challenges is optimizing the balance between grid-following and grid-forming inverters. While grid-following inverters currently dominate, grid-forming inverters hold the potential to establish voltage and frequency independently. The complexity of integrating diverse inverter designs across different manufacturers adds another layer of difficulty.Beyond technical challenges, the discussion extends to global power system dynamics, with a focus on China's contrasting regional power structures. The integration of AC and DC transmission, particularly in connecting renewable-rich regions to demand centers, underscores the necessity for international collaboration in solving system-wide challenges.Key action items emerging from the discussion include updating the research agenda for power system transformation and refining the balance between inverter types in various grid configurations. As power systems evolve, the industry must prioritize research, coordination, and investment to ensure stability and reliability in a renewable-driven future.Listen to the full conversation on Redefining Energy Tech for an in-depth exploration of these critical issues shaping the next era of energy systems.

Will and Steve are back, but Gerrit Cole is not.-Ace is out for the season-Reasons to believe-Lineup versus lefties-Reasonable expectations for Will WarrenAll that and more on the latest from Yankees Files!

Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Joe Patch, Founder at Confio Group about "Renewable and Clean Tech Recruiting". Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Joe Patch, CEO of Confio Group, a company specializing in energy recruiting and staffing. Joe discusses the challenges in the power industry, particularly the shortage of engineers and the importance of obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license. He highlights the growing demand for power, citing a need for 80 gigawatts of data center power in six years. Joe emphasizes the value of networking and retainer relationships in recruiting. He also touches on the diverse opportunities in the energy sector, including roles in finance, operations, and marketing. Joe encourages young professionals to explore the dynamic and mission-critical field of power generation. Action Items [ ] Connect with Joe Patch and the Confio Group team on LinkedIn or through their website at confiogroup.com. [ ] Explore opportunities in the energy industry, particularly in emerging technologies like hydrogen, as potential career paths. [ ] Consider obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license to open up more opportunities in the power and energy sectors. Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations. Scott welcomes listeners and thanks them for their support, highlighting the podcast's dedication to celebrating industry professionals. Scott mentions the Power Gen conference in Dallas, Texas, and encourages listeners to visit if they are in the power business. Scott introduces Joe Patch, the guest for the episode, and sets the stage for the discussion on resources, people, and industry trends. Joe Patch's Background and Company Introduction Joe Patch introduces himself and his company, Confio Group, which means "trust" in Spanish. Joe shares his background, starting in the power business in the early 2000s after finishing graduate school and joining his father's firm. Joe's father, who worked for Bechtel, started his own firm in the late 80s, focusing on power projects. Joe discusses his non-engineering background but mentions the educational experience he received growing up in a household with a civil engineer. Joe's Early Experiences and Family Influence Joe recounts bringing his 13-year-old son, Anthony, to the Power Gen conference to expose him to the dynamic world of energy. Joe shares memories of accompanying his father to power projects, which provided him with a deep understanding of the industry. Joe emphasizes the importance of being on job sites, understanding the culture, and building relationships with tradespeople. Scott shares a similar experience, mentioning his father's work at Southern California Edison and the impact of early exposure to the industry. Staffing Challenges and Workforce Development Scott and Joe discuss the challenges of staffing and workforce development in the power industry. Joe highlights the difficulty of finding enough engineers, especially in hard engineering disciplines like structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical. Joe advises graduating engineers to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license to open more career opportunities. Joe emphasizes the importance of getting the word out about the opportunities in the energy sector to...

Globally, energy production and use is responsible for around 75% of the world's carbon emissions, with around a third of that on electricity and heat alone. To tackle climate change, we need to get more energy from renewable sources, so this week we're taking a look at some of the more surprising ways people have come up with to harness clean energy from the world around us.In the United States, we see what happened when a group of concerned mothers forged a surprising alliance with a gas company, and worked together to get clean energy from the ground beneath their feet.In Madagascar, we meet the grandmothers bringing solar light to their remote villages, plus we visit Wales, where an innovative new technology is harnessing power from the tides – by flying “kites” underwater.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer/reporter: Zoe Gelber Madagascar reporter: Sira Thierij Senior Producer: Richard Kenny Editor: Jon Bithrey Sound mix: Hal Haines(Image: Solar Mamas at work, BBC/Sira Thierij)

In the past decade, China has ramped up its engagement in the Middle East, a region which is far from China geographically, but carries growing importance in China's foreign policy. Economically, China is the biggest importer of the Middle East oil, particularly from Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Chinese state-owned enterprises have invested heavily in the region under the Belt and Road Initiative with an emphasis on physical and digital infrastructure, including telecommunications, 5G connectivity, submarine optic cables, and security information systems.  Diplomatically, China played a role in brokering a deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two longstanding regional rivals. Beijing has also been instrumental in expanding the BRICS multilateral mechanism to include four Middle East countries. Securing access to vital natural resources is a key driver of Beijing's intensified engagement in the Middle East. But China's interests are broader and encompass economic, geopolitical and strategic considerations.To further discuss China's interests and evolving role in the Middle East, Michael Schuman joins host Bonnie Glaser. Michael is a nonresident senior fellow at the Global China Hub of the Atlantic Council and an author and journalist with more than 25 years of on-the-ground experience in Asia.  He is the co-author of a recently published report by the Atlantic Council titled China's Middle East policy shift from ‘hedging' to ‘wedging.' Timestamps[00:00] Start[02:06] China's Interest in the Middle East[04:23] Evaluating China's Strategy of “Wedging” [06:51] Evaluating China's Position of Neutrality[10:17] Factors Driving China's Middle Eastern Strategy [13:46] Chinese Bilateral and Multilateral Engagement [16:08] China's Energy Ties with the Middle East[19:41] Implications for the United States[24:19] Limits to Chinese Engagement 

In today's episode, you will learn a series of vocabulary words that are connected to a specific topic. This lesson will help you improve your ability to speak English fluently about a specific topic. It will also help you feel more confident in your English abilities.5 Vocabulary WordsPhotovoltaic (Adjective): Relating to the conversion of light, especially sunlight, into electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect.Example Sentences:Photovoltaic cells are the backbone of most solar panel systems, converting sunlight into usable electricity.The photovoltaic industry is growing rapidly as the technology becomes more affordable and efficient.New photovoltaic materials are being developed to increase energy conversion rates and lower costs.Carbon Sequestration (Noun): The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change. This can occur naturally or through human interventions like afforestation or carbon capture technologies.Example Sentences:Carbon sequestration techniques, such as planting trees, can help offset carbon emissions from industrial activities.The company is investing in carbon sequestration technologies to reduce its environmental footprint.Carbon sequestration in soil is gaining attention as a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gases.Conservation (Noun): The act of protecting and preserving natural resources, ecosystems, and wildlife, often with the goal of maintaining biodiversity and sustainable use of resources.Example Sentences:Effective conservation efforts are essential for protecting endangered species and preserving habitats.The national park is a model for environmental conservation, balancing tourism and ecological health.Conservation of water resources is becoming increasingly important in areas facing droughts.Carbon Footprint (Noun): The amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases emitted due to human activities, often measured as a way to gauge the environmental impact of an individual, organization, or product.Example Sentences:By reducing energy consumption and using renewable energy, the company aims to lower its carbon footprint.Eating a plant-based diet can help reduce your carbon footprint because it requires fewer resources than animal agriculture.Companies are under increasing pressure to report their carbon footprint and take steps to minimize it.Green Technology (Noun): Technologies that are designed to have a minimal impact on the environment, often by reducing energy consumption, utilizing renewable resources, or decreasing pollution.Example Sentences:Many startups are working on innovative green technologies that aim to make industrial processes more sustainable.Solar panels and wind turbines are prime examples of green technologies that are helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels.Governments are offering grants to companies developing green technologies in an effort to combat climate change.A Paragraph using the 5 vocabulary wordsRenewable solutions offer a sustainable path towards a greener future. By harnessing the power of natural resources, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and minimize our carbon footprint. Green technologies like photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity, while wind turbines harness the power of the wind. Additionally, practices like conservation and Carbon Sequestration help

The energy giant, BP, has announced it will slash its renewable targets. And, Ukraine has struck a deal for its mineral wealth with the United States.

Stoneshield Capital's Juan Pepa and CBRE's Adolfo Ramirez-Escudero discuss Spain's economic renaissance, which has engendered bountiful investment opportunities.Share these insights about investment opportunities in Spain: Spain has great fundamentals: Gone are the dog days following the Global Financial Crisis. Spain's high economic growth rate has made it an attractive investment destination.Focus on alternative real estate sectors: Some of Spain's strongest sectors are student housing, life sciences and seniors housing.Renewable energy is in demand: Interest in energy and sustainable infrastructure, particularly around data centers and the industrial sectors, is high.Big pharma has a big presence: A consolidation of big pharma companies makes the region attractive for life sciences investment.It's a business-friendly environment: Incentive programs and a supportive regulatory environment has drawn inbound capital.

One hard-to-recycle part of renewable energy production is getting a green(er) upgrade.Read more about the blades here ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

https://youtu.be/ogtiwDEAKikMatt had the chance to chat with Dr. Ramin Mehdipour and Professor Seamus Garvey from the University of Nottingham about their research into ice source heat pumps. They have a novel idea for reusing the UK's natural gas pipe network to deliver non-potable water into heat pumps for heat. The coolest part of the idea is just that … they turn the water into ice to make the heat.YouTube version of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/stilltbdpodcastGet in touch: https://undecidedmf.com/podcast-feedbackSupport the show: https://pod.fan/still-to-be-determinedFollow us on X: @stilltbdfm @byseanferrell @mattferrell or @undecidedmfUndecided with Matt Ferrell: https://www.youtube.com/undecidedmf ★ Support this podcast ★

Renewable energy, when it comes to solar and wind power, has always had a caveat: it can only run when the wind blows or the sun shines. The idea of a battery was floated around to make renewables available 24/7. For years, it existed as an expensive, little-used technology. And then in 2021, it took off. In California, there is now enough grid-scale battery storage to power millions of homes, at least for a few hours, and it's growing fast. How did that happen, and what does the newfound success mean for the grid? This week, we dig into three stories about grid-scale battery storage. Today, we go on-the-ground to California, where batteries first took off in the U.S. Related episodes:Rooftop solar's dark side (Apple / Spotify) How EV batteries tore apart Michigan (Update) (Apple / Spotify) How China became solar royalty (Apple / Spotify) Wind boom, wind bust (Two windicators) (Apple / Spotify) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy