Energy Gang

Live from COP29: One weird trick to solve our energy problem

Nov 21, 2024

In the spotlight are Vijay Vaitheeswaran, Global Energy and Climate Innovation Editor at The Economist; Zach Friedman, Senior Director of Federal Policy at Ceres; and Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI. They dive into the vital role of energy efficiency in the energy transition. The trio discusses how changes in U.S. energy policy, particularly under a second Trump administration, could shape sustainability efforts. They also consider innovative solutions like carbon tariffs, the significance of permitting reforms, and the collaboration needed to foster clean energy advancements.

54:54

Episode guests

Jon Creyts

Zach Friedman

Vijay Vaitheeswaran

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Innovations in energy technology, particularly AI and data analytics, are vital for optimizing energy systems and enhancing efficiency.

The changing U.S. energy policy landscape under potential Republican leadership complicates investments and could impact global climate collaboration.

Energy efficiency, often overlooked, is crucial for achieving emissions reductions and economic benefits while facilitating the transition to renewables.

Deep dives

Future Energy Innovations

Innovations in energy technology are crucial for addressing current energy challenges. The discussion emphasizes the importance of advancements such as AI and digital solutions in optimizing energy systems and enhancing efficiency. For instance, the application of advanced data analytics can forecast energy demands more accurately, resulting in better management of renewable energy sources. This approach not only improves energy production but also reduces operational costs, showcasing the potential of marrying traditional sectors with modern technological advancements.

Intro

2min

Energy Policy Shifts and American Manufacturing

12min

Navigating Tax Credit Expirations and Economic Impacts

2min

Navigating Clean Energy Policy in a Changing Landscape

16min

Strategizing Sustainability Amidst Political Change

3min

Anticipations for COP29 and the Future of Climate Finance

2min

Navigating the Carbon Market Deal: A Step Towards Energy Transition

3min

Driving Energy Efficiency for a Sustainable Future

17min

As policy changes course in the US, is energy efficiency the key that can unlock a sustainable future?

In our latest episode from the COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, host Ed Crooks talks to our guests about the challenges facing the energy transition, including the far-reaching implications of a second Trump administration, as asks whether getting smarter about the ways we use energy can be part of the solution.

In the first part of the show, Ed welcomes back Vijay Vaitheeswaran, Global Energy and Climate Innovation Editor at The Economist. He and his team have a couple of big pieces in the latest edition, giving their views on the outlook for the transition in the US and around the world. They are joined by Zach Friedman, Senior Director of Federal Policy at Ceres, which is a US-based group that works with investors and businesses in sustainability issues.

The trio discuss how US energy policy is likely to change under the Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress. They debate whether innovative mechanisms such carbon tariff for the US that is like the European carbon border adjustment mechanism could help align the administration’s economic objectives with climate goals. They highlight some hopeful signs for clean energy development, including the prospect of permitting reform that could expedite infrastructure projects. And they also explore why energy efficiency—a critical yet often overlooked component of the energy transition—could unlock massive cost and emissions savings while paving the way for renewable energy growth.

Later in the episode, Ed speaks with Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI, which describes itself as a “think-tank, a do-tank and a scale-tank”. He makes a compelling case for why energy efficiency is the "first fuel" of the transition: the best fuel of all is the fuel you don’t need. He argues for the central role of efficiency in reducing emissions, lowering costs, and supporting renewable energy targets. At COP28 in Dubai a year ago, the world agreed a goal of doubling of global energy efficiency improvement rates by 2030. So far it has not made any progress towards that goal. But with innovative approaches such as modular retrofits for housing, Jon illustrates how leadership and vision can dismantle structural barriers, making energy efficiency a linchpin of the low-carbon transition.

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