Barbara Burger, former president of Chevron Technology Ventures, discusses her career journey, technological advancements in the energy transition, dynamics between energy companies and startups, roles of natural gas and hydrogen, generational shifts in the industry, global energy geopolitics, and advice for women in the sector.
Barbara discusses the role of technology in the energy transition and how startups can engage with large energy companies.
Barbara highlights the importance of renewable fuels and their potential use in transportation, as well as the need for innovation in carbon capture, geothermal, and hydrogen.
Barbara offers advice for women in the energy sector, emphasizing the significance of role models, mentors, and building connections within the industry.
Deep dives
Barbara Berger's Background and Work in the Energy Transition
Barbara Berger, a former president of Chevron Technology Ventures, is now an advisor and mentor to startups and venture funds working on the energy transition. She emphasizes her extensive experience in the energy industry, including her work with companies such as Greentown Labs, Energy Impact Partners, and Heliogen. Barbara discusses the role of technology in the energy transition and how startups can engage with large energy companies. She also delves into specific topics like the role of natural gas and hydrogen, generational shifts in the energy industry, and advice for women in the sector.
Book Recommendation and Discussion on Energy Transition Challenges
Barbara shares a book recommendation, 'The West Texas Power Plant that Saved the World' by Andy Bowman, highlighting its insights into challenges surrounding energy, the environment, and the economy. The conversation touches on the importance of renewable fuels and their potential use in transportation, as well as Chevron's focus on biofuels and integration of renewables. Barbara also discusses the significant role of digital technologies in energy workflows and the need for innovation in carbon capture, geothermal, and hydrogen.
The Evolution of Chevron Technology Ventures and the Energy Landscape
Barbara reflects on her time at Chevron and the evolution of Chevron Technology Ventures' investments over the years. She highlights the initial focus on integrating renewables in the oil field and developing biofuels, which later transitioned to downstream business and renewables used in various commercial relationships. Barbara discusses the importance of digital technologies for workflow optimization and monitoring, as well as the role of methane emissions abatement in the industry. She also acknowledges the ongoing transition from coal to natural gas, emphasizing the need for methane reduction efforts.
Engaging with Big Energy Companies and Considering Equity in the Energy Transition
Barbara addresses the challenges and opportunities for startups working with large energy companies. She advises startups to consider their stage of development and target the appropriate departments within these companies for engagement. Barbara emphasizes the importance of finding allies and champions within corporations and navigating the complex organizational structures. She also touches on the importance of equity in the energy transition and the need to balance economic, environmental, and social considerations across different regions of the world.
Advice for Women in the Energy Sector and the Role of Next Generations
As a woman in the energy sector, Barbara offers advice for women entering the industry, highlighting the significance of having role models and allies. She encourages women to follow their passions, find mentors, and build connections within the industry. Barbara also emphasizes the evolving nature of careers, allowing individuals to play various roles throughout their professional journeys. Lastly, she discusses the power of next generations in driving change and finding solutions to the complex challenges in the energy sector.
Barbara Burger is the former president of Chevron Technology Ventures and describes herself as a "corporate graduate." She now spends her time advising and helping startups and venture funds working on the energy transition, including Greentown Labs, Energy Impact Partners, Emerald Technology Ventures, Syzygy Plasmonics, Heliogen, and many more.
In this episode, we discuss her multifaceted career journey and her current role in guiding startups and venture funds in the energy sector. The conversation covers the technological advancements driving the energy transition, the dynamics between large energy companies and startups, and the specific roles of natural gas and hydrogen. Barbara also sheds light on generational shifts in the energy industry, global energy geopolitics, and offers valuable advice for women in the sector.
