Energy Gang

The Energy Gang’s Review of the Year in energy

Dec 23, 2024

The hosts dive into the electric vehicle boom, spotlighting BYD's impressive rise in China. They also tackle the challenges and future of hydrogen and geothermal energy while reflecting on their 2024 predictions. Amid geopolitical tensions, the conversation shifts to advancements in solar technology and battery storage. Listeners will enjoy their favorite podcast moments and insights into climate finance. Plus, discover thoughtful holiday gift recommendations and the impact of influential books on today's energy discussions.

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

China's BYD achieved record EV sales, demonstrating significant competition in the European electric vehicle market throughout 2024.

The discussion on hydrogen technology revealed mixed outcomes for startups, highlighting its potential alongside existing challenges faced by key players like Plug Power.

Advancements in enhanced geothermal technology showed promise for reliable energy sources, reflecting broader potential across various renewable technologies during the transition.

Deep dives

Reflections on Predictions

The hosts reflect on their predictions made for the energy sector at the beginning of 2024, discussing notable individuals and technologies to watch. One highlighted figure was Wang Chanfu of BYD, whose company achieved record electric vehicle sales, showcasing significant market presence and competition in the European EV market. The commentators noted the unexpected rise in electric vehicle options in the U.S., indicating advancement in the automotive industry and personal experiences with various electric vehicles. The reflections evidenced progress in electric mobility, though tempered with caution about overarching market trends.

Intro

2min

Energy Insights: Hydrogen and Geothermal Futures

22min

Navigating Energy Challenges and Advances in 2024

17min

Reflections on Energy Transition and Innovations

13min

Rediscovering Influential Books on Energy and Society

3min

Gifts of Entertainment: Streaming Services and Storytelling

2min

Reflections and Resilience: Holiday Conversations

4min

China’s booming EV industry, AI and clean energy, questions over hydrogen, and the other big stories from 2024.

To round off a momentous year for clean energy, Ed Crooks is joined by regulars Melissa Lott and Amy Myers Jaffe to reflect on the highs and lows of 2024. The gang revisit the predictions they made in January, share their highs and lows for the year, and talk about their favourite episodes of 2024. And, as is fast becoming a tradition on the show, we finish the year with some relevant holiday gifts.

Some of our predictions for 2024 were spot on, but others were slightly off. The team discuss the continued rise and rise of China’s largest electric vehicle company BYD, and look ahead to what 2025 holds for the EV industry. Amy predicted big things for hydrogen this year, as did Melissa for geothermal. Did these fast-moving sectors hit the heights that they expected? And where do they go from here?

There were some real lows in 2024, mostly related to international politics and conflict. But there were also some much more positive trends related to the energy transition, including the spread of low-cost solar panels and battery storage around the world.

As for The Energy Gang: we had plenty of high points through the year. Amy, Melissa and Ed choose the episodes that they most enjoyed taking part in – and listening to – in 2024.

Subscribe to The Energy Gang so you don’t miss the first show of 2025, where Ed, Amy and Melissa will look ahead to what promises to be another massive year for clean energy.

Listen back to the shows mentioned in the episode:

• Is There an Energy Transition? (April)

• Cleantech Entrepreneurs at NYU (Climate Week, September)

• The Future of AI and the Grid (November)

The articles Melissa mentioned:

https://www.power-eng.com/renewables/fervo-energy-claims-70-reduction-in-geothermal-drilling-time-2/

https://www.eenews.net/articles/blm-approves-massive-geothermal-project-moves-to-ease-permitting/

This episode is brought to you by Enbridge. Listen to Enbridge and GZERO’s podcast Energized: The Future of Energy at GZEROmedia.com/theenergygang

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