SmarterMarkets™ Carbon Frontiers 2025 Episode 2 | Alasdair Were, Head of Environmental Markets, Abaxx Exchange
Feb 15, 2025
In this discussion, Alasdair Were, Head of Environmental Markets at Abaxx Exchange, shares his expertise on the evolving energy transition. He delves into how recent policy changes and economic realities shape corporate and governmental strategies. Key topics include Europe's energy challenges amid geopolitical shifts, the importance of nuclear energy, and the evolving landscape of carbon finance. Alasdair also explores innovations in carbon offset futures and emphasizes the potential of carbon removal technologies like Direct Air Capture.
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German Industry's Shifting Focus
- German industry is reconsidering its energy transition direction due to economic challenges and changing political landscapes.
- This shift involves moving away from an ideologically driven approach to a more commercially pragmatic one.
Europe's Path to Competitiveness
- Europe seeks to enhance its competitiveness by potentially reconsidering its reliance on Russian natural gas and nuclear power.
- This comes as a response to the US promoting a growth-first economy and China's increased reliance on coal power plants.
Energy Transition Pragmatism
- The narrative around climate neutrality and carbon-neutral fuels has diminished, with more emphasis on biomethane and other climate-friendly fuels.
- The energy transition is expected to be lengthier and more complex than initially anticipated, requiring a more pragmatic approach to the energy mix.