Renowned journalist Emily Pontecorvo discusses future hydrogen use, carbon capture, MIT, oil refineries, home electrification, and US state policy with Robert. They explore hydrogen's role in the energy transition, challenges of clean hydrogen production, significance in decarbonization, geological differences between UK and US, growing popularity of heat pumps, and promoting clean energy transition.
Renewable energy progress is driven by state policies, home electrification gains traction, challenges remain in transitioning without negative impacts on quality of life.
Hydrogen production requires cleaner methods and establishing rules to verify emissions reductions, adding complexity to its potential use and market demand.
Carbon capture and storage technology offers potential for emissions reduction in certain industries, but cost, feasibility, and differing interests pose challenges.
Deep dives
Renewable energy and state policy provide hope for the energy transition
Renewable energy continues to get cheaper and is being installed on a large scale. State policies in places like New York and California are driving progress and becoming models for others. Home electrification, such as the use of heat pumps, is gaining traction and offers individuals the opportunity to reduce their fossil fuel use. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of politics and ensuring a smooth transition without negative impacts on quality of life. Additionally, skill shortages and workforce development need to be addressed to meet the growing demand for jobs in the renewable energy sector.
The complexity of hydrogen production and challenges surrounding its use
Hydrogen production is a complex topic with various challenges. The source of electricity used to produce hydrogen is a key consideration, as producing it from fossil fuels like natural gas or coal can actually result in high emissions. The shift towards cleaner methods of hydrogen production, such as electrolysis using renewable energy, presents its own challenges, including ensuring the cleanliness of the electricity source. The need to establish rules and regulations to verify the emissions reductions from hydrogen production is an ongoing concern. Furthermore, the question of how hydrogen will be used and the potential market demand for it adds complexity to the discussion.
Carbon capture and storage: potential and complexities
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology offers potential for reducing emissions in industries such as cement, refineries, and chemical factories. However, the varied contexts in which CCS can be employed make it challenging to generalize its effectiveness. Research and development are focused on finding ways to capture and store carbon emissions from different sources, but cost and feasibility remain key considerations. The involvement of fossil fuel companies in CCS initiatives adds complexity, as their interests may differ from those seeking complete decarbonization. Despite the challenges, CCS represents a potential solution for reducing emissions in certain industries.
Challenges and potential backlash in the transition to clean energy
One of the biggest challenges in the transition to clean energy is the political landscape. Policies and regulations play a crucial role in driving progress, and fluctuations in political priorities can hinder or support the transition. It is important to ensure that clean energy solutions, such as heat pumps and electric vehicles, are accessible and affordable for all, to avoid potential backlash and frustration from individuals who may experience difficulties or perceive a decline in their quality of life. Overcoming skill shortages and addressing workforce development are also key factors in successfully transitioning to clean energy.
The importance of state policy and workforce development in the energy transition
State policies, such as those implemented in New York and California, are driving significant progress in the energy transition. These policies serve as examples for others, as they tackle challenging questions and pave the way for decarbonization. Workforce development plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful transition, as there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector. Addressing skill shortages and providing training opportunities are vital to meet this demand and support a smooth transition to clean energy.
Emily Pontecorvo is an accomplished American journalist renowned for her expertise in environmental reporting and sustainable energy. She also holds a Masters in Science Writing from MIT.
Emily is a staff writer at Heatmap News. Previously she was a staff writer at the nonprofit climate journalism outlet Grist, where she covered all aspects of decarbonization, from clean energy to electrified buildings to carbon dioxide removal.
In this episode, Robert and Emily discuss future hydrogen use, carbon capture, MIT, oil refineries, home electrification and US state policy.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode