Julio Friedmann

Julio Friedmann, chief scientist at Carbon Direct, discusses the booming low-carbon ammonia market, primarily used for fertilizer but also emerging as a zero-emission fuel. He explores ammonia's dual nature as both a significant emitter and a potential ally in decarbonization. Julio dives into the challenges of production, its vital role in heavy industries, and innovations needed for its use as a maritime fuel. He highlights Japan's leadership in transitioning to low-carbon ammonia and the critical implications of these developments for global emissions reduction.

Julio Friedmann, the Chief Scientist at Carbon Direct and a self-proclaimed carbon wrangler, discusses the intricate balance between tech's growing energy needs and climate goals. He advocates for carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a potential game-changer for data centers powered by natural gas. The conversation highlights the surprising economics of CCS, the challenges of building CO2 infrastructure, and the support from big companies like Meta. Julio also addresses the uncertain political landscape surrounding CCS investments and its future role in clean energy.

Julio Friedmann, a leading carbon scientist, shares his insights into renewable energy and the urgent need for a visionary approach to tackle climate change. He emphasizes the transformative potential of technologies like electric vehicles and sustainable energy, citing successful examples from countries like Chile. Friedmann discusses the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing climate challenges, along with the role of community-driven projects in fostering sustainability. His positive outlook highlights both innovative solutions and the inherent resilience of communities.

Julio Friedmann, Chief scientist at Carbon Direct, discusses the need to capture CO2 for global warming. Topics include carbon capture facilities, uses for CO2 like concrete and fizzy water, emerging chemical uses, challenges of local opposition to carbon infrastructure, and the green premium for products made with recycled carbon.

Join Julio Friedmann, chief scientist at Carbon Direct and expert in biomass utilization, as he discusses turning biowaste into 'biogold'. He explores the potential of waste biomass versus dedicated crops for energy and the environmental benefits that can arise. The conversation dives into innovative uses like biochar for soil health and challenges in balancing food vs. fuel demands. Julio also introduces the concept of biomass carbon removal and storage, highlighting its implications for climate solutions and sustainable energy.

Dr. Julio Friedmann is Chief Scientist and Chief Carbon Wrangler at Carbon Direct.  He recently served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Fossil Energy at the Department of Energy where he was responsible for DOE’s R&D program in advanced fossil energy systems, carbon capture, and storage (CCS), CO2 utilisation, and clean coal deployment.  More recently, he was a Senior Research Scholar and now a Non--Resident Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA, where he led the Carbon Management Research Initiative. He has held positions at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, including Chief Energy Technologist, where he worked for 15 years.Dr. Friedmann is one of the most widely known and authoritative experts in the U.S. on carbon removal (CO2 drawdown from the air and oceans), CO2 conversion and use (carbon-to-value), hydrogen, industrial decarbonisation, and carbon capture and sequestration. In addition to close partnerships with many private companies, NGOs, Julio has worked with the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and government agencies foreign and domestic. His expertise also includes oil and gas production, international clean energy engagements, and earth science.Dr. Friedmann received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), followed by a Ph.D. in Geology at the University of Southern California. He worked for five years as a senior research scientist at ExxonMobil, then as a research scientist at the University of Maryland.

The Haber-Bosch process, which turns nitrogen and hydrogen into ammonia, produces an essential ingredient in fertilizers and explosives. But it’s responsible for 2% of global emissions. Ammonia could become an important low-carbon fuel, because when combusted it emits no carbon. We could use it in ships, heavy industry and even mixed in with coal or gas in power plants. So what’s keeping us from using it as a new low-carbon fuel? And why would you use it instead of hydrogen, which you already need to make ammonia?In this episode, Shayle talks to Julio Friedmann, chief scientist at Carbon Direct. Julio and a team of colleagues just co-authored a report on low-carbon ammonia for the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum.They cover topics like: Why some countries like Japan, Singapore and Korea are especially interested in developing ammonia infrastructure. How ammonia compares to other low-carbon fuels like methanol and hydrogen. How we would need to retrofit coal and gas power plants to co-fire with ammonia Addressing ammonia’s corrosion and toxicity issues. The areas that need more research, such as ammonia’s impact on air quality and radiative forcing. Key constraints like human capital and infrastructure. Recommended Resources: Innovation for Cool Earth Forum: Low-Carbon Ammonia Roadmap Canary: Watch this TED talk to get up to speed on green ammonia and shipping Canary: The race is on to build the world’s first ammonia-powered ship Chemical & Engineering News: Will Japan run on ammonia? Full transcript here.Catalyst is a co-production of Post Script Media and Canary Media.Catalyst is supported by Antenna Group. For 25 years, Antenna has partnered with leading clean-economy innovators to build their brands and accelerate business growth. If you're a startup, investor, enterprise, or innovation ecosystem that's creating positive change, Antenna is ready to power your impact. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more.

Dina Cappiello, a climate journalism and policy expert, and Julio Friedmann, a leader in carbon capture technology, discuss major upheaval in the voluntary carbon market. They explore China's evolving emissions strategies alongside its growing electric vehicle infrastructure. In political news, they highlight the appointment of a Brazilian oceanographer to a key ocean authority. The conversation also touches on Hurricane Debby’s impacts and the urgent need for energy efficiency, emphasizing the shift towards renewables in U.S. energy sources.

Climate experts and journalists discuss US electric grid planning, BHP's bid for Anglo American, record CO2 levels at Mauna Loa, US-China climate collaboration, and Climeworks' DAC plant. They highlight the importance of clean energy, copper demand, and global climate action.

Physicist Julio Friedmann discusses the need for abundant, sustainable, and cheap energy for 10 billion people. He explores the success stories of countries like Chile in generating green electrons and producing hydrogen and ammonia. Friedmann highlights the recipe for clean energy success, including investment in innovation and international collaborations for a sustainable future.