Melissa Lott

Amy Myers Jaffe, Director at NYU’s Energy Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab, and Melissa Lott, Partner GM at Microsoft, dive into the transformative impact of DeepSeek AI on the energy sector. They discuss how this innovative model disrupts market dynamics and raises questions about the future of 'baseload' power amidst shifting energy demands. The pair also tackle the implications of recent executive orders under the Trump administration, highlighting a notable shift in prioritizing energy supplies over climate change.

Alice Jackson, VP of Grid Modeling at Breakthrough Energy, and Melissa Lott, Partner for energy technologies at Microsoft, discuss the urgent need to modernize the electricity grid. They highlight challenges stemming from aging infrastructure and rising demands from data centers and EV charging. Jackson shares insights on developing open-source tools for grid planning to streamline regulatory approvals. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of collaboration and innovative technologies in creating a sustainable and resilient energy future.

In this discussion, Melissa Lott from Microsoft, an expert in energy transition, and Austin Knight, Vice President at Chevron New Energies, dive into the future of hydrogen in our energy system. They explore hydrogen's potential as a versatile tool for decarbonization and its application in heavy transport. While acknowledging the current challenges, including infrastructure and cost, they advocate for a balanced approach that combines hydrogen with other technologies to achieve net-zero emissions. The conversation is both optimistic and realistic, highlighting the path forward for clean hydrogen.

Amy Duffuor, co-founder of Azolla Ventures, talks about the crucial role of catalytic capital in boosting clean energy innovations during tough times for investment. She emphasizes that successful climate tech must communicate its broader significance. Melissa Lott from Microsoft discusses the geopolitical factors shaping investor confidence and US policies affecting innovation support. Together, they explore cleantech challenges, the need for strategic planning, and the importance of framing investments to address societal issues in climate action.

Melissa Lott, partner general manager for energy technologies at Microsoft, and Amy Harder, executive editor of Cipher, dive into the highlights and challenges of the recent COP29 climate talks. They discuss the contentious $300 billion climate finance deal, deemed insufficient by many developing nations like India, which seek $1 trillion annually. The pair reflect on the absence of fossil fuel transition commitments and the implications for future negotiations, while balancing cautious optimism for the global energy transition amidst ongoing climate challenges.