Steve Piper

Steve Piper, Research Director for North American Power and Renewables at S&P Global, joins to discuss the recent record-breaking PJM capacity auction prices. He explains how inflated prices are designed to incentivize new generation amidst tight supply, driven largely by the surge in data centers. The conversation reveals concerns over low prices previously discouraging market participation, as well as the challenges of developing new resources and enhancing demand response strategies. Steve emphasizes the need for regulatory adaptations to navigate these complexities.

Francesco Sciortino, CEO of Proxima Fusion, and Steve Piper, Director of Energy Research at S&P Global Commodity Insights, dive into the promising landscape of nuclear fusion. Sciortino highlights the $7.1 billion raised in global fusion startups and emphasizes that investors are eager to get involved. Piper discusses how Big Tech is driving this surge, influenced by the energy demands of data centers. Together, they explore the potential of stellarators and the critical collaboration needed to make fusion a competitive energy source.