Energy Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast

Gareth Ridge, Country Manager for EV at Zenobe, shares his insights on transforming commercial transport with electric trucks. He discusses the innovative concept of providing electric trucks as a service, offering sustainable solutions through the use of old batteries. The conversation dives into challenges faced by the grid and logistics sectors, including smart charging technologies and funding dynamics. Ridge also highlights collaborations, such as the one with Woolworths, that are paving the way for the electrification of transport, showcasing a vibrant future for sustainable mobility.

Luke Jenner, COO of Essential Energy, dives into an innovative vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trial featuring an electric ute, highlighting its potential to reshape energy storage solutions. He discusses the urgent need for policies tackling transport emissions and the community's role in energy projects. The conversation also touches on electric vehicle challenges in Australia, including performance issues during outages, and the importance of integrating EVs to enhance grid efficiency and lower consumer costs. It's a look at how technology can drive a more sustainable future.

One of the world’s biggest energy suppliers has Australia in its sight as it seeks to help electrify the world. Jackie Brown and Aaron Scott explain what technologies are on the menu. This special episode is brought to you by GE Vernova.

Engie's Laura Caspari explains why batteries are paired better with solar than wind, and why data centre load could unlock more renewables. Plus: News of the week.

Marc England, CEO of Ausgrid, shares insights on integrating renewable energy and electric vehicles into the grid. He discusses the innovative approach to local networks creating their own ISP. The conversation dives into the challenges of EV adoption, highlighting the need for improved charging infrastructure. England also touches on community batteries, their economic benefits, and the evolving tariff structures to support consumers, especially renters. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration in navigating Australia’s energy transition towards sustainability.

David Scaysbrook from Quinbrook Infrastructure discusses the pivotal fall in costs for solar and battery storage, marking a tipping point in the energy sector. He highlights groundbreaking projects like Sun Cable and innovations in battery technologies, including the shift to lithium iron phosphate. Scaysbrook delves into Queensland's potential as a green industrial hub and the need for massive investments to harness its resources sustainably. He also explores the evolving roles of gas and hydrogen amidst rising energy costs, positioning renewables at the forefront of future energy solutions.

Former US climate envoy Jonathan Pershing discusses Donald Trump’s war on everything, including climate, energy, science and research, and Australia’s energy choices. Plus: Rio Tinto’s stunning choice of solar and batteries to save future of giant smelters.

Iola Hughes, the head of research at Rho Motion, dives deep into the fascinating world of grid and electric vehicle batteries. She highlights the rapid growth of EV sales driven by advancements in battery technology, especially lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. The discussion touches on challenges in Europe’s charging infrastructure and contrasting EV trends between Europe and Australia. Additionally, she explores innovative recycling methods and how large battery rollouts enhance grid reliability to meet rising energy demands.

David Cavanagh, an expert in the green hydrogen industry and Chief Hydrogen Officer at Hydrogen West and Hydrogen East, discusses Australia's burgeoning hydrogen economy. He highlights both the barriers and opportunities in developing a robust hydrogen sector. Cavanagh emphasizes the demand for hydrogen fuels domestically and globally, touching on the environmental benefits and economic potential. The conversation also explores the importance of government incentives and the upcoming Hydrogen Society of Australia conference, showcasing the future engagement in this clean energy revolution.

Tim Nelson, Head of the National Electricity Market Wholesale Market Settings Review, shares insights on energy market transformations. He discusses the pressing need for market adaptations amidst rising renewable energy sources. The conversation highlights the role of consumer resources, the implications of falling storage costs, and innovations in pumped hydro projects. Nelson also addresses the challenges in balancing short-term consumer needs with long-term energy contracts, reflecting on how market dynamics are shifting in response to technological advancements.