Redefining Energy

Six years ago, Simon Moores, CEO of Benchmark Minerals Intelligence shook the world in a now legendary testimony in front of the US Senate. Then, Simon predicted the exponential growth of batteries and the control that China was starting to exert of the supply chains.Fast forward today, we bring in, Caspar Rawles, Simon’s trusted lieutenant, and COO of Benchmark Mineral Intelligence to assess how Simon’s predictions panned out. What was prophetic and what never materialized. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a London-based Price Reporting Agency (PRA) founded in 2014, specializes in lithium-ion battery and EV supply chains, offering IOSCO-accredited price assessments, supply-demand forecasts, ESG analytics, consultancy, global events, and policy influence.It focuses on critical minerals and recently expanded with Rho Motion, valued at $500M. Caspar talks about the growth of BMI, about the importance of its agreement with ICE, and how he sees the future.Laurent and Gerard conclude on Lithium and Rare Earths. Not really what you expect.

Dimitar Enchev, Cofounder & CEO of CWP, discusses the evolution of energy security in Eastern Europe, revealing tales of past gas blackouts and current resilience. He highlights how the region is transforming from heavy reliance on fossil fuels to embracing renewables, despite geopolitical tensions. With insights on the dramatic shifts post-Ukraine crisis and Greece's impressive energy transition, Enchev emphasizes the urgent need for energy independence. Challenges remain, but opportunities in wind and solar innovation offer a promising future for sustainable energy in Southeast Europe.

Jereme Kent, an engineer leading One Power, discusses innovative approaches to America’s aging power grid. He reveals the struggles utilities face in adapting to modern demands from industries like data centers while handling supply chain congestion. Kent champions modular transformer designs for better efficiency and advocates for long-term power purchase agreements for renewables. He emphasizes the crucial role of behind-the-meter batteries in stabilizing energy supply, challenging outdated utility models toward a decarbonized, customer-centric future.

Michael Barnard, a partner at Cleantechnica and climate writer, dives into the Tony Blair Institute's controversial climate report, revealing its flaws and the media's romanticized reception. He highlights Climeworks' surprising ineffectiveness in carbon capture, showcasing the challenges that lie ahead. Additionally, Barnard critiques political figures like Tony Blair, stressing the need for a generational shift in climate strategies, especially by learning from China's successful green initiatives.

Emmanuel Lagarrigue, a Partner at KKR and former Group Strategy head at Schneider Electric, shares insights on navigating the evolving energy landscape. He discusses KKR's investment strategies, emphasizing their pivot towards data centers and AI to drive growth. The conversation touches on how private markets can offer more stability and the rising significance of renewables. Emmanuel also highlights the challenges of volatility in the sector, the potential of hydrogen, and the importance of differentiating valuable trends from noise.

Michael J. Dunne, CEO of Dunne Insights LLC, dives deep into the evolving auto industry. He highlights China's dominance with BYD leading the charge, while legacy brands like Volkswagen struggle. Dunne points out the challenges faced by U.S. giants like Ford and GM, often seen as 'zombies.' He also evaluates the rising competition from Rivian and the innovative paths Tesla is taking, particularly with AI. As we navigate this electric future, Dunne provides valuable insights into who's thriving and who's at risk.

Ben Backwell, Chair of the Global Wind Energy Council, offers sharp insights on the wind industry from Brazil. He discusses the competitive landscape, emphasizing China's dominance in the market and the challenges faced by U.S. offshore projects. The conversation delves into the 'wind reset' concept, aiming to tackle structural hurdles for growth. Despite the industry's struggles against misinformation and political opposition, Ben highlights wind energy's critical role in the transition to clean, secure power. Hope remains despite the turmoil!

The podcast dives into the ambitious Transatlantic Interconnector project, aiming to enhance energy security between North America and Europe. It features insights from industry leaders discussing the engineering feasibility of ultra-long HVDC cables. Legal and regulatory challenges are explored, highlighting the importance of international collaboration. Listeners also gain perspectives on the potential benefits of connecting vast renewable energy sources and addressing the implications of recent geopolitical tensions on energy distribution.

Nicolas Fulghum, an analyst at Ember and co-author of their Global Electricity Review, discusses the explosive growth of electricity demand in 2024. He reveals that electricity consumption is rapidly rising, doubling the last decade's growth, primarily fueled by renewables. Solar energy takes center stage as a major driver, with generation expected to double in just three years. Fulghum highlights how the electrification of transportation and the demands of AI-driven data centers are reshaping the energy landscape, setting the stage for a clean energy future.

Chris Rozzell, Managing Partner of Cresta Funds, dives into the intricacies of investing in underappreciated sub-sectors like mid-stream infrastructure. He reveals how a focused approach can capitalize on blind spots left by larger funds. The conversation spans crucial areas such as waste gas, biofuels, and sustainable aviation fuel, shedding light on the evolving landscape shaped by new U.S. policies. Rozzell also emphasizes the profitability of pursuing niche market opportunities while navigating the complexities of ESG investing.