Redefining Energy

Texas and California show tremendous growth in solar and batteries. Intersect Power's CEO Sheldon Kimber has delivered 4GW of Solar and 2.5GWh of batteries. Discussion on the strategic differences in renewable energy development and transitioning to an IPP. Challenges faced in supply chain, transformers shortage, battery storage innovations, and data center siting strategies. Highlight on entrepreneurship in the energy transition.

Solar energy is booming in Europe, with innovative solutions emerging like balcony solar panels and solar fences. The discussion dives into the 'Mission Solar 2040' report, urging a Flexibility Revolution involving batteries and smart technologies. The importance of creating a flexible energy grid is emphasized, showcasing how solar power can adapt and thrive. With a promising future ahead, the podcast highlights the potential for diversified energy sources and advanced tech integration to optimize energy management and reduce emissions in the evolving landscape.

The podcast discusses the backlash facing the ESG movement, with concerns over greenwashing and political pressures. It explores the challenges of different ESG standards and regulations, as well as the outperformance of ESG funds. The conversation also covers the differences between European and American investors in ESG demands, and the future of investing in ESG with a focus on active vs. passive management.

We bring in Nick Wayth, CEO of Energy Institute (EI), for the release of the 73rd Edition of the Statistical Review of World Energy. The Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy™ analyses data on world energy markets from the prior year.Previously produced by bp, the Review has been providing timely, comprehensive and objective data to the energy community since 1952. The Strategic Review is now a collaboration between the EI, KPMG, Kearney and Heriot University. Five key stories emerge from the 2023 data:Record global energy consumption, with coal and oil pushing fossil fuels and their emissions to record levelsSolar and wind push global renewable electricity generation to another record levelOngoing Ukraine conflict cements gas rebalancing in Europe  Dependence on fossil fuels in major advanced economies is likely to have peakedGrowth economies struggle to curb fossil fuel growth, but renewables accelerate in China   Although we disagree on the message and question the concept of Primary Energy (super misleading), we salute the consistency and comprehensiveness of that Report. Keep them coming.https://www.energyinst.org/statistical-review

UK is at the nexus of the subsea interconnector’s new economy. Great Britain is connected to Continental Europe by 8 interconnectors representing up to 15% of its power consumption.Subsea cables are now a growing industry because of the benefits they bring to the grids, such as resiliency, capacity, lower prices, and renewable energy balancing. Alongside batteries and pumped Hydro, interconnectors are the best flexible green infrastructure currently available on our road to net-zero.How has the technology evolved over the recent years? What are the economics in terms of CAPEX and OPEX? What are the revenue models? Is there a role for infrastructure investor? What are the technological challenges? How are the permitting and regulatory frameworks? How far and how deep will we go in the development of interconnectors, as we start hearing about transcontinental projects. To answer all those questions, we have invited Rebecca Sedler, aka “The Mother of Interconnectors” (reference to Games of Throne). After a long career at E.ON and EDF, Rebecca is Managing Director of the Interconnectors business for UK National Grid. We will start by the Viking Link, her more recent achievement, linking GB to Denmark with a 750km cable and only 3.7% loss. Finally, we will talk about the bright future of subsea interconnectors.“We are going to America”  www.nato-l.org https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/26/climate/green-energy-wars-undersea-cables-intl?cid=ios_appWe thank Amundi for supporting our show. EU Largest Asset Manager and leader in Green investing.

Laurent interviews Georgios Stassis, PPC’S CEO, during Eurelectric Power Summit 24.PPC, the Greek Utility, is a remarkable turnaround story: from a soviet-style dinosaur a few years ago, PPC has become a thriving forward-looking profitable modern Utility.With Georgios, we discuss the investment in renewables, the phase out of lignite, digitisation, the investment in new segments (Datacenters, E Mobility, Demand Response…) and share an overview of regional integration with interconnectors and the successful acquisition of Enel Romania.And, to crown it all, a Quiz: Eurelectric or AC/DC?

David Fishman, an expert in China's Energy Transition, discusses the rise of renewables and coal use in China, the impact of command-and-control measures vs market forces, and the country's progress in wind, solar, batteries, and EVs. The podcast aims to debunk cliches about China's energy transition and highlights the drivers behind it, such as human capital and energy security. Fishman suggests China may have already reached peak emissions, signaling a positive shift away from coal and fuels.

Last week, Laurent was in Athens for the spectacular Eurelectric Summit (we will talk more about it in 2 weeks’ time, with a special Episode) meanwhile, we bring in our friend Jan-Michael Hess, organiser of the Berlin EcoSummit 4-5 June to discuss Clean Tech and his annual gathering of more than 100 Start-Ups and hundreds of investors.If you don’t have your tickets (yet) https://ecosummit.net/

Experts discuss the increasing electricity demand from data centers and AI. Google's Senior Director of Energy talks about their efforts to use green power. The conversation covers energy efficiency improvements, fostering green energy purchases, and the impact of AI on future energy demand.

Dave Jones from Ember discusses the Global Electricity Review 2024, highlighting the rise of renewables to 30% of global electricity supply. Solar generation grew by 23%, wind by 10%, while fossil fuels saw a minimal increase. The shift towards clean energy sources and the impact of electrification and data on global electricity demand are key topics of discussion.