Columbia Energy Exchange

Michael Webber, a University of Texas professor and former energy industry CTO, explains what's driving rising power costs. He discusses surging demand from AI and electrification, regional price differences, permitting trade-offs, and why faster builds matter. He also explores near-term solutions like wind, solar, batteries, and efficiency, plus lessons from Texas on resilience and regulatory choices.

Maxine Joselow, a climate policy reporter for The New York Times, and Josh Siegel, an energy reporter for POLITICO, delve into crucial energy issues shaping 2026. They discuss the rising electricity prices and affordability struggles affecting voters, while assessing the geopolitical impact of U.S. interventions in Venezuela and Iran. The duo also tackles permitting reforms, legal battles over offshore wind, and the EPA's new approach to cost-benefit analysis. Their insights reveal how these factors intertwine with upcoming midterm elections.

Anja Manuel is a foreign policy expert and co-founder of a strategic consulting firm, with a rich background in diplomacy. In this discussion, she explores the escalating great power competition between the U.S. and China, comparing it to pre-WWI dynamics. Anja highlights the importance of critical technologies like advanced chips and AI in this geopolitical landscape. She emphasizes the need for cooperation with allies on clean energy supply chains while addressing tensions with India and Europe, and she advocates for mandatory AI safety testing to mitigate risks.

Luisa Palacios, former chairwoman of Citgo Petroleum, delves into Venezuela's oil supply recovery amid recent political upheaval. Richard Nephew, a sanctions expert, discusses the legitimacy of working with interim President Delcy Rodríguez. Daniel Sternoff analyzes market reactions to the crisis, noting why oil prices remained stable despite turmoil. Together, they explore potential buyers for Venezuelan oil, the implications of U.S. foreign policy, and the broader geopolitical ripples affecting energy markets globally.

Sean Casten, U.S. Congressman from Illinois and former clean energy entrepreneur, dives into the tumultuous state of U.S. energy policy. He discusses the repercussions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on clean energy incentives and critiques Congress's limited energy knowledge. Casten argues for a focus on affordable energy and outlines the urgency for climate action. He champions utility reform and emphasizes the need for bipartisan trust amid rising electricity demand, all while maintaining an optimistic outlook for America's energy future.

Luisa Palacios, a research director and former chairwoman of CITGO, teams up with Eddie Fishman, an expert in economic statecraft and sanctions. They dive into the U.S. pressure campaign on Venezuela, highlighting the strategic importance of oil in the geopolitical landscape. With escalating sanctions and naval blockades, they discuss potential outcomes for the Maduro regime and the risks involved. The conversation also touches on the implications for global energy markets, the history of sanctions, and what a change in governance could mean for Venezuela’s oil production.

Roland Horne, the Thomas Davies Barrow Professor of Earth Sciences at Stanford, dives into the evolving world of geothermal energy. He shares insights on enhanced geothermal systems, explaining how advancements in drilling techniques are breaking new ground. Horne discusses the role of geothermal as a firm backup for renewable sources and the potential for broader U.S. use, including emerging projects beyond the West. With historical ties to oil and gas, he emphasizes how declining costs and policy support are paving the way for this clean energy frontier.

Emmanuel Lagarrigue, a partner and global co-head of KKR's Climate Transition Strategy, shares insights from his extensive experience at Schneider Electric. He discusses the booming trend of investing in clean technologies, which is projected to hit $2.2 trillion this year. Emmanuel weighs in on the impact of geopolitical shifts and U.S. policy changes on climate investments. He identifies promising areas like solar and electrified vehicle fleets while exploring the challenges of supply chain dependence and the need for smart infrastructure that supports a sustainable future.

Amy Harder, a national energy correspondent at Axios with over 15 years of experience in energy and climate journalism, explores the shifting landscape of climate reporting. She discusses the declining coverage of climate issues, the changing role of AI in journalism, and the importance of local news for energy stories. Harder emphasizes the need for transparency in reporting and the challenge of maintaining trust amid skepticism. She also highlights the evolving nature of stories—from the fracking boom to clean-tech and the urgency of addressing climate impacts.

Neil Chatterjee, a former FERC commissioner and current chief government affairs officer at Palmetto, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of energy regulation. He discusses the pressure FERC faces from AI-driven data center demands and its struggle for bipartisan dialogue amidst climate concerns. Chatterjee advocates for integrating clean technologies across political lines and highlights the urgent need for permitting reforms and infrastructure investments to meet rising energy demands. His vision includes a decentralized grid powered by next-gen technologies.