Columbia Energy Exchange

After more than three years of intense fighting following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the path to end the war has been challenging. President Trump has been aggressively pushing both Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin toward a peace deal as part of Trump's campaign promise to quickly end the war. Meanwhile, energy has emerged as a critical factor, functioning both as a weapon and target in this war. The peace deal Trump envisions would reportedly include U.S. control of the Ukrainian electrical supply and its nuclear power plants. And separately, the Trump administration has been working on a mineral deal with Ukraine for months. But developing any of those resources would take time because Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been severely crippled by war. In parts of Ukraine blackouts have become the norm. So what are the potential paths for peace ahead for Ukraine and how might sharing its mineral or energy resources with the U.S. play into those options? How has Ukraine's energy infrastructure fared during the war? And what energy security lessons can other countries learn from this conflict? This week, Jason Bordoff talks with Kyiv-based climate and energy reporter Tim McDonnell about the role that energy has played in the war in Ukraine and how it could factor into its resolution. Tim is the climate and energy editor for Semafor, where he writes the Net Zero newsletter, and is also a reporter for Quartz. He has covered the business and science of climate change for more than 10 years and has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Economist, among other publications. Tim lives in and reports from Kyiv and is writing a book about the role of energy in the Ukraine conflict. He joined the podcast to talk about the role energy plays in this conflict. Credits: Hosted by Jason Bordoff and Bill Loveless. Produced by Mary Catherine O’Connor, Caroline Pitman, and Kyu Lee. Engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is executive producer.  

Jake Sullivan, the Kissinger Professor at Harvard Kennedy School and former national security advisor, delves into the intersection of climate policy and national security. He discusses the Biden administration's strategy for energy independence and resilience against foreign threats, particularly from China. Sullivan highlights the complexities of tariffs, the importance of innovation, and the need for a U.S. sovereign wealth fund. He stresses how economic security intertwines with clean energy transitions, showcasing lessons learned for future policies.

In this engaging discussion, Jason Furman, Aetna professor at Harvard and former economic advisor to President Obama, dives into the implications of President Trump’s tariffs. He explores how these policies could disrupt the U.S. clean energy sector, especially regarding solar panels and batteries. Furman also addresses the balance between protectionism and globalization, potential impacts on consumer prices, and the future of U.S. industrial policy. His insights shed light on the intricate connections between trade, economic health, and climate change.

Guests Noah Kaufman and Emily Grubert dive into the challenges faced by fossil fuel-dependent communities in the shift to renewable energy. Kaufman shares insights from his experience in climate policy, highlighting economic resilience strategies. Grubert discusses the critical need for planning and support as these communities transition, drawing on historical lessons. Both emphasize listening to local voices and building coalitions to navigate this complex change efficiently, ensuring a sustainable energy future for all.

Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing and former Danish Minister for Global Climate Policy, dives into the EU’s urgent energy challenges. He discusses the ambitious shift to renewable sources amidst geopolitical tensions and the need to reduce dependence on Russian gas. Jørgensen highlights the complexity of navigating energy efficiency, security, and affordability. He also touches on the role of energy interconnectivity, the importance of nuclear power, and efforts to enhance infrastructure resilience against emerging threats.

Heidi Heitkamp, the first woman elected to represent North Dakota in the U.S. Senate, shares her insights on the current energy policy gridlock. She discusses the intense tug-of-war between fossil fuel interests and renewable energy initiatives, especially in resource-rich regions. Heitkamp emphasizes the need for bipartisan dialogue to craft long-term strategies that balance economic growth with climate goals. She also reflects on the challenges in updating critical infrastructure and the importance of addressing young voters' climate concerns.

Javier Blas, a Bloomberg opinion columnist with extensive experience in energy reporting, joins Axios's Ben Geman, who covers energy policy and climate issues. They dive into the mixed reactions of energy leaders at CERAWeek regarding a potential Trump 2.0 administration and its implications for U.S. energy policy. Key discussions include the worries about declining oil prices, the need for investment in energy security, and the lively debate on the future of clean energy technologies versus fossil fuels. Their insights shed light on the evolving landscape of global energy.

Jon Finer, distinguished visiting fellow at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy, discusses the critical intersection of energy, climate change, and national security. He highlights how the Biden administration addressed challenges like Russia's energy tactics post-Ukraine invasion and climate negotiations. Finer also delves into the complexities of financing the energy transition, the implications of U.S. oil independence, and how AI intersects with national security amidst rising global competition, especially with China.

David Turk, a distinguished fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy and former Deputy Secretary of Energy, delves into the complexities of America’s clean energy transition. He discusses the Biden administration's achievements and challenges, particularly amidst geopolitical tensions. Key topics include balancing affordability with climate goals, the role of domestic manufacturing, and the impact of inflation on energy costs. Turk emphasizes the need for robust debates and collaborations to address the intricacies of energy policy moving forward.

Michelle Solomon, a senior policy analyst at Energy Innovation with a Ph.D. in materials science from Stanford, delves into the seismic shifts in the U.S. electricity market driven by surging AI demands. She discusses how tech giants are reshaping power purchase strategies, potentially bypassing traditional utilities. With energy policy in flux, Solomon highlights the role of advanced technologies like nuclear and geothermal in meeting future demand. The conversation underscores challenges in grid reliability and the urgent need for innovative, equitable clean energy solutions.