Columbia Energy Exchange

In this engaging discussion, Daniel Sternhoff, a non-resident fellow at CGEP and energy expert, teams up with Richard Nephew, a former US Deputy Special Envoy for Iran, to unpack the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. They explore how U.S. involvement could reshape geopolitical landscapes and energy markets. Despite recent military tensions, they highlight the surprising stability of oil prices. The experts analyze potential diplomatic resolutions and the delicate balance Gulf nations must maintain amid rising concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Ashley Finan, a global fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy with a background in nuclear energy and national security, joins Matt Bowen, a senior research scholar focusing on nuclear policy. They discuss the resurgence of nuclear energy in the U.S. driven by climate needs and technological advancements. Topics include the economic hurdles of projects like Vogtle, competition from China and Russia, and the critical role of government support. They argue for innovative solutions and the importance of safety as the U.S. aims to take the lead in nuclear energy.

In this discussion, Richard Nephew, a former US Deputy Special Envoy for Iran and current senior research scholar, teams up with Karen Young, an expert on Gulf states' political economy. They delve into Israel's strategic airstrikes on Iran, examining immediate oil price impacts and potential Iranian retaliation. The pair highlights the complexities of U.S. involvement and the dangers posed by Iran's nuclear advancements. With rising tensions, they explore the broader implications for global energy markets and the intricate dynamics of regional politics.

Kevin Book, Managing Director of Research at ClearView Energy Partners and member of the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the seismic shifts confronting U.S. energy policy. He highlights Congress's efforts to roll back crucial clean energy initiatives, potentially jeopardizing nearly $10 billion earmarked for decarbonization. The urgency of the July 4th deadline looms large, with potential disruptions influencing legislative outcomes. Book also explores the complex dynamics of bipartisanship and the states' responses to federal deregulation in this critical landscape.

Former US Senator Joe Manchin discusses the deeply polarized state of energy policy in Congress. He highlights the struggle to balance fossil fuel development with renewable initiatives amidst a backdrop of partisan conflicts and stalled legislative efforts. Manchin emphasizes the necessity of bipartisan cooperation to craft effective energy strategies that endure beyond election cycles. He also touches on the importance of compromising and streamlining energy project approvals, reflecting on his pivotal role in shaping key legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.

Helima Croft, a former CIA analyst and head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets; Joe McMonigle, founder of the Global Center for Energy Analysis; and Karen Young, expert on the Gulf's political economy, discuss Trump's recent Gulf visit. They delve into the transactional nature of his diplomacy, focusing on significant AI investments and how they may reshape U.S. relations with Middle Eastern countries. The trio also tackles potential oil price impacts, the complexities of OPEC dynamics, and the shifting landscape towards economic diversification in the region.

Diana Hernández, an associate professor at Columbia University and co-director of the Energy Opportunity Lab, dives deep into the alarming reality of energy insecurity in America. She discusses how many families struggle with soaring energy bills, often sacrificing basic needs to keep the lights on. Hernández highlights the limitations of current assistance programs like LIHEAP and advocates for innovative policy solutions to empower those affected. Her insights also challenge us to rethink energy as a public good, particularly in the pursuit of equity during the clean energy transition.

Tatsuya Terazawa, Chairman and CEO of Japan’s Institute of Energy Economics, discusses Japan’s evolving energy strategy in light of recent geopolitical tensions. He highlights the urgent need for energy security alongside carbon neutrality goals. The conversation dives into the importance of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and nuclear power in Japan's future energy mix. Terazawa also addresses the changing public sentiment around nuclear energy, emphasizing the balance between sustainability and reliability. His insights shed light on pragmatic energy planning amidst global challenges.

Andrew Leach, an energy and environmental economist at the University of Alberta, joins for a compelling discussion on Canada’s energy future. He delves into how the recent election of Mark Carney is reshaping Canada’s energy policies amid U.S. trade tensions. Can Carney balance the demands of clean energy and the oil-rich Alberta? Leach explores Canada’s potential to become an energy superpower while addressing climate goals. The conversation also highlights the critical role of Indigenous communities and the challenges of navigating complex energy dynamics.

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.