Columbia Energy Exchange

This podcast discusses the Biden Administration's green industrial policy and its impact on trade tensions, the energy transition, and economic inequality. It explores the potential macroeconomic impacts of transitioning to a clean energy system and the challenges of global supply chains. The podcast also delves into the cost of legislation, the implementation of uncapped tax credits, and the importance of implementing new ideas in the Biden administration's economic policy.

The podcast celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Center on Global Energy Policy. They discuss the importance of unbiased research and universities in shaping energy policy. The establishment of the Columbia Climate School is explored. History in US energy policy and the need for urgency in climate action are discussed. They talk about electric bicycles and advancements in clean energy. The new president of Columbia University and the focus on climate and sustainability are highlighted. The episode concludes with reflections on a decade of energy and climate policy impact.

Climate change threatens global health with extreme weather events and long-term risks. The recent COP28 negotiations fell short in phasing out fossil fuels, a language desired by health experts. Dr. Marina Romanello from the Lancet Countdown discusses tracking climate change and health indicators, and warns of consequences of fossil fuel burning. The podcast covers controversies at COP28, including the challenge of phasing out fossil fuels, and the risk of health washing without meaningful action.

Carbon management technologies, including carbon transport, utilization, storage, and capture, play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions. The podcast explores the feasibility, cost, and scalability of these technologies. It also highlights the importance of market and economic incentives for carbon removal and discusses equity concerns and offset markets. The guest shares his favorite music recommendations at the end.

The podcast discusses the energy transition in developing countries, focusing on Africa. It explores the impacts of climate change, clean energy development, and the potential for untapped reserves in Africa. It also addresses China's dominance in critical minerals, the economic and strategic benefits of the US-Africa partnership in the energy transition, and the challenges and opportunities in African mining.

Climate leaders, scholars, and activists gather for COP28 to discuss fossil fuels, loss and damage commitments, and clean energy economics. Challenges and complexities of the conference are explored in light of recent developments and geopolitical conflicts. The phase out or phase down of fossil fuels is debated, including coal power and carbon capture technology. The role of national oil companies and the importance of clean energy investments are discussed. Progress in addressing loss and damage from climate change, as well as tensions over trade and the need for a framework to address the climate crisis, are examined. The role of the United States in addressing climate change in the international trade system is also explored.

Canada's energy landscape is a mix of low-carbon power and oil/gas production. The government aims to accelerate climate goals, but faces challenges with fossil fuel reliance. There's a focus on a just energy transition and upholding First Nations' rights. The podcast discusses Canada's climate policy, carbon pricing, economic impacts of transitioning, and expectations for COP28. The importance of collaboration, loss and damage issues, and future debrief possibilities are also explored.

The podcast discusses the aftermath of deadly wildfires in Maui and the community's efforts to rebuild. It focuses on the work of Elemental Accelerator, a nonprofit investor in climate technology that collaborates with local nonprofits. The podcast also highlights projects in Hawaii to reduce carbon intensity and the importance of local involvement and community investment in driving climate solutions. It shares the success story of Kauai in rebounding from a hurricane by embracing renewable energy. Additionally, it explores the importance of climate jobs and internships for diverse voices in the industry.

The practice of capturing steam bursting through the earth’s surface to generate electricity has been around for more than a century. This is the traditional concept of geothermal energy. But thanks to research and development in both the private and public sectors, new forms of capturing subsurface heat have been developed. Fervo Energy, an advanced geothermal start-up, made headlines this year with breakthroughs in drilling techniques inspired by those of oil and gas. After a successful 30-day pilot this summer, known as Project Red, Fervo proved it can produce 24/7 carbon-free energy using enhanced geothermal systems.  So what led to these breakthroughs? And what role can geothermal play in the energy transition?  This week host Bill Loveless talks with Tim Latimer about innovation in geothermal technology and scaling opportunities in the U.S. Tim is the co-founder and CEO of Fervo Energy. After studying geothermal energy in grad school at Stanford University, he started the company in 2017 with Jack Norbeck. Before Stanford, Tim worked as a drilling engineer for BHP Billiton in the Permian and Eagle Ford basins in Texas. He has also worked as a consultant for the Boston Consulting Group, Biota Technology, and McClure Geo-mechanics.

“Coal demand reached a new all-time high in 2022.” That was the headline of the International Energy Agency’s annual coal market update, released in July of this year. In fact, 2022 was the third year in a row that global coal consumption has increased.  This growth occurs against the backdrop of an ever-worsening climate crisis driven by energy sector emissions, of which coal accounts for 40%, and it’s why the IEA’s own executive director Fatih Birol called for an end to new coal power plant construction in a recent op-ed. But despite coal’s impact on the climate, it remains a vital source of energy for much of the world, particularly in Asia.  What is the outlook for coal in the years to come? What will it take to move away from the fuel? And what would phasing it out mean for emerging and developing economies? This week host Jason Bordoff talks with Carlos Fernández Alvarez about the findings of this year’s Coal Market Update. Carlos is a senior coal analyst at the International Energy Agency, and recently served as the acting head of the Gas, Coal, and Power Markets division. He was the lead author on this year’s Coal Market Update and has contributed to many other IEA reports, including the organization’s flagship publication, the World Energy Outlook. Carlos has 25 years of experience in the energy sector, serving as an energy consultant, an energy advisor for the Spanish Government, and later as the director of the Spanish Coal Agency.