Inevitable

Dr. Mark Jacobson, a Stanford professor and director of the Atmosphere Energy Program, passionately advocates for a world powered solely by wind, water, and solar energy. He argues that alternatives like nuclear power and carbon capture are distracting and unnecessary for a sustainable future. Jacobson discusses the legislative hurdles facing renewables, the rapid clean energy deployment in China, and the importance of energy storage solutions. He believes a swift transition to 100% renewables is achievable and critical for combating climate change.

Suvi Sharma, CEO and Co-Founder of SOLARCYCLE, dives into the booming field of solar panel recycling. She discusses the staggering growth in solar panel deployment, estimating billions of panels will soon reach the end of their life cycles. Suvi explains the complex challenges of recycling these panels, from regulatory hurdles to the high-value metals involved. She also outlines SOLARCYCLE's innovative processes and the vital role recycling plays in creating sustainable energy solutions and domestic supply chains.

Haakon Brunell, CEO and Co-founder of Carbon Crusher, shares insights on transforming road construction with carbon-negative strategies. He discusses their innovative "Crushing-as-a-Service" model and the SkyRoads AI platform, which enhance road longevity while minimizing emissions. Brunell emphasizes the dual role of roads as climate challenges and potential carbon sinks, aiming to sequester a gigaton of CO₂ by 2035. The conversation also explores the company's unique methods, customer mindset, and the future of sustainable infrastructure.

Cully Cavness, co-founder, president, and COO of Crusoe, shares the company’s journey from Bitcoin mining to being a leader in AI infrastructure. He discusses their pivotal role in Project Stargate, focusing on a groundbreaking 1.2 gigawatt data center in Abilene, Texas. Cully highlights the impact of energy strategies on AI advancements, and his insights on climate initiatives using digital flare mitigation. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of energy consumption and the opportunities for workforce development in tech-related trades.

Join Jeremy Harrell, CEO of ClearPath, and Vikrum Aiyer, Head of Global Public Policy at Heirloom, as they tackle the critical changes in clean energy tax provisions awaiting Congress. They dive into the impact of proposed legislation on technological innovation and energy security. Discover the intricacies of tax credit transferability, the significance of direct air capture technology, and why bipartisan support is crucial. Plus, hear about strategies for startups to influence policy and protect future renewable energy projects.

Michael Thomas, a data expert and founder of Cleanview, returns to discuss the potential fallout from proposed cuts to clean energy provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. He highlights how billions in private investments have transformed the sector, yet these gains are at risk. Thomas emphasizes the economic implications for both Democratic and Republican districts, the importance of public advocacy, and the urgency of engaging in the legislative process. He also navigates the complexities of public perception and political dynamics around clean energy.

Brent Minchew, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist at Arête Glacier Initiative, dives into the urgent crisis posed by melting glaciers, particularly the Thwaites or 'Doomsday Glacier.' He discusses how glacial intervention could mitigate sea-level rise and explores innovative solutions like thermo-siphons. Brent emphasizes the stark funding gap in glaciology research and its economic implications for coastal communities. He also highlights the need for international cooperation in Antarctic governance and urges investment in proactive climate strategies.

Jonathan Godwin, Co-founder and CEO of Orbital Materials, dives into the innovative world of AI-driven materials designed to cool data centers while capturing CO₂. He shares insights on transitioning from DeepMind's AI roots to material engineering, emphasizing a 'design-before-experiment' philosophy. The conversation reveals how advanced materials are revolutionizing sustainability, the significance of developing a 'hero' product, and the strategic partnerships essential for maintaining an agile, asset-light operation in the industrial sector.

Matt Loszak, CEO and co-founder of Aalo Atomics, shares his journey from SaaS to spearheading innovations in nuclear energy. He discusses designing 50-megawatt reactors tailored for data centers and the importance of mass manufacturing. The conversation dives into engineering challenges, regulatory hurdles with DOE and NRC, and the synergistic relationship between AI and nuclear power. Loszak highlights how Aalo's modular approach aims to drive down costs and enhance reliability, positioning the company for a transformative impact in the energy sector.

Brandon Middaugh, Senior Director of Microsoft's $1 billion Climate Innovation Fund, dives into the tech giant's ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. He discusses the fund's unique 'invest-to-procure' model and its alignment with Microsoft’s sustainable demand, noting a five-fold increase in carbon removal contracts. Hear about strategic partnerships, including with airlines for sustainable fuel, and the vital need for scaling markets in climate innovation. Brandon shares insights on the collaboration necessary to drive meaningful sustainability progress.