Inevitable

Seyed Madaeni, Co-founder and CEO of Verse, discusses his journey in clean energy procurement, offering insights from his background in energy systems engineering. He sheds light on the rising demand for clean energy in corporate America, especially among data-hungry tech giants. Seyed emphasizes the complexities of virtual Power Purchase Agreements and how data-driven decision-making can streamline energy management. The necessity for companies to adopt sustainable practices as a core capability is a central theme, showcasing Verse’s innovative solutions.

Maria Robinson, outgoing Director of the Grid Deployment Office at the U.S. Department of Energy, shares her experiences overseeing $22 billion for electric infrastructure. She discusses the complexities of the U.S. grid, including transmission challenges and the impact of renewables on design. Maria dives into the intricacies of environmental permitting and the pressing need for grid resilience amid climate challenges. She also touches on cybersecurity issues and her vision for future energy initiatives, emphasizing collaboration and modernization.

Arvin Ganesan, CEO of Fourth Power, previously worked in the U.S. Senate, EPA, and Apple. He dives into the innovative thermal energy storage system using heated liquid tin. This technology offers rapid energy conversion and can bridge gaps in energy supply for renewables. Arvin discusses the challenges of current storage methods, the advantages of their approach over lithium-ion batteries, and the potential for revolutionizing electricity grids. He also shares insights on funding and the competitive landscape in climate technology.

Hannah Bebbington, Head of Deployment at Frontier, shares insights on the innovative $1 billion commitment to permanent carbon removal by 2030. She discusses the significant challenges the industry faces, including demand and measurement issues. Hannah elaborates on how Frontier strategically supports early-stage companies through pre-purchases, emphasizing the importance of credibility in project selection. The conversation also touches upon Microsoft's leadership in carbon removal and the evolving role of offtake agreements for scaling technologies.

Dr. Naomi Boness, Managing Director of Stanford's Natural Gas and Hydrogen Initiatives, shares her insights on the evolving energy landscape. She discusses natural gas as a coal alternative and the pressing issue of methane leaks. Boness delves into the impact of geopolitics on Europe’s gas supply post-Ukraine invasion and the competition from Middle Eastern producers. The conversation also highlights hydrogen's potential in hard-to-abate sectors and the need for infrastructure to support the clean energy transition.

Jason Marks, Co-founder and CEO of TELO, shares insights on crafting electric pickup trucks tailored for urban settings. He discusses why now is the perfect time for EV innovation, revealing the urge to build smaller, practical trucks amidst increasing urban congestion. Marks delves into the history of oversized pickups and the challenges legacy manufacturers face. He also touches on the contrasting electric vehicle landscapes in the US and China, emphasizing TELO’s unique approach in a rapidly evolving market. Prepare for an enlightening discussion on the future of urban mobility!

Mark Lundstrom, the founder and CEO of Radia, dives into the revolutionary WindRunner aircraft designed to transport massive offshore wind turbine blades. He discusses how this innovation, termed 'GigaWind,' could overcome current logistical limitations in wind energy. Lundstrom explores the contrasts between onshore and offshore wind energy, as well as the economic benefits of larger turbines. He also highlights Radia's plans to integrate wind energy projects into their model, aiming to reshape the future of renewable energy logistics.

Tom Montag, CEO of Rubicon Carbon, has a storied background in finance, having held key roles at firms like Bank of America and Goldman Sachs. In a compelling discussion, he reveals why he shifted focus to carbon markets, highlighting the vital role of carbon credits for businesses. Montag delves into the challenges of building trust in these markets, emphasizing the need for genuine credits and innovative solutions. He also addresses the complexities companies face in their sustainability commitments, advocating for collaboration to navigate the evolving landscape of carbon finance.

Hannan Parvizian, Co-founder and CEO of Exowatt, discusses innovative solutions for renewable energy, specifically targeting the data center sector. He reveals how Exowatt's technology captures and stores solar thermal energy, offering a distinct advantage over traditional solar methods. The conversation dives into the pressing energy demands of AI and hyperscalers, addressing skepticism around their novel approach. Hannan also shares insights from his past startup experiences and the exciting journey securing a $20 million seed funding, shaping the future of clean energy.

Tom Steyer, Co-executive Chair at Galvanized Climate Solutions and author of "Cheaper, Faster, Better," shares insights from his extensive experience in climate advocacy and investment. He discusses the need for a clean energy transition and the importance of engaging youth in environmental matters. Steyer emphasizes innovative investment strategies for sustainable development and the crucial role of collaboration in the fight against climate change. He also addresses the evolving responsibilities of tech companies and highlights the necessity for accountability in climate solutions.