Inevitable

Eliot Brooks, CEO and co-founder of Cocoon, is reshaping the heavy industry by transforming steel slag into a sustainable cement source. He discusses the challenges steel decarbonization poses for cement production and how electric arc furnaces are crucial for this transition. Eliot shares insights on building a circular economy, Cocoon's innovative business model, and their recent $5.4 million funding round. With experiences from diverse industries, he emphasizes the need for collaboration and advanced technology to tackle climate challenges in heavy manufacturing.

Adrian Deveny, former Director of Energy and Environmental Policy for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, plays a key role in shaping Biden's climate policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act. He discusses the impact of a Republican-led government on clean energy initiatives and the looming regulatory challenges. Adrian emphasizes the unfinished business in U.S. emissions targets and explores bipartisan support for geothermal and nuclear projects. He stresses the urgency of more than doubling policy efforts to meet ambitious climate goals, despite the political landscape.

Kathryn Bakos, Managing Director of Finance and Resilience at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, discusses the pressing challenges posed by climate change, including flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat. She highlights the importance of proactive community and financial sector responses to these crises. Emphasizing the lag in adaptation awareness compared to mitigation efforts, Kathryn explores innovative solutions like updated flood maps, wildfire risk management, and strategies for protecting the most vulnerable populations in urban settings.

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.