Inevitable

Dive into the urgent reality of climate change as it intersects with innovative energy solutions. Hear from experts who discuss transformative practices that promise a cleaner, more sustainable future. Explore the groundbreaking innovations reshaping industries while tackling the challenges posed by extreme weather events. Gain insights into the extraordinary individuals driving the energy transition, making both environmental and economic impacts inevitable.

Jason Jacobs reflects on his journey and the evolution of the climate innovation mission. He shares how views on climate change have shifted and emphasizes the need for collaboration in addressing it. The discussion tackles the challenging role of oil and gas in the transition to sustainable energy and the importance of accountability. Insights into climate tech highlight a move towards market-driven solutions. The hosts also reveal plans for rebranding while reaffirming their commitment to fostering education and constructive discourse within the climate community.

Jocelyn Lai, Co-founder and CEO of Bedrock Energy, discusses her innovative geothermal energy solutions for large buildings. She explains how Bedrock’s methods stand out from traditional geothermal techniques and how they tap into the existing HVAC market. Jocelyn shares insights on integrating geothermal systems in commercial spaces and the proprietary technology behind their deep drilling. The conversation also touches on client engagement strategies and the increasing market demand for sustainable solutions, showcasing Bedrock's vision for a greener future.

Erica Nemser, CEO of Ardent, leads a pioneering company focused on industrial decarbonization through innovative membrane technology for carbon capture. She shares insights on the transition from their previous identity as Compact Membrane Systems and discusses the unique advantages of facilitated transport membranes over traditional methods. Erica emphasizes the importance of partnerships for scaling their solutions and tackles the challenges of integrating carbon capture in heavy industries, exploring the balance between fossil fuel use and sustainable practices.

Molly Yang, CEO and co-founder of Hgen, discusses her journey from Tesla to creating clean hydrogen solutions for heavy industry. She dives into the innovative alkaline electrolyzer technology that promises efficient, low-cost hydrogen production. Molly explores market strategies, the transition from gray to green hydrogen, and real-world applications in sectors like steel manufacturing. She also shares her insights for climate tech entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of understanding niche markets for successful startups.

Russell Kenneth DeGraff, former Chief Climate and Technology Advisor to Nancy Pelosi, shares his extensive experience from 18 years on Capitol Hill. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of negotiating the Inflation Reduction Act and other key climate legislation. DeGraff discusses pivotal moments in the legislative process, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan efforts. He also reflects on the current political climate and the potential risks to climate progress in future elections, encouraging active engagement in climate advocacy.

Zach Dell, Co-founder and CEO of Base Power Company, aims to transform home energy services with innovative battery solutions. He discusses his entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration for Base, and the company's unique approach to distributed batteries in Texas. The conversation covers the challenges of clean energy, battery technology, and the importance of customer-centric models. Zach also delves into the significance of battery storage for grid support and the startup's strategy for affordability and reliability in home energy services.

Vicki Hollub, CEO of Occidental Petroleum, leads a frontier oil and gas company that's embracing carbon management. In a dynamic discussion, she highlights Oxy’s ambitious plans for direct air capture and the goal of 70 facilities by 2035. Vicki reflects on the industry’s adaptation to climate challenges, emphasizing the potential for carbon-negative oil extraction. She also shares her unique journey to leadership, discussing the importance of innovation and collaboration in navigating the energy transition and addressing public skepticism.

Tiernan Sittenfeld, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at the League of Conservation Voters, joins a dynamic discussion about the intersection of climate action and the electoral process. They explore the significance of the upcoming election for environmental policies and how grassroots organizing can influence voter turnout. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for supporting climate-conscious candidates, the importance of tracking lawmakers' environmental records, and strategies for financial contributions and volunteer mobilization to champion climate initiatives.

Doug Bernauer is the CEO and Co-founder of Radiant. Radiant is developing a portable nuclear micro-reactor to replace diesel generators. They raised a $40 million Series B in 2023 led by a16z, after previously raising capital from investors including USV, Founders Fund, and DCVC. They're targeting the development of a portable, mostly self-contained, one-megawatt nuclear reactor that is roughly the size of a shipping container.We've been focusing more on nuclear energy lately, exploring whether the US could reclaim its position as a global leader. With bipartisan support reflected in recent legislation like the ADVANCE Act signed into law by President Biden, there are signs of progress, but significant challenges remain.In this episode, Doug discusses these challenges and delves into Radiant’s technology, use cases, fuel, and more.In this episode, we cover: [02:28]: Radiant's micro-reactor technology and applications [04:21]: Use cases for one-megawatt reactors, including disaster relief [06:36]: Description of Radiant’s reactor[10:26]: Cooling technologies used by Radiant[12:20]: Radiant's connection with Idaho National Lab's Pele design [13:40]: DOE and DoD funding for Radiant's nuclear technology[17:02]: Customer models and sales strategies for nuclear reactors [20:43]: Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approval processes for operating reactors [21:57]: Doug’s hopes for future regulatory parity with diesel generators [24:18]: Supply chain for High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel [28:38]: Challenges of NRC processes for micro-reactors [32:24]: Demand signals from remote and military applications for micro-reactors [35:31]: Current financing status and future fundraising plansEpisode recorded on Aug 8, 2024 (Published on Sep 12, 2024) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant