Energy Gang
Wood Mackenzie
Covering breaking news in clean tech, going deep on global energy policy, and debating the levers that need to move to accelerate the energy transition. Energy Gang is the podcast covering clean energy technology, renewable energy, and the environment. The world of clean energy moves fast, and you need a reliable source to stay on top of the news that matters. You’ll find it on Wood Mackenzie’s Energy Gang.How will changes to the US government affect decarbonisation and energy security? When will hydrogen, nuclear and carbon capture deploy at scale? Where’s the money for the energy transition green finance coming from and how much more is needed? What’s the outlook for EVs? What are the energy predictions for solar energy? What's the latest on climate change?Get answers to questions like these, bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 7am ET. Plus, get special live episodes recorded at the biggest climate and energy events throughout the year, like COP30 and Climate Week NYC. Don’t worry if you can’t make it in person, Energy Gang brings you all the updates on energy policy, energy finance and energy innovation you need to hear.Energy Gang is presented by Wood Mackenzie and hosted by Ed Crooks, Vice-Chairman of Energy at Wood Mackenzie and a former Financial Times and BBC News journalist. Regular guests are Amy Myers-Jaffe (Director of NYU’s Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab), and Dr Melissa Lott (Partner at Microsoft) – plus a roster of industry leaders and policy influencers, like Jigar Shah (Industry figurehead and former director of the Loan Programs Office in the US Department of Energy), Caroline Golin (Head of North America, Global Energy Market Development and Policy at Google) and Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt (Former Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources).If you like The Energy Transition Show, Catalyst with Shayle Kann, The Big Switch from Columbia University, Open Circuit with Stephen Lacey or The Green Blueprint, you’ll enjoy Energy Gang.Want to get involved with the show? Reach out to podcasts@woodmac.com to:Bring Energy Gang to your eventBe a guest on the showSponsor an episodeAsk a question to Ed Crooks or one of our guestsCheck out another leading clean tech global podcast by Wood Mackenzie, Interchange Recharged: https://www.woodmac.com/podcasts/the-interchange-recharged/Wood Mackenzie is the leading global data and analytics solutions provider for renewables, energy and natural resources. Learn more about Wood Mackenzie on the official website: https://www.woodmac.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books
15 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 8min
How can the grid help AI, and how can AI help the grid? Live from NYU at New York Climate Week, featuring leaders from Nvidia and Amazon | Energy Gang Live from Climate Week
At Climate Week NYC, three industry leaders discuss the intersection of AI and energy. Xizhou Zhou from Wood Mackenzie highlights the rapid expansion of U.S. data centers and their impact on grid stability. Craig Sundstrom of AWS outlines corporate commitments to renewable energy and innovative tariff designs to alleviate rising electricity prices. Meanwhile, Josh Parker from NVIDIA reveals dramatic improvements in AI energy efficiency and how AI can streamline grid operations. The panel tackles the complexities and opportunities of integrating AI with energy systems.
12 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 51min
What do China’s climate commitments mean for energy?
Joining the discussion are David Sandalow, an expert on China's energy policy from Columbia University, and Joseph Webster, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council focused on China's energy system and geopolitics. They dive into the significance of China's upcoming climate commitments and its rapid clean energy deployment, including an impressive 217 gigawatts of solar capacity added in 2023. The conversation touches on the implications for global energy markets, AI advancements, and how China's strategic investments could reshape technology and military capabilities.
13 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 48min
Everyone is talking (again!) about a coming revival in nuclear power. What needs to change to make it happen? | More from New York Climate Week
Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, talks about New York's ambitious energy plan, emphasizing advanced nuclear power as a vital component for a stable, emissions-free future. She shares insights on designing safer, modular reactors to meet rising electricity demands. Joining her is Nick Campanella from Barclays, who discusses the financial landscape for nuclear investment and the importance of policy support. They explore challenges like construction risks, consumer willingness to pay, and how recent shifts in energy economics could favor nuclear projects.
5 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 36min
As the pressure for climate action fades, what is driving investment in clean energy? | The big talking points from New York Climate Week
Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group and organizer of New York Climate Week, joins Will Thompson from Barclays to dive into pressing climate discussions. They explore the waning urgency for climate action in the U.S. and how AI's demand for power is reshaping investment strategies. Clarkson highlights global shifts like the rise of affordable solar in Pakistan, while Thompson discusses concerns over power infrastructure amidst soaring electricity needs. Together, they emphasize the importance of effective climate communication to connect with everyday issues and counter misinformation.
Sep 22, 2025 • 43min
Carbon capture could be an important tool for tackling climate change. Can we find productive ways to use that carbon?
In this insightful discussion, Sarah Lamaison, CEO of Dioxycle, shares how her startup is revolutionizing carbon utilization through innovative carbon electrolysis. Tim van den Bergh from the World Economic Forum highlights the potential of CCU in the chemical sector as a means of dual decarbonization. John Ferrier from Wood Mackenzie explores the economic barriers and policy shifts needed to favor carbon utilization over storage. Together, they delve into the challenges and future pathways for making carbon capture a viable solution in combating climate change.
11 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 51min
Data centers for AI will need to embrace flexibility if our electricity system is going to cope. How can large loads support the grid?
In this enlightening discussion, guests Shanu Mathew, an investment expert at Lazard Asset Management, and Varun Sivaram, Founder & CEO of Emerald AI, explore how AI could become an ally for the energy grid instead of a burden. They delve into the concept of flexibility, explaining how AI data centers can adjust their power consumption during peak stress. This shift could allow for faster integration into the grid, unlocking a potential $4 trillion investment opportunity. They also address how innovation in energy strategies is crucial for the future sustainability of power systems.
Sep 1, 2025 • 50min
What will the COP30 climate talks mean for energy?
In this engaging discussion, Amy Myers-Jaffe, Director at NYU’s Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab, and Simon Evans, Deputy Editor at Carbon Brief, dive into the lead-up to COP30. They explore the effectiveness of past climate agreements, notably discussing the ongoing rise in greenhouse gas emissions. Key topics include the complexities of international climate pledges, fossil fuel lobbying, and the urgent need for improved carbon pricing strategies. The conversation highlights the critical intersection of energy security and climate action amid geopolitical challenges.
28 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 4min
Petrostates, electrostates, and the energy transition. Gerard Reid of the Redefining Energy podcast visits the Energy Gang
Gerard Reid, co-host of the Redefining Energy podcast and energy finance expert, emphasizes the critical divide between petrostates like the U.S. and electrostates like China in the global energy transition. He asserts that AI will reshape the energy landscape, with countries adapting varying strategies to meet electricity demands. The discussion includes the rising significance of clean energy investments, the shifts in U.S.-China dynamics, and the challenges of transitioning infrastructure to support burgeoning technologies like electric vehicles.
27 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 11min
Planning the grid to meet future energy demand | A discussion on the future of the grid, AI, energy innovation, and delivering the electricity supply we will need in the coming decades
Alice Jackson, VP of Grid Modeling at Breakthrough Energy, and Melissa Lott, Partner for energy technologies at Microsoft, discuss the urgent need to modernize the electricity grid. They highlight challenges stemming from aging infrastructure and rising demands from data centers and EV charging. Jackson shares insights on developing open-source tools for grid planning to streamline regulatory approvals. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of collaboration and innovative technologies in creating a sustainable and resilient energy future.
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 15min
What will energy look like 5 years after the 'Big Beautiful Bill?' The Energy Gang report from 2030.
Travel into 2030 as experts envision the changing energy landscape post-legislation. The looming impact on the U.S. automobile industry, particularly electric vehicles, is examined alongside rising challenges from China. Geopolitical factors complicate tax credits, adding further hurdles for battery developers. Meanwhile, the future for renewable technologies like solar and wind faces supply chain pressures. Amidst this, state policies and private investments emerge as potential beacons of hope for a cleaner energy future.
