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
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.
27 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.
29 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 13min
Inside the ‘crazy grid’: why the future of energy needs everything, everywhere, all at once
Quinn Nakayama, Senior Director of Grid Research and Innovation at PG&E, dives into the complexities of the 'crazy grid'. He explains how California's electricity system is adapting to new demands like variable renewable energy and electric vehicles. The discussion touches on the role of AI in increasing power demand and grid management. Nakayama debates the effectiveness of Virtual Power Plants and highlights the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to meet rising consumption patterns, especially with the growing influence of data centers.
4 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Big Beautiful Bill is close to passing. What would it mean for clean energy in the US?
Robbie Orvis, Senior Director at Energy Innovation, and Jeremy Horan, VP at ACORE, join to unpack the implications of the recent budget reconciliation legislation. They discuss the potential decline in wind and solar investments, increased reliance on natural gas, and a promising outlook for battery storage. The duo also tackles the complexities introduced by new regulations on foreign entities, which could hinder progress in renewable projects. The conversation dips into how global geopolitical tensions, particularly in Iran, are reshaping U.S. energy markets.
Jun 24, 2025 • 27min
EBOS: the unsung hero that’s accelerating clean energy deployment | How Shoals is improving utility-scale solar performance
Stephen LaFleur, Senior Director of Sales for Utility-Scale Solar at Shoals Technologies Group, and Grant Reasor, Associate Electrical Engineer at Burns & McDonnell, dive deep into the world of Electrical Balance of Systems (EBOS). They highlight how flawless EBOS integration is essential for solar project success, discussing alarming statistics about connector-related failures. The conversation also touches on the shift to 2KV systems and the cost-effectiveness of repowering solar plants, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in the clean energy sector.
Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 6min
How do we adapt to a warming world?
Join climate experts Sarah Kapnick and Amy Myers-Jaffe as they unpack the realities of adapting to a warming world. Kapnick, with her background at JP Morgan and NOAA, highlights the rising uninsurability of certain regions due to climate risks. They discuss the urgent need for innovative adaptation strategies, particularly for vulnerable communities. The conversation also touches on how climate change is reshaping energy markets and influencing housing decisions. Together, they call for urgent action to address disparities in climate-related impacts.
31 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 12min
Geothermal, dealmaking, and the future of clean energy finance | live from the ACORE Finance Forum in New York
In a lively discussion, David Ulrey, CFO of Fervo Energy, talks about groundbreaking geothermal projects, including a promising pilot in Nevada, and financing challenges in the sector. Mona Dajani from Baker Botts offers insights on energy dealmaking amidst changing political winds, emphasizing the need for adaptability. Tonya Hicks, founder of Power Solutions Inc, shares her inspiring journey as a woman entrepreneur in the renewable energy space. Lastly, Ray Long discusses the urgency of navigating energy tax credit uncertainties and exploring innovative financing mechanisms.
