Energy Gang

In an engaging discussion, Joseph Webster, a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council focusing on energy and geopolitics, shares insights on the U.S.-China energy dynamics and the race to develop AI capabilities. Seth Hanlon from NYU Tax Law Center provides critical perspectives on the energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act, while Lesley Hunter, Senior VP at ACORE, talks about lobbying for clean energy support in Congress. The conversation reveals the crucial interplay between energy policies, legislative challenges, and national security.

Ray Long, President of ACORE, shares insights on the mounting uncertainties in the clean energy sector due to Congressional debates over tax credits. Meghan Schultz, CFO of Invenergy, stresses how these uncertainties affect their operations as the largest US independent power producer. Ted Brandt, CEO of Marathon Capital, discusses potential fallout if subsidies are eliminated. They also highlight rising demand from data centers, the implications for electricity prices, and the competitive energy landscape between the US and China.

Amy Myers-Jaffe, a policy expert at NYU’s Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab, joins Robbie Orvis from Energy Innovation and Ray Long from the American Council on Renewable Energy. They tackle the chilling impact Congressional tax credit proposals could have on the clean energy sector. Discussion revolves around the urgency of protecting crucial tax incentives for renewables, the geopolitical ramifications of energy policies, and the future of U.S. energy supply chains amidst rising costs and international tensions.

Tyler Norris, a PhD student and James B. Duke Fellow at Duke University, dives into his groundbreaking research on integrating new data centers into the U.S. electricity grid. He reveals that the grid could handle an astonishing 98 gigawatts of additional load with proper flexibility, challenging the perception of power system rigidity. The conversation covers practical applications of load flexibility, real-world adoption strategies for data centers, and the critical role of advanced technologies like virtual power plants in optimizing energy management.

They called the film Avengers: Infinity War the most ambitious crossover event in history. We can’t quite make the same claim, but at Wood Mackenzie’s 2025 Solar and Energy Storage Summit, we did record a crossover episode. Ed Crooks, host of Energy Gang, is joined by Sylvia Leyva Martinez, Wood Mackenz’s principal analyst for solar power and host of Interchange Recharged, to discuss the future of energy, and of the electricity grid in particular.They are joined by Rob Chapman, Senior Vice President of Energy Delivery and Customer Solutions at the non-profit research group EPRI, the Electric Power Research Institute, which aims to help power society toward a reliable, affordable, and resilient energy future. Rob talks about a key theme in his work: the importance of flexibility on the electricity grid. Increased reliance on solar and wind power has created challenges in keeping the grid balanced and the lights on. Surging demand for electricity for new data centres to train and run AI models is giving rise to a whole new set of issues. More flexible demand and supply on the grid is increasingly valuable. But where can it come from?Data centres don’t usually offer a lot of flexibility in their operations. People want to use ChatGPT and watch Netflix even at night and when the wind is low. So what can the hyperscalers do to create flexibility? Are virtual power plants an effective option? And how can the energy industry improve collaboration to find solutions that promote the clean energy transition while keeping prices down?You can find Energy Gang wherever you get your podcasts, and follow Interchange Recharged with Sylvia Leyva Martinez for deep dives into the innovations that are accelerating the energy transition.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“With great uncertainty comes great opportunity”, says Abby Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, in this special episode of the Energy Gang, recorded live at Wood Mackenzie’s Solar & Energy Storage Summit.Is she right? And what are those opportunities? To find out, host Ed Crooks welcomed Abby and Shyam Srinivasan, CEO and Co-Founder of Zitara Technologies, for a special discussion on the state of the solar and storage industries today.Uncertainty is the buzzword of the moment: uncertainty over tariffs, over tax credits, over the evolution of AI, and over the economic outlook. The Trump administration’s new tariffs are disrupting supply chains and prompting companies to delay investment decisions. At such a volatile time, it’s easy to be caught out by a sudden change in policy.Companies have different strategies for coping with all this uncertainty. Some have been stockpiling solar panels; a few have been stockpiling batteries. And all the while, there are some powerful global trends still driving the industry: overproduction in China that is still driving down costs, and the need for new electricity generation of all types to power data centers for AI.Abby, Ed and Shyam debate the uncertain policies and forecasts that are making companies hesitant to invest, and find some pointers to help navigate through the storm. And they lift their eyes from the day-to-day chaos to consider what are the real opportunities for the longer term once the immediate crisis is over.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy Duffuor, co-founder of Azolla Ventures, talks about the crucial role of catalytic capital in boosting clean energy innovations during tough times for investment. She emphasizes that successful climate tech must communicate its broader significance. Melissa Lott from Microsoft discusses the geopolitical factors shaping investor confidence and US policies affecting innovation support. Together, they explore cleantech challenges, the need for strategic planning, and the importance of framing investments to address societal issues in climate action.

Chris Shelton, Chief Product Officer at AES, discusses the crucial role of batteries in addressing the electricity demands of hyperscalers. Travis Kavulla from NRG Energy sheds light on regulatory policies and the challenges with grid interconnection for data centers. MJ Shiao of the American Clean Power Association highlights the growing electricity needs driven by AI and manufacturing. Together, they explore how renewable energy and efficient gas plants can meet future demands, alongside navigating the evolving political landscape impacting energy infrastructure.

Amy Myers Jaffe, an expert in energy policy from NYU, and Robbie Orvis, director at Energy Innovation, dive into the electric vehicle revolution sparked by BYD's rapid-charging technology. They discuss how the U.S. might be lagging behind in clean energy advancements and the implications for American automakers. Jaffe advocates for a revamped U.S. policy to encourage innovation, while Orvis highlights the necessity for robust support in domestic battery manufacturing. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing Tesla and evolving perceptions of electric vehicles in surprising places like Texas.

Shanu Mathew, Senior VP at Lazard Asset Management, discusses the shift in institutional investment strategies towards energy amid market turmoil. Amy Myers Jaffe, Director at NYU's Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab, shares insights on cleantech and low-carbon investment hurdles. They explore the departure of major oil companies from renewables, the connection between oil prices and cleantech funding, and the growing impact of data centers on energy demand. Their analysis questions whether the clean energy transition is slowing down or simply recalibrating.