Energy Gang

Swetha Sundaram, VP of Solar and BESS at RWE, and Julia Souder, CEO of the Long Duration Energy Storage Council, delve into the explosive growth of energy storage technologies. They discuss the transformative role of battery systems in transitioning to low-carbon energy, spotlighting opportunities for long-duration storage that could yield a $4 trillion market by 2040. The conversation also touches on the evolution of storage solutions, regulatory impacts, and how energy storage can address both immediate and seasonal energy demands, especially in high renewables regions.

Samantha Gross, an energy policy expert at the Brookings Institution, and Joseph Majkut, director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, dive into the implications of President Trump's tariffs on the energy landscape. They discuss how tariffs could reshape U.S.-Canada energy relations and impact energy security and climate goals. The conversation also touches on the complexities of U.S. dependence on Canadian oil and the potential for American innovation in renewable energy technologies to lead the charge against global competition.

Amy Myers Jaffe, Director at NYU’s Energy Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab, and Melissa Lott, Partner GM at Microsoft, dive into the transformative impact of DeepSeek AI on the energy sector. They discuss how this innovative model disrupts market dynamics and raises questions about the future of 'baseload' power amidst shifting energy demands. The pair also tackle the implications of recent executive orders under the Trump administration, highlighting a notable shift in prioritizing energy supplies over climate change.

In this discussion, Melissa Lott from Microsoft, an expert in energy transition, and Austin Knight, Vice President at Chevron New Energies, dive into the future of hydrogen in our energy system. They explore hydrogen's potential as a versatile tool for decarbonization and its application in heavy transport. While acknowledging the current challenges, including infrastructure and cost, they advocate for a balanced approach that combines hydrogen with other technologies to achieve net-zero emissions. The conversation is both optimistic and realistic, highlighting the path forward for clean hydrogen.

Anticipations for energy in 2025 reveal transformative shifts ahead. Political changes in Washington could alter fossil fuel policies, while California stands as a clean energy leader facing federal challenges. New technologies are emerging, including innovations in energy storage like iron-air batteries and quantum computing. The solar sector may experience slowdown amidst past rapid growth, influenced by global policies. Concerns about extreme weather and pandemic threats highlight the urgent need for resilience and preparedness in energy infrastructure.

The hosts dive into the electric vehicle boom, spotlighting BYD's impressive rise in China. They also tackle the challenges and future of hydrogen and geothermal energy while reflecting on their 2024 predictions. Amid geopolitical tensions, the conversation shifts to advancements in solar technology and battery storage. Listeners will enjoy their favorite podcast moments and insights into climate finance. Plus, discover thoughtful holiday gift recommendations and the impact of influential books on today's energy discussions.

Henrique Bezerra, Regional lead for Latin America at the Global Methane Hub, and Bjorn Otto Sverdrup, Chair of the executive committee for the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, discuss the pressing issue of methane emissions. They explore the ambitious Global Methane Pledge aimed at a 30% reduction by 2030 but reveal the rising levels of emissions instead. The conversation highlights the urgency of innovation and collaboration across sectors like oil and gas, as well as the need for transparency and accountability to meet climate goals. Practical solutions are essential to reverse this trend.

Melissa Lott, partner general manager for energy technologies at Microsoft, and Amy Harder, executive editor of Cipher, dive into the highlights and challenges of the recent COP29 climate talks. They discuss the contentious $300 billion climate finance deal, deemed insufficient by many developing nations like India, which seek $1 trillion annually. The pair reflect on the absence of fossil fuel transition commitments and the implications for future negotiations, while balancing cautious optimism for the global energy transition amidst ongoing climate challenges.

In the spotlight are Vijay Vaitheeswaran, Global Energy and Climate Innovation Editor at The Economist; Zach Friedman, Senior Director of Federal Policy at Ceres; and Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI. They dive into the vital role of energy efficiency in the energy transition. The trio discusses how changes in U.S. energy policy, particularly under a second Trump administration, could shape sustainability efforts. They also consider innovative solutions like carbon tariffs, the significance of permitting reforms, and the collaboration needed to foster clean energy advancements.

Raquel Moses, from the Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator, discusses the need for diverse climate finance instruments to overcome development hurdles in the Caribbean. Ben Attia, of Allied Climate Partners, highlights the importance of de-risking early-stage projects to attract investment. Jang Ping Thia, an economist at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, emphasizes multilateral development banks' role in unlocking capital flows for emerging markets. The conversation delves into the urgent need for innovative funding solutions and collaborative efforts to bridge the finance gap.