Energy Gang

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.

Joining the conversation are Nicolette Bartlett from CDP, who highlights the surge in business opportunities driven by climate action. Mike Train of Emerson shares insights on their ambitious goal for 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and the importance of transparency in sustainability efforts. Maria Mendiluce discusses the We Mean Business Coalition's approach to mobilizing corporate climate action. Johan Falk from the Exponential Roadmap Initiative emphasizes the need for substantial emission reductions, showcasing how businesses can lead the charge in tackling climate change through collaboration and innovation.

Wade Crowfoot, California's Secretary for Natural Resources, Travis Kellerman, Senior Climate Policy Advisor for New Mexico, MIT's Jessica Trancik, and The Climate Group's CEO Helen Clarkson discuss state leadership in climate action amid uncertain federal policies. They illuminate how California and New Mexico are driving clean energy initiatives while navigating potential challenges from a second Trump administration. The conversation highlights the vital role of state coalitions, market-based approaches, and the urgency for innovative solutions to uphold climate commitments.

Harry Boyd-Carpenter, Managing Director for Climate Strategy and Delivery at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, dives into the pivotal role of development banks in climate finance. He discusses how these banks, by leveraging funds, can amplify investments in poorer nations, enabling significant strides towards decarbonization. The conversation centers on the urgent need for financial support from wealthier countries and explores innovative funding strategies crucial for accelerating renewable energy investments in low- and middle-income countries.

Amy Myers Jaffe, a leading energy policy expert, Robbie Orvis, who specializes in energy markets, and Ray Long, CEO of ACORE, discuss the seismic shift in U.S. energy policy after recent elections. They explore how the incoming Republican administration will prioritize affordability over sustainability, potentially reshaping wind, solar, and nuclear energy sectors. The trio analyzes the future of critical initiatives like hydrogen hubs, energy tax credits, and the implications of tariffs on the EV market, all while navigating the intersection of policy, innovation, and market dynamics.

Xizhou Zhou, Head of Power and Renewables at Wood Mackenzie, shares data-driven insights on impending transformer shortages. Melissa Lott, a former Columbia professor, discusses energy transition hurdles. Travis Edmonds from Hitachi Energy highlights supply chain challenges and increasing transformer demand. They explore the implications for clean energy projects, the differences in standards across regions, and the need for robust partnerships. Personal tales about EV infrastructure and the impact of seasonal energy trends add depth to their conversation.

Amy Myers Jaffe, Director of the Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab at NYU, joins Mike Battaglia, COO of Blink Charging, to tackle the pressing challenge of EV charging infrastructure. They discuss the frustrating reality of unreliable charging stations and the industry's struggle to keep pace with growing EV adoption. Mike sheds light on Blink's innovative approach and future plans, while they both emphasize the need for improved reliability and strategic placement of charging points to build consumer confidence in electric vehicle ownership.