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
26 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 9min
Does clean hydrogen have a future? Finding a role for hydrogen in a low-carbon energy economy
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.
32 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 4min
What can we expect from energy in 2025? The people, places and technologies to watch this year
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.
19 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Energy Gang’s Review of the Year in energy
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.
Dec 10, 2024 • 37min
Bonus episode from COP29: Getting real about methane emissions
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.
7 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 37min
What happened at COP29?
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.
36 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 55min
Live from COP29: One weird trick to solve our energy problem
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.
Nov 18, 2024 • 47min
Live from COP29: Everyone is talking about climate finance. What do they mean?
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.
Nov 15, 2024 • 58min
Live from COP29: Are businesses still driving the energy transition?
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.
14 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 53min
Live from COP29: How US states will keep up climate action under a Trump administration
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.
Nov 12, 2024 • 27min
Live from COP29: climate finance at the forefront
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.
