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
18 snips
Feb 20, 2024 • 1h 1min
2023 was a tough year for clean energy investment. Will 2024 be better?
2023 was tough for clean energy investment, with shares down, and a huge shortfall in meeting Paris Agreement goals. The challenges faced by clean energy companies in commercializing, bringing capacity online, and managing transmission constraints are discussed. Innovations in grid-enhancing technologies, sustainable aviation fuel, AI, and solid state batteries are explored, along with promoting plant-based diets for reducing emissions.
10 snips
Feb 6, 2024 • 54min
A pause in US gas export approvals: a big win for the climate?
The podcast discusses the implications of the Biden administration's pause in US gas export approvals, including its impact on global greenhouse gas emissions and living standards in lower-income countries. They also explore the potential of hydrogen as a replacement for natural gas. Other topics include environmental justice activism, the role of natural gas in achieving climate targets, and a discussion on electric vehicle performance in cold weather.
Jan 23, 2024 • 54min
Is AI really a game-changer for energy?
The podcast explores the use of AI in the energy and climate sector and its potential impact on greenhouse gas emissions. The speakers discuss their experience at the Davos conference, emphasizing the value of gaining insights from experts. They also address the recent events in Texas regarding the power grid and highlight the importance of investing in foundational aspects of energy systems. The issue of gender diversity in the organizing committee for COP 29 is also explored.
17 snips
Jan 9, 2024 • 1h 9min
What does 2024 have in store for energy?
The podcast explores the influence of upcoming elections on energy policy, the significance of COP conferences in oil-producing countries, and the potential of enhanced geothermal power. They also discuss the launch of regulated carbon markets in Brazil and the rise of data centers. The chapter concludes with discussions on technologies to watch in the energy sector, tensions in the mining industry, and the speakers' reading goals for the year.
Dec 22, 2023 • 52min
COP28 - Ed's notebook
Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for power, energy, climate and green growth at the African Development Bank, discusses increasing investment in emission cuts and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Mark Davis, Chief Executive of Capterio, explores technology for reducing emissions in the oil and gas industry. Conversations from COP28 also cover gas flaring, evaluating the success of COP28, unlocking progress through government leadership and regulations, COP28 progress and actions, investing in development projects in Africa for climate change, and exciting developments in investment and technology for addressing climate change.
Dec 22, 2023 • 44min
Be of good cheer! Reasons to feel optimistic about the energy transition at the end of 2023
On this episode, Ed Crooks is joined by Melissa Lott and Amy Myers-Jaffe as they share their reasons to be cheerful this holiday season. Ed highlights the drop in the cost of solar modules, driving the adoption of solar energy. Amy discusses the continued growth of EV sales, despite setbacks. Melissa chooses the start of construction for Form Energy’s factory, making batteries for long-duration energy storage. The gang also exchanges gifts and discusses EV charger repair and reliability, as well as the board game PowerGrib.
6 snips
Dec 15, 2023 • 44min
Was COP28 a huge success?
The Energy Gang assesses the outcome of COP28 climate talks in Dubai, discussing the success and potential shortcomings of the agreement. They analyze the need for a transition away from fossil fuels and the importance of justice and equity. The podcast explores the impact and challenges of climate actions, the failure to establish a framework for carbon markets, and the positive outlook on transitioning away from fossil fuels. The podcast also highlights the gender imbalance among world leaders at COP28 and teases a review of the year in energy.
18 snips
Dec 11, 2023 • 47min
A nuclear COP?
The nuclear industry takes center stage at COP 28, with discussions on the goal of tripling global nuclear power by 2050. Small modular reactors (SMRs) receive attention and support from the US export-import bank. The challenges and successes of nuclear power are explored, including competition from renewables. SMRs are positioned as a key player in the future of nuclear energy, with potential applications in replacing coal power plants. Financing and regulatory challenges are discussed, with emphasis on investor expectations and collaboration with the finance community.
9 snips
Dec 8, 2023 • 39min
COP28: What's the point of the COP?
Energy experts Melissa Lott and Morgan Bazilion join the podcast to discuss the latest stories from COP28. They debate the efficacy of the annual climate summit, the potential impacts of next year's US and UK elections, and key takeaways from the talks such as reducing methane emissions and financing challenges. The importance of practical solutions, private sector engagement, and funding for developing countries is emphasized. The speakers also reflect on the value of attending COP, face-to-face interactions, and share their takeaways from COP28 with optimism.
Dec 8, 2023 • 14min
COP28: What’s happening with EVs?
Kristen Siemen, Chief Sustainability Officer at General Motors, discusses the current state of the EV market, GM's plans for the industry, and key takeaways from COP28. Topics include charging infrastructure, efforts to bring down EV prices, battery raw materials, EV supply chain risks, and the role of COP meetings in achieving EV and carbon neutrality goals.
