Zero: The Climate Race

Jigar Shah, a clean energy expert and former head of the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office, dives into the implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which threatens to slash nearly $500 billion from clean energy funding. He discusses the resilience of the clean energy sector amid political setbacks and competition with China. Shah examines the future of sustainable aviation fuel, legislative challenges in financing, and the vital role of community support for thriving clean energy initiatives. His insights reveal a complex but hopeful landscape for climate progress.

Ethan Zindler, head of policy research at BloombergNEF and former climate counselor to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, is joined by Bloomberg reporter Emily Birnbaum, who covers corporate lobbying in DC. They dive into how recent legislative changes threaten the renewable energy sector, risking higher electricity bills. The discussion highlights the tension between fossil fuel interests and clean energy initiatives, exploring the implications for U.S. competitiveness in AI and the ongoing struggle to balance energy policies amidst political lobbying.

Retired Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, author of the UK Ministry of Defence’s climate change report, joins to discuss the military's substantial carbon footprint, accounting for 5.5% of global emissions. He highlights the urgent need for NATO to adapt its defense spending to include sustainable practices. The conversation dives into how climate change endangers military readiness and the necessity for innovative green technologies. Nugee emphasizes that militaries must integrate climate resilience into their operations while addressing the challenges posed by extreme weather.

Dr. Link, Chairman of B.Grimm, leads a historic Thai conglomerate known for its compassionate business model. He discusses the essence of merging purpose with profit and the four immeasurables of compassion rooted in Buddhism. The conversation covers the importance of core values like positivity and professionalism, as well as the philosophy of gross national happiness influencing business practices. Dr. Link also highlights their conservation initiatives, such as tiger protection, and their dedication to promoting education and vocational training in Thailand.

Dan McGrail, Interim CEO of Great British Energy, leads discussions on the ambitious goals for the UK's new state-owned energy company. He outlines a substantial £5.8 billion funding plan aimed at achieving 95% clean power by 2030. McGrail emphasizes the potential of floating offshore wind technology and the government's initiative to invest £700 million in clean energy supply chains. He also illustrates how public institutions can promote sustainability through innovative projects, aiming for a greener future across the UK.

Mike Schroepfer, former CTO at Meta and now running Gigascale Capital, discusses the current downturn in climate tech investments. He explores the shift from software to hardware in this sector, highlighting the unique challenges in manufacturing and energy solutions. Schroepfer warns about the dangers of funding cuts to U.S. research and underscores the potential for AI to drive energy innovation. The conversation sheds light on the complex dynamics of venture capital and the vital need for continued investment to foster long-term advancements in climate technology.

Lauri Myllyvirta, co-founder of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and an expert on China's climate and energy, discusses the pivotal moment of China's emissions possibly peaking. He highlights the surge in renewable energy and electrification in transport. Myllyvirta also dives into concerns about the impact of the US-China trade war on climate strategies. Additionally, he examines how China's transition from manufacturing to household consumption could reshape its emissions trajectory amidst economic changes.

Claes Westerlind, CEO of NKT, a leading cable manufacturer, delves into the pressing bottleneck of high-voltage cable supply in the clean energy transition. He explains the complexities of manufacturing, from the differences in land and underwater cables to the challenges posed by rising global electricity demand. Claes highlights the geopolitical landscape, particularly how competition with China impacts the industry. He also touches on historical collusion practices and the hesitance of companies to expand production despite soaring demand.

Olivia Rudgard, a writer for Bloomberg Green focused on greener living, joins the discussion on the urgent shortage of skilled workers in the energy transition. She highlights the critical gap in labor for heat pump installations, which threatens the electrification of Western economies. The conversation covers innovative solutions like training programs and the need for policy changes to attract talent. Rudgard also explores the challenges facing the UK's heat pump market, including inadequate government support and the necessity of upskilling workers for a sustainable future.

Oscar Boyd, producer of the Zero podcast, joins to discuss the alarming bottleneck stalling our electrified future: a global transformer shortage. He dives into the complexities of transformer supply and the extended delivery timelines that are derailing energy projects. Boyd highlights the crucial role of electrification in decarbonization and the unexpected challenges posed by outdated regulations and manufacturing limitations. This conversation sheds light on why our push for clean energy is slower than anticipated, sparking important considerations for policymakers!