

Energy Transition Solutions
Joe Batir
Low carbon, high energy conversations hosted by Joe Batir. Humanity is growing and connecting. Tomorrow’s world needs more energy from more places. But to find our net-zero future we must overcome the natural constraints of many new energy sources. This is the show where we talk about the strategies and innovations powering a new future for global energy.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 6, 2025 • 24min
Recent New Stories (July 2025) | Joe Batir | Ep 191
In this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions Podcast, host Joe Batir discusses recent news stories in the renewable energy sector, particularly in light of the One Big Beautiful Bill. He highlights significant investments in solar projects despite cuts to tax credits, the implications for data centers in Iowa, and rising energy prices following a recent PJM grid auction. The conversation emphasizes the ongoing challenges and potential opportunities within the energy transition landscape.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Recent Developments
01:52 Impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill on Renewable Energy
04:54 Major Investments in Solar Projects Despite Tax Credit Cuts
08:36 The Future of Data Centers in Iowa
13:39 Rising Energy Prices and Their Implications
19:56 Conclusion and Future Outlook
Articles discussed:
Exus Renewables gains $308m for US solar and wind projects
Enbridge to build US$900M solar project to power Meta data operations in Texas
Clean Energy Brought Data Centers to Iowa. The Big Beautiful Bill Could Change That
Biggest US power grid auction prices rise by 22% to new heights
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Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 2min
Transforming Transport with CNG – Philip Fjeld | Ep 190
Summary
In this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions Podcast, Joe Batir interviews Philip Fjeld, CEO and Co-Founder of Refuels, about the company’s mission to transition commercial transport in Europe to 100% renewable fuels. They discuss the differences between LNG, CNG, and biomethane, the processes involved in creating renewable natural gas, and feedstock sourcing. Philip highlights the benefits of biomethane, including its traceability and local supply chains, and addresses the most common bottlenecks in the CNG market. The conversation also touches on the impact of geopolitical events on biomethane production, the differences between the US and European markets, and the future growth potential for Refuels and the biomethane sector as a whole.
Philip’s book recommendation
How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil
renewable fuels, biomethane, CNG, LNG, energy transition, sustainability, feedstock, gas infrastructure
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Jul 23, 2025 • 53min
Views on Recent Legislation from a Developer | Matt Tynski
In this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions Podcast, Joe Batir speaks with Matt Tynski, a Renewable Energy Fund Manager at Foundation Energy Management and Founder and CEO of Eldon Land Supply. They discuss the implications of recent federal changes in energy policy, particularly the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and how it affects the renewable energy landscape. Matt shares insights on project development metrics, the disconnect between development and operational management, the impact of subsidies, and the importance of regulations in fostering innovation. The conversation also touches on the future of energy projects, the role of microgrids, and the necessity of adapting to new energy policies to address the impending energy crisis.
Matt’s Book Recommendation: Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Energy Transition Solutions
03:56 Understanding Renewable Energy Metrics
09:46 The Disconnect in Energy Development
14:24 Subsidies and Their Impact on Projects
20:13 Navigating Regulatory Changes
26:31 The Role of Regulations in Energy Innovation
32:01 Future of Energy Projects and Microgrids
38:32 Adapting to New Energy Policies
42:49 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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Jul 16, 2025 • 31min
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act – Joe Batir | Ep 188
In this episode, host Joe Batir gives a brief, AI generated synopsis of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and his personal opinion on the various highlights.
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Jul 9, 2025 • 51min
The Power of Climate Accounting | Endurance Olowo | Ep 187
n this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions Podcast, Joe Batir speaks with Endurance Olowo, a climate-focused energy consultant, about the critical role of carbon accounting in achieving decarbonization goals. They discuss the definition of carbon accounting, its relevance in today’s business landscape, and the misconceptions surrounding it. Endurance shares real-world examples of how companies have benefited from effective carbon accounting practices, emphasizing that it is not merely a compliance requirement but a strategic tool for optimizing operations and enhancing business performance. The conversation also covers how companies can start their carbon accounting journey and the importance of integrating sustainability into their core operations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Carbon Accounting
03:03 Understanding Carbon Accounting
06:05 The Passion Behind Carbon Accounting
08:57 The Relevance of Carbon Accounting Today
11:56 Real-World Examples of Carbon Accounting Benefits
15:02 Misconceptions About Carbon Accounting
17:51 The Future of Carbon Accounting
21:00 How to Start with Carbon Accounting
24:05 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Endurance’s Book Recommendation:
The Handbook of Carbon Management by Petra Molthan-Hill et al.
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Jul 2, 2025 • 36min
Carbon Neutral Ocean Data | Shepard Smith, XOCEAN | Ep 186
In this episode, host Joe Batir talks with Shep Smith, Chief Technology Officer of XOCEAN. They discuss ocean data collection using Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) and how XOCEAN fits into this data need. Topics discussed include:
How Shep’s experience working for NOAA helped identify the challenges with ocean data collection
What kind of data are collected
Why we need these data
What are the dangers and general challenges of collecting data using traditional manned vessels
How USVs resolve these challenges and dangers inherent with ocean data collection
Shep’s book recommendation:
What if we get it right by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
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Jun 25, 2025 • 47min
Unlocking the Power of Distributed Energy Resources | Ep 185
In this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions Podcast, host Joe Batir discusses the importance of distributed energy resources (DER) with Sage McLaughlin from REC Solar and Melody LaBella from Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San). They explore the multifaceted benefits of DERs beyond cost savings, including environmental impacts and energy resiliency. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by wastewater agencies in implementing DER systems, the regulatory landscape, and the role of microgrids in enhancing community resilience. The episode emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to meet energy demands while ensuring operational continuity. In this conversation, Sage McLaughlin and Melody LaBella discuss the various aspects of solar energy and DERs, including the potential revenue streams, barriers to adoption, and the importance of education and expert guidance. They emphasize the need for collaboration in achieving net zero goals and share personal insights and recommendations for further reading. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of energy solutions and the critical role of community engagement and informed decision-making.
Melody’s Book Recommendation:
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Carlie Mackesy
Sage’s Book Recommendations:
Under a White Sky by Elizabeth Kolbert
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
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Jun 18, 2025 • 32min
Clean Compression and Pumping | Steve Froehler, LCO Technologies | 184
In this Episode of the Energy Transition Solutions podcast, Joe Batir speaks with Steve Froehler, —– of LCO Technologies. LCO Technologies provide zero emission solutions for compression and lift in the oil field. Through their solar-powered solutions, they provide drop-in replacements for existing hardware that produces cost savings and emissions reductions.
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Jun 11, 2025 • 54min
The New Geothermal Investment Landscape | Torsten Kolind, Underground Ventures | Ep 183
In this conversation, Joe Batir interviews Torsten Kolind, co-founder of Underground Ventures, focusing on the geothermal investment landscape. They discuss the rapid increase in investment in geothermal technology, the different paths companies can take in the industry, and the importance of technology in enabling the growth of geothermal energy. Torsten shares insights on the investment thesis of Underground Ventures, the relationship between developers and technology providers, and the lessons that geothermal can learn from the tech industry. In this conversation, Joe Batir and Torsten discuss the evolving landscape of geothermal energy, focusing on its future potential, technological advancements like digital twins, and the investment ecosystem surrounding geothermal projects. They explore the transition from traditional geothermal methods to next-generation technologies, emphasizing the importance of modularity and standardization. The discussion also highlights the shift in risk perception within the geothermal sector and the potential for geothermal energy to play a significant role in achieving net-zero emissions. Torsten shares insights on upcoming investment forums and the need for continuous innovation in the geothermal space.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Geothermal Investment
04:03 Investment Trends in Geothermal Energy
10:09 Investment Vehicles and Strategies
11:56 Underground Ventures’ Investment Thesis
17:07 Evaluating Geothermal as an Investment
21:59 Learning from the Tech Industry
27:06 Future of Geothermal Technology
28:23 The Future of Geothermal Energy
31:27 Digital Twins and Technological Advancements
37:30 Investment Landscape in Geothermal
41:35 Geothermal Anywhere: The Holy Grail
54:55 Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations
Torsten’s Book Recommendation:
Poor Charlie’s Almanac: by Charles Munger
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Jun 4, 2025 • 52min
The IRA is America First | Ep 182
In this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions Podcast, host Joe Batir speaks with Chris Moyer, founder and president of Echo Communications Advisors, about the critical role of communication in energy policy. They discuss the importance of effective messaging in the context of the Inflation Reduction Act and the growing demand for energy. Moyer emphasizes the need for a bipartisan approach to energy manufacturing and highlights geothermal energy as a promising solution that can garner support from both sides of the political spectrum. The conversation also touches on the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act for the geothermal sector and the broader energy landscape, the political landscape’s influence on energy policy, the importance of engaging in policy discussions, and the need for permitting reform to facilitate the energy transition.
They conclude with a call to action to reach out to your political representatives to engage in the political process. You can find your representatives here: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
Chris’ book recommendation: The Grid by Gretchen Bakke
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Energy Communication
01:55 The Importance of Effective Communication in Energy Policy
05:02 Understanding Energy Demand and Supply Dynamics
07:45 Bipartisan Support in Energy Manufacturing
12:00 Geothermal Energy: A Bipartisan Opportunity
25:09 The Inflation Reduction Act and Its Impact on Geothermal
26:57 The Importance of Energy Development in America
27:07 Legislative Milestones in Energy Policy
29:37 Understanding Tax Credits and Their Impact
32:21 The Role of Tax Credits in Innovation
35:28 Challenges for Geothermal Energy Development
40:17 The Political Landscape and Its Influence
44:41 Engaging in Policy Discussions
45:48 The Future of the Energy Grid
48:08 Permitting Reform and Its Importance
49:57 Finding Optimism in the Energy Transition
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