

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

Jan 29, 2025 • 30min
Clean Energy Predictions for 2025 | Ep 174
In this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions Podcast, Joe Batir discusses the major trends expected in the clean energy sector for 2024 and beyond. He predicts a decrease in wind and solar energy due to grid instability and supply chain issues, while emphasizing the importance of baseload energy sources like geothermal and nuclear. Batir highlights the rise of bridge technologies, the tightening focus on investment in clean energy, and the potential for increased local activism in response to perceived slowdowns in renewable energy growth. He also explores the concept of ‘trash as treasure’ in the energy industry and expresses concerns about the slow progress of carbon capture initiatives.
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Jan 22, 2025 • 35min
Biggest [Renewable] Stories of 2024 | Ep 173
Summary
In this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions Podcast, host Joe Batir reflects on the significant energy news stories of 2024, including Microsoft’s PPA leading to the recommissioning of Three Mile Island, the claim of peak emissions, the rise in electric vehicle sales, and the replacement of coal plants with battery storage. He also discusses the growing interest and investment in geothermal energy, highlighting its potential for the future. The episode concludes with book recommendations that inspire a deeper understanding of the energy landscape.
Joe’s Book Recommendations:
Annals of the Former World by John McPhee
Flatland by Edwin A. Abbott
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Dec 24, 2024 • 11min
Christmas Special 2024
In this festive OGGN Christmas Special, the hosts and co-hosts engage in a fun-filled quiz that tests their holiday knowledge. The conversation flows from introductions to a series of light-hearted trivia questions, with plenty of laughter and banter along the way. The episode wraps up with warm holiday wishes and a humorous note about one particular listener.
Episode Links
See the video here: https://youtu.be/dHWKwYqy4f0
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Nov 22, 2024 • 49min
(The) Holocene | Anca Timofte of Holocene | Ep 172
Summary
In this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions podcast, Joe Batir interviews Anca Timofte, CEO and co-founder of Holocene, a direct air capture company. They discuss the technology behind direct air capture (DAC), its efficiency, challenges, and the importance of carbon storage. Anca shares insights into Holocene’s innovative approach, the startup ecosystem in Knoxville, and the company’s future plans, including a significant contract with Google for carbon removal credits.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Direct Air Capture and Holocene
06:09 Efficiency and Challenges of DAC
12:03 Holocene’s Unique Approach to DAC
18:02 Building a Startup Ecosystem in Knoxville
24:04 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Anca’s book recommendation
Open by Andre Agassi
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Nov 13, 2024 • 49min
A Hot Opportunity: Residential Water Heating with Michael Rigney | Cala Systems | Ep 171
Summary
In this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions Podcast, Joe Batir interviews Michael Rigney, CEO of Cala Systems, about the innovative heat pump water heater designed for residential use. Michael discusses the inefficiencies of current water heating methods, the economic implications of energy consumption, and how intelligent systems can optimize water heating for cost savings and environmental benefits. The conversation delves into the technology behind heat pumps, their operational efficiency, and the future of water heating solutions in the context of energy transition. In this conversation, Michael Rigney discusses the innovative technology behind heat pump water heaters, emphasizing their efficiency and flexibility in energy storage. He explains how these systems can adapt to homeowners’ needs while contributing to the energy transition. The discussion also covers the challenges of adoption, the potential for commercial applications, and the importance of integrating these technologies into demand response programs. Rigney highlights the role of water heaters in decarbonization efforts.
Michael’s book recommendations:
7 Powers by Hamilton Helmer
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kala Systems and Michael Rigney
06:04 Understanding Current Water Heating Methods
12:02 Heat Pump Technology Explained
17:49 Cost Savings and Environmental Impact
24:58 Understanding Heat Pump Technology
32:30 Demand Response and Energy Buyback Programs
38:54 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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Oct 30, 2024 • 29min
Happy Halloween! Or is it? | Joe Batir | Ep 170
In this episode, host Joe Batir recounts his past experience with Halloween and examines the relationship between Halloween and the Energy Transition.
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Oct 24, 2024 • 27min
Data Analytics to Drive Better Production | Matt Mayer of TGS | Ep 169
In this episode, our host, Joe Batir, speaks with Matt Mayer, Head of Analytics for Onshore Products at TGS. They discuss data and data analysis, and the insights and improvements that are being made to Onshore US energy production based on these new data sets and data analysis tools.
Matt’s book recommendation:
A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman
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Oct 17, 2024 • 44min
De-risking the Energy Transition | Joe Dutton, Axis | Ep 168
In this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions Podcast, Joe Batir interviews Joe Dutton, Energy Innovation Lead at AXIS. They discuss the critical role of insurance in the energy transition. They explore how insurance facilitates risk management, supports renewable energy projects, and drives innovation in the sector. Dutton shares insights on the importance of de-risking projects, the relationship between insurance and financing, and the evolving landscape of renewable technologies, particularly floating offshore wind. The conversation emphasizes the need for strategic partnerships in insurance to effectively tackle climate change and achieve net zero goals.
Joe’s Book Recommendations:
The World for Sale by Javier Blas
Black Gold by Jeremy Paxman
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Insurance in Energy Transition
04:08 Understanding Insurance and Risk Management
09:54 The Role of Insurance in Renewable Energy Projects
15:46 De-risking Projects and Financial Implications
21:52 Innovations in Offshore Wind and Insurance’s Role
25:53 The Broader Impact of Insurance on Energy Transition
31:04 Books and Insights on Energy Transition
35:00 The Path to Net Zero and Behavioral Changes
39:56 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
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Oct 11, 2024 • 29min
World Geothermal Energy Day | Steve Krug | Ep 167
In this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions podcast, host Joe Batir speaks with Steve Krug, co-founder of World Geothermal Energy Day, which takes place on October 17th. They discuss the significance of geothermal energy, the origins and purpose of World Geothermal Energy Day, and the various events planned to celebrate it. Steve shares insights on the importance of recognition in the geothermal community, the role of sponsors, and the networking opportunities that arise from such events. The conversation highlights the collaborative spirit of the geothermal community and the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and appreciation for geothermal energy.
Sign up for the local Houston event here.
Steve’s Book Recommendation:
The Prize by Daniel Yergin
Keywords
World Geothermal Energy Day, geothermal energy, energy transition, community events, networking, sponsorship, awareness
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to World Geothermal Energy Day
06:46 The Importance of Celebration Days
09:11 Events and Activities for World Geothermal Energy Day
13:30 The Role of Sponsors in Geothermal Events
16:05 Networking and Benefits of Geothermal Events
18:11 Fundraising and Initiatives within the Geothermal Community
21:30 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
These show notes contain affiliate links. Show your support by using them.
Brought to you on OGGN, the largest and most listened-to podcast network for the oil and energy industry.
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Oct 3, 2024 • 38min
Data and Data Progress | Sathiya Namasivayam and Altay Sansal of TGS | Ep 166
In this episode out host, Joe Batir, speaks with Sathiya Namasivayam, Data Management Lead, and Altay Sansal, Senior Data Science Lead, both with TGS. This discuss the development of the Data Science team at TGS, why they formed, and what insights they have been finding.
Altay’s Book Recommendations:
Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
Designing Machine Learning Systems by Chip Huyen
Sathiya’s Book Recommendation:
Monetizing Innovation by Madhavan Ramanujam
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