Energy Transition Solutions

Summary In this episode, our host, Joe Batir, talks with Dr. Esther Babcock, Founder and Lead Geophysicist of Logic Geophysics. She discusses the role of geophysics in the energy transition. She emphasizes the importance of communication of uncertainty in geophysical data and the value of geophysics in understanding and mitigating long-term risks. Dr. Babcock shares fascinating experiences in geophysics, from uncovering buried objects to conducting geophysics campaigns in Antarctica. She also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the energy transition and the role of geophysics in addressing them. Esther’s Book Recommendations: Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough Takeaways Geophysics plays a crucial role in understanding and mitigating long-term risks associated with energy exploration, infrastructure development, and climate change. A more well-rounded geophysical curriculum will prepare students for the versatile applications of geophysics in various industries. Communication of uncertainty in geophysical data is essential for building trust and understanding the limitations of geophysical methods. Ground-penetrating radar is a versatile geophysical tool that can be used for a wide range of applications, from mapping bedrock to locating buried objects. The value of geophysics lies in its ability to provide valuable information for understanding and mitigating long-term risks in infrastructure and environmental assessments. The energy transition presents both challenges and opportunities for geophysics, particularly in the context of cost, value perception, and risk mitigation. Keywords geophysics, ground-penetrating radar, seismic, education, uncertainty, risk assessment, climate change Chapters 00:00 The Role of Geophysics in the Energy Transition 19:28 The Versatility of Esther’s favorite Geophysical Method: Ground-Penetrating Radar 30:01 The future of Geophysics  36:56 Stories from Fieldwork: From Buried Objects to Antarctica 45:42 Final Questions 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. Sign up for OGGN newsletters here.Enjoying the show? Leave us a review here.Visit the OGGN Merch store here.Curious about podcast advertising? Learn more here. More from OGGN … PodcastsLinkedIn GroupLinkedIn Company Page

This episode is sponsored by Ranch Office—Texas style co-working in Houston. Life is better at the Ranch. In this conversation, our host, Joe Batir, speaks with Cody Johnson, CEO of SCS Technologies. They discuss methane vapor recovery and its importance in the energy transition. He explains the role of LACT units in measuring the quantity and quality of oil, and how SCS Technologies has expanded to focus on fugitive gas recovery and molecule measurement. Cody emphasizes the significance of methane as a greenhouse gas and the need to capture and mitigate its emissions. He also discusses the EPA\’s regulations on methane emissions and the response from oil and gas producers. Cody shares the work of SCS Technologies in designing and installing vapor recovery units (VRUs) for large integrated majors and mid-size producers. He highlights the importance of modularity and ease of maintenance in VRU design. Cody’s Book Recommendation: The Prize by Daniel Yergin Takeaways Methane vapor recovery is a crucial aspect of the energy transition, as methane has 40 times more adverse greenhouse gas effects than CO2. SCS Technologies specializes in designing and installing vapor recovery units (VRUs) for large integrated majors and mid-size producers. The EPA has introduced regulations on methane emissions, requiring real-time emission detection and reporting. Advancements are needed in carbon accounting, finance, and carbon sequestration permits to support the decarbonization process. Keywords methane vapor recovery, energy transition, fugitive gas recovery, molecule measurement, greenhouse gas, EPA regulations, vapor recovery units, modularity, decarbonization Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Permission 00:45 Background of SCS Technologies and Lacked Units 07:14 EPA Regulations on Methane Emissions 09:34 SCS Technologies: Designing and Installing VRUs 35:21 Advancements Needed in Carbon Accounting, Finance, and Carbon Sequestration 41:47 Individual Actions for a Better World 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. Sign up for OGGN newsletters here.Enjoying the show? Leave us a review here.Visit the OGGN Merch store here.Curious about podcast advertising? Learn more here. More from OGGN … PodcastsLinkedIn GroupLinkedIn Company Page

In this episode, our host, Joe Batir, interviews Shia Brown and Kennedy Vital, the co-hosts of a new podcast, The BEN Show (from Blue Energy Nation). They discuss energy, energy literacy, and of course, focus in on Geothermal Energy for a bit. Specific topics include: What is energy? Why are they want to know what energy is? What is the most surprising thing they learned so far? What do the two guests know about geothermal energy? Shia’s book recommendation: Tangerine by Edward Bloor Kennedy’s book recommendation: Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke These show notes contain affiliate links. Use them and show your support. Brought to you on OGGN, the largest and most listened-to podcast network for the oil and energy industry. Sign up for OGGN newsletters here.Enjoying the show? Leave us a review here.Visit the OGGN Merch store here.Curious about podcast advertising? Learn more here. More from OGGN … PodcastsLinkedIn GroupLinkedIn Company Page

This episode is sponsored by Ranch Office—Texas style co-working in Houston. Life is better at the Ranch. Eugene Beh, founder and CEO of Quino Energy, sits down with our Host, Joe Batir. They discuss flow batteries and their applications in the energy storage industry. He explains that flow batteries are a type of battery that use two tanks of reactants to generate electricity. Unlike other batteries, flow batteries can be easily scaled up by increasing the size of the tanks, making them suitable for long-duration storage. However, the cost and supply chain limitations of traditional flow battery technologies, such as vanadium flow batteries, have hindered their widespread adoption. Quino Energy aims to address these challenges by developing flow batteries using organic molecules called Quinones, which are cheaper and more sustainable. Their technology is a drop-in replacement for vanadium flow batteries, making it easier for existing systems to transition to their solution. Quino Energy\’s flow batteries are particularly well-suited for mid-duration storage, ranging from 6 to 24 hours. Quino Energy is exploring the repurposing of old oil storage tanks for energy storage. They have found that their flow battery technology is chemically compatible with carbon steel tanks, making it a cost-effective and efficient solution. The US has enough tank storage space to store about four terawatt hours of Quino\’s electrolyte, providing a significant opportunity for energy storage. Repurposing existing infrastructure can save time and money on installation. The conversation also touches on the importance of electrifying the grid, decarbonizing transportation, and exploring other clean tech solutions. Eugene’s Book Recommendations: Momo by Michael Ende The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill Takeaways Flow batteries are a type of battery that use two tanks of reactants to generate electricity. Traditional flow battery technologies, such as vanadium flow batteries, have cost and supply chain limitations that hinder widespread adoption. Quino Energy is developing flow batteries using organic molecules called Quinones, which are cheaper and more sustainable. Their flow batteries are a drop-in replacement for vanadium flow batteries, making it easier for existing systems to transition to their solution. Quino Energy\’s flow batteries are particularly well-suited for mid-duration storage, ranging from 6 to 24 hours. Quino Energy is exploring the repurposing of old oil storage tanks for energy storage, leveraging the compatibility of their flow battery technology with carbon steel tanks. The US has enough tank storage space to store about four terawatt hours of Quino\’s electrolyte, presenting a significant opportunity for energy storage. Repurposing existing infrastructure, such as oil tanks, can save time and money on installation and provide a cost-effective solution for energy storage. Electrifying the grid, decarbonizing transportation, and exploring other clean tech solutions are crucial steps in achieving net-zero emissions and combating climate change. Keywords flow batteries, energy storage, scalability, long-duration storage, supply chain, sustainability, drop-in replacement, repurposing infrastructure, decarbonization, clean tech solutions Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:48 Understanding Flow Batteries 08:10 Applications of Flow Batteries 15:20 Challenges and Limitations of Traditional Flow Battery Technologies 20:23 The Advantages of Quino Energy\’s Drop-In Replacement Solution 25:46 The Sweet Spot: Quino Energy\’s Focus on Mid-Duration Storage 27:17 Repurposing Old Oil Tanks for Energy Storage 34:33 The Potential of Tank Storage for Energy Storage 40:52 Cost-Effective Energy Storage with Repurposed Infrastructure 43:22 The Importance of Electrifying the Grid and Decarbonizing Transportation 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. Sign up for OGGN newsletters here.Enjoying the show? Leave us a review here.Visit the OGGN Merch store here.Curious about podcast advertising? Learn more here. More from OGGN … PodcastsLinkedIn GroupLinkedIn Company Page

In this episode our host, Joe Batir, speaks with Bryant Jones, Executive Director of Geothermal Rising. They discuss Geothermal, how they both got into geothermal, and where the industry is going. Specific topics include: Bryant’s background and how he got into geothermal What are common misconceptions about geothermal What is most exciting about geothermal right now The GEODE award The geothermal rising conference and role of events in spreading knowledge Bryant’s book recommendation:The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck This episode is sponsored by Ranch Office—Texas style co-working in Houston. Life is better at the Ranch. Brought to you on OGGN, the largest and most listened-to podcast network for the oil and energy industry. Sign up for OGGN newsletters here.Enjoying the show? Leave us a review here.Visit the OGGN Merch store here.Curious about podcast advertising? Learn more here. More from OGGN … PodcastsLinkedIn GroupLinkedIn Company Page

In this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions podcast, host Joe Batir interviews Brian Fitzgerald, a senior property and nuclear insurance broker at Willis Towers Watson. They discuss nuclear power, specifically nuclear submarines and the connection between nuclear power and insurance. Fitzgerald emphasizes the safety of nuclear power and the importance of trust in the industry. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities in the nuclear industry, including the transition to small modular reactors and fusion power. The episode concludes with a discussion on the role of insurance in the nuclear industry and the need for coverage to mitigate risks. Brian’s Book Recommendations: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss These show notes contain affiliate links. Show your support by using them! Takeaways Nuclear power is safe and relies on rigorous training, safety systems, and redundant procedures to ensure the well-being of personnel and equipment. Public perception and trust are key factors in the growth and acceptance of the nuclear industry. Insurance plays a crucial role in the nuclear industry by providing coverage and liability protection for vendors, suppliers, and other entities involved in nuclear power generation. The insurance industry is evolving to meet the needs of the growing nuclear industry and to address concerns related to nuclear waste and public safety. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Permission 07:04 Comparison of Nuclear Reactors on Submarines and Power Plants 14:13 Public Perception and Trust in Nuclear Power 39:21 Discussion on Joe Batir\’s Doctoral Dissertation Keywords nuclear power, nuclear submarines, insurance, safety, trust, small modular reactors, fusion power This episode is sponsored by Ranch Office—Texas style co-working in Houston. Life is better at the Ranch. Brought to you on OGGN, the largest and most listened-to podcast network for the oil and energy industry. Sign up for OGGN newsletters here.Enjoying the show? Leave us a review here.Visit the OGGN Merch store here.Curious about podcast advertising? Learn more here. More from OGGN … PodcastsLinkedIn GroupLinkedIn Company Page

In this episode, our host, Joe Batir, speaks with John O’Donnell, CEO of Rondo Energy. They discuss the importance of decarbonizing industrial heat and the role of high temperature thermal energy storage in achieving this goal. John explains that the cost of PV solar has fallen dramatically, making intermittent clean electricity the cheapest form of energy. This episode is sponsored by Ranch Office—Texas style co-working in Houston. Life is better at the Ranch. John’s Book Recommendations: Speed and Scale by John Doerr The Heat Will Kill You First by Jeff Goodell Climate Capitalism by Akshat Rathi These show notes contain affiliate links. Use them to show your support. Brought to you on OGGN, the largest and most listened-to podcast network for the oil and energy industry. Sign up for OGGN newsletters here.Enjoying the show? Leave us a review here.Visit the OGGN Merch store here.Curious about podcast advertising? Learn more here. More from OGGN … PodcastsLinkedIn GroupLinkedIn Company Page Rondo Energy is building the world’s cheapest, simplest, safest, and most efficient energy storage system that stores electricity as heat and delivers it to replace boilers and furnaces. The industrial heat market is significant, accounting for half of all fuel burned and a quarter of all coal, oil, and natural gas burned globally. O’Donnell emphasizes the need for decarbonized heat to be cheaper than business as usual in order to drive rapid decarbonization in the industrial sector. He also discusses the technology behind Rondo’s heat battery, which uses radiation charging and convection discharging to rapidly charge and deliver heat continuously. O’Donnell highlights the importance of partnerships and leveraging existing supply chains to scale up the deployment of heat batteries. He mentions the recent grants from the Department of Energy for industrial decarbonization projects and the role of government support in accelerating the adoption of new technologies. O’Donnell believes that the transition to net zero requires a focus on profitable solutions that can be implemented at scale. Takeaways Decarbonizing industrial heat is crucial for achieving a low-carbon future. Intermittent clean electricity is now the cheapest form of energy, making it economically viable to replace boilers and furnaces with high temperature thermal energy storage. The industrial heat market is significant, accounting for half of all fuel burned globally. Decarbonized heat must be cheaper than business as usual to drive rapid decarbonization in the industrial sector. Partnerships and leveraging existing supply chains are key to scaling up the deployment of heat batteries. Government support, such as grants for industrial decarbonization projects, can accelerate the adoption of new technologies. A focus on profitable solutions that can be implemented at scale is essential for transitioning to net zero. Keywords decarbonization, industrial heat, thermal energy storage, PV solar, energy storage, heat battery, cost, market size, partnerships, government support, net zero Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Permission 08:23 The Potential of Heat Battery Storage 25:44 Government Support for Industrial Decarbonization 35:26 Competition and the Future of Heat Batteries 45:27 Closing Remarks

In this episode, our host, Joe Batir, talks with Dr. Emmanouil Kakaras, Executive Vice President for the NEXT Energy Business at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. They talk about existing technologies for decarbonizing the energy industry and what it will take to scale these technologies. They discuss topics including: Power to heat Carbon abatement and utilization What it means to build a solid business case Dr. Emmanouil’s book recommendations: Tales of the Cyclades and Other Poems by Henry Bradfield The Man without Qualities by Robert Musil These show notes contain affiliate links. Show your support by using them! This episode is sponsored by Ranch Office—Texas style co-working in Houston. Life is better at the Ranch. Brought to you on OGGN, the largest and most listened-to podcast network for the oil and energy industry. Sign up for OGGN newsletters here.Enjoying the show? Leave us a review here.Visit the OGGN Merch store here.Curious about podcast advertising? Learn more here. More from OGGN … PodcastsLinkedIn GroupLinkedIn Company Page

In this episode, our host, Joe Batir, talks with John Higgins, CEO at RS Technologies Inc. They talk about composite poles for electrical distribution and transmission. Specific topics they discuss include: What is a composite pole? Why do we need composite poles? How many poles are used for distribution and transmission? Where will we see composite poles in the future. John’s book recommendation: Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose This episode is sponsored by Ranch Office—Texas style co-working in Houston. Life is better at the Ranch. Brought to you on OGGN, the largest and most listened-to podcast network for the oil and energy industry. Sign up for OGGN newsletters here.Enjoying the show? Leave us a review here.Visit the OGGN Merch store here.Curious about podcast advertising? Learn more here. More from OGGN … PodcastsLinkedIn GroupLinkedIn Company Page

In this episode, Joe Batir speaks with Roy Calder, Oil & Principal — New Energies at AVEVA, and Gilbert Chahine, Worldwide Head of Energy & Utilities Solutions at AWS. Joe and the guests discuss the unified engineering approach and its importance in accelerating new energy projects. They highlight the need to break down silos and promote collaboration among different disciplines in the engineering process. The guests emphasize the value of data in optimizing operations and driving efficiency. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities in the energy transition, including the need for global consensus and accelerated R&D. The episode concludes with personal opinions and favorite memories from the hosts\’ university days. This episode is sponsored by Ranch Office—Texas style co-working in Houston. Life is better at the Ranch. Roy’s book recommendation:The Century of my Father by Geert Mak Gilbert’s book recommendation:The Prophet by Khail Gibran Takeaways The unified engineering approach breaks down silos and promotes collaboration among different disciplines in the engineering process. Data plays a crucial role in optimizing operations and driving efficiency in the energy industry. The energy transition presents challenges and opportunities, including the need for global consensus and accelerated R&D. Cloud technology and implementation offers scalability, security, and automation to support unified engineering and operations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Permission 01:00 Introducing the Topic: Unified Engineering Approach 06:07 Understanding Unified Engineering 09:09 The Need for Unified Engineering 11:09 Challenges in the Energy Transition 13:25 The Value of Unified Engineering 16:31 Driving Efficiency and Cost Reduction 22:34 Addressing Concerns and Challenges 25:21 The Role of Cloud Technology 28:20 Achieving Net Zero and Beyond 32:26 Improvements in Time and Cost 36:17 Favorite Books 38:09 Getting to Net Zero 42:00 Favorite SMU Memory 45:00 Personal Opinions 49:10 Closing Remarks These show notes contain affiliate links. Please use them to show your support! Brought to you on OGGN, the largest and most listened-to podcast network for the oil and energy industry. Sign up for OGGN newsletters here.Enjoying the show? Leave us a review here.Visit the OGGN Merch store here.Curious about podcast advertising? Learn more here. More from OGGN … PodcastsLinkedIn GroupLinkedIn Company Page