
Energy Transition Solutions
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.
Latest episodes

Aug 7, 2024 • 54min
Getting Power to Customers | Matt Herpich of Conduit Power | Ep 159
In this episode, our host, Joe Batir, speaks with Matt Herpich, CEO of Conduit Power, and discusses the company’s focus on electrification and decarbonization in the oil field. The company primarily works with oil and gas upstream and midstream companies in West Texas, where there is a structural mismatch between localized gas prices and value. Conduit Power aims to provide reliable and dispatchable power to meet the growing demand for electricity in the energy transition. The conversation explores the importance of dispatchable power generation, the role of natural gas in decarbonization, and the need for a mix of engineering and policy to achieve net-zero emissions. The guest emphasizes the need for reliable and resilient power supply, especially during crisis events like storms. The conversation also touches on the importance of reducing demand through energy efficiency and behavioral changes. The guest discusses Conduit’s approach to decarbonization, including flare mitigation, battery storage, and the use of mobile units. The guest highlights the need for a diverse energy mix and the importance of commercial incentives in driving decarbonization efforts.
Matt’s book recommendation:
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
Keywords
electrification, decarbonization, onsite power, virtual midstream, dispatchable power
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Matt Herpich
03:53 What Conduit Power Does
08:19 The Importance of Natural Gas in Electricity Production
12:26 The Role of Conduit Power in the Energy Transition
28:38 Dispatchable Power Generation and Downtime Prevention
31:49 Flare Mitigation and Methane Reduction
36:34 Managing Batteries and Natural Gas as a System
42:05 Engineering and Policy for Net-Zero Emissions
44:07 Understanding the Urgency of Dispatchable Generation
52:34 Passion for Power and Openness to Conversation
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Jul 31, 2024 • 33min
Diamonds are a Data Center’s Best Friend | Adam Khan of Diamond Quanta | Ep 158
Summary
In this episode, our host, Joe Batir, speaks with Adam Khan, CEO and founder of Diamond Quanta, and discusses the use of diamond in semiconductor and quantum applications to address the challenges of heat dissipation and energy efficiency. Adam explains the limitations of traditional semiconductors and the need for materials that can operate at higher temperatures. Diamond, with its high thermal conductivity and resilience, offers a solution to these challenges. Khan also highlights the sustainability benefits of using lab-grown diamonds sourced from methane, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He emphasizes the importance of incorporating sustainable materials and practices throughout the semiconductor supply chain.
Adam’s book recommendation:
The Spiritual Universe by Dr. Fred Alan Wolfe
Keywords
diamond, semiconductor, energy efficiency, lab-grown diamonds, methane, sustainability, supply chain
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:03 The Problem with Traditional Semiconductors
08:28 Addressing Heat Dissipation and Energy Efficiency
14:02 Sustainability Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds
19:29 Creating a Circular Economy for Semiconductors
21:43 Timeline for Adoption of Diamond Semiconductors
25:11 Book Recommendation: The Spiritual Universe
26:39 Path to Net Zero: Producers’ Buy-In
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Jul 24, 2024 • 44min
The O.I.L. Library and the Energy Transition| Trey Cortez | Ep 157
Summary
In this episode, our host, Joe Batir, speaks with Trey Cortez, board member of the Oil Information Library. They discuss the Tech Talk series and the future of the oilfield library. The library serves as a hub for data storage, information sharing, and collaboration in the oil and gas industry. The Tech Talk series brings industry experts to educate and provide continuing education options for professionals. The library also aims to support student outreach and mentorship programs to encourage the next generation of geologists and engineers. The data housed in the library is crucial for exploration and will serve a valuable role in the energy transition, particularly for wellbore verification and permitting processes.
Trey’s book recommendations:
Denali’s Howl by Andy Hall
Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute
Keywords
Oilfield Information Library, Tech Talk series, data storage, collaboration, student outreach
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Permission
05:05 The Tech Talk Series and Continuing Education
09:51 The Role of the Library in Wellbore Verification and Permitting
18:40 Key Takeaways from the Tech Talk Series
20:33 The Energy Transition Markets and the Role of Small Operators
25:32 The Disparity Between Net Zero Targets and Practicality
28:19 The Importance of Class Two Wells in CCUS
31:03 The Future of the Oil Field Library
38:02 The Impact of Communication and Collaboration in the Energy Transition
41:13 Upcoming Events at the Oil Field Information Library
43:05 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
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Jul 17, 2024 • 47min
Propane for the Future | Tucker Perkins, Propane Education and Research Council | Ep 156
Summary
In this episode of the Energy Transition Solutions Podcast, host Joe Batir interviews Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of the Propane Education and Research Council. They discuss the role of propane in the energy transition and its potential as a low carbon fuel. Perkins explains the work of the Propane Education and Research Council in promoting safety, marketing, and innovation in the propane industry. He also discusses the importance of considering the full picture of energy solutions and the need for collaboration and conversation in the climate conversation. Perkins highlights the potential of renewable propane and the importance of conserving energy and making smart choices in our daily lives.
Keywords
Propane, renewable propane, energy transition, climate conversation
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Propane’s Role in the Energy Transition
03:35 Safety, Marketing, and Innovation in the Propane Industry
05:02 The Potential of Propane in the Energy Conversation
09:43 Current Uses of Propane in Society
12:58 Tucker Perkins’ Book ‘Path to Zero’ and the Importance of Innovation
17:11 Challenges and Opportunities in Replacing Diesel with Propane
23:56 The Supply and Future of Propane, including Renewable Propane
29:40 The Importance of Individual Action in the Energy Transition
37:02 Book Recommendations and How to Get to Net Zero
Tucker’s book recommendations:
Path to Zero by Tucker Perkins
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose
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Jul 11, 2024 • 15min
Natural Disasters and Energy Resiliency| Joseph Batir | Ep 155
In this episode, our host, Joe Batir, recaps the past week of his life and quickly discusses the role of energy resiliency in the midst of current natural disasters.
The biggest, fastest ramping natural gas turbine in the world – Siemens Energy and their natural gas turbine
The CHILI Incubator Program with Alex Rozenfeld – the hydrogen incubator program in Houston Texas
Keywords
Natural Disasters, Hydrogen, Siemens Energy, Climate Impact Capital, Alaska, 4th of July
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Jul 3, 2024 • 39min
Is the (Geothermal) bubble going to burst? | Nick Cestari | Ep 154
In this conversation, Joe Batir interviews Nick Cestari, host of the Core Knowledge Podcast and geologist at Oxy, about the current state of the geothermal industry. They discuss the hype cycle for new technology, the recent hype geothermal in seeing, the recent increase in private investment in geothermal, and the development time scale for geothermal projects. They also touch on the importance of collaboration and a circular economy in achieving net-zero goals. The conversation highlights the potential of geothermal as a sustainable energy source and the need for continued advancement in the industry.
Nick’s Book Recommendation:
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Keywords:
geothermal, hype cycle, private investment, development time scale,
Takeaways:
Geothermal has gone through multiple hype cycles in the past and is currently in a phase of increased interest and investment.
Private investment in geothermal has been growing, with over $500 million invested in the past five years.
The development time scale for geothermal projects, especially on public land, can be lengthy, but efforts are being made to streamline the process.
Collaboration and a circular economy approach are crucial in achieving net-zero goals.
The geothermal industry needs to demonstrate commercial viability and deliver projects that make a significant impact on the grid to attract continued investment and support.
Chapters:
00:00Introduction and Setting the Stage
01:16The Hype Cycle of Geothermal
07:20Streamlining the Development Time Scale for Geothermal Projects
11:16Collaboration and the Circular Economy
27:20The Importance of a Cooperative Approach
35:43Overcoming Hostility and Moving Forward
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Jun 26, 2024 • 50min
The CHILI Incubator Program with Alex Rozenfeld | Ep 153
SummaryOur host, Joe Batir, talks with Alex Rozenfeld, founder and managing partner of Climate Impact Capital, about the CHILI program. CHILI is an incubator for early-stage hardware innovation in carbon and hydrogen, associated with the non-profit Texas Innovates. The program aims to bring together companies in the hydrogen and carbon space to create a solutions ecosystem. The goal is to focus on hardware-intensive technologies that are capital-intensive and require incubation support. The program is currently funded by the Department of Energy and is in the proof-of-concept phase. The long-term vision is to create a community of hydrogen and carbon companies in the Gulf Coast region and attract startups and entrepreneurs to the area to grow this ecosystem. Alex’s Book Recommendations:Drawdown by Paul HawkenThe Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson KeywordsCHILI, incubator, early-stage innovation, carbon, hydrogen, hardware, Department of Energy, Houston, startups, entrepreneurs Takeaways· The Chile program is an incubator for early-stage innovation in carbon and hydrogen.· The program focuses on hardware-intensive technologies that are capital-intensive and require incubation support.· The program is currently funded by the Department of Energy and is in the proof-of-concept phase.· The long-term vision is to create a community of hydrogen and carbon companies in the Gulf Coast region and attract startups and entrepreneurs to the area. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Alex Rozenfeld and Climate Impact Capital03:03 Introducing the CHILI Program and its Acronym06:14 Discussion on the funding of CHILI10:21 When and how the program is engaging Corporate Sponsors and Supporting Startups12:04 Why Focus on Carbon, Hydrogen, and Hardware14:23 Goals and Vision for the CHILI Program23:15 Desired Applicants and Selection Criteria25:34 Promoting Houston as an Innovation Hub31:45 How to Apply for the CHILI Program34:26 Final Questions These show notes contain affiliate links. Show your support by using them!
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Jun 19, 2024 • 51min
Modular Carbon Capture with Aniruddha Sharma | Carbon Clean | Ep 152
In this episode, our host, Joe Batir, speaks with Aniruddha Sharma, CEO of Carbon Clean. They discuss the importance of carbon capture technology in the energy transition. Carbon capture is a crucial step in decarbonizing industrial facilities and power plants, which are major sources of carbon dioxide emissions. Aniruddha highlights the challenges of current carbon capture systems, including their large size and high cost. He then introduces Carbon Clean’s innovative solution, which uses process intensification to compress the size of the equipment by 10 times, making it more scalable and affordable.
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Jun 12, 2024 • 0sec
The Role of Geophysics in the Energy Transition| Esther Babcock, Logic Geophysics | Ep 151
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
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Jun 5, 2024 • 0sec
What we can do now for decarbonization | Cody Johnson, SCS Technologies | Ep 150
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
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