Interchange Recharged

“If you don't think in 15 years that we're going to value decarbonisation, or if you're worried about the 45Q, it's pretty tough to write that multi-billion dollar cheque,” says Peter Findlay, Director of CCUS Economics at Wood Mackenzie. In this week’s Interchange Recharged, Peter sits down again with host Sylvia Leyva Martinez to look at the challenges for new CCUS projects. It’s tough, as Peter says, because of the regulatory frameworks, financial mechanisms and incentives that currently exist in the US. To look at these and go deep on the legal barriers for CCUS deployment, Peter and Sylvia are also joined by Liz McGinley, partner at Bracewell Law Firm. Liz leads the firm’s tax practice and the energy transition team, and is renowned for her expertise in carbon capture and IRA tax credits. Liz discusses the intricate details of tax credits and regulatory updates while Peter reflects on the financial challenges of decarbonisation projects. In this episode:What will future legislative shifts mean for the industry’s growth? How might regulatory shifts under the Trump administration impact clean energy and CCUS projects, including potential changes to clean hydrogen, fuels, and power regulations?How do the costs and complexities of pre-combustion and post-combustion CCUS projects differ, and how are financial incentives structured for each?For more detailed analyis, check out the Lens reports from Wood Mac. Lens is a data analytics platform with sector-specific insights to help you power your Business Intelligence tools. Find it at woodmac.com/lensSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Hall, CEO and co-founder of Anza Renewables, offers insights into the solar industry's future amidst uncertainty. He discusses the projected 26 GW solar capacity increase and the impact of shifting federal tax credits. Hall reveals how supply chains are diversifying to adapt, though China's dominance persists. He also tackles Trump’s tariffs on manufacturing and the financial incentives aiding developers. The conversation underscores the need for strategic planning in an unpredictable landscape, highlighting innovative procurement approaches.

Bridget Van Dorsten, a principal analyst at Wood Mackenzie specializing in hydrogen market trends, and Carl Cho, director of Clean Energy Finance at Citibank with over a decade of clean energy experience, dive into the identity crisis facing hydrogen energy. They discuss the U.S. transition toward blue hydrogen and the lag in green hydrogen project advancements. Roadblocks like financing, offtake uncertainty, and scaling challenges are explored. The duo also debates localized projects versus large-scale infrastructure, pondering hydrogen's future role in energy.

Maria Korsnick, President and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute, shares her expertise on the evolving landscape of nuclear energy in the U.S. She discusses the ambitious goals for nuclear capacity by 2050 and how large tech companies drive demand for reliable clean energy. Korsnick highlights the challenges and potential of small modular reactors and the vital role of tax credits in accelerating deployment. Furthermore, she explores the need for regulatory reform to foster growth and the importance of collaboration between the nuclear and tech sectors.

Nuin-Tara Key, Executive Director of Programs at California Forward, shares her insights on building climate resilience in the face of severe weather events. She emphasizes the urgent need for a balanced approach between mitigation and adaptation strategies amidst rising temperatures. Key discusses how California can enhance collaboration across sectors, navigate political challenges, and transform disaster funding from reactive relief to proactive resilience. The conversation highlights innovative solutions and community involvement as essential components for tackling climate impacts.

In this engaging discussion, Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America, shares her expertise on the future of renewable energy amidst shifting U.S. policies. She examines the anticipated surge in clean energy installations, the critical role of power purchase agreements, and the complexities of grid integration. Sandhya also highlights the significance of diverse energy sources, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the pressing need for sustainable supply chains and community engagement in energy projects.

Join Chris Seiple, Vice Chairman at Wood Mackenzie’s Power & Renewables group, and Jonny Sultoon, Head of Markets & Transitions, as they dive into the future of clean energy in 2025. They discuss the challenges of rising electricity demand and inflation, while highlighting the silver lining of solar power growth amidst global slowdowns. The duo explores innovations in energy storage, tariff changes, and the evolving role of hydrogen in clean energy transitions, showcasing a dynamic landscape essential for navigating the upcoming energy revolution.

Abigail Hopper, the dynamic President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), dives into the electric landscape of the U.S. solar industry amidst political changes. She discusses the influence of the Inflation Reduction Act, the uncertainty surrounding tax credits, and the importance of strategic planning for developers. Hopper emphasizes community engagement in solar adoption and highlights the pressing need for business certainty and energy security, all while navigating the challenges of the energy transition.

Join Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of Heliene, a US solar manufacturer paving the way for domestic production, as he discusses the potential impact of a second Trump term on solar energy. He and Sylvia Martinez delve into how the repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act could threaten solar growth. They explore workforce challenges, the skills gap in the industry, and the need for specialized training. Plus, advancements in solar technology promise improved efficiency amid trade policy complexities. Can US solar remain competitive globally? Tune in to find out!

Mhairidh Evans, VP and head of CCUS research at Wood Mackenzie, and Peter Findlay, director of CCUS economics, share their insights on carbon capture technologies. They discuss the viability of CCUS in achieving net zero, emphasizing its critical role in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like cement and steel. The guests explore regional policy differences, the impact of government incentives like the U.S. 45Q tax credit, and the necessity for community support. They also consider the future of carbon pricing and its potential to drive investment in this essential technology.