Interchange Recharged
Wood Mackenzie
Clean tech, green finance and energy innovation are the three lanes on the road to a successful global energy transition. At the intersection of these lanes is a place where ideas on finance, technology and policy are shared and debated. That intersection is Interchange Recharged. Sylvia Leyva Martinez, principal analyst at Wood Mackenzie, invites visionaries, entrepreneurs, policy-makers and energy analysts to explore the newest developments in renewable technology, explain the ideas on global energy policy that could accelerate the energy transition, and identify new funding and financial models that could solve the biggest challenges we face on the way to net zero. Sylvia and her guests bring you data and forecasts on clean technology, climate science, and offer predictions on the build out of utility-scale projects and the future of green finance. What impacts do the annual UN Conference of the Parties have on decarbonisation goals and climate change? What will COP30 bring? What’s happening in global EV adoption and development? What’s the forecast for solar energy, one of the major success stories of renewable energy in the last ten years? What does the data tell us about the future of hydrogen, of nuclear, or of low-carbon power? These are examples of the insights and detailed analyses you can expect bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 7am ET. If you like The Energy Transition Show, Catalyst with Shayle Kann, The Big Switch from Columbia University, Open Circuit with Jigar Shah or The Green Blueprint, you’ll enjoy Interchange Recharged. Want to get involved with the show? Reach out to podcasts@woodmac.com to: Bring Sylvia and Interchange Recharged to your event Be a guest on the show Sponsor an episode Ask a question to Sylvia or one of our guests Check out another leading clean tech global podcast by Wood Mackenzie, Energy Gang, at woodmac.com/podcasts/the-energy-gang Wood Mackenzie is the leading global data and analytics solutions provider for renewables, energy and natural resources. Learn more about Wood Mackenzie on the official website: https://www.woodmac.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 4, 2025 • 48min
Will energy storage save the grid? How batteries and the software behind them are reshaping reliability in the age of AI demand
Electrification is surging, AI data centres are multiplying, and volatility is rising on both sides of the meter. Can storage step in as the flexible backbone the US grid now needs? Host Sylvia Leyva Martinez is joined by Joanna Martin Ziegenfuss, General Manager for Strategic Market Development (North America), and Ruchira Shah, General Manager of Software Product Management at Wärtsilä Energy Storage. Together they unpack how high-performance hardware paired with sophisticated control software delivers real-time flexibility, from synthetic inertia and fast frequency response to price arbitrage and microgrid operation. The conversation tracks the shift from treating storage as a bolt-on to renewables to viewing it as a core reliability asset. Sylvia, Joanna and Ruchi explore how AI-driven load growth and volatile demand profiles change planning assumptions; why interconnection queues are pushing some data centres toward on-site generation plus batteries; and how market rules and policy must evolve to reward flexibility and sub-second response. They also dig into software’s role in future-proofing assets as grid requirements tighten, and where innovators are already meeting new performance thresholds.If you’re navigating project economics, market design or grid operations in a fast-changing landscape, this episode offers a pragmatic look at what’s working, what’s missing, and why storage is set to anchor a resilient, decarbonised grid. This episode is brought to you by Wärtsilä Energy Storage – Wärtsilä delivers high performing, large-scale energy storage systems by combining sophisticated software, robust safety, and long‑term reliability—empowering utility, IPP, and data center customers to maximize energy value and investment returns. To learn more, visit: https://www.wartsila.com/energy/energy-storage?utm_source=woodmac&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=energy_storage_saving_the_grid&utm_content=hostSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 47min
From capture to storage: inside the full CCUS value chain | Recorded live at CCUS in Houston
James Lopez, a CO2 subsurface storage advisor at CEMEX, discusses the complexities of decarbonizing the cement industry, stressing the need for reliable CO2 storage solutions. Glenn Wilson, CFO of Coastal Bend LNG, explains how integrating carbon capture into LNG projects can create a new market for verified carbon value, leveraging tax credits and environmental attributes. Meanwhile, Nick Terrell from Carbon Catalyst shares insights on repurposing UK gas fields for CO2 storage, highlighting the importance of policy alignment for cross-border carbon flows, ultimately shifting CCUS initiatives from theory to practical application.
Oct 10, 2025 • 58min
From policy to possibility: How CCUS is moving from talk to action
Lily Barkau, a groundwater expert from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, discusses how Wyoming became a pioneer in CO₂ storage regulations by fostering local trust and collaboration. Katherine Hough from Gevo highlights innovative links between biogenic CO₂ and sustainable aviation fuel, driving the circular carbon economy forward. Ed Crooks of Wood Mackenzie provides a global perspective on the shifting policy landscape and the role of AI in shaping future CCUS dynamics, emphasizing cautious optimism and the importance of stability in driving investment.
Oct 8, 2025 • 53min
Can finance and policy unlock the carbon capture boom? | Recorded live at CCUS in Houston
Omer Farooq, the Head of Sustainable Asset Finance at Bank of America, discusses financing strategies for CCUS, focusing on the crucial role of policies like 45Q in making projects bankable. Liz McGinley, a Partner at Bracewell LLP, unpacks regulatory hurdles, particularly around permitting and greenhouse gas reporting that impact project timelines. Shahul Hameed from Emerson highlights how oil and gas expertise is essential for CO2 transport and storage, while automation technologies promise to drive down operational costs. Together, they explore a path forward for carbon capture.
Sep 23, 2025 • 29min
What to do now clean energy subsidies are going? Analysis and insights from clean energy’s biggest North American event
In this insightful discussion, Chris Seiple, Vice Chair of Power & Renewables, and Kasim Khan, Senior Analyst at Wood Mackenzie, delve into the complex dynamics of the clean energy landscape post-subsidy shifts. They share firsthand accounts of confusion surrounding new policies and the critical need for compliant supply chains. The conversation highlights the rapid growth of data center demand and innovative utilities exploring interconnection solutions. Storage technologies emerge as game-changers, balancing grid reliability and investor confidence amid uncertainty.
11 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 24min
Navigating the world after OB3: implications for innovation and local manufacturing | Sponsored content from Hithium - Recorded Live at the PowerUp Stage at RE+
Ryan Chen, Chief of Staff at Hithium, and Neil Bradshaw, Director of Global Applications Engineering, delve into the fallout of recent OB3 policies on the U.S. manufacturing landscape. They discuss how these policies ripple through supply chains, impacting everything from battery production to overall innovation. Ryan reveals Hithium’s bold investments in Texas manufacturing, while Neil highlights the challenges faced by U.S. manufacturers reliant on imports. They also explore AI's role in driving demand for energy storage and the complexities of compliance with ever-evolving safety standards.
Sep 11, 2025 • 40min
Gas prices are rising and the demand for renewable energy is growing. How are big players in the green tech industry preparing for the evolving policy around solar energy credits? (Recorded live at RE+ in Las Vegas)
Sean Gallagher is the Senior Vice President of Policy at SEIA, leading vital policy work across the U.S., while Steven Munson is a Valuation and Tax Credit Advisor at CohnReznik, specializing in energy infrastructure. They delve into the rising gas prices and the increasing demand for solar energy. The conversation touches on the regulatory challenges facing the solar market, the complexities of tax credits, and how emerging technologies can drive growth. The guests emphasize strategic planning necessary for navigating this evolving landscape.
16 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 57min
OB3 and market uncertainty has put more pressure than ever on clean energy assets. How are owners and operators getting the most out of their wind, solar and storage? (Recorded Live at RE+ in Las Vegas)
Alex Bamberger, VP of Digital Solutions at RES, emphasizes using advanced data and hardware to optimize renewable energy assets. Kay Aikin, CEO of Dynamic Grid, argues that smarter controls and flexible demand can enhance grid utilization beyond 45%. Anna Astretsova, VP of Finance at GridStor, discusses the financial realities of storage amid rising costs. Amidst uncertainties, the conversation shifts to innovative strategies, early procurement, and performance-based models that can unlock greater efficiency and reliability in the clean energy sector.
Sep 9, 2025 • 16min
Forget Net Zero. Everyone’s talking about energy dominance, but is a rebrand really the best thing for climate action? Recorded at RE+ in Las Vegas as the energy industry’s biggest event gets underway, storytelling becomes part of the strategy.
The policy environment in the US at the moment is challenging, but developers, utilities, and investors are still moving forward with decarbonisation goals and climate action; they’re just talking about it and approaching it in a different way. As RE+ (North America’s biggest clean energy event) kicks off, Sylvia Leyva Martinez talks to veteran climate journalist and cleantech investor Molly Wood, about the ways in which the industry is navigating the uncertainty. Molly talks about the outdated forecasts of 1–2% load growth which are being blown apart by real demand increases of up to 30% in some regions, driven by electrification, AI, and data centers. If you can’t make it to the event this year, Interchange Recharged will bring you the key discussions and exclusive insights so you don’t miss out. You’ll hear why traditional load forecasts are being upended by surging demand from AI and data centers, and what that means for project planning and risk management. Despite policy headwinds, the money is still flowing, but in smarter ways: into scalable tech like batteries, grid modernization, and distributed solutions. Investors are refocusing on scalable, commercial-ready technologies like batteries, grid modernization, and distributed energy solutions. And as the narrative shifts from using terms like “net zero” to the more pragmatic “energy dominance,” the conversation explores how storytelling shapes strategy, and why hyperscalers like Google and Amazon may even build their own small modular reactors or power islands to secure the future of energy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
20 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 42min
Could your EV power your home? A look at how electric vehicles could be used as two-way charging systems, easing strain on the grid.
Aseem Kapur, head of GM Energy's product portfolio, discusses the transformative potential of electric vehicles. He highlights how EVs can act as mobile power sources for homes and stabilize the grid through innovative two-way charging systems. The conversation covers the importance of interoperability, customer trust, and incentives to drive EV adoption. Kapur also addresses concerns around battery health and the feasibility of a unified system across various utilities, revealing how shifting perceptions can make EVs more appealing as energy assets.
