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.While Sylvia Leyva Martinez, principal analyst at Wood Mackenzie, is on maternity leave, Bridget van Dorsten, a principal analyst on Wood Mackenzie's hydrogen team, will be hosting this podcast, Interchange Recharged. When Bridget is not researching global market dynamics to craft near and long-term forecasts for low-carbon hydrogen and its derivatives she is speaking with 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.Bridget 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 Bridget and Interchange Recharged to your event Be a guest on the show Sponsor an episode Ask a question to Bridget 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
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.
26 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 47min
Transferable tax credits for renewable projects has created a $52 billion market | How are clean energy developers making the most of it?
Alfred Johnson, CEO of Crux—an innovative capital markets platform—dives into the booming market of transferable tax credits for renewable energy. He discusses how these credits have created a staggering $52 billion market, facilitating financing for projects that previously faced hurdles. Johnson and analyst Sylvia Leyva Martinez analyze the evolution of tax incentives, the impact of legislation on investment strategies, and how developers can adapt to navigating regulatory shifts while maximizing opportunities in clean energy finance.
Jul 29, 2025 • 39min
What’s the forecast for energy projects as the Big Beautiful Bill looms over the industry? Developers and suppliers are adapting to the chaos – but how?
The uncertainty rippling through the energy industry in the first half of 2025 hasn’t gone away. Utilities, developers, and manufacturers are still grappling with the fallout from the "One Big Beautiful Bill," the Trump administration’s reversal of parts of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the evolving tangle of trade tariffs.Sylvia Leyva Martinez, host and principal analyst at Wood Mackenzie, is joined by her colleague Kelsey Coffman, Vice President of Supply Chain Consulting at Wood Mackenzie, to analyse how clean energy producers and buyers are adapting to the changes.The cost of batteries and solar panels is skyrocketing; tariffs as high as 145% are disrupting billion-dollar projects. How did we get here? And what can be done? Plus, changing definitions of “foreign entities of concern” – the new rules could kill access to tax credits if suppliers have indirect links to China. Sylvia and Kelsey debate the best path through the FEOC minefield. And how big have the risks of project delays and cancelled investments got? There’s been an emergence of stockpiling strategies, but even US-based manufacturers aren’t safe. If you're in clean energy, finance, procurement, or just trying to make sense of US decarbonisation strategy, Sylvia and Kelsey are here to help you understand what’s changing, what’s at stake, and what you can do to stay ahead.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
40 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 37min
How is geothermal faring in 2025? Investment is booming but is the technology and policy support there?
Join John Plack, VP of engineering at Ameresco and geothermal expert, as he delves into the booming geothermal sector, which is receiving substantial public funding for innovative projects. He discusses how advanced technologies like Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) are expanding geothermal access beyond traditional sites. Plack shares insights on regulatory changes since the IRA, the importance of improved geothermal techniques drawn from oil and gas, and the potential for geothermal to significantly increase its share of global energy by 2050.
15 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 42min
The oil and gas majors are phasing down their renewable strategies. What does it mean for climate goals?
In this discussion, energy investment expert Ben Dell highlights the alarming trend of oil giants like BP and Shell cutting back on renewable investments in favor of fossil fuels, raising concerns about climate goals. Tom Ellacott shares insights on how gas is poised to be a major player for the next few decades, while questioning the inconsistent strategies of energy companies. Both guests emphasize the ongoing tension between short-term profits and long-term sustainability, urging a reevaluation of capital allocation in the shifting energy landscape.
Jun 17, 2025 • 35min
The world’s most-used carbon accounting rule is about to get a major overhaul. What does it mean for clean energy buyers?
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol – the global gold standard for measuring corporate emissions – is under review, and the proposed changes could dramatically reshape how clean energy is bought, sold, and reported. New draft rules are expected by the end of the year.What changes could we see? And how will they impact the energy transition? To find out, Sylvia Leyva Martinez, principal analyst at Wood Mackenzie covering solar markets, speaks with Lee Taylor, CEO of Resurety – a leading provider of data and analytics for clean energy buyers. Lee has spent over a decade helping companies understand not just how to procure renewables, but how to do so with real carbon impact.Together, they explore what’s changing in Scope 2 emissions accounting, why location and timing of energy use now matter more than ever, and how voluntary clean power markets might evolve. They break down complex concepts like emissionality, 24/7 procurement, and consequential accounting – and what these mean for corporate net-zero strategies, PPA structures, and the future of Renewable Energy Certificates.If your business buys clean electricity or reports against Scope 2, this is essential listening.Plus, Taylor shares his advice for buyers and developers navigating the shifting landscape, and explains why the next six months will be key in shaping rules that will define voluntary climate leadership in the coming years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 3, 2025 • 42min
It’s turbulent times for the wind sector in the US, but the outlook is better across the pond. What can the US learn from Europe?
Nearly 150 days into President Trump’s second term, the outlook for wind energy in the United States - particularly offshore wind - is increasingly bleak. Trump had pledged to end offshore wind development, and now the House Ways and Means Committee is proposing a phase-out of tax credits for renewables by 2031 - a move that would severely impact an already struggling wind sector (over on our sister podcast Energy Gang, we discuss the bill and what it means for renewables – check out that episode once you’re finished here).Only three offshore wind projects have come online in US waters, with 4 GW currently under construction. In 2024, total wind installations reached a ten-year low at just 5.2 GW. By contrast, Europe has surged ahead, having built 35 GW of offshore wind capacity - ten times the US total – emphasising the stark differences in policy and financing frameworks.Still, there are glimmers of hope: President Trump recently lifted a stop-work order on a $5 billion offshore wind farm off the coast of New York, following lobbying from Governor Kathy Hochul. The project, led by Norwegian company Equinor, is expected to power 500,000 homes by 2027. However, with developer confidence sinking, experts warn that the stop-start nature of US policy continues to undermine long-term momentum in the sector. To forecast the next few years for wind in the US, host Sylvia Leyva Martinez – principal analyst at Wood Mackenzie – is joined by analyst Stephen Maldonado. They explore the policy and technology that’s holding back deployment of offshore wind in the US.Plus, looking across the Atlantic to Europe, Sylvia talks to WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson, about the financing frameworks for wind in Europe.Sylvia, Stephen and Giles talk through the lessons for developers and financers: with uncertainty around tax credits and shifting policies, there may be a shift in resources to more advanced projects, putting early-stage ones on hold. Repowering old wind turbines is an option too; Giles explains how. And making use of domestic supply chain strengths is key – compared to solar, wind has more domestic supply chain support.Follow the show wherever you’re listening to it now, and tell us what you think, we’re on X and Bluesky @interchangeshowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 20, 2025 • 44min
$8 billion in clean energy projects were cancelled this year. Can the US clean energy market survive tariff uncertainty?
The US is risking ceding global market share of clean energy to China, permanently.New tariffs, put in place one day then removed the next. Rising costs for everything along the supply chain. The US clean energy sector is navigating one of its most unpredictable phases yet. From solar to storage, how are developers and policymakers reacting to renewed trade tensions and their impact on the energy transition? “This isn’t just about clean energy deployment. It’s about whether the US will have a seat at the table in the future global energy economy,” says Leslie Abrahams, Deputy Director of the Energy Security and Climate Change Program at CSIS – the Center for Strategic & International Studies. She joins host Sylvia Leyva Martinez, a principal analyst covering global energy markets at Wood Mackenzie, to find out what the outlook is for US energy innovation. Escalating tariff policy is shaking investor confidence, altering supply chains, and putting the power firmly with China.Plus, in the second half of the show, Sylvia gets the developer perspective, from Joao Barreto, who is CEO of EDP Renewables’ distributed generation business in North America. He explains how one of the world’s largest clean energy developers is mitigating risk, adjusting their strategy, and building trust with manufacturers and offtakers amid unprecedented uncertainty.Sylvia, Leslie and Joao discuss:Why US$8 billion in clean energy projects were cancelled in Q1 2025, and what that signals to the marketHow US tariffs on Chinese batteries are backfiring on domestic manufacturingThe challenge of accelerating R&D while shutting out foreign investmentHow storage and solar developers are hedging their betsWhether the US risks ceding global market share to China permanentlyPower Play was developed by ExxonMobil to shine a light on the accomplishments of remarkable women and the men who uphold the importance of empowering others in the LNG and decarbonization industries. Nominations for the seventh annual Power Play Awards are now open, with four categories available: The Rising Star, The Pioneer, The Ambassador, and The Low Carbon Accelerator. Nominate a deserving candidate today! Nominations close May 30th. Find out more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 7, 2025 • 31min
What’s the biggest mistake clean energy developers make when chasing tax equity? | Sponsored content from Foss and Company
Tax equity plays a significant role in clean energy finance, but are developers using it effectively, or are they stumbling over complexities and recent changes? Sylvia Leyva Martinez is joined by Bryen Alperin, Partner and Managing Director at Foss and Company, a leading firm in renewable energy investment, to debate it. They explore how tax credits and incentives are reshaping clean energy's financial framework. Tax structures have changed significantly in the past few years, and there’s new changes happening every day. Bryen talks about the challenges developers face, including policy changes under the Trump administration, and how these could affect project economics. It’s everything you need to know about how to make tax structures work for you. This episode is brought to you by Foss & Company—a leader in tax equity investing. At the forefront of clean energy finance, Foss helps developers and investors unlock capital for solar and energy storage projects across the U.S. If you're navigating the tax credit landscape or looking to maximize project returns, partner with the experts. Visit fossandco.comto learn more. Foss & Company—investing in tomorrow, today. https://fossandco.com/contact-us/"Power Play was developed by ExxonMobil to shine a light on the accomplishments of remarkable women and the men who uphold the importance of empowering others in the LNG and decarbonization industries. Nominations for the seventh annual Power Play Awards are now open, with four categories available: The Rising Star, The Pioneer, The Ambassador, and The Low Carbon Accelerator. Nominate a deserving candidate today! Nominations close May 30th. Find out more."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
