
Interchange Recharged
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 Stephen Lacey 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/
Latest episodes

Jul 30, 2024 • 39min
Renewable propane is scaling up, but how far can we take it?
Mike Stivala, President and CEO of Suburban Propane Partners, discusses the potential of renewable propane in revolutionizing energy use. He reveals that 100-300 million gallons could soon be available for homes, significantly reducing carbon intensity. Stivala addresses supply chain challenges and the $200 million investment driving renewable energy initiatives. He also explores leveraging existing propane networks for hydrogen distribution and the critical role of renewable natural gas in meeting future energy demands, emphasizing the industry's sustainable future.

Jul 16, 2024 • 43min
To strengthen American competitiveness in energy, the DOE’s ARPA-E department is focusing on advanced nuclear
The podcast discusses the efforts of DOE's ARPA-E in advancing energy technologies, with a focus on advanced nuclear. They explore reducing costs, improving efficiency, and government initiatives in sponsoring new uranium supply sources. The impact of Biden's support for small modular reactors and the challenges and opportunities in the nuclear energy sector are also analyzed.

8 snips
Jul 2, 2024 • 59min
Out with lithium and nickel, in with salt and bricks?
Explore innovative energy storage solutions beyond lithium and nickel, such as using salt, bricks, and heat to provide sustainable heating for industrial sites. Learn about companies like Rondo in California utilizing heat bricks for cost-effective energy storage, as well as Kyoto's Heatcube for long-duration thermal storage solutions. Discover the challenges and partnerships involved in scaling these technologies for market expansion and reducing CO2 emissions in the energy transition sector.

Jun 19, 2024 • 19min
Distributed energy storage is taking off
Peter Cavan, Senior VP at Convergent, discusses the growth of energy storage and its role in managing intermittent energy supply. Convergent operates over 800 MW of storage and 1 GWh of solar-plus-storage capacity. The podcast explores the evolution of distributed energy storage, utility integration, and future innovations in the sector.

Jun 18, 2024 • 29min
The evolution of the solar industry in the US since 2021
Vanessa Witte and Kelly Sarber discuss key takeaways from the 2024 Solar and Energy Storage Summit, including the impact of supportive government policies and new tariffs. They explore supply chain issues, bottlenecks in projects, and the high cost of capital environment causing delays. The podcast also delves into geopolitical risks, tariffs on domestic solar manufacturing, and the importance of resiliency in the energy sector.

Jun 14, 2024 • 60min
Demand for solar power and energy storage is only going to increase. What’s the plan for meeting it?
David Banmiller, a journalist covering debates on solar energy, discusses the challenges of electrification in the energy sector. They tackle grid connection issues, high connection charges, and strategies for easing these hurdles. Experts explore the surge in demand for solar energy amid data center growth, EV infrastructure, and electrification. Leuwam Tesfai sheds light on California's plans to secure solar and storage supply chains. Oscar Araujo and Shaun Laughlin delve into mitigating climate risk and clean energy finance. Connection bottlenecks, PPAs, solar technology trends, and funding and finance solutions are also highlighted.

Jun 13, 2024 • 1h 4min
Two years on from the IRA and the impact on solar and storage is clear
Discussion on the impact of the IRA on solar and storage projects. Insight on the challenges of interconnection queues. Analysis of advancements in solar technology and government policy. Exploration of financing opportunities in the solar and storage industry. Focus on dispatchable energy storage and optimization strategies.

5 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 38min
How to build and optimize the grid of the future
Ben Wilson, Chief Strategy and Regulation Officer at National Grid, discusses the need for upgrading and expanding the grid for achieving net zero by 2050. He highlights the importance of smart technology, policy support, and dynamic line ratings in managing energy demand. The podcast explores National Grid's investments in new infrastructure and innovative tech for a smarter grid.

7 snips
May 21, 2024 • 37min
Demand for batteries is skyrocketing - we need new ways of extracting lithium
Exploring new lithium extraction methods for batteries, reducing costs and emissions. Xerion developing efficient battery technologies. Paul Braun on the importance of sustainable lithium mining. Promising lower CAPEX and emissions for clean energy accessibility. Securing the lithium supply chain for energy transition.

May 7, 2024 • 33min
How banks and government are working together to achieve net zero in the UK
Banks and government in the UK collaborate for net zero; 50 billion pounds annually needed. Bankers For Net Zero aims to align investments with policies. Retrofitting old homes poses a challenge. Importance of Energy Performance Certificates. Financial incentives for clean energy investments. B4NZ working to engage banks, government, and NGOs. Collaboration is crucial for driving towards net zero.
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