Half of the energy workforce is employed in clean energy technologies. By 2030, over 10 million new jobs will need to be filled as the energy transition continues. China, for example, employs 3 million workers in clean energy manufacturing – accounting for 80% of solar PV and EV battery manufacturing jobs globally. Skill shortages are as significant a bottleneck as lack of investment or supply chain constraints, so how can the industry ensure there’s enough people to build, maintain and design clean energy infrastructure?On the show today, we are joined by Caleigh Andrews, Energy Analyst and Modeller at the International Energy Agency. The IEA emphasises the need for clear policies that drive demand for clean technologies, in order to attract and retain skilled labor. Reskilling and attracting new people to the energy workforce require a combination of market incentives and political will, so what are these incentives? And what can governments do to incentivise reskilling?AI can play a role in easing the skilling burden and establishing standardised credentials, but with manufacturing and maintenance a large part of it, are the use cases for AI limited?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recent legislation in the US aims to boost geothermal energy production by cutting red tape. Experts discuss the potential of geothermal energy, new drilling technology, and the need for innovation to compete. They also highlight environmental concerns, advancements in AI and drilling technology, and the importance of collaboration with the oil and gas sector.

Alán Aspuru-Guzik and Jason Koeller discuss how AI revolutionizes EV battery development, speeding up predictions, exploring design options, and innovating compositions. They highlight Chemix's use of AI for faster and more efficient battery development. The podcast also explores AI applications beyond batteries, like grid optimization and materials design, emphasizing the need for adaptable battery solutions in the EV industry.

Discussion on the challenges and opportunities in the hydrogen industry, including transportation, financing, costs, and supply chain. A comparison of the US and UK markets and their approaches to hydrogen adoption. Exploration of hydrogen applications, future impact, and potential for decarbonization.

The podcast explores the impact of AI in energy management, discussing its use in strategic forecasting, risk management, and optimization. It highlights AI's ability to improve efficiency, strengthen the grid, and adapt to real-time changes. The chapters cover topics such as code writing for AI development, battery storage optimization, data transparency for grid optimization, and regulatory challenges for AI adoption.

Bridging the gap and overcoming barriers in CCS expansionIt's no secret that achieving net-zero emissions requires a significant reduction in the use of fossil fuels. As the world looks to alternative energy sources to combat climate change, carbon capture and storage (CCS) emerges as a key technology enabling industries to decarbonize. By capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at their source and storing them underground, CCS can significantly mitigate the environmental impact of industries that are otherwise hard to green, such as cement production and power generation.The International Energy Agency (IEA) has set an ambitious goal for CCS, expecting it to capture around 6 billion tons of CO2 by 2051 with notable advancements within the coming years. Innovations in CCS technology aim to address concerns of scalability and cost, making it more accessible and financially feasible for industries to adopt. Aker Carbon Capture is a provider with some major projects underway, and they’ve signed an MoU with Microsoft to pursue joint innovation in the space. David Banmiller sits down with Microsoft’s Ole Henrik Ree, and Aker Carbon Capture’s Hanne Rolen, and David Phillips, to discuss the crucial role played by CCS in achieving a more sustainable future.We conclude with a discussion about the 'Carbon Capture as a Service' (CCaaS) model, a shift aimed at enhancing accessibility and practicality, and the journey towards achieving net-zero emissions.Subscribe to the Interchange Recharged so you don’t miss an episode. Find us on X – we’re @interchangeshowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tackling the global textile waste challenge.The fashion and textile industries are at a pivotal point, urgently needing to incorporate sustainable practices, particularly in textile recycling. With the industry's shift towards synthetic materials like polyester, there's a significant challenge in handling the large quantity of textile waste, estimated at 92 million tons globally every year. Emerging chemical textile recycling technologies, especially those focusing on common polyester-cotton blends, are key to reducing waste and decreasing reliance on new raw materials.This has major implications for the circular economy; if you can reduce textile waste to zero then the techniques could theoretically be used across other manufacturing sectors. To discuss this, we are joined by Toby Moss and Erik Koep from Worn Again. Worn-Again focuses on recycling polycotton blends, which make up 80% of all textiles.Erik and Toby explain how they navigate the intricacies of recycling materials in a world where the average garment contains multiple fabric blends, often with less than 1% of unknown materials. What strategies are they employing to expand their technology's reach, considering the scale of this global challenge?The use of polyester in textiles is almost as widespread as the use of plastic bottles in Europe. Effective recycling methods for these widely used materials are essential in reducing environmental impact, marking an important stride in changing the industry's waste management and sustainability strategies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Next week, COP28 begins with a focus on decarbonization efforts. The podcast discusses the actions and pledges needed from the summit, highlighting the energy trilemma and the challenges created by geopolitical tensions. The accountability of high-emission entities, changing societal norms, and the role of technology are explored. The significance of COP28, collaboration, patient capital, and government support in addressing climate change are also discussed. Key takeaways from conferences and summits showcase various countries' efforts in decarbonization and energy transition. Lastly, the importance of balanced media reporting and global collaboration is emphasized.

Adela Putinelu, Head of Policy and Sustainability at Plastic Energy, discusses creating a circular economy through plastics recycling. They dive into the technology used to turn end-of-life plastic into feedstock for new plastic products, the demand for 100% recycled plastics, and the role of recycling in the energy transition.

New climate modeling can improve predictions for renewable energy demand and supply. Historical weather data is limited in accurately planning for variability in supply and demand. Sunairio has a model that can make better predictions for solar and wind demand and supply, aiding industry investment decisions. Reliable data and analytics are crucial in navigating the dynamic power industry. There is a projected shortfall in solar production that needs to be addressed to achieve renewable energy goals. Climate modeling can help forecast renewable energy, focusing on solar and wind. Technological advancements are shaping solar panel forecasts and return analysis, requiring a robust analytical foundation for future investments.