Interchange Recharged

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.

Carbon capture, utilization and storage is evolving rapidly from a niche market to a mainstream investment theme. To explore the technology, financing and science behind this key piece of the energy transition puzzle, industry leaders and analysts met in Houston for Wood Mackenzie’s CCUS Conference. The Interchange Recharged was there, capturing the best conversations and debate from a packed day of discussion. There was so much to unpack, we couldn’t fit it all into one podcast, so here’s part two of our special broadcast from the conference. There is push in the industry for collaboration between emitters and sequestration, but also between government and policy with permitting. It’s a complex task, but vital for developing CCUS infrastructure in as efficiently as possible.First to join us in the studio was Melany Vargas – VP, Head of Hydrogen Consulting at Wood Mac. There are mutual implications between hydrogen and CCUS; hydrogen, as a clean energy alternative will replace existing energy sources. CCUS allows for the continued use of these, while theoretically removing the harmful emissions. Blue hydrogen in particular has a value: you’re producing a product with commercial value. That creates the impetus for the application of CCS – you need to justify investment in those harder-to-abate other sectors.Following the examination of hydrogen, we sat down with Brandon Bromberek, Vice-President of oil and gas measurement solutions at Emerson Automated Solutions. Brandon looks at the impact of the IRA, with fiscal momentum helping to make projects more economic, and the shifting in political direction to stand behind carbon capture as a whole. Together they explore the regulation around the world – Canada seem to be further ahead than anyone else. Why? Carl Fortin is Global Business Manager, carbon capture and storage at ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions. He sat down for a Fireside chat during the day, focused on developing a robust CCUS portfolio. He joins us on the podcast today to explain more about it. We’re behind as a society in trying to get to the pace necessary to meet our ambitions for decarbonization, says Carl. How can we improve value chains to accelerate decarbonization? Finally, Tom Nelson from Compact Membrane Systems joins us to explore the biggest challenges in the industry, and how partnerships between engineers and energy producers needs to improve to speed up the rollout of CCUS projects. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and check out part one of our special live broadcast from the conference in Houston, with insight from Lazard, Chevron New Energies and Endress+Hauser. Subscribe to the Interchange Recharged so you don’t miss an episode, out every second Friday at 7am ET. 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.

We’re facing a triple crisis: energy security, deadline for decarbonization and a fragile global economy. We’re at a pivotal moment where sustainable commitments can become a reality, now that technology has aligned with intention. We’ve seen extreme weather across the globe in the past few months, and it’s only going to increase in frequency. Mitigating these risks, strengthening the grid and reducing emissions to limit the warming are all vital.On the Interchange: Recharged today, we are joined by Bala Vinayagam, Senior Vice President of Microgrids at Schneider Electric, and Jana Gerber, North American Microgrid President, also at Schneider.Electricity 4.0 is the foundation of a digitized, modern and electrified grid. It’s a principle that transforms how we source, transmit and consume energy. Bala and Jana explain to us the importance of Electricity 4.0, and the ways it uses existing technology to implement ever-evolving solutions to climate change. Electricity 4.0 focuses on four key pillars, detailed in today’s show.DecarbonisationCentering on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a decarbonized economy, strategies for this include electrifying more sectors of the economy and employing renewable energy sources to generate electricity.DigitizationThe second aspect, digitization, revolves around the deployment of digital technologies to better monitor energy usage. The goal is to leverage data collected through artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things to improve the efficiency and resilience of existing infrastructure. The untapped efficiency of the current infrastructure can be harnessed through comprehensive digitization, offering potentially transformative benefits.DecentralizationElectricity 4.0 emphasizes decentralization. Currently, the electrical infrastructure relies heavily on bulk generation and large transmission infrastructure. Decentralization ensures more distributed generation and storage behind the meter, which simultaneously improves the resilience of the grid and generates a greener infrastructure.DemocratizationThis is all about empowering consumers to play a more active role in the energy system itself. The aim is for consumers to participate through demand response programs, energy efficiency measures, and deploying distributed generation and green infrastructure behind the meter. This concept transforms energy consumers into "prosumers", actively participating in energy production alongside consumption. Jana explores the concept of a prosumer – it’s a term we havw heard thrown about a lot in recent weeks.The future of sustainability depends on electrifying and digitizing our energy grid. Through digital twin interfaces, online exchanges and marketplaces, Schneider is constantly innovating to empower all to make the most of our energy and resourcesLearn more about Electricity 4.0 and microgrids here: www.se.com/us/microgridSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage is evolving rapidly from a niche market to a mainstream investment theme. To explore the technology, financing and science behind this key piece of the energy transition puzzle, industry leaders and analysts met in Houston for Wood Mackenzie’s CCUS Conference.The Interchange: Recharged was there, capturing the best conversations and debate from a packed day of discussion. Across two full episodes, we bring you the thoughts and insights from industry experts, as they examine the potential for CCUS to solve some of our biggest challenges in decarbonizing. Will it be the key to decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors? How much more development does the technology need? And where does the carbon actually go once it’s captured or sequestered? David kicks things off with the opening remarks from Wood Mac’s head of CCUS research: Mhairidh Evans. She explores the current state of the market and highlights some of the existing CCUS infrastructure and projects around the world that are leading the way.George Bilicic, Vice Chairman of Investment Banking, Global Head of Power, Energy & Infrastructure at Lazard is joined by Ed Crooks, Vice-Chair Americas at Wood Mackenzie, as they look at the regulatory environment for CCUS activities, and the complex route of finalising financial decisions (FID) for projects.Tim Duncan from Talos Energy, and Chris Powers from Chevron New Energies are next to join in the podcast studio, fresh from a panel discussion on stage in which they looked at the opportunities for corporates in the CCUS space. What are the challenges for operators? What are the key needs to scale a CCUS business?There’s an interesting link between green hydrogen and CCUS; this partnership is explored in depth by next guest Mercy Renteria, National Business Development Manager of Hydrogen and CCS at Endress+Hauser. Mercy’s background in oil and gas, and transition to green technology operation, is indicative of the wider shift across the industry. She stresses the need for collaboration in reaching net zero: as we say often on the show, the energy transition will need a multitude of technologies, working in tandem to achieve net zero.Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, and check out part two of our special live broadcast from the conference in Houston, with insight from Exxon Mobil, Wood Mackenzie, Emerson and Compact Membrane Systems.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Harald Overholm, co-founder and CEO of Alight, discusses the growth and evolution of the solar industry, the transition to becoming an independent power producer, regulatory impacts on solar, potential obstacles in expanding solar energy, lessons for early stage developers, and concerns over solar development near homes and agricultural land.

Explore the importance of long-duration energy storage in mitigating the risk of blackouts during extreme weather events. Learn about the concept of long duration energy storage and the need for a combination of storage technologies. Discover the potential of using existing infrastructure for hydrogen blending and zero carbon gas storage. Discuss the challenges in deploying capital for energy transition technologies and the importance of setting aggressive targets for the clean energy transition.

280 million EV’s worth of battery material is sitting on the ocean floor, but do we need to mine it?The end is nigh for the internal combustion engine. Electric vehicles will be phased in across the next decade, with two-thirds of vehicles sold in the US by 2032 mandated to be electric. In California, 100% of cars will need to be electric by 2035. As a result, demand for the critical metals that are needed for EVs is forecast to increase significantly. Every solution creates its own challenges. Electrification is one of the answers to the net zero question, but it’s created an issue in itself – where are we going to get the minerals? On this episode, we are joined by Gerard Barron, CEO of The Metals Company. They estimate that there are quantities of metals equivalent to 280 million EVs (comparable to the total US fleet today), sitting on the seabed. Deep see mining is a new frontier – but do we need to start scouring the ocean floor when there’s an abundance of metals on the surface? How ecological is the practice? Also joining the discussion to answer these questions is Robbie Diamond, Founder, President and CEO of SAFE. SAFE is an advocacy group for US energy security and economic resiliency by reducing dependency on overseas energy supply. They work to ensure that the US and allies secure key aspects of the technology supply chain.Deep sea mining represents a significant opportunity to alleviate supply chain constraints. The mining, done in international waters, presents a few advantages: minimal impact on ecology (though this is debated, and addressed on the show today), avoidance of issues related to cross-continental delivery and rapid utilisation of resources due to lack of infrastructural hurdles.Despite the potential of deep sea mining to diversify supply chains, there has been some resistance from NGOs and other conservation groups who are hesitant about the potential environmental impacts. Understanding the benefits of deep sea mining and, as we do on the show, confronting its potential drawbacks is crucial.Follow us on Twitter - we're @interchange show, or head to woodmac.com/podcasts for more. Subscribe to the show on your podcast platform of choice so you don't miss an episode, out every second Friday at 8am ET. Also do check out our sister podcast The Energy Gang, out on the alternate Friday when the Interchange isn't.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.