
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 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/
Latest episodes

Feb 13, 2024 • 35min
Cutting the red tape around geothermal energy
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.

Jan 30, 2024 • 40min
Transforming EV battery development through the power of AI
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.

Jan 17, 2024 • 38min
Checking in on the hydrogen sector
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.

10 snips
Jan 3, 2024 • 30min
AI is transforming demand-side management
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.

Dec 20, 2023 • 45min
Carbon capture technology leads the charge for a sustainable future
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.

Dec 15, 2023 • 38min
Textile recycling is helping create a circular economy
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.

13 snips
Nov 24, 2023 • 38min
What does the world need from COP28?
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.

Nov 10, 2023 • 29min
Creating a circular economy through plastics recycling
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.

4 snips
Oct 27, 2023 • 32min
How new climate modeling can shape the renewable energy landscape
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.

Oct 18, 2023 • 38min
The Interchange: Recharged - Live at Wood Mackenzie's CCUS Conference - Part 2
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.