Energy Transitions

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue gains candid perspectives on the UK's CCUS market from Lorenzo Sani, power and utilities analyst at independent financial think tank Carbon Tracker. Sani shares findings from Carbon Tracker's latest reports which show the technology has shown little evidence of cost improvements and scalability. In this episode you will learn more about: Why the UK's CCUS ambitions are not realistic and need to be reconsidered; The importance of policy to set realistic targets and why the UK's new Labour government needs to go back to the drawing board; Where CCUS will have the greatest impact in reaching decarbonisation targets; The challenges presented by upstream emissions for blue hydrogen and gas-CCS; How to ensure the carbon market is fit for purpose.

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue spoke to Jon Salazar, Founder and CEO at Gazelle Wind Power, about why he believes floating wind is the natural next step for offshore wind. In this episode you will learn more about: Why floating offshore wind is the next big thing What needs to happen to reduce LCOE of floating wind and Gazelle's innovation roadmap to make that happen How the technology needs to be standardised to create economies of scale The importance of addressing permitting challenges and supply chain constraints What makes Gazelle Power unique and what projects are they involved in How Gazelle Wind Power moved from a concept to a commercially viable technology, as well as how it got its name.

Radosław (Radek) Gnutek, Director of Hydrogen Projects Development at Polenergia, sheds light on the company's strategic focuses, one of which is green hydrogen. Gnutek highlighted two projects that are making an impact on areas once renowned for coal mining activities. In these regions, energy transition is most visible, with green energy projects having the potential to change the landscape, economy, and culture. Listen to this episode to learn more about: Why green hydrogen holds promise for Poland's energy transition Specifics about projects H2 Silesia and Nowa Sarzyna CHP Plant The impact of clean energy projects on Silesia, an industrial hub in Poland The state of Poland's existing hydrogen economy The challenges of building a green hydrogen economy Technologies making the most impact in the country's decarbonisation journey How Poland's educated workforce can be used as an asset This edition of the podcast is part of Enlit on the Road Poland

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Joanna Pandera, founder and President of Forum Energii, provides an update on Poland's transition in light of recent leadership changes and the influence of European policy. In this episode, you will learn more about: The impact of the energy crisis and government change The current Polish attitude towards green policy An update on the country's coal phase-out Technologies holding promise such as hydrogen and CCS The impact of polarisation on the energy landscape Opportunities and threats to Poland's energy transition Findings from Forum Energii's latest report: Energy Transition in Poland: 2024 Edition This episode was recorded during Enlit On The Road Poland. You can find more information here. 

In this Energy Transitions podcast episode, Brussels Editor and Host of the EU Energy Projects Podcast, Areti Ntaradimou, talks to Markus Rauramo, the CEO and President of Finnish energy giant Fortum and the Vice-President of Eurelectric, about Europe's road to net zero, policy robustness and the importance of technological neutrality to achieve the ambitious decarbonisation targets. On a windy day at the Eurelectric Power Summit in Athens, they discussed: How ambitious EU energy policy provides incentives to energy companies; Why cyber security is increasingly important for the security of supply; How Fortum is planning for increased renewable energy integration onto the network and what role storage would play; What technologies are needed to ensure uninterrupted power to heavy industries; The different nuclear energy technologies that could assist in achieving decarbonisation goals; What the energy sector can learn from the Nordics.

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue speaks to Ann Burton, head of global BECCS deployment at Drax, about BECCS and what makes it a viable and sustainable decarbonisation solution. Burton talks about how Drax is progressing with the new energy system's project deployment, as well as the challenges, wins and lessons learned thus far. In this episode, you will gain insight into: Why bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is a viable solution despite its bad reputation How BECCS can be sustainable Challenges associated with projects and how to overcome them An update on the 600MW North Yorkshire plant and Drax's expansion plans into US markets The skills needed to make these projects successful Why education and awareness are critical to ensure the growth of the sector How BECCS is developing a robust carbon credits market

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue spoke to Inna Braverman, the CEO and co-founder of Eco Wave Power. Braverman details the development of her company and their technology, the challenges and triumphs encountered on the path to commercialisation, and her personal journey from a girl that no one would listen to, to a well-respected industry pioneer. In this episode, learn about: The state of wave energy in Europe and across the globe The technology that works and doesn't work, and why Why onshore and near shore are less risky than offshore Lessons learned from pioneering wave energy projects Why an updated regulatory framework is critical to the success of projects

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue speaks to Kristian Ruby, Secretary General, Eurelectric and Serge Colle, Global Energy & Resources Industry Market Leader, EY, about what is needed to overcome grid bottlenecks while maximising reliability. This episode will answer questions about: The importance of derisking investment through updated policy frameworks Incentives and derisking mechanisms to rightsize grids for 20 years from now How TSOs and DSO need to prepare for future challenges Accessing funding for grid expansion without creating a huge bill for the customer The importance of closing the loop between electrification needs,  grid plans and climate targets Understanding the need to build a foundation of knowledge to guide policymakers in future decision making Both Kristian Ruby and Serge Colle will be discussing the future of grids at the Eurelectric Power Summit, taking place in Lagonissi, Greece, 22 – 23 May 2024. The summit will address in detail the challenges and opportunities we face to keep the lights on.

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pedro Amaral Jorge, President of APREN (Portuguese Renewable Energy Association), explains how being an early adopter of renewable energy set Portugal up for success on its path to energy and economic transformation. In this episode, we answer these questions: How is Portugal maximising its renewable energy resources, especially wind and hydro? What policy mechanisms give the country an advantage and help speed up renewables uptake? Why was renewable energy critical to ensuring a positive economic cycle in the country? Does Portugal have the skills and experience needed to achieve net zero goals? What is the future of transition fuels like natural gas? What is APREN's role in Portugal's renewable energy sector and how can renewable energy associations in other countries model their advocacy and policy efforts?

In this episode of the Energy Transitions Podcast, Danielle Merfeld, Global Chief Technology Officer at Hanwha Qcells, provides insights into these expansion plans, highlighting the success of their Dalton factory, one of the largest manufacturing plants of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. In 2023, Hanwa Qcells, founded in Germany and headquartered in South Korea invested $2.5 billion in starting a US supply chain. In this episode, insights will be provided into: The capital and technical know-how needed to create a complex solar supply chain How Q Cells fosters innovation by centralising production processes Why the US market is a strategic focus for Qcells The importance of partnerships and investing in other suppliers to stimulate growth How the US policy landscape is facilitating growth and participation from European companies Why Europe has lost its first-mover advantage over the US when it comes to solar Why there is still room for innovation and disruption in the mature solar market How effective data management can lead to greater efficiency Merfeld will be speaking at the World Energy Congress taking place in Rotterdam 22-25 April.