Switched On

Join Ulrik Fugmann, Co-CIO at BNP Paribas Asset Management, Ralph Ibendahl, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets, and Bianca Ziccarelli, Managing Director at CPPIB, as they delve into the shifting landscape of energy investment. They discuss how rising electricity demand and AI's influence impact clean energy opportunities amidst volatile tariffs and geopolitical tensions. The trio also highlights the competition between fossil fuels and renewables, shares insights on emerging technologies, and emphasizes the importance of strategic investment in a rapidly evolving market.

Oliver Metcalfe, Head of Wind Research at BloombergNEF, shares insights on the significant challenges facing aging wind turbines as they reach the end of their operational lives. He delves into the economic considerations of life extension versus repowering. The conversation highlights growing turbine sizes, the complexities of dismantling versus refurbishing, and recycling hurdles for old components. Oliver emphasizes the importance of strategic planning for owners and explores the evolving policy landscape that influences repowering decisions, offering a critical look at this crossroads in renewable energy.

Jess Hicks, a meteorologist at BloombergNEF, forecasts severe winter weather patterns that could strain Europe's gas reserves, highlighting signals such as sudden stratospheric warming. Olympe Mattei-D’Ornano provides insights into the current gas storage levels and the anticipated influx of US LNG, which may lead to a volatile prices scenario. They discuss how this season's weather could limit renewable energy generation and affect future LNG supply strategies, painting a complex picture of Europe's energy landscape this winter.

Ethan Zindler, head of country and policy research at BloombergNEF, leads an insightful discussion with Paige Crahan from Google X, Michael Skelly of Grid United, and Frank Kreikebaum from Smart Wires. They delve into the urgent challenges facing the US power grid, exploring innovative solutions like systems thinking and machine learning for optimization. Michael highlights the need for interregional connections, while Frank showcases technology to enhance existing infrastructure. The conversation underscores the balance between future demands and current capabilities in energy transmission.

Join Rosemary Katz, a senior associate at BNEF focusing on copper supply dynamics, as she dives into the urgent global copper crunch driven by skyrocketing demand from data centers. She reveals that by 2035, copper demand could exceed supply by 6 million metric tons. Rosemary explains how traditional industries compete for copper, and discusses the implications of mine closures despite rising demand. With insights on future pricing trends and the critical role copper plays in data centers, she offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of this essential metal.

In this engaging discussion, Meredith Annex, Head of Clean Power at BloombergNEF, reveals that global investment in clean energy hit a record $386 billion in the first half of 2025. Despite a downturn in U.S. investments, particularly in utility-scale projects, small-scale solar is thriving. Meredith also highlights emerging markets like geothermal and wind, and analyzes how geopolitical factors are reshaping capital flows. Tune in for insights on the fragmented investment landscape and the resilience of solar amidst challenges.

Henry Eaton, a gas market analyst at BloombergNEF, discusses the staggering energy demands of AI data centers in the U.S. He reveals that if all planned data centers are built, their electricity needs could equal that of 100 nuclear power plants. Eaton emphasizes natural gas as a solution, supported by the Trump administration, despite challenges like turbine shortages. He also uncovers the intricate dynamics between data centers and gas demand, showcasing their significant influence on the energy market and future infrastructure.

Ethan Zindler, head of country and policy research at BloombergNEF and former climate counselor, joins Derrick Flakoll, senior policy associate, to dissect the consequences of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on the U.S. clean energy landscape. They delve into how this legislation stifles solar and wind projects while also affecting electric vehicle growth. The duo discusses the political whiplash impacting future investments and whether the situation could have been even worse for the renewable sector. Engaging insights illuminate the intersection of policy and energy innovation.

Brenna Casey, an associate on BNEF’s sustainable materials team, dives into the pressing world of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. She discusses the staggering costs of carbon removal, currently around $900 per metric ton, posing a major hurdle for broader adoption. The conversation explores the potential for DAC amidst skepticism about net-zero goals and highlights the different technology pathways aiming to lower costs. Brenna also details the advancements in solid sorbent processes and the economic implications of emerging solutions.

In this insightful discussion, Antoine Vagneur-Jones, the head of trade and supply chains at BloombergNEF, and Jennifer Welch, chief analyst of Bloomberg's geoeconomics team, tackle the dramatic shifts caused by 'Liberation Day' tariffs. They dissect how these tariffs are reshaping global supply chains and impacting renewable energy industries. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating new trade agreements and the strategic moves countries are making to adapt to evolving geopolitical landscapes.