Switched On

Today's show explores the risks of cyber attacks on power grids and the measures taken to prevent them. It discusses the interconnectedness of grids, the investment in cybersecurity, and regulations in the power sector. The chapter also highlights vulnerabilities in the power grid network and the importance of zero trust architecture in cybersecurity.

With a quarter of offshore wind project deals having been canceled in the US this year, the Biden administration’s target of having 30 gigawatts of installed capacity by 2030 is looking even further out of reach. But why are developers coming under so much pressure and are these strains also being felt onshore? On today’s show, Dana sits down with Chelsea Jean-Michel and Atin Jain from BloombergNEF’s wind team. Together, they discuss the impact of inflation and interest rate hikes on US offshore wind projects, why some developers are allowed to re-bid on contracts they’ve canceled, and also why Texas is a bright spot for the rollout of onshore turbines. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Global Wind Market Outlook 2H 2023 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32859?context=eyJxIjoib25zaG9yZSIsImNvbnRlbnRUeXBlIjoiaW5zaWdodCIsInJlZ2lvbiI6W10sInNlY3RvciI6WyIyZDYzN2FhODQxMTJiOTg4Il0sImF1dGhvciI6W10sImluc2lnaHQtdHlwZSI6W119 Offshore Wind Market Outlook 2H 2023: Ramp-Up Delayed - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32797See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US EV sales are reaching 1 million this year. They discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, EV uptake in red and blue states, and whether Rivian can scale up. The podcast also highlights the impact of the UAW strike on EV companies and the potential impact of a provision on the US EV market. Lastly, they explore the polarization of EV adoption among different states and the appeal of Tesla's Cybertruck.

Solar industry faces supply glut, impacting prices and margins. China set to build as much solar this year as the entire world in 2022. Discussion on solar industry growth, US production onshoring, and role of solar in global renewables capacity tripled by 2030.

Exploring the challenges of meeting the US's increasing demand for large power transformers, including the impact of tariffs and material scarcity. The podcast also discusses the reliance on imports, the future demand for transformers, and the expensiveness and importance of these specialized devices.

Explore the increasing adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology in various sectors and industries. Learn about the different applications and emerging innovative solutions for CCS. Discover the challenges of transportation and storage of captured carbon dioxide and the need for advanced monitoring technologies. Examine the role of CCS in achieving net zero emissions and the importance of policy interventions for its global implementation.

Ryan Loughead, BNEF Sustainable Finance analyst, hosts a conversation on oil and gas investment with panelists discussing the approaches of asset managers in retaining oil and gas investments, the challenges of divestment, and the strategies of oil and gas majors in transitioning to clean energy. They also highlight the importance of collaboration with fossil fuel companies for sustainable practices.

Climate change and the transition to a net-zero economy presents both opportunities and risks to companies and assets. But how might an investor assess this exposure? On today’s show, Dana sits down with Tifenn Brandily and Mike Daly from BNEF’s Transition Risk team to take a look at two proprietary models, the Clean Energy Exposure Ratings and the Transition Risk Assessment Company Tool. Delving into the methodology behind these, Tifenn and Mike explain how they analyze revenues generated by less-transparent industries, and which sectors are most exposed to the transition’s risks and rewards. Links to research notes from this episode: Transition Risk Assessment Company Tool (TRACT) - https://www.bnef.com/insights/28081 Clean Energy Exposure Portfolio Tool (CEEPT) - https://www.bnef.com/insights/31449 BNEF Clean Energy Exposure Ratings 2023 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/31451See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The podcast discusses the challenges of balancing energy security and net zero goals, including the impact of regulatory mechanisms on utilities and the compatibility of fossil fuel investments with a net-zero future. It explores the importance of clean energy in addressing the affordability, security, and sustainability of the energy sector. The panel emphasizes the need for dialogue and designing frameworks for net zero, as well as investing in clean technology and transitioning away from fossil fuels. It also explores the relationship between the energy sector and regulators/governments, including the impact of renewables on retail pricing.

Sharon Mustri and Brenna Casey discuss direct air capture (DAC), its cost, and carbon removal methods. They explore the companies investing in DAC, carbon storage, and the future outlook for this technology. This episode provides insights from BNEF's research note on DAC and its market through 2050.