Energy Evolution

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte explores the seismic shift transforming America's electricity landscape as artificial intelligence drives unprecedented power demand after years of flat growth. The discussion features Benjamin Levitt, associate director of research and analysis for gas power and energy futures, and Christopher Wilfong, director of North America power and renewables consulting, both at S&P Global Energy CERA. They talk about the infrastructure challenges facing the power sector while addressing concerns about grid reliability, impact on electricity prices and the potential for an AI bubble reminiscent of the dot-com era. Eklavya also speaks with Tom Falcone, CEO of the Large Public Power Council, who reveals how utilities handle gigawatt-scale requests from tech giants and explains the critical challenge of ensuring rapid load growth doesn't compromise affordability for existing customers. The conversations examine how utilities, caught off guard by the AI boom, are grappling with the stark reality of needing to double grid capacity in some regions within a decade, while navigating supply chain bottlenecks, permitting delays, and the critical question of who pays for this massive infrastructure expansion.

Theresa Kammel, a weather derivatives expert at Munich Re, and Pierre Buisson, a quantitative weather-risk modeller, discuss the crucial role of weather derivatives in managing financial risks in energy markets. They explore seasonal patterns and the growing granularity of products to better hedge against weather impacts. Sean Kelly, CEO of Amperon, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing energy forecasting with midterm predictions. The conversation highlights the importance of innovative strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market driven by climate change.

The European hydrogen industry has experienced a turbulent 2025, with project delays and cancellations dominating the headlines. But the data tells a more nuanced story, with large volumes of projects starting construction. In this episode, senior energy transition reporter James Burgess speaks to Christian Stuckmann, Uniper’s head of hydrogen business development, and Shell president for hydrogen Andy Beard to discuss the complexities of the nascent energy transition sector. They examine the challenges facing the industry and explain how they have been able to progress projects despite headwinds from policy delays and demand uncertainty, with the refining industry emerging as a leader in the green hydrogen space.

Join Abbie Bennett, a nuclear energy reporter, Bill Freebairn from Platts discussing fuel markets, Adam Stein from the Breakthrough Institute analyzing reactor dynamics, and Drew Marsh, CEO of Entergy, as they explore the renewed interest in nuclear power. Discover how bipartisan support and demand from large consumers are driving this revival. They'll dive into advanced reactors, the financial landscape fueling innovation, and the industry's imperative to prove it can deliver projects on time and budget to meet future energy needs.

In this insightful conversation, Javier Cavada, President and CEO for EMEA at Mitsubishi Power, delves into the gas turbine industry's remarkable comeback driven by the surge in AI demand. He highlights the challenges of supply chains and the impact of tech giants building gas-fired plants for data centers. Cavada discusses the growing importance of hydrogen-ready turbines and the need for flexibility in fuel sources. He also offers advice for developing nations struggling with turbine shortages, emphasizing the urgency of planning for future energy needs.

In this engaging discussion, Ruchira Singh, an energy transition editor, interviews Praveer Sinha, CEO of Tata Power, about India's ambitious goal of reaching 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. They tackle the pressing challenges of land acquisition and transmission bottlenecks. Sinha shares how Tata Power is innovating through integrated solutions like solar, wind, and battery storage to deliver reliable power. The conversation also covers the essential policy changes needed to accelerate growth and the shift toward a cleaner energy mix in India's future.

Andreas Franke, an expert in electricity demand forecasting at S&P Global, and Henning Gloystein, a specialist in energy policy at Eurasia Group, tackle Germany's intricate energy challenges. They delve into the stark reality check on electricity demand forecasts and its implications for renewable energy targets. The discussion uncovers how high energy costs impact industry competitiveness and questions the feasibility of Germany's ambitious 2045 climate goals amid a shift towards gas reliance. They also warn that similar reassessments might be necessary across Europe.

Laurent Ruseckas, an expert in LNG markets and geopolitical energy dynamics, and Coralie Laurencin, a specialist in EU gas and carbon policy, delve into the contrasting energy strategies of the US and Europe. They discuss how Trump's policies are reigniting fossil fuel ambitions while Europe grapples with economic pressures and regulatory challenges. The duo also explores implementation obstacles for EU methane regulations, the potential impacts of falling gas prices, and the vital role of U.S. LNG in reshaping transatlantic relations.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte examines the rising concerns among EU member states about the upcoming Emissions Trading System 2 (ETS2), set to launch in 2027. Worries are growing that ETS2 -- encompassing road transport, buildings, and small businesses -- could lead to substantial increases in energy prices, highlighting the complex interplay between ambitious climate objectives and economic realities. Eklavya also interviews Jason Ying, Commodity Desk Strategist at BNP Paribas, who provides insights into how this new carbon market may influence inflation rates and residential gas prices across the EU.  Links: EU Emission Allowance Nearest-December EADMP00 Dutch TTF Eur/MWh Month Ahead GTFTM01

While 2025's energy headlines have focused on trade wars and geopolitical turmoil, the market for International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) has seen a dramatic surge in demand, signaling a fundamental shift in corporate sustainability strategies. In this episode, host Eklavya Gupte sits down with Vittoria Morini, global I-RECs lead at S&P Global, and Fatemeh Zahedi, senior price reporter, to discuss some of the big trends behind the recent expansion of this voluntary market. The conversation also explores seasonal price dynamics, the growing appetite in emerging economies, and how supply chain issues and 24/7 carbon-free energy matching could define the future of clean energy procurement. Links: I-REC Turkey Wind Current Year ATKYE00 I-REC Brazil Hydro Current Year ACERH00