In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast, host Taylor Kuykendall discusses the upcoming CERAWeek conference, scheduled for March 10-14 in Houston. He is joined by Ken Downey, Executive Director of Innovation Agora at CERAWeek, and Naki Mendoza, director of CERAWeek Programs at S&P Global.  Key topics for this year's conference include the changing geopolitical landscape, especially in light of recent elections. Mendoza and Downey said energy leaders will also be focused in on supply chains, AI's role in energy, and the growing importance of metals and mining to the energy transition. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays.

Join Patrick Bigger, a research director focused on military emissions, Lennard de Klerk, who evaluates the climate impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Benjamin Neimark, a senior lecturer researching military carbon footprints. They discuss how military actions lead to a significant rise in greenhouse gas emissions, with the war in Ukraine alone exceeding emissions of several industrialized nations. The need for transparency in military emissions reporting and the environmental costs of warfare are emphasized, highlighting the urgent intersection of conflict and climate.

Joining the discussion are Neil Chatterjee, former FERC chairman and chief government affairs officer at Palmetto, Bruno Brunetti, head of Low Carbon Electricity Analytics at S&P Global, and Jonathan Schroth, a research analyst specializing in AI's impact on data centers. They dive into how AI technologies are influencing energy demand, particularly in data centers. The guests explore regulatory variations globally, including Ireland's environmental restrictions. They also discuss the challenges of balancing rapid tech advancement with sustainable energy practices.

Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy, shares insights into the grid equipment bottleneck affecting renewable energy deployment. He discusses the complex manufacturing of transformers and the long lead times for essential components. The conversation addresses investment trends and the urgency of scaling production to meet rising energy demands. Additionally, the challenges of recruitment amid geographic supply chain issues highlight the necessity of strategic planning and collaboration to enhance infrastructure efficiency and support a cleaner energy future.

Edurne Zoco, an analyst at S&P Global Commodity Insights specializing in solar supply chains, joins Michael Parr, Executive Director of the Ultra Low Carbon Solar Alliance. They discuss the anticipated trade tariffs and their impact on U.S. solar manufacturing. Zoco reveals how module prices in the U.S. are significantly higher than in China and Europe, while Parr offers insights on policy changes affecting market dynamics. They also explore the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act and the competitive edge needed to bolster U.S. solar against Chinese dominance.

Anna Mosby, leading global environmental policy at S&P Global, discusses the shifts in energy policies under Trump's new presidency. Jonathan Elkind from Columbia University highlights the implications of the U.S. exiting the Paris Agreement and its impact on global climate goals. Meanwhile, Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power, shares insights on the green hydrogen sector and his optimism for its future despite regulatory uncertainties. They delve into how these policies may reshape the U.S. energy landscape and affect renewable energy initiatives.

Ahead of Germany's general election on Feb. 23, Energy Evolution looks at the energy implications for Europe's largest economy. With the center-right Christian Democrats leading in the polls, correspondent Camilla Naschert lays out the party's energy plans and discusses the main priorities for Germany's energy system with expert guests.  Guests on the episode are Christoph Maurer, managing director at advisory firm Consentec; Daniel Muir, senior power and renewables analyst at S&P Global Commodity Insights; and Christian Schnibbe, communications chief at wind developer WPD. The episode is hosted by Eklavya Gupte. Energy Evolution is merging with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays. 

Ahead of Germany's general election on Feb. 23, Energy Evolution looks at the energy implications for Europe's largest economy. With the center-right Christian Democrats leading in the polls, correspondent Camilla Naschert lays out the party's energy plans and discusses the main priorities for Germany's energy system with expert guests.  Guests on the episode are Christoph Maurer, managing director at advisory firm Consentec; Daniel Muir, senior power and renewables analyst at S&P Global Commodity Insights; and Christian Schnibbe, communications chief at wind developer WPD. The episode is hosted by Eklavya Gupte. Energy Evolution is merging with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays. 

As 2025 approaches, renewable technologies and hydrogen's role in decarbonization take center stage. The return of a former president may shift climate policies, impacting global talks and regulations. AI's growing influence raises concerns about increased electricity demand amidst geopolitical tensions. Key themes also spotlight electric vehicles, sustainable aviation fuel, and innovative carbon removal technologies, while addressing energy justice across regions. The landscape is evolving rapidly, making the next couple of years critical for the energy transition.

Platts Future Energy is merging with Energy Evolution, and in this inaugural episode of the new series, hosts Taylor Kuykendall and Eklavya Gupte set the stage for 2025, which looks to be another pivotal year for the energy landscape.  We highlight key topics such as advances in renewable technologies, the critical role of hydrogen in decarbonization, and the evolving policies that will shape global energy markets. We delve into the implications of Donald Trump's return to the presidency, including how policy shifts could affect global climate talks and emission regulations. Importantly, these changes are coming against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and the ongoing energy transition. We also preview future episodes on the intersection of energy, technology, policy, and market trends, including the rising influence of artificial intelligence and its environmental implications.  The new Energy Evolution will publish on Tuesdays.