Energy Evolution

A blackout of historic proportions on the Iberian peninsula April 28 has sparked a debate on responsibility and prevention, while the investigation into the causes is ongoing.  One undeniable conclusion is that investments in grids are becoming more important, S&P Global Commodity Insights analysts Kerry Thacker-Smith and Alexandre Mace explain on this episode of Energy Evolution.  Albéric Mongrenier, executive director of think tank European Initiative for Energy Security, argues that grids have become a key frontier in Europe's push for more independence and security. 

This episode of Energy Evolution examines the complex trade relationship between the US and China, with a focus on how ongoing tariff measures are reforming Chinese energy markets. Host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Ivy Yin, energy transition market specialist at S&P Global Commodity Insights, who explains how China is shifting toward a more inward-looking energy strategy by boosting domestic gas production to reduce LNG import dependency. She also talks about how Chinese cleantech manufacturers are refocusing their efforts on the domestic market amid trade uncertainties. We also interview Commodity Insights principal analyst Eric Yep, who shares his insights on how the trade duel with the US is affecting China's oil and gas imports, highlighting the role of US LNG as a possible bargaining chip in future negotiations. Adding a legal perspective, Henry Gao, a professor of law at Singapore Management University, discusses China's multifaceted trade diplomacy in an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

In the latest episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Daniel Klier, CEO of South Pole, a key player in the carbon markets. As the industry grapples with a credibility crisis, Klier shares insights on the various initiatives the voluntary carbon market is undertaking to restore trust and foster a more resilient and robust ecosystem. He also discusses how South Pole has adapted its strategy to place a greater emphasis on compliance markets and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, alongside a significant overhaul of its senior leadership team. Klier elaborates on the company's vision for leading the next phase of carbon market evolution and mobilizing substantial investments for climate action. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, Taylor Kuykendall interviews Jonathan Silver, chair of the Global Climate Council at Apollo Global Management and co-founder of the new advisory firm Multiplier. Silver, who was executive director of the US Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office during the Obama administration, shares insights on the current clean energy financing landscape and discusses his work with sustainability-focused startups. Silver emphasizes the importance of helping early-stage companies connect with customers and navigate the complexities of capital raising and exit strategies. Silver notes substantial changes in clean energy policies following the recent presidential administration shift, emphasizing that while regulatory environments may fluctuate, the momentum for clean technology is undeniable and irreversible. Silver also underscores the vital role of federal government support in advancing clean energy technologies, while also addressing the challenges posed by uncertainty in public policy. The discussion concludes with a look at future opportunities in clean energy, including advancements in solar, wind, battery storage, and water technologies, as well as the importance of addressing environmental tipping points.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Tim Gould, chief energy economist at the International Energy Agency (IEA). Gould shares his insights on how the expansion of renewables, coupled with geopolitics and evolving economic policies, is reshaping energy security. Gould explains the need to adapt energy supply security measures as the growth of clean energy leads to new risks, such as those arising from critical minerals and supply chain vulnerabilities. He also tells us how the IEA is beginning to see some shifts in broader energy investment trends due to a “climate of uncertainty" exacerbated by escalating trade tensions. This interview was recorded at the Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London, where representatives from over 60 governments and several energy companies convened to collaborate on the key issues facing energy markets. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall moderates a panel discussion at the Tom Tom Festival in Charlottesville, Virginia, focusing on the question of how to fund solutions to climate change.  The panelists highlighted the current challenges faced by climate tech companies in securing funding, particularly in a volatile political and economic landscape. Their conversation delves into the complexities of measuring climate impact, the importance of transparency in forecasting, and the necessity for businesses to effectively communicate their value propositions to both investors and the public.  The panel features Anne Clawson, principal at Cascade Advisory; Bettina Ring, Virginia state director for the Nature Conservancy; Gilman Callsen, founder and CEO of Rho Impact; and Michael Bobbin, senior director of mergers and acquisitions advisory at DNV. The podcast includes highlights from the lengthier April 17 discussion.  Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays. 

The International Maritime Organization recently agreed to a global deal to tackle shipping emissions after over a year of tense and fraught talks, with the US dramatically exiting discussions. The agreement includes mandatory marine fuel standards and a carbon trading mechanism. It will need to be adopted in October, but some countries still vocally oppose the measures. In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Commodity Insights journalist Max Lin, Edmund Hughes from the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), and Georgios Kasimatis from DNV Maritime to gain insight into the complexities of these regulations and their implications for the decarbonization of the maritime sector. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays. 

Efforts to simplify the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism reflect a broader struggle within the bloc to balance environmental goals with economic realities. In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Commodity Insights senior director Coralie Laurencin, Dan Maleski of Redshaw Advisors, and Nick Ogilvie of CarbonChain, who dig deep into what these proposed changes mean for both the EU’s industrial and climate strategy and the broader global energy transition. The guests also provide us with insight on how various industries, commodities, governments and policymakers are reacting to the carbon pricing mechanism, which is expected to have a profound impact on global trade. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

This episode of Energy Evolution focuses on the recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump to boost domestic mineral production in the US. This order seeks to reduce reliance on foreign mineral supplies, particularly from China, which dominates the mining and refining sectors for critical minerals. Lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are just a few materials essential for energy transition technologies, including batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. For this week's episode, host Taylor Kuykendall is joined by Francesca Price, a senior analyst in the metals and mining research team at S&P Global Commodity Insights; Mark Smith, executive chairman, president, and CEO of NioCorp Developments; Pat Risner, president of South 32 Hermosa; and Athan Manuel, director of the Sierra Club's Lands Protection Program. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Having ramped down imports of Russian gas at the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, the European Union may need to answer industry calls for higher imports if peace or a ceasefire are achieved. But will politicians be comfortable with this, and what about the damaged Nord Stream pipelines? And how does the US approach the topic, having become a major LNG supplier to Europe in the past few years? Laurent Ruseckas, executive director for gas at S&P Global Commodity Insights, shares his analysis with host Eklavya Gupte and correspondent Camilla Naschert. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.