Energy Evolution

In this week's episode of Energy Evolution, hosts Taylor Kuykendall and Eklavya Gupte discuss a new series of articles from the S&P Global Commodity Insights newsroom examining how some of the world's largest companies are faring on their path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. The hosts interview Commodity Insights senior news reporters Karin Rives and Alex Blackburne about how US and European utilities are adapting their net-zero strategies amid evolving political and economic realities. Rives sheds light on how some US utilities are increasingly backtracking on their green pledges and adjusting their messaging to align with the Trump administration's "American energy dominance" agenda. Meanwhile, Blackburne discusses how European utilities are maintaining their emissions targets even as they scale back investment plans due to macroeconomic headwinds.

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast, Eklavya Gupte speaks with co-host Taylor Kuykendall, a senior metals and mining reporter at S&P Global Commodity Insights, about the current state of the US coal industry. Although the sector has experienced a significant decline in its share of electricity generation over the past several decades, recent data indicate a resurgence in production compared to last year. This uptick in coal production coincides with the Trump administration's rollout of several policies and initiatives that favor the coal industry, igniting optimism among coal miners regarding the potential to meet rising electricity demand. However, Taylor cautions that the industry faces several challenges under the current administration, including ongoing trade tensions with key partners. He also highlights long-term forecasts indicating that while coal may see short-term gains, demand could contract again in the coming years due to competitive natural gas prices and the continued expansion of renewable energy sources. Links: CAPP rail (CSX) OTC CAKM001 PRB 8,800 OTC CTAM001 Low Vol HCC AAWWR00 FOB Baltimore CUATB04

In this episode of Energy Evolution, we explore how the EU's FuelEU Maritime regulation is pushing the shipping sector to decarbonize, creating new market dynamics in the world of marine fuels. Under FuelEU Maritime, which took effect from Jan. 1, 2025, ships calling at European ports have a mandate to cut greenhouse gas intensity by 2% this year from 2020 baselines, escalating to 80% by 2050. Host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Chris To, lead specialist in alternative fuels pricing at S&P Global Commodity Insights, about how the maritime industry is adapting to these regulatory changes. To also explains how the policy is spurring innovative compliance trading strategies, including the banking and pooling of surplus credits between compliant and noncompliant vessels.

As India tries to position itself as a global hydrogen leader, the World Hydrogen India conference by S&P Global Commodity Insights — scheduled to take place Sept. 25–26 in New Delhi — is set to bring together the nation's decision-makers and industry experts to examine the regulatory frameworks, investment opportunities, and technological innovations shaping India's hydrogen economy. The event will also address the critical challenges and opportunities defining the sector's trajectory. From the National Green Hydrogen Mission's implementation to emerging trade dynamics and project financing strategies, the event is set to provide strategic insights essential for navigating India's evolving hydrogen landscape. Sambit Mohanty, Asia Energy Editor, discusses some of the key themes with Dave Ernsberger, co-president of S&P Global Commodity Insights, and R. K. Malhotra, president of the Hydrogen Association of India. What are the steps needed to bring transparency to a market that would ultimately drive efficiency and bring down cost over time?

Seen by hundreds of thousands, Swedish utility Vattenfall’s expletive-laden campaign with Hollywood icon Samuel L Jackson asks the question: Offshore wind farms, yes or no? On this week’s episode of Energy Evolution, Vattenfall’s head of brand Monica Holmvik Persdotter explains the process behind the campaign and how the utility thinks about public discourse regarding the technology. Effective communication and local engagement have tangible impact on green-lighting new offshore wind projects, David Bidwell, professor of Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island in the US, told correspondent Camilla Naschert. Audio clips sourced via European Commission and Vattenfall AB.

In the US, the Trump administration's rollback of federal incentives supporting electric vehicle adoption will put states back in the driver's seat on encouraging the transition to electric vehicles. With states varying wildly in their interest and support in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, what will happen to the deployment of lower-carbon transportation in the country during the current president's term? Host Taylor Kuykendall discusses the issue with Daniel Weeks, energy transition reporter for S&P Global Commodity Insights; Suzanna Massingue, low-carbon transportation analyst at Commodity Insights; and Alan Collins, director of the division of resource economics and management at West Virginia University. What do the administration's budget bills mean for the trajectory of EVs and how might states react? Tune in to learn more. 

In this episode, Commodity Insights analysts Tiffany Wang and Cinthya Pena explain the implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for US renewables supply chains and project development. The OBBBA was a sweeping budget reconciliation bill which US President Donald Trump signed on July 4. Cuts to the tax credit regime introduced in the Inflation Reduction Act will effectively curb the bill’s 45Y and 48E clean electricity production and investment tax credits. Yet, some US companies remain optimistic for long-term success, senior reporter Garrett Hering lays out on the podcast. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

In this week’s episode, energy reporters Camilla Naschert and Alex Blackburne explain the ongoing debate around the way in which price zones are divided in Europe’s power markets. In markets with only one price zone, such as Germany and Britain, widening geographic distances between demand centers and new renewables development are starting to raise questions around grid bottlenecks, redispatch costs and incentives for new renewables. But there are also political and organizational realities to consider in a potential split, so the answer for regulators and politicians is not straightforward. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, we delve into the latest developments around Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and explore how various governments and companies are building critical infrastructure for carbon trading and global climate cooperation. Host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Gurvinder Bains, Director of Business Development of Environmental Solutions at S&P Global Commodity Insights, who highlights the pivotal role of carbon registries in securing financing and scaling project development under Article 6. We also hear from Hugh Salway, Senior Director of Market Development and Partnerships at Gold Standard, who shares insights on how countries are increasingly viewing carbon credits as national assets and establishing domestic programs. The discussion addresses the challenges posed by an increasingly fragmented carbon market and the implications for effective global climate action. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays. Links: Platts CEC $/mtC02e PCECA00Platts Household Devices $/mtCO2e CNHDD00 Unlocking the potential of carbon markets: Designing carbon registries for success (white paper) Register for APPEC Carbon Markets Conference

In this episode of Energy Evolution, we explore how heat waves are driving fundamental shifts in European power demand patterns and stress-testing the region's energy infrastructure. Host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Glenn Rickson, head of short-term European power analysis at S&P Global Commodity Insights, who breaks down the supply and demand pressures that are emerging from warmer temperatures. Correspondent Camilla Naschert interviews Brian Motherway, head of the office of energy efficiency and inclusive transitions at the International Energy Agency, on Europe's growing appetite for air conditioning and its impact on EU climate and energy efficiency goals. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays. Links: EEX France Fin Baseload power AAOAM00 Platts UK GTMA Baseload power FUKXY01Western Europe endures record June heat stress: EU's climate monitor (subscriber content)