In this episode of the Platts Future Energy Podcast, Gary Clark hosts downstream oil news managing editor Robert Perkins and head of aviation research James Simpson as they unpack the evolving landscape of jet fuel markets amid significant geopolitical and economic shifts. From the pandemic's lingering effects on demand to the impact of the Russian-Ukraine conflict and Middle Eastern tensions, supply chains for jet fuel are under scrutiny. Talking points range from the rise of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and its potential to reshape the future of aviation, to the challenges posed by refinery closures and the need for strategic policy support. Join us for insights into the intricate balance of supply and demand in the aviation sector and what lies ahead for jet fuel markets. Related: Sustainable Aviation Fuel CIF NWE $/mt  Biofuels news

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall engages with CEOs Jimmy Brock of CONSOL Energy and Randall Atkins of Ramaco Resources to discuss the evolving role of coal in the energy landscape. Although coal's share of US electricity generation has declined significantly, both executives argue that coal remains vital, particularly in steel production. They explore coal's diversification into new markets, including rare earth elements and advanced carbon products, while also discussing the future of carbon capture technologies.  Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

As more of the world’s power grids are supplied with renewables, accurate weather forecasting has become an increasingly important asset for power utilities. In this episode of Energy Evolution, correspondent Camilla Naschert speaks to Malte Rieck, meteorologist at Vattenfall, about the key parameters his team is watching, how AI is becoming a sharper tool for forecasting, and how extreme weather events may change the output profile of renewables fleets in the future.   Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

With the world’s renewable energy capacity reaching record levels, attention has shifted to the risks involved in sourcing critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite, essential for sustaining these industries. China’s dominance over global critical minerals supply chains has led the US, EU, and other major consumers to diversify their foreign sources while also developing domestic resources and strengthening recycling capacity. In this podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights’ Euan Sadden, senior editor for EMEA, is joined by Leah Chen, team lead for battery metals, and Nick Trickett, senior analyst for metals and mining. They examine this dynamic and consider whether China should be recognized as a partner or a competitor by Western economies in the realm of critical minerals and the renewable energy transition. Price assessments (subscriber content): BATCA04 Lithium Carbonate DDP China BATCN00 Recycled Lithium Carbonate DDP China  BATLS00 Lithium Spodumene 5.5% Li2O CIF China  BATSP03 Lithium Spodumene 6% FOB Australia  BATSS00 Lithium Spodumene 0.1% differential    LCCIF00 Lithium Carbonate CIF Europe  BATLA00 Lithium Triangle (LiT) FOB   ANINO00 Low-Grade Nickel Ore  ANIOC00 High-grade Nickel Ore

Jasmin Melvin, a seasoned energy journalist, is joined by political experts Zack Hale, Starr Spencer, and Anna Mosby to discuss the pivotal implications of the 2024 elections on U.S. energy policy. They explore how differing views from candidates like Trump and Harris could redefine climate strategies, oil production, and infrastructure. The conversation also touches on potential bipartisan efforts in clean technology, critical minerals, and the energy transition, highlighting how political dynamics may reshape the future of energy in America.

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast, the focus is on the rise and fall of California solar pioneer SunPower, as well as its potential for a rebirth following a recent asset sale in its ongoing bankruptcy process. S&P Global Commodity Insights senior reporter Garrett Hering shares an interview with T.J. Rodgers, the former chairman of SunPower and founding CEO of Cypress Semiconductor, SunPower's former corporate parent. They delve into SunPower's history, its challenges, and the potential impact of its bankruptcy on the broader energy landscape and transition to lower-carbon energy. Rodgers, who has a long history with SunPower, shares his ambition to breathe new life into the company through the acquisition of key assets out of bankruptcy. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, routinely featuring the work of Commodity Insights journalists, including regular correspondent Camilla Naschert. 

This is episode 3 of All Things Aviation, a special six-part series focussing on the dynamics, trends and outlooks in the aviation sector. In this episode, Sophie Byron, global director of biofuels pricing at S&P Global Commodity Insights, and Tom Washington, senior news writer covering biofuels in the EMEA region, are joined by Ina Chirita and Jamie Dorner, Europe and America leads in the biofuels research team.  They take a look at the complexities of the rapidly evolving Sustainable Aviation Fuel market, including feedstocks, policy and distribution. They also discuss some of the headwinds that have beset the SAF market in recent months and how long these could last.  Related: Sustainable Aviation Fuel CIF NWE $/mt  Biofuels news

This episode of Energy Evolution features an interview with Corrado De Gasperis, Chairman and CEO of Comstock Inc., who explains the company's shift from a focus on precious metals mining to new business lines as well, including urban mining and recycling materials from end-of-life electrification products and solar panels. Comstock aims to commercialize decarbonization technologies while addressing the growing need for sustainable mineral sources. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, which routinely features regular correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors.

Andrew Chen, a principal focused on aviation decarbonization at RMI, shares his insights on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). He discusses the essential role of SAF in curbing the aviation industry's carbon footprint, which currently accounts for 2% of global emissions. The conversation dives into the challenges of scaling up SAF production and the evolving regulatory landscape in the US and Europe. Chen also highlights advancements in aircraft efficiency and the collective actions required for the aviation sector to achieve meaningful decarbonization.

The US Department of Energy is on a roll when it comes to backing the US domestic battery industry.  In July, the agency’s Loan Programs Office announced a conditional commitment of up to $1.2 billion for a direct loan to battery separator, extruder, and engineering services company ENTEK to finance a lithium-ion battery separator facility in Indiana.  In June, the DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy, announced it would give $20 million to solid-state battery company ION Storage Systems for the development and commercialization of the company’s solid-state lithium-metal batteries.  In this episode, correspondent Camellia Moors speaks with Chelsea Sexton, director of the DOE’s Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Loan Program; Kim Medford, president for manufacturing at ENTEK; and Ricky Hannah, CEO and board director of ION, about what the federal government’s support means for the industry and US energy transition goals.  Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, which routinely features regular correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors.