
Energy Evolution
Interviews, analysis and reporting from S&P Global Commodity Insights on energy and commodities' transition to a cleaner future. Hosts Taylor Kuykendall and Eklavya Gupte speak with policymakers, industry professionals and SPGCI in-house experts worldwide on topics related to decarbonization, climate, emerging fuels and energy sources, and the outlook for commodity markets from oil to power to metals. The Energy Evolution podcast has merged with the Platts Future Energy podcast as of January 2025.
Latest episodes

Jul 5, 2024 • 17min
So you want to buy an EV: Moving past adoption barriers
In this discussion, Bryan Birsic, CEO of Motor, shares his insights on the electric vehicle landscape. He delves into the challenges new buyers face, such as navigating tax credits and charging station accessibility. Birsic emphasizes the crucial role of utility partnerships in fostering EV adoption. He also addresses the financial benefits for utilities and the exciting advancements in EV technology, including pricing reductions and improved infrastructure, that promise to make electric vehicles more accessible for all.

Jun 28, 2024 • 28min
As the EU cracks down on 'forever chemicals,' is the energy sector prepared?
Also known as 'forever chemicals', PFAS materials can be found in frying pans and rain coats, but also in hydrogen electrolyzers and batteries. After a group of countries proposed a ban on PFAS chemicals in the EU in 2023, legislators are expected to restrict their use. On this episode, correspondent Camilla Naschert hears from scientists Christina Jönsson (Research Institutes of Sweden) and Karsten Pinkwart (Fraunhofer Institut) about how this ban could work and what the energy sector now needs to consider in preparation. Gerardo Familiar of chemicals giant and PFAS maker Chemours argues that the compounds are crucial for the energy transition and that a blanket ban has to be avoided. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Jun 25, 2024 • 24min
How are auctions unlocking Europe’s green hydrogen market?
A first wave of subsidy auctions for green hydrogen production in Europe has revealed early price signals and could kick-start the market after a long period of policy and investment delays. The recent European Hydrogen Bank auction results were much lower than expected, but will renewable hydrogen be much cheaper than previously thought, or will consumers have to pay a large premium to secure offtake? Senior energy transition reporter James Burgess discusses these topics and more with senior hydrogen analyst Matthew Hodgkinson, hydrogen analyst Anastasia Pantazopoulou, and pricing specialist Vipul Garg. Links:Green premium remains for renewable hydrogen after EU's 1.5-GW auction result Platts launches new European Renewable PPA Derived Hydrogen prices Interactive: Platts Ammonia price chart Special report: Atlas of Energy Transition™ Our subscriber platform Platts Connect (formerly Platts Dimensions Pro)

Jun 21, 2024 • 32min
US government stepping into battery metals where private capital is hesitant
In this episode of Energy Evolution, the teams is joined by two special guests: Jigar Shah, the director of the Loan Programs Office of the US Department of Energy, and Jonathan Evans, the President and CEO of Lithium Americas. The US Department of Energy has shown interest in the metals and mining space, particularly in critical mineral mining and extraction projects. Additionally, the DOE's Loan Programs Office has committed to providing a $2.26 billion loan to Lithium Nevada Corp. for the construction of a lithium carbonate processing plant at Thacker Pass in Nevada. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Jun 18, 2024 • 27min
Unlocking sustainable flight with hydrogen
Hydrogen fuel is gaining traction as a promising solution for decarbonizing the transport sector, particularly in challenging areas like aviation where electrification is limited. US government subsidies for low-carbon hydrogen production and the establishment of the Department of Energy’s seven hydrogen hubs are expected to drive low-carbon hydrogen production at scale. However, the aviation industry awaits regulatory guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration to provide clarity on the potential of hydrogen fuel in decarbonizing commercial flights. Low-carbon commodities reporter Santiago Canel speaks with with Arnaud Namer, Chief Operating Officer at Universal Hydrogen, and Commodity Insights energy transition news reporter Daniel Weeks to explore the role of hydrogen in aviation and its potential for decarbonization. Links: Platts Hydrogen Daily (subscriber content) Feature: Logistical woes and high pump prices stall California H2 market development S&P Global Commodity Insights Weekly ET News Highlights

Jun 14, 2024 • 17min
Europe has voted – What does the rightward shift mean for energy?
The podcast discusses the impact of right-wing parties gaining ground in the EU parliament elections on energy policymaking, highlighting potential delays in climate lawmaking. It also explores the geopolitical influences on energy exports and EU's climate initiatives, as well as the consequences of the rightward shift on energy transition goals, including challenges in reaching emission reduction milestones. Additionally, the podcast touches on the results of European parliamentary elections, Sweden's position, and the role of agriculture in energy and climate change debates.

Jun 7, 2024 • 14min
Increasing electric vehicle range with new semiconductor technology
Dan Brdar, CEO of Ideal Power, discusses the new semiconductor technology that can increase electric vehicle range by 7-10%. He talks about partnerships with Stellantis and challenges in EV adoption like cost and charging infrastructure.

May 31, 2024 • 18min
Microreactors promise nuclear power anywhere, deliverable by truck
Today's episode of Energy Evolution, your podcast for all things energy transition, focuses on small micronuclear reactors and their role in the energy transition. Our guest, Jay Yu, is the founder of Nano Nuclear Energy. Their products include microreactors, which produce one to 20 megawatts of thermal energy that can be used directly as heat or converted to electricity. They are compact, modular, and can be deployed in various locations, including remote areas. They offer a reliable and sustainable source of energy, with reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to something like a diesel generator. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall. Energy Evolution is a podcast dedicated to exploring the latest innovations, trends, and challenges in the energy sector. We bring you expert interviews, insightful discussions, and thought-provoking analysis to help you stay informed and engaged in the rapidly evolving world of energy.

May 24, 2024 • 24min
Bridging the gap between conventional energy resources and newer technologies
In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall sits down with Emily Easley, CEO of Novus Energy Advisors. Emily, who hails from the Texas oil and gas fields, now works in the world of renewable energy. During their conversation, Taylor and Emily delve into the topic of bridging the gap between conventional fuels and new energy technologies. They explore the lessons that can be learned from both sides of the energy spectrum and how these insights can be applied to drive innovation and sustainability. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

May 17, 2024 • 27min
Venture capital arm of mining giant Vale hunting for sustainable mining tech
In this episode of Energy Evolution, Taylor Kuykendall interviews Bruno Arcadier, head of Vale Ventures, the venture capital arm of international mining giant Vale. Vale Ventures aims to invest in cutting-edge technologies that will revolutionize the mining industry and make it more sustainable. The mining sector plays a critical role in the energy transition because metals like copper, nickel and cobalt are essential components in renewable energy technologies. The challenges in promoting the energy transition in mining include decarbonizing the supply chain, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and addressing waste management. Vale Ventures focuses on four verticals: decarbonization, circular mining, sustainable mining of the future, and energy transition metals. Arcadier said the company takes a portfolio approach to mitigate risks associated with early-stage investments. He also said that Vale Ventures not only provides capital but also offers access to expertise, R&D centers, partnerships and a global network of experts.