Redefining Energy - TECH

Welcome to another episode of "Redefining Energy Tech," hosted by Michael Barnard. Today, we have the pleasure of having Dr. Joseph Romm, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media. Dr. Romm, with a rich background in physics and public policy, has significantly contributed to our understanding of climate solutions, especially in areas like direct air capture and offsets.Dr. Romm shared about his journey, recounting his time working closely with Amory Lovins at the Rocky Mountain Institute, and his role as the Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Energy. Post his tenure at the Department, he dedicated himself to climate communication, contributing to the Climate Progress blog until its unfortunate closure. Following this, he took up his current position at the Center under the leadership of Michael Mann, where he is actively involved in research and is in the process of writing three papers focusing on bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS), direct air capture (DAC), and carbon offsets as potential climate solutions.The discussion started with the concept of carbon offsets, their limitations, and their role in the broader climate change mitigation strategy. Dr. Romm highlighted the concerning trend of organizations opting to pay for projects in places like Brazil or investing in tree planting and deforestation prevention as a means to offset their own emissions. He emphasized the distinction between voluntary market offsets and regulated offsets, pointing out the lack of oversight in the voluntary market which has led to a decrease in price and quality, and the more robust, yet expensive and complex nature of regulated offsets under agreements like the Paris Accord.The conversation touched upon the 2015 Paris Agreement, its goals, and the challenges in achieving them, specifically addressing the complexities of trading and offsets. They discussed the developments since the agreement, including the introduction of authorized offsets in November 2021, and the concept of corresponding adjustments to prevent double counting of emission reductions. The example of Brazil was highlighted, demonstrating how countries could sell offset credits while maintaining their official emission levels through corresponding adjustments. However, this practice raises concerns about the future, especially for poorer countries that might find themselves at a disadvantage, potentially being pushed out of these markets.The first half of the discussion concluded with the importance of genuine emission reductions, the challenges associated with offsets and corresponding adjustments, and the need for careful consideration to ensure that the mechanisms in place truly contribute to global emission reduction efforts without exploiting poorer nations.Read Dr. Romm’s paper on offsets, bioenergy and carbon capture and direct air capture to prepare for COP28. They are available from the University of Pennsylvania.LInk to Joe Romm publications: https://web.sas.upenn.edu/pcssm/publications/

In the second half of the "Redefining Energy Tech" podcast, host Michael Barnard continues his conversation with Dan Katz, CEO of Orbital Sidekick. They delve into the innovative hyperspectral satellite imaging technology that detects methane emissions from space, discussing its implications for the energy sector and the environment.Kessler Events & Space Debris: Dan elaborates on the potential dangers of Kessler events, where collisions in low Earth orbit can lead to cascading debris fields, rendering certain orbits uninhabitable.The industry's growing awareness has led to stricter satellite deorbiting regulations, but international compliance remains a challenge.Pipeline Monitoring & Methane Detection: Orbital Sidekick's primary focus is on monitoring oil and gas infrastructure for methane leaks.Traditional aerial surveillance methods are limited in detecting these leaks, emphasizing the need for advanced technologies like hyperspectral imaging. The technology's potential extends beyond pipelines to other sectors like mining, energy transition, and environmental safety.Environmental Impact & Global Initiatives: The discussion touches on various methane emission sources, including agriculture and dairy farms, highlighting the environmental impact.Biofuels, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the energy infrastructure sector are also discussed, emphasizing the need for global collaboration and data-driven solutions.

In this episode, Michael talks with Dan Katz, the CEO and co-founder of Orbital Sidekick, launcher and operator of hyperspectral imaging satellites that keep an eye on methane emissions from space.Dan shares his fascinating journey from having a background in STEM, physics, and astronomy to co-founding Orbital Sidekick. The company, which started as a bootstrapped venture in Dan's garage, now pioneers in leveraging hyperspectral imaging technology. This advanced tech is used on satellites to monitor energy infrastructure, particularly focusing on oil and gas pipelines.The conversation takes a technical turn as Dan explains the nuances between hyperspectral and multispectral imaging. He sheds light on how these techniques play a pivotal role in analyzing Earthbound emissions.The discussion also touches upon the challenges Orbital Sidekick faced, transitioning from a garage setup to launching a hyperspectral camera system on the International Space Station.Open-source technologies and the role of 3D rapid prototyping in space technology development are also explored. Dan emphasizes the importance of industry heritage and the collective knowledge that has shaped the space tech industry.The aerospace industry's evolution is another highlight of the conversation.With the advent of reusable rockets and increased accessibility for scheduling launches, the landscape of space missions has transformed. Both Michael and Dan discuss the significance of these advancements and their impact on the future of space exploration.Radiation challenges in space travel, especially concerning interplanetary journeys, are also discussed. Michael shares insights on the risks of scuba diving and draws parallels with the significance of the Van Allen Belt in low Earth orbit.The episode concludes with a reflection on the potential colonization of Mars, emphasizing that Earth, despite its challenges, remains the most hospitable option.

Join Michael Barnard as he delves into the pressing issue of energy poverty with Trish Cozart from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for the second part of their conversation.Together, they explore innovative solutions and collaborations aimed at improving heating and cooling in low-income buildings.Key Takeaways:Discover the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator's focus on energy-efficient solutions like sash heat pumps and Radiator Labs' Cozy system.Dive into the potential of AeroShield's transparent aerogel for windows, a game-changer in building insulation.Learn about the success of startups under NREL's guidance, emphasizing the blend of market-driven solutions with scientific creativity.Tune in to uncover how science and market-driven solutions are joining forces to revolutionize the energy landscape for underserved communities.Don't forget to subscribe to "Redefining Energy - Tech" for more insights!

Dive into the world of renewable energy with Michael Barnard as he chats with Trish Cozart, the driving force behind the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2). Discover NREL's groundbreaking initiatives like Integrated Energy Systems and their journey to electrify everything while solving grid challenges.Cozart delves deep into the world of clean tech, from the intricacies of Technology Readiness Levels to the pivotal role of NREL's incubation programs in transforming ideas into market-ready products. Learn about the unique collaboration between NREL and external organizations, including a spotlight on BlocPower's innovative approach to bringing energy-efficient solutions to underserved communities.For those keen on the building sector, Trish emphasizes its significance as a major carbon emitter and the urgency to decarbonize it. She also shares personal anecdotes on sustainability challenges faced in commercial buildings and the solutions that are making a difference.Key Takeaways:NREL's mission and its unique position in the renewable energy landscape.The role of Technology Readiness Levels in the journey from concept to commercialization.The importance of building networks within the clean tech industry and the role of incubation programs.Insights into collaborations like Block Power that prioritize community needs in their financing models.The pressing need to address carbon emissions from the building sector and the solutions in play.Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that promises to be a treasure trove for energy professionals!Remember to like, subscribe, and stay updated with "Redefining Energy - Tech."

Part 2 of this intriguing discussion continues with Michael Barnard and Vincent Pluvinage discussing battery technologies and their future.They navigate the competitive landscape, comparing Vincent's unique approach to other industry players and emphasizing the role of safety and cost reduction in advancing battery tech. Key aspects of supply chain localization and scaling up production for affordability and efficiency are also explored.Battery Tech Comparisons: The segment kicks off with a comparison of OneD Battery Sciences' technology to major industry announcements. Vincent shares his insights on the potential impact on EVs and the importance of practical applicability.Safety and Cost: Safety, a critical element in battery production, is the next point of discussion. The duo talks about the need for cost-effective and safe batteries for OEMs like GM, considering the financial implications of recalls.Manufacturing and Scaling: The conversation concludes on the note of manufacturing process innovation and scaling production. Vincent highlights how leveraging existing technologies and adjacent supply chains can lead to significant advancements in EV battery production.

In this engaging episode, host Michael Barnard welcomes Vincent Pluvinage, the physicist, inventor, and CEO of OneD Battery Sciences, discussing his diverse background, love for physics, and the path that led him to become involved in silicon-based batteries.From his initial work in designing chips for programmable hearing aids to meeting influential figures like Andy Grove and David Packard, Vincent shares his unique journey.The conversation delves into the development and potential of OneD Battery Sciences' groundbreaking battery technology, specifically the use of silicon nanowires, which promises to revolutionize the industry with the potential for low-cost manufacturing at scale.The discussion also touches on color perception, the complexity of electrochemistry, and the challenges of modeling larger batteries.Additional topics include the distinct characteristics and challenges of EV batteries compared to smaller consumer batteries, trade secrets in the battery industry, the importance of managing heat in EV batteries, and the complexities of different critical minerals in battery supply chains.

Michael Barnard welcomes back Elisabet Liljeblad, the sustainability and energy lead with Stena Teknik, for the second half of their conversation on redefining energy Tech. They start by discussing the efficiency of electric drive trains in shipping and compare it to reciprocating engines. Methanol is explored as a shipping fuel with lower emissions and cleaner burning properties. Ammonia is discussed as a potential transportation fuel but poses toxicity and safety challenges. Hydrogen is also considered, highlighting its clean combustion but issues with storage, cost, and low conversion efficiency. Equinor abandoned their cryogenic hydrogen bunkering due to high costs. There are doubts about the viability of hydrogen-powered ships, as batteries tend to be cheaper. However, some companies like Swedish Goslin Ferries are still pursuing hydrogen solutions. The challenges of producing and storing liquid hydrogen make it less energy-dense than diesel or ammonia. A potential solution for ships is a battery-biofuel hybrid model that gradually replaces diesel with biodiesel over time. Electrification using containerized batteries in ports and on ships is another promising option, especially for roll-on/roll-off vessels. Collaboration between the shipping and rail industries could allow shared use of battery containers for more efficient electrification efforts. Additionally, bunkering electrons instead of conventional fuel is being explored as an alternative for reducing emissions from cruise ships in Norwegian fjords by 2026. Liljeblad discusses the concept of electron bunkering vessels, which are ships with batteries that provide energy to other ships. She emphasizes the need for a total rethink in how we value companies and use resources to address environmental issues. Liljeblad closes by highlighting the importance of individual responsibility and making sustainable choices as consumers. She believes there is great potential for electrifying container shipping and using existing solutions to transition towards a more sustainable future.

Michael Barnard welcomes Elisabet Liljeblad, PhD, the sustainability and energy lead with Stena Teknik, to discuss decarbonization in the maritime industry. Elisabet shares her diverse background including studying the magnetosphere of Mercury and a stint in Afghanistan keeping the peace, and how she ended up in shipping. Full transcript.They explore the scale of the maritime industry and its challenge of decarbonization due to its size, variety of vessels, and dependency on fossil fuels. Shipping constitutes a significant amount of emissions globally. The conversation touches upon different types of ships within Stena's business units, including drilling, bulk transportation, passenger ferries, technical services, and their varying operational characteristics. They highlight the need for different fuel logistics as ships transition away from fossil fuels towards electrification or alternative fuels like ammonia, methanol, hydrogen or biodiesel blends. The challenges faced by ports in accommodating these diverse refueling options are also discussed along with onboard carbon capture as a potential solution.The potential for electrification in marine shipping is significant, with projections suggesting that 40% of container ships can be electrified within this decade.Methanol is another opportunity for shipping fuel, and Stena has converted a ropax vessel to run on both diesel and methanol. Methanol has half the energy density of fossil diesel but doesn't evaporate at room temperature. It's relatively easy to store and handle but requires separate tanks from other fuels due to its characteristics. Biodiesel, particularly hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), burns cleaner than fossil fuels with lower emissions of pollutants like sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx). HVO is considered a high-quality biofuel that emits fewer harmful substances and doesn't require special considerations like microbial growth.However, as green hydrogen becomes more prevalent in HVO production processes, it may become more expensive compared to other biofuels that don't rely on green hydrogen.There's no magic bullet solution for decarbonizing marine shipping; it requires a mix of solutions depending on the type of ship and route involved.They discuss the difference between N20 and NO2, both created by burning anything in our atmosphere, with a focus on their effects on human beings and the environment. Ultimately, the goal is to move away from burning fuels and transition to electric engines as much as possible for more efficient energy utilization.

In the second part of his conversation with David Cebon, head of the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight and professor of mechanical engineering at Cambridge, Michael Barnard discusses the challenges of integrating logistics activity and energy activity in decarbonization efforts. The need for bigger batteries in trucks is temporary and will eventually become a matter of economics. Transcript.However, the challenge lies in charging infrastructure at warehouses, where vehicle turnarounds require tens of megawatts to charge during half-hour periods. This distributed problem requires warehouse owners to spend millions on electricity grid connections to charge third-party vehicles. Overhead contact lines are seen as an important solution because they eliminate the need for big fat grid connections and can be built out along heavily trafficked roads through a single contract rather than thousands of distributed warehouses needing upgrades simultaneously worldwide. Modular electric vehicle platforms with battery swapping capabilities could help cover most logistics solutions globally by allowing OEMs to make slightly different configurations depending on country needs while reducing costs compared to adding megawatt hours or hydrogen fuel cells.Finally, there is a debunked piece of folklore that heavier electric vehicles cause more road damage when truck weight laws vary widely among U.S states with Michigan having double Class 8 tractor semi-trailer weights allowed while civil engineers use something called "the fourth power law" based on outdated constructions from late 1950s AASHO Road Test results which saw most damage occur due to weather conditions rather than vehicle loading factors.Cebon discusses the fourth power law and its impact on road damaging potential of axles, which has been debunked. They also talk about the history of lane width and how it affects driver behavior. Additionally, Cebon shares his opinion on hydrogen fuel cell trucks for heavy ground vehicles and highlights their high cost compared to electric trucks due to a steep learning curve for hydrogen technology in small quantities.