Energy Evolution

The podcast dives into the shifting political landscape impacting energy policies and climate action. It explores how climate advocacy groups are adapting their strategies amidst changing support and the importance of balancing energy abundance with urgent climate goals. The conversation highlights the need for private sector innovation in clean energy technologies and the rapid growth of electric vehicles. Collaborative efforts in permitting reform are emphasized, along with the essential role of a robust national electricity grid in sustaining momentum for the energy transition.

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast, host Taylor Kuykendall discusses the upcoming CERAWeek conference, scheduled for March 10-14 in Houston. He is joined by Ken Downey, Executive Director of Innovation Agora at CERAWeek, and Naki Mendoza, director of CERAWeek Programs at S&P Global.  Key topics for this year's conference include the changing geopolitical landscape, especially in light of recent elections. Mendoza and Downey said energy leaders will also be focused in on supply chains, AI's role in energy, and the growing importance of metals and mining to the energy transition. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays.

On Energy Evolution this week, Eklavya Gupte and Rosemary Griffin examine the often-overlooked environmental ramifications of military conflicts as we mark the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war. Lennard de Klerk, who has studied the climate impact of this war, gives us some insights into how warfare, fuel consumption, forest fires, attacks on energy infrastructure and the estimated costs of rebuilding Ukraine have led to a surge in greenhouse gas emissions. As concerns around the climate costs of war have intensified, there have been wider calls for military emissions to be calculated and included in international reporting. We speak to Patrick Bigger, research director at the Climate and Community Institute, and Benjamin Neimark, a senior lecturer at the School of Business and Management at Queen Mary University of London, to learn more about the growing carbon footprint of militaries globally. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays.

Neil Chatterjee, former chairman of the FERC and now at Palmetto, discusses the intersection of AI and the U.S. energy grid, focusing on sustainable strategies. Bruno Brunetti from S&P Global highlights the surging electricity demands from generative AI and data centers, while Jonathan Schroth explores the complexities of data center infrastructure. They also delve into regulatory challenges, particularly Ireland's stance, and the need for collaboration to ensure reliable and sustainable energy as AI technologies evolve.

On this week’s episode of Energy Evolution, we lay out why grid equipment has become a bottleneck in the deployment of renewables, and why it takes time to ramp up manufacturing.  Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of equipment provider Hitachi Energy, shares industry perspectives on investment trends and the operational realities of scaling up industrial manufacturing of transformers, while S&P Global Commodity Insights analyst Cormac Gilligan explains why demand for grid infrastructure has outpaced supply.  Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays. Links: Register for CERAWeek

With new tariffs anticipated and a domestic manufacturing sector just ramping up, US solar manufacturers are facing trade headwinds as well as opportunities.  Meanwhile, prices for modules in the US are substantially higher than in China and Europe. S&P Global Commodity Insights analysts Joe Steveni and Edurne Zoco lay out what to watch in the US solar supply chains and discuss the future of the Inflation Reduction Act and trade restrictions. Price reporter Karen Rivera describes what makes US panels so much more expensive, and Michael Parr of the Ultra Low Carbon Solar Alliance gives an industry perspective on the market dynamics. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays. 

Anna Mosby, head of environmental policy at S&P Global, Jonathan Elkind from Columbia University, and Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power, dive into the shifting U.S. energy landscape under Trump’s administration. They discuss the rollback of climate policies, the impact on fossil fuel initiatives, and the potential effects on global energy markets. Marsh shares insights on Plug Power's green hydrogen advancements amid regulatory uncertainty. The group emphasizes the implications of a national energy emergency and how these changes could reshape the future of clean energy.

Ahead of Germany's general election on Feb. 23, Energy Evolution looks at the energy implications for Europe's largest economy. With the center-right Christian Democrats leading in the polls, correspondent Camilla Naschert lays out the party's energy plans and discusses the main priorities for Germany's energy system with expert guests.  Guests on the episode are Christoph Maurer, managing director at advisory firm Consentec; Daniel Muir, senior power and renewables analyst at S&P Global Commodity Insights; and Christian Schnibbe, communications chief at wind developer WPD. The episode is hosted by Eklavya Gupte. Energy Evolution is merging with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays. 

Ahead of Germany's general election on Feb. 23, Energy Evolution looks at the energy implications for Europe's largest economy. With the center-right Christian Democrats leading in the polls, correspondent Camilla Naschert lays out the party's energy plans and discusses the main priorities for Germany's energy system with expert guests.  Guests on the episode are Christoph Maurer, managing director at advisory firm Consentec; Daniel Muir, senior power and renewables analyst at S&P Global Commodity Insights; and Christian Schnibbe, communications chief at wind developer WPD. The episode is hosted by Eklavya Gupte. Energy Evolution is merging with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays. 

Discover the pivotal changes anticipated in the energy landscape for 2025. The discussion revolves around advancements in renewable technologies and the essential role of hydrogen in decarbonization. Analyze how Donald Trump's potential return impacts U.S. energy policy and global climate talks. Explore the rise of artificial intelligence and its effects on energy consumption and investment trends. With geopolitical tensions in play, the conversation highlights the intricate connections between technology, climate, and energy.