

Energy Evolution
S&P Global Commodity Insights
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 20, 2024 • 24min
What to know about Africa's green hydrogen potential
With ample renewable resources, several African markets are tipped as key suppliers of green hydrogen for European industry. In this episode of Energy Evolution, hydrogen analyst Oghosa Erhahon and clean energy investor Kevin Anderson lay out which regions have the biggest potential, which constraints need to be tackled and how to ensure investments benefit local stakeholders. Beyond the export potential, markets in Africa may also develop significant local off-take for green hydrogen and its derivatives, the experts tell correspondent Camilla Naschert. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

Dec 13, 2024 • 20min
All Things Aviation: SAF and the sticky issue of feedstocks (pt. 5)
In the latest All Things Aviation episode on the Platts Future Energy Podcast, Sarah Abu Bakar speaks with feedstock analysts Rob Hatchett and Wes Petkau along with biofuel research associate director Ji Yang Lum. The discussion highlights the implications of global biofuel policy uncertainty and the potential impacts that trade tariffs pose on feedstock flows, further complicating an already uncertain and fragmented market. The group takes a regional approach to briefly outline the current layout of key factors influencing SAF policy support. Links: Tallow Dlvd Chicago cts/lb ATALA00 UCO Dlvd Houston cts/lb UDSAG00 UCO Dlvd San Francisco cts/lb UDSAF00

Dec 13, 2024 • 19min
How connecting datacenters to new housing could help address two big issues in California
A proposal by Pacific Gas and Electric and real estate developer Westbank aims to connect datacenters and up to 4,000 new residential units in a net zero district energy system in downtown San Jose, California. The project could be a blueprint for tackling AI-driven datacenter demand and the need for housing. In this episode, Mike Medeiros, PG&E's vice president of South Bay delivery, talks with Dan Testa about the new project's possibilities. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

Dec 6, 2024 • 16min
COP29 in oil and gas nation Azerbaijan – What was achieved?
In this episode, S&P Global Commodity Insights reporter Eklavya Gupte reflects on the outcomes of UN climate conference COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan in conversation with correspondent Camilla Naschert. What has been achieved and how did the oil and gas nation do as a host? Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

Dec 3, 2024 • 29min
Decoding COP29 – Key outcomes on carbon markets and climate finance
Roman Kramarchuk leads S&P Global's climate market division, while Jonty Rushforth heads their Environmental Solutions Group, and Ivy Yin specializes in energy transition. They discuss outcomes from COP29, highlighting the first consensus on international carbon trading in nearly a decade. The guests delve into the new climate finance targets set for developed countries and the skepticism from developing nations. They explore the complexities of carbon markets and the controversial Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, emphasizing the ongoing challenges for effective climate funding.

Nov 22, 2024 • 24min
Are the courts an effective tool for climate action?
In this episode of the Energy Evolution Podcast, host Taylor Kuykendall discusses climate litigation with legal experts Hannah Weisman, a professor of law at Penn State University, and Phil Goldberg, special counsel with the Manufacturers Accountability Project. Weisman argues that litigation is a crucial avenue for accountability in the face of legislative inaction on climate change, while Goldberg contends that courts lack the tools to effectively address broader policy issues and that litigation may divert attention from meaningful legislative solutions. The conversation highlights the differing perspectives on the role of the judiciary in climate action, with Weisman emphasizing the urgency of the crisis and Goldberg cautioning against using the courts as a primary mechanism for policy change. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

Nov 15, 2024 • 16min
What the GOP sweep of the US election means for the energy transition
In the latest episode of Energy Evolution, hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall analyze the energy transition implications of Donald Trump's return to the presidency and the Republican control of Congress. They discuss potential shifts in energy policy, including anticipated deregulation that may benefit traditional energy sources while slowing the momentum for renewable initiatives. Key topics include the future of the Inflation Reduction Act, the outlook for offshore wind projects, and the evolving landscape for hydrogen and nuclear energy. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

Nov 8, 2024 • 24min
X-energy CEO talks small nuclear reactors, partnership with Amazon
In this episode of the S&P Global Commodity Insights Energy Evolution podcast, host Taylor Kuykendall interviews J. Clay Sell, the CEO of X-energy, a company focused on advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). X-energy is pioneering a new generation of nuclear technology that promises safer, more economical, and more efficient power generation. The episode follows the announcement of a recent $500 million Series C financing round led by Amazon. The two companies aim to develop over 5 GW of SMR power projects across the U.S. by 2039. The discussion covers the potential of SMRs, the importance of government support and the challenges of deploying this technology. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

Nov 4, 2024 • 26min
All Things Aviation: Navigating jet fuel dynamics in a changing world (part 4)
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

Nov 1, 2024 • 38min
US coal plants are fading, but miners still see a future for the black rock
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.