

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

Jan 21, 2025 • 29min
What's at stake in energy as Germans go to the polls
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.

Jan 21, 2025 • 29min
What's at stake in energy as Germans go to the polls
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.

6 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 14min
Looking ahead: Key themes to watch in the energy transition in 2025
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.

Jan 14, 2025 • 14min
Looking ahead: Key themes to watch in the energy transition in 2025
Energy Evolution is merging with Platts Future Energy, and in this inaugural episode of the new series, hosts Taylor Kuykendall and Eklavya Gupte set the stage for 2025, which looks to be another pivotal year for the energy landscape. We highlight key topics such as advances in renewable technologies, the critical role of hydrogen in decarbonization, and the evolving policies that will shape global energy markets. We delve into the implications of Donald Trump's return to the presidency, including how policy shifts could affect global climate talks and emission regulations. Importantly, these changes are coming against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and the ongoing energy transition. We also preview future episodes on the intersection of energy, technology, policy, and market trends, including the rising influence of artificial intelligence and its environmental implications. The new Energy Evolution will publish on Tuesdays.

Jan 7, 2025 • 25min
What's ahead for nuclear energy in 2025 and beyond?
In this episode of S&P Global Commodity Insights' Energy Evolution, co-host Taylor Kuykendall dives into the future of nuclear energy. With rising global energy demands and an urgent need for sustainable solutions, nuclear power is once again at the forefront of energy discussions. Listen in to hear about the challenges and opportunities that nuclear energy presents, including advancements in technology and changing public perceptions. Experts also discuss the recent surge in interest from tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, who signed power purchase agreements for over 3 GW of nuclear capacity to meet the energy needs of their data centers. This week's guests include Mason Lester, a research analyst from S&P Global Commodity Insights, who shares insights on market trends; James Walker, CEO of Nano Nuclear, who is pioneering small modular reactor technology; and Brandon Oyer from Amazon Web Services, discussing how tech companies are integrating nuclear energy into their sustainability strategies. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

Jan 2, 2025 • 46sec
Happy New Year! And an exciting update for 2025
As 2025 kicks off, Energy Evolution and Platts Future Energy are joining forces to bring you the best in energy transition news, analysis, trends, interviews, and our expert insights. Starting January 21, the Platts Future Energy channel will host our merged energy transition podcast, Energy Evolution by Commodity Insights, so follow along there with hosts Taylor Kuykendall and Eklavya Gupte. Platts Future Energy on Spotify Platts Future Energy on Apple Podcasts

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.


