Vince Beiser, an award-winning journalist and author known for his insightful works on essential resources, delves into the pressing issues of critical metals in the energy transition. He discusses the environmental and social challenges of rare earth mining, including China's market dominance and e-waste recycling complexities. The conversation touches on the 'right to repair' movement, EV battery reuse solutions, and the urgent need for sustainable practices in resource extraction. Beiser highlights innovative startups making strides in recycling while advocating for systemic change.

Matt Lanza, the Lead meteorologist at Chenier and a veteran of the energy trading sector, sheds light on the critical role of weather in energy markets. He discusses how climate change intensifies unpredictable storm patterns, making accurate forecasting more challenging. Lanza also dives into the transformative impact of AI on meteorology, emphasizing the importance of human interpretation of data. Plus, he reveals what keeps meteorologists awake at night and why energy traders rely on their expertise to navigate the complexities of weather-driven markets.

In the wake of the energy crisis and the demands of the energy transition, the EU has enacted a series of regulations, and considering more, in the European energy markets. These will bring changes to how power, carbon and gas markets operate and some proposals under consideration could have profound effects. What are these changes? What is the impact on how markets operate and the opportunity for participants?  And are we entering a period of re-regulation and intervention after the steady march of liberalization over the past 25 years? To discuss this and more is our guest Bart Verest, the Lead Partner at E&C Consultants, an international consultancy focused on energy procurement and markets with their headquarters in Belgium. Bart is an expert in energy markets and energy contracts. 

David Wilson, Senior Commodities Desk Strategist at BNP Paribas Markets 360, dives into the volatile metals markets. He explores the impact of China’s economic strategies and U.S. policies on prices across copper, aluminum, nickel, and gold. Wilson highlights the complexities in the copper market due to algorithmic trading and supply challenges. He also discusses the growing dominance of Indonesia in nickel production, shifts in battery technology preferences, and the intricate dynamics influencing gold prices amid economic uncertainty.

Join leading experts like Rob Walsh, CEO of IMI, who dives into the chaos of commodities trading, and William Tully from Brown Brothers Harriman, who shares banking insights on these turbulent markets. Sunil George discusses financing amid volatility, while Todd Lynady tackles credit and liquidity challenges. Alexandre Lacreu offers a credit insurer's view on risk management. Together, they explore the evolving landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions and global supply chain disruptions, offering valuable strategies for navigating this unpredictable terrain.

Nick Marshall, co-founder of TASC, brings 25 years of expertise in carbon markets to the forefront, discussing critical developments at COP29. The conversation covers the transformative potential of Article 6 in the Paris Agreement and its implications for emerging markets. He delves into the challenges of navigating the complexities of compliance and voluntary carbon markets, and the impact of differing regulatory approaches between the U.S. and EU. Additionally, Marshall highlights innovative carbon reduction projects, like clean cooking initiatives in South Africa, that empower local communities.

Commodities sit at the heart of global trade and as such are at the center of the rise of protectionism. After a long period of globalization and ever freer trade, there is a perceptible and growing shift back to mercantilism and protectionism. This is driven by great-power competition with the energy transition being a key driver. Tariffs, sanctions and direct market intervention are ever more commonplace. To discuss this trend, its causes and its impact on our sector is Alex Tuckett, Head of Economics at CRU, the independent commodity analytics, consulting and pricing agency. 

Casey Keller, Head of Assets and Development at Caerus Commodities, dives into the transformative role of utility-scale batteries in power markets. He discusses their crucial function in grid management, especially with the growth of renewables. The conversation covers significant advancements in battery technology, contrasting U.S. and European adoption, and the complexities of trading battery assets. Casey also highlights the importance of ancillary services in maintaining grid stability and the evolving strategies in battery trading that are reshaping energy markets.

Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered an avalanche of economics sanctions by the West. What followed was an undeniably world-changing financial experiment that risked throwing the world into a devastating recession, testing the very limits of economic warfare and Western cohesion. Commodities sit at the heart of this story with profound ramifications for the global sector. But is it succeeding? Our guest is Russia expert and veteran Bloomberg investigative journalist Stephanie Baker who’s new book - Punishing Putin: Inside the Global Economic War to Bring Down Russia - explains in fascinating detail how this furious shadow-war unfolded: its causes, how it is being executed, and its ability to affect Russia and the course of history.   

Over the next two years, the US is set to export some 12bcf/d extra of LNG. What does this mean for the US market? Where will it go? And can supply keep up? Will there be sufficient demand in Europe? And what does this mean for traders - is a global footprint now a must?  Are the gas markets entering a new truly globalized era where US supply sets the price? All that and more is discussed in this special live event recording of The HC Commodities Podcast held on September 19th in Houston. The event was hosted by Six One Commodities and co-sponsored by Bridge Alternatives and Phillips66. Our panelists were Harrison DeStefano, CCO of Six One Commodities, Nathan Arentz, MD, Skylar Capital Management, Anne-Sophie Corbeau, Global Research Scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy and Graham Fisher, Head of Natural Gas Trading at P66. To hear about future events, including one in NYC on October 16, sign up to the HC Group Newsletter.