Catalyst with Shayle Kann

Ekin Dogus Cubuk, co-founder of Periodic Labs and former Google DeepMind researcher, dives into the exciting intersection of AI and materials discovery. He reveals how advancements like OpenAI's O1 model are helping to tackle AI's limitations in predicting beyond its training data. The conversation shifts to the importance of breakthrough discoveries versus incremental ones. Ekin also discusses the synergy between human insight and AI automation, and how Periodic focuses on automated labs to refine experimental hypotheses.

Allison Clements, former FERC commissioner, and Tyler Norris, a doctoral researcher at Duke University, dive into the implications of the DOE's push to fast-track interconnection for large loads. They discuss how this proposal could standardize interconnection procedures and shift jurisdiction from states to federal authority. The conversation covers the potential for hybrid facilities, required durations for load flexibility, and how these changes could both enhance and complicate grid integration. With expert insights, they unveil the future landscape of digital infrastructure.

In this enlightening conversation, Andy Lubershane, Head of Research at Energy Impact Partners, delves into the future of energy shaped by AI-driven electricity demand. He discusses how algorithmic efficiency and off-grid data centers could flip current supply constraints to oversupply. Andy identifies potential winners, like utilities, and losers reliant on cheap energy. He evaluates the prospects of nuclear reactor designs and enhanced geothermal, and explores the challenges facing grid-enhancing technologies, raising critical questions about tomorrow's energy landscape.

K.R. Sridhar, CEO of Bloom Energy and innovator in fuel cell technology, dives into the future of power generation for data centers. He discusses the challenges posed by the rapid growth of AI and the limitations of traditional grids. Sridhar advocates for on-site, off-grid fuel cell solutions that offer speed and sustainability. He emphasizes the shift towards captive power strategies, compares AI-driven needs to other industries, and highlights the importance of carbon capture. The conversation showcases a visionary approach to resilient energy infrastructure.

Join Akshat Rathi, a senior climate reporter at Bloomberg News and host of the Zero podcast, as he dissects the climate hype spectrum. He shares insights on the potential of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and the complexities of co-locating generation with data centers. They explore infrastructure bottlenecks like transformer shortages and the role of venture capital in climate tech scaling. Rathi also discusses how the Paris Agreement influences business decisions while evaluating the commercialization challenges of sodium-ion batteries and advanced geothermal technologies.

In this discussion with Jamie Daggett, energy storage and fuel cell lead advisor at Ariel Green, he shares his journey from mechanical engineer to the insurance sector. Jamie explores how insurance is pivotal in helping clean energy technologies progress from lab to market, addressing risks that hinder commercial growth. He highlights the impact of the Powin Energy bankruptcy, lessons learned from the Moss Landing fire, and how performance insurance builds confidence for investors. Additionally, he discusses emerging technologies like sodium-ion batteries and the evolving landscape of risk management in the industry.

Zach Dell, Co-founder and CEO of Base Power, shares insights on his company’s innovative approach to residential battery solutions and recent $1 billion funding boost. He discusses the advantages of their vertical integration strategy for lowering costs compared to utility-scale options. Zach also explains how Base Power provides reliable backup energy while generating revenue through unique business models in ERCOT. The conversation highlights the growing acceptance of distributed batteries by utilities, underscoring a shift towards more sustainable energy solutions.

Heather O'Neill, CEO of Advanced Energy United, dives into the state-focused clean energy revolution. She talks about the shift from federal efforts to state-level initiatives post-2010, emphasizing states' role in driving affordability and innovative policies. O'Neill introduces a three-principle playbook: build it, make it flexible, and ensure it's affordable. She highlights flexibility solutions like virtual power plants and regulatory reforms as keys to unlocking clean energy potential, urging companies to engage meaningfully at the state level.

In this discussion, Dana Guernsey, co-founder and CEO of Voltus and former Director of Energy Markets at EnerNOC, dives into the evolution of demand response and distributed energy resources (DERs). She highlights how DERs, once reliant on manual calls, now include automated systems like EVs and smart thermostats. Dana introduces Voltus’s innovative 'Bring Your Own Capacity' model, discusses the barriers to DER growth, and emphasizes the advantages of virtual power plants over traditional power sources in addressing escalating demand.

In this discussion, Peter Reinhardt, the co-founder and CEO of Charm Industrial, shares insights on the innovative conversion of agricultural residues into bio-oil. He explains how these underutilized byproducts can be processed to improve soil health and support carbon removal. Peter delves into the economic challenges of collecting biomass and contrasts centralized processing with mobile pyrolysis. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in building buyer trust for carbon removal, highlighting the potential of this approach for high-value climate solutions.