Catalyst with Shayle Kann

This episode features Yet-Ming Chiang, a renowned MIT materials science professor and co-founder of several electrochemistry firms. He discusses the remarkable evolution of electrochemistry from obscurity to a key player in energy storage, particularly with lithium-ion batteries. Chiang highlights promising applications in sustainable aviation fuels and industrial processes that require significant energy. The conversation also touches on AI's role in enhancing catalyst discovery and the challenges electrochemistry faces, such as solid-solid transformations.

Laurent Boinot, a power and utilities leader at Microsoft, remembers the moment he discovered the power of artificial intelligence. Years ago, as a student using a basic AI model to assess World Bank project risks, he was amazed to discover the technology outperformed human experts."With a very basic AI tool, we were able to replicate that risk analysis and do a better job than the human graders did," says Boinot.Today, Boinot works with utilities to implement AI solutions — an industry traditionally resistant to new technologies. "Our customers want to be fast followers, and in order to be fast followers, you need to follow someone, so someone has to go first. That's definitely an issue in this sector in particular," explains Boinot.Despite this hesitation, Boinot sees AI transforming everything from regulatory processes to grid management. In this episode, produced in partnership with Microsoft, Laurent Boinot talks with Stephen Lacey about where AI can have the biggest impact on utilities. They discuss how AI is supporting field workers, enabling scientific breakthroughs in battery technology, and helping companies like Constellation provide "24/7 matching" of green electricity — moving from "net zero to actual zero emission."This is a partner episode, brought to you by Microsoft. Learn more about how Microsoft is working with utilities and other energy companies to deploy AI to accelerate the energy transition.

Jonathan Koomey, founder of Koomey Analytics and expert on data center energy demand, questions the hype surrounding AI-driven electricity load growth. He recalls past overestimations in energy predictions and emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency in AI. The discussion navigates concerns about the sustainability of massive investments in AI infrastructure, the unpredictability of energy demand, and the historical patterns of computing efficiency improvements. Koomey's insights provide a balanced perspective on the future of data centers and electricity consumption.

In this engaging discussion, Isha Datar, executive director of New Harvest, sheds light on the challenges facing cellular agriculture. She explains the disappointing trajectory of first-generation cultivated meat startups, emphasizing the need for foundational research and high-value products. Datar argues for a shift in terminology to 'cellular agriculture' to encompass a broader range of biotech innovations. She expresses optimism for a second generation focused on premium items like sashimi and foie gras, alongside solutions to industry issues like funding and standardization.

Adrian Yao, founder of Stanford's STEER program and board member of EnPower, delves into the potential of sodium-ion batteries. He highlights their cost-effectiveness and supply chain stability compared to lithium-ion counterparts. While addressing misconceptions about safety, Adrian discusses the significant challenges of energy density and cost competitiveness. He also explores how manufacturers might shift to sodium-ion and contrasting investment strategies between China and the West, shedding light on future market dynamics.

Sheldon Kimber, Founder and CEO of Intersect Power, discusses innovative solutions for the energy demands of data centers. He highlights the broken grid's challenges and advocates for colocating power generation with data centers to enhance clean energy access. The conversation dives into the influence of AI on energy needs, optimal Power Purchase Agreement structures, and emerging market dynamics from renewable collaboration. Kimber also speculates on the potential of hydrogen and crypto megasites, shaping the future of energy consumption.

Nat Bullard, co-founder of Halcyon and former chief content officer at BloombergNEF, discusses crucial energy trends. He reveals the rise of solar versus stagnating wind energy installations and highlights the mishandling of renewable power amid soaring demand. The conversation also dives into the booming market for Chinese plug-in hybrids and the efficiencies posed by DeepSeek. Bullard underscores the urgent need for better transmission infrastructure, especially due to the energy demands from data centers.

Utilities are at a crossroads, shifting from merely selling energy to embracing demand flexibility. This crucial change can stabilize grids powered by intermittent renewables but requires innovative rate designs and effective customer incentives. The aftermath of Winter Storm Uri has highlighted the need for adaptable pricing strategies and technology integration like IoT and AI. As utilities seek to achieve decarbonization goals, understanding diverse customer needs, particularly low-income households, will be vital for equitable energy management.

Nat Bullard, co-founder of Halcyon and former chief content officer at BloombergNEF, shares insightful trends from his extensive research on the energy transition. He discusses the unexpected implications of solar geoengineering and aerosols on climate. The conversation examines the surge in U.S. fossil fuel exports and the possible peak of Chinese oil demand. Bullard also critiques the evolving landscape of ESG investing and raises questions about the rapid growth of carbon removal startups versus market readiness and commitment to net-zero emissions.

Mike Grunwald, a journalist and author of "We Are Eating the Earth," dives into the complexities of feeding a growing global population while tackling climate change. He discusses the challenges of industrial agriculture, like fertilizer overuse and environmental harm. Grunwald argues for increasing calorie production per acre to sustain 9.8 billion people by 2050. He explores potential solutions, including biofertilizers and cultivated meat, while emphasizing that vertical farming may not be practical due to high electricity needs.