Catalyst with Shayle Kann

Mario Fernandez leads Breakthrough Energy's FOAK finance program, specializing in infrastructure investment for climate technologies. He explores the challenges in funding first-of-a-kind projects, explaining why investors seek multiple repeatable projects. The discussion includes strategies for scaling, like the pilot-demo-FOAK path, and the difficulties of innovative commercial contracts. Mario also highlights the balance needed in financing structures and offtake agreements to attract cautious investors and reduce risks, showcasing successful models like Rondo's 'Steam as a Service'.

Pier LaFarge, Co-founder and CEO of Sparkfund, dives into the future of energy procurement. He argues that distributed energy resources (DERs) can address rising electricity demands faster than traditional power plants. LaFarge discusses the benefits of customer-sited solar and storage, as well as the challenges of cost and effective load carrying capability. He emphasizes the critical role utilities play in leveraging distributed capacity procurement to enhance grid reliability and adaptability amidst growing load demands from tech and manufacturing.

Ernest Scheyder, author of "The War Below" and senior correspondent at Reuters, dives into the tumultuous world of lithium. He explains why the majority of lithium now comes from hard rock sources rather than salt brines. The conversation covers the dramatic price swings of lithium—with skyrocketing values in 2022 followed by a crash—and how this affects the EV market. Scheyder also discusses Chile's nationalization efforts and the challenges surrounding direct lithium extraction technologies, highlighting the geopolitical influences shaping the industry's future.

Drew Baglino, the former senior vice president for powertrain and energy at Tesla, shares insights from his 18 years at the company, particularly focusing on Tesla’s ambitious Master Plan 3. He discusses the feasibility of decarbonization through extensive electrification and the crucial role of wind and solar energy. Drew expresses skepticism about AI-driven load growth and stresses the U.S.'s capacity for expanding transmission. They also touch on the challenges of energy curtailment and the importance of innovative solutions for renewable energy deployment.

Adam Klauber, Vice President of Sustainability and Digital Supply Chain at World Energy, dives into the intricacies of book and claim systems for low-carbon products. He discusses how these systems can bridge the gap between mismatched suppliers and buyers, especially in sustainable aviation fuel and clean steel markets. Klauber highlights the challenges like double counting and the need for registry interoperability, while advocating for certification's role in building trust. His insights shine a light on how long-term contracts can stabilize emerging low-carbon sectors.

Sam Jaffe, Principal at 1019 Technologies and a battery industry expert, shares insights on Northvolt's ambitious journey to challenge Asian battery giants. They delve into the timeline of Northvolt's rise and fall, discussing the impact of a crucial $2B deal loss with BMW. Jaffe highlights the pitfalls of trying to produce multiple battery types simultaneously and the heavy influence of venture capital pressures. Despite the collapse, he maintains optimism about the potential future of Northvolt’s factory in the evolving landscape of battery manufacturing.

Cyber attacks are a rising threat to the energy sector, with 25% of incidents targeting critical infrastructure. The discussion unveils the sophisticated nature of organized attacks, likening them to 'James Bond villain' tactics. IoT devices introduce vulnerabilities, prompting a move towards a zero-trust security approach. Key incidents like the Colonial Pipeline ransomware case illustrate the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity. Innovative strategies, including the use of AI, are being explored to fortify defenses and empower security awareness.

Brian Janous, co-founder and CCO of Cloverleaf Infrastructure, shares his extensive expertise in data centers and energy from his decade-long tenure at Microsoft. He discusses the pressing demand for power in AI-driven data centers and the hesitations surrounding construction amid rising costs. The conversation highlights the 'watt-bit spread' concept, emphasizing the urgent need for higher electricity prices to stimulate new energy generation. Janous also offers innovative solutions for improving electricity pricing and expediting infrastructure development in this competitive landscape.

Kerri Carnes, Director of Customer-to-Grid Solutions at Arizona Public Service, and Seth Frader-Thompson, Co-founder of EnergyHub, share insights on the growing role of virtual power plants (VPPs) in utility management. They discuss how APS transformed a modest demand response initiative into a robust 190-megawatt VPP using smart thermostats and batteries. The conversation highlights building trust in VPPs, their advantages over traditional power plants, and how they can effectively tackle rising energy demands from new technologies.

Join Julio Friedmann, chief scientist at Carbon Direct and expert in biomass utilization, as he discusses turning biowaste into 'biogold'. He explores the potential of waste biomass versus dedicated crops for energy and the environmental benefits that can arise. The conversation dives into innovative uses like biochar for soil health and challenges in balancing food vs. fuel demands. Julio also introduces the concept of biomass carbon removal and storage, highlighting its implications for climate solutions and sustainable energy.