Catalyst with Shayle Kann

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.

Shayle talks with Melissa Ball, an associate director at EIP specializing in climate technologies, and Greg Thiel, EIP's technology director. They delve into green ammonia and synthetic methane production, discussing the economic hurdles they face. Key topics include innovative methods for ammonia synthesis and the critical role of transportation costs. They analyze how to integrate renewable energy into these processes and explore decentralized production methods. Their insights highlight the need for cost reductions to boost the competitiveness of these emerging technologies.

Paul Lambert, founder and CEO of Quilt, dives into the world of heat pumps, addressing their rocky customer experience. He explains why many technicians hesitate to sell these efficient systems, the surprising cost components, and installation complexities. The conversation draws parallels to lessons from other industries like solar and automotive. Lambert emphasizes the need for a revamp in the purchasing process to build trust, streamline installations, and ultimately enhance user savings, making heat pumps more accessible to homeowners.

Shayle chats with Ian McGavisk, a senior advisor at RMI and refrigerant expert, who recently co-authored a report on recovering residential AC refrigerants. They delve into the staggering heat-trapping power of conventional refrigerants compared to CO2, discussing the ongoing global transition to safer alternatives. Ian highlights the emissions throughout the refrigerant lifecycle and the economic challenges of reclamation. They also uncover the trade-offs with low-global warming potential alternatives, emphasizing the urgent need for effective refrigerant management.

Melissa Ball, associate director of technology at Energy Impact Partners (EIP), dives into the crucial yet often misunderstood world of techno-economic analysis (TEA) for climate tech startups. She emphasizes common pitfalls like bad assumptions and focusing on components instead of systems. The discussion highlights the dangers of false precision and unhelpful metrics, urging startups to adopt a broader perspective to enhance economic viability and competitiveness. Tune in for insights that could redefine the future of climate tech!

Gabrielle Dreyfus, Chief Scientist at the Institute For Governance & Sustainable Development, shares her expertise on methane removal. She discusses the importance of capturing methane from point sources like landfills and dairy barns, while also exploring the possibility of atmospheric extraction. Gabrielle contrasts methane removal with carbon dioxide removal methods and highlights innovative technologies, like biocatalysts and methane reactors. She emphasizes the role of agriculture in enhancing methane consumption, urging further research in the field.

Chase Lochmiller, co-founder and CEO of Crusoe Energy Systems, discusses the pressing energy demands of AI and their impact on the electric grid. He emphasizes the need for an energy-first approach to data centers, highlighting innovative strategies like using clean energy and geothermal sources. The conversation touches on the importance of sustainable practices in AI infrastructure, the challenge of scaling due to energy bottlenecks, and the transformative potential of climate-aligned technology. Lochmiller's insights promise a future where data centers are both efficient and eco-friendly.

Leah Ellis, CEO and co-founder of Sublime Systems, delves into the challenges of introducing decarbonized cement to the construction industry, an essential but risk-averse sector. She discusses the complexities of aligning various stakeholders and how a book-and-claim system could facilitate adoption. The conversation also highlights the pivotal role of governments and major corporations in creating demand. With the booming data center industry, there's a unique opportunity for decarbonized construction materials to make a lasting impact on CO2 emissions.

James Frith, Principal at Volta Energy Technologies and former energy storage researcher at Bloomberg NEF, delves into the reasons behind China's dominance in the battery market. He explains how precision in manufacturing, seamless supplier access, and aggressive pricing contribute to their low costs. The discussion tackles potential market consolidation in China due to overcapacity and soft demand. Frith also suggests how Western companies can learn from these practices and highlights the potential for fruitful partnerships between Chinese and Western firms in battery innovation.