Catalyst with Shayle Kann

Tannice McCoy, president of NewRange Copper Nickel, and Jenna Lehti, tribal relations advisor and Bois Forte Ojibwe member, discuss the importance of tribal engagement in mining. They reveal how NewRange aims to create sustainable practices while respecting tribal sovereignty. The duo delves into the renewed focus on critical minerals like copper and nickel for clean energy technologies. They emphasize rebuilding trust with local tribes and the vital role of community dialogue to ensure environmental protection and respect for cultural heritage.

In this engaging discussion, Andreas Aepli, CFO of Climeworks and a pivotal leader in direct air capture (DAC), shares insights from the forefront of the climate tech revolution. He reveals the real hurdles Climeworks faces, like dealing with extreme weather and securing CO2 purity. Andreas argues for transparent practices to gain public trust and explores the necessity of a measured scale-up in DAC deployment. He also dives into pricing strategies and the complexities of financing a carbon removal plant, foreseeing increased supply constraints in the coming years.

Julio Friedmann, chief scientist at Carbon Direct, discusses the booming low-carbon ammonia market, primarily used for fertilizer but also emerging as a zero-emission fuel. He explores ammonia's dual nature as both a significant emitter and a potential ally in decarbonization. Julio dives into the challenges of production, its vital role in heavy industries, and innovations needed for its use as a maritime fuel. He highlights Japan's leadership in transitioning to low-carbon ammonia and the critical implications of these developments for global emissions reduction.

The podcast dives into the surge of distributed energy resources in the U.S. and U.K., predicting an influx of 500 gigawatts soon. Experts discuss the challenges utilities face in managing millions of new generators and the essential roles of digitalization and automation. Texas shines as a beacon for renewable investment, with strong battery revenue potential. The conversation highlights innovative approaches to integrating DERs, including virtual power plants and the importance of consumer engagement in driving the energy transition.

Ekin Dogus Cubuk, a research scientist at Google DeepMind, specializes in AI applications for materials discovery. He discusses the complexities of using AI in finding new materials for climate tech, highlighting that current methods still require substantial lab work and larger datasets. The conversation also explores how AI might enhance the understanding of material properties like optical and electric qualities, and the challenges faced due to inconsistent data. Dogus emphasizes the need for quality experimental data to make AI truly impactful in this field.

In this discussion, Andy Lubershane, head of research at Energy Impact Partners and a climate tech expert, unpacks the 'better mousetrap fallacy.' He argues that in sectors like carbon removal and nuclear, focusing on scaling existing technologies often yields better results than chasing new breakthroughs. They explore how scaling can drive down costs, analyze the necessity of innovation in batteries, and tackle the regulatory hurdles in nuclear energy. Additionally, they highlight the challenge of having too many direct air capture technologies without sufficient buyers.

In this discussion, Katie MacDonald, co-founder of Tailwind, sheds light on the importance of climate adaptation technologies. She explores how emerging solutions like wildfire prevention and air filtration are attracting investor attention. Katie emphasizes the need for clear metrics and definitions in this young market and shares insights on California's climate risk disclosure demands. The conversation highlights the dual approach of addressing both adaptation and mitigation for maximizing resilience, making a case for substantial investments in this crucial sector.

Tomás de Oliveira Bredariol, an energy and environmental policy analyst at the IEA, delves into the perplexing issue of gas flaring in oil production. Despite major initiatives, flare volumes have stagnated, leading to massive greenhouse gas emissions. Tomás discusses the nine countries responsible for the majority of flaring and the surprising reasons oil companies choose diesel over available gas. He explores innovative alternatives for using flared gas, potential regulations, and financial incentives as pathways to reduce waste and unleash methane's value.

The podcast dives into the exciting world of geologic hydrogen as a low-carbon energy source. It discusses the potential of naturally occurring hydrogen reservoirs that could drive down costs significantly compared to conventional methods. Challenges like infrastructure, leakage, and the need for viable reserves are explored. With startups like Koloma leading the charge, the conversation highlights the transformative implications of this energy source for industries and the environment. Emphasis is placed on balancing optimism with realistic expectations in this emerging field.

Dr. Jessica Lovering, co-founder of The Good Energy Collective and nuclear energy expert, tackles the intriguing subject of nuclear construction costs. She explains why U.S. nuclear projects are among the most expensive globally, contrasting these figures with significantly lower costs in South Korea. The conversation delves into the implications of passive safety designs, regulatory challenges in the U.S., and the potential of small modular reactors. Lovering emphasizes innovation's role in reshaping the future of nuclear power while addressing public perception and policy shifts.