Catalyst with Shayle Kann

Former Microsoft VP Christian Belady discusses the energy demand impact of AI data centers, exploring chip efficiency improvements, Moore’s Law limits, and constraints on AI growth. They examine the rise in data center energy consumption driven by AI boom, predicting 9% of U.S. power by 2030, and discuss potential solutions like changing computing architecture for energy savings.

Solar executive Dan Sugar discusses the reshoring of American solar trackers amid Covid disruptions, emphasizing the need for US manufacturing. Nextracker's efforts have led to over 20 factories with 30 gigawatts of components produced in the US. The podcast also covers innovations in tracker technology, the impact of the Investment Tax Credit, and the evolution of the solar industry.

Dr. Lynn Loo discusses decarbonizing maritime shipping with a focus on alternative fuels and energy efficiency. Topics include conventional fuels, impact of cutting sulfur emissions, challenges of lower-carbon fuels like LNG and biofuels, on-board carbon capture, and infrastructure challenges in scaling up new fuels.

Dr. Roland Horne discusses next-gen geothermal technologies including enhanced, closed-loop, and super-deep methods. They explore transfer of technology from oil and gas industry, advances in drilling, and scalability of geothermal power. Fervo Energy's innovative approach in geothermal development is highlighted, emphasizing the urgency to expedite progress for sustainability.

TP Huang, an expert in EVs and clean energy in China, discusses the booming Chinese EV market with Shayle. They cover topics like the low cost of EVs, consumer preferences, fast charging, electrification in trucking, and Chinese exports. The episode gives insights into the rapid growth and competitive landscape of the Chinese electric vehicle market.

Former Microsoft VP Brian Janous discusses the AI-driven surge in data center power demand, challenges in decarbonization, and the need for innovative grid solutions. Topics include load shaping, off-grid solutions, and acceleration of interconnection through computational load management.

Drew Baglino, former Tesla exec, discusses decarbonization and renewables deployment with high curtailment. Topics include AI-driven load growth, U.S. transmission buildout, dealing with excess power, and meeting material requirements for decarbonization.

Guest Andy Lubershane discusses the limitations of electrification for heavy transport like ships, planes, and trucks. Topics include density and infrastructure constraints of batteries, advantages of biofuels, hydrogen, and e-fuels, and the challenges of upgrading grid infrastructure. The podcast explores the need for alternative fuels and the potential solutions for decarbonizing heavy-duty transportation.

Ahmad Faruqui, a pioneer in time-of-use rates, discusses the momentum behind dynamic pricing for electric utilities. He explains the evolution of rates from the California energy crisis to smart meters, and the importance of transparent rate design. The podcast also previews an upcoming event on rate design.

Jigar Shah, Director, discusses reviving the U.S. rooftop solar market with VPPs and batteries. Topics cover California's NEM 3.0, lessons from S-GIP, VPPs for load growth, and incentivizing system dispatchability. The conversation also explores VPP reliability and utility infrastructure utilization.