Energy Central

Climate change is one of the true global challenges of our lifetime, where localized efforts can only have so much impact without being globally connected in scale and adoption. That inherent global nature means that the energy industry's best efforts to decarbonize must not be insular but cast a wide net of global partners, strategies, and solutions. As a key leader in the international landscape of climate action, Diego Ibarra, the Executive Managing Director at ENGIE Impact Americas, keeps his finger on the pulse of global energy trends. In the latest Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast episode, Diego brings a wealth of expertise from his distinguished career spanning top-tier institutions like MIT and Harvard, making him a leading authority in navigating the complexities of decarbonization. In this captivating and border-crossing discussion, Diego offers insights into the diverse array of clients his teams at ENGIE Impact Americas serves and the groundbreaking work they undertake at the intersection of technology and management consulting. From bridging the gap between engineering and strategy to uncovering overlooked success stories worldwide, listen in as Diego provides podcast host Jason Price and Producer Matt Chester with invaluable lessons for utility leaders striving to drive meaningful progress in the transition to clean energy. Tune in as we delve into real-world case studies, evolving climate goals, and the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of decarbonization. Key Links Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-160-decarbonizing-across-borders-climate-future-diego-ibarra-executive Take this poll to impact the future of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdI1mewtAbCxlaqTLmzHpj_CnlIKdiREULf0dEDs2M5MlFyeA/viewform Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/ Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

The EV revolution is upon us, and it no doubt requires buy-in from all across the landscape of stakeholders from auto manufacturers to drivers to EV charging companies and, critically, the utilities that will be newly providing the energy to fuel tomorrow's transportation sector. In particularly dense urban areas like New York City, the challenges are only amplified, which is why the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast is diving in headfirst with Britt Reichborn-Kjennerud, the Director of E-Mobility at Con Edison. As the EV market continues to surge and shape the energy landscape, Britt brings her wealth of expertise and leadership to the conversation, offering insights into Con Edison's role in spearheading the EV revolution in New York City and beyond. From the city bustling streets to the cutting-edge initiatives at Con Edison, Britt discusses with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester a firsthand account of the current state and future outlook of EV adoption and infrastructure. This episode explores topics ranging from managed charging programs to the intricacies of urban grid planning, shedding light on the dynamic intersection of energy, transportation, and policy. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will spark your curiosity and charge up your understanding of the electrifying EV landscape. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-159-charging-ahead-new-yorks-ev-revolution-britt-reichborn-kjennerud Take this poll to impact the future of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdI1mewtAbCxlaqTLmzHpj_CnlIKdiREULf0dEDs2M5MlFyeA/viewform Britt Reichborn-Kjennerud's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/britt-reichborn-kjennerud Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/ Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

As the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its impacts continue to unfold, the impact in various aspects of the energy sector become even more apparent and tangible. One key aspect as been in the emerging world of nuclear power uprating with hydrogen cogeneration. The teams at the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory has been leading the charge in studying these efforts, particularly with the publication of "Assessing the Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Nuclear Plant Power Uprate and Hydrogen Cogeneration." Three key authors to that study join this latest episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast in Svetlana Lawrence (Risk-Informed Systems Analysis Pathway Lead), Frederick Joseck (Hydrogen Infrastructure and Analysis Manager), and Levi Larsen (Energy Economist). These key leaders join the show to share with and explain to podcast host Jason Price and produce Matt Chester their study's findings. In this engaging dialogue, these experts shed light on the study's purpose and key findings, the exciting prospects of hydrogen integration post-IRA, and an economic perspective that unravels the implications of these findings for utility stakeholders. Tune in as we uncover not only the challenges but also the vast opportunities presented by this groundbreaking research. Key Links: Energy CentralPost with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-158-decoding-iras-unlocking-nuclear-uprating-and-hydrogen-cogeneration Take this poll to impact the future of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdI1mewtAbCxlaqTLmzHpj_CnlIKdiREULf0dEDs2M5MlFyeA/viewform Assessing the Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Nuclear Plant Power Uprate and Hydrogen Cogeneration: https://www.osti.gov/biblio/2007297 Idaho National Laboratory on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/idaho-national-labs Energy Central Profile for Svetlana Lawrence: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/svetlana-lawrence/about Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/ Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

With Distributech 2024 on the horizon, the conversation in this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast is a timely one, exploring the pressing challenges facing electric utilities and the imperative for digitalization in field operations. Specifically, Locusview's Vice President of Business Development, Danny Petrecca, joins the show to share insights into the strategies utilities need to be adopting today to prepare to modernize the grid tomorrow. Tune in as Danny shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester issues that plague stakeholders in the power sector, including recurring bottlenecks in non-digital systems, the catalysts driving the urgency for change, and more. Danny brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table, particularly regarding the urgency for digitalization in field operations and the need for innovative solutions such as digital construction management. Key Links: Take this poll to impact the future of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdI1mewtAbCxlaqTLmzHpj_CnlIKdiREULf0dEDs2M5MlFyeA/viewform Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-157-charting-path-utility-digitalization-and-future-field-operations Danny Petrecca's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/danny-petrecca-0/about Locusview on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/locusview Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/ Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

The suite of challenges the grid operators of today and associated regulators are facing is unprecedented in both scale and urgency, but planning for the future is the DNA for these modern professionals. As power demands grow and FERC continues its rise from an obscure federal government body to a spotlighted decisionmaker, the landscape of government involvement in transmission planning continues to evolve. To help make sense of it all, the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast is joined by Rob Gramlich, President of Grid Strategies LLC. Rob walks podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester through the critical role of transmission planning and the impending FERC Order titled "Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation." Rob Gramlich, with his wealth of experience as a former advisor to FERC Chairman Pat Wood during the Bush Administration, offers profound insights into the evolving power demand, the implications of FERC's proposed rule on regional transmission planning (RM21-17), and more. Listen in as he digs through the intricacies of grid policy and the promising advancements shaping the grid's future. Key Links: Take this poll to impact the future of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdI1mewtAbCxlaqTLmzHpj_CnlIKdiREULf0dEDs2M5MlFyeA/viewform Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-156-ferc-transmission-tech-and-wiring-change-future-rob-gramlich Rob Gramlich's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/rob-gramlich The Era of Flat Power Demand is Over: https://gridstrategiesllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/National-Load-Growth-Report-2023.pdf Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/ Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Recently, the fervor behind hydrogen energy in the United States reached fever pitch with the announcement of the hydrogen hubs that had been selected for federal support, meaning the future for this emerging energy source is brighter than ever. To truly understand the current hurdles but also the unmatched future potential of U.S. hydrogen, the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast visited one of these esteemed hubs to hear directly from the experts themselves. Specifically, Todd Allen is the Chair of the University of Michigan's Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences Department and Greg Keoleian is Director of the Center for Sustainable Systems in the university's School for Environment and Sustainability, and together they are Co-Directors of MI Hydrogen. Listen is as podcast host Jason Price visits the campus and, along with podcast producer Matt Chester, learns more about the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2), one of the seven federally sponsored hydrogen hubs recently selected by the U.S. Department of Energy. Todd and Greg, leading figures in MachH2, provide insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating hydrogen into the energy landscape and discuss everything from the current state of hydrogen, the impact of federal efforts to the role of participating utilities, distinguishing factors of MachH2, and their confidence in the future of hydrogen and Michigan's position as a key player in the hydrogen revolution. Key Links: Take this poll to impact the future of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdI1mewtAbCxlaqTLmzHpj_CnlIKdiREULf0dEDs2M5MlFyeA/viewform Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-155-machh2-and-future-hydrogen-michigans-pioneers-todd-allen-and-greg Todd Allen's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/todd-allen-1 MI Hydrogen Fact Sheet: https://css.umich.edu/publications/factsheets/energy/hydrogen-factsheet Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/ Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

As the imperative for modernizing the energy grid becomes more urgent, the evolving landscape requires utility leaders to innovate and adopt best practices for a resilient and sustainable electric future. But the right actions to take in this regard are not always agreed upon across the industry, with the need to balance costs, reliability, sustainability, and more creating friction. In this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, a front row view of these challenges and potential pathway are shared by industry veteran Tony Sleva, President of Prescient Transmission Systems. With over 50 years of experience, Tony shares insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the utility sector. From embracing renewable energy to wildfire risk reduction, electric vehicle integration, and the importance of physical security, Tony provides a comprehensive perspective on the transformation needed for a sustainable and resilient energy future. Listen in as Tony shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester his practical advice for utilities, urging them to embrace uncertainty, innovate, and adopt best practices from other industries. Tony also delves into the need for utilities to update transmission lines, optimize models for modern challenges, and incorporate innovations. Join the conversation and gain valuable insights into shaping the next-generation electric grid. Thanks to Prescient Transmission Systems – Prescient works with electric utilities to integrate next generation concepts into grid design and operating practices. Prescient’s team provides insights on wildfire risk reduction, electric vehicle integration, energy balancing, system modeling, and physical security. Contact Prescient Transmission Systems today through their Energy Central profile, or online at www.prescientelectric.com. And join Tony for his upcoming webinar discussing Effective Physical Security for Substations, happening Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Register now on the Energy Central Calendar, or on prescientelectric.com/webinars. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-154-imagining-next-generation-energy-grid-tony-sleva-president-prescient Tony Sleva's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/tony-sleva Prescient Transmission Systems on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/prescient Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/ Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

A key part to the modern utility landscape includes Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and their transformative impact on the power industry landscape. As a part of this evolving corner of utilities, the National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO) is driving change within the industry, supporting ESCOs in optimizing energy efficiency, and shaping the future of sustainable practices. In this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, NAESCO Executive Director, Tim Unruh, joins the conversation to highlight the emerging trends that will shape the energy sector in the years to come. Listen in as Tim guides podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester on a deep dive into the world of ESCOs and their pivotal role in optimizing energy consumption and promoting sustainability. With a focus on the ESCO sector's impact on utilities and their customers, the conversation features Tim drawing on his extensive background in power and energy, providing valuable insights into the historical relationship between ESCOs and utilities, the role of NAESCO in supporting the U.S. ESCO industry, and the key opportunities and challenges in the ever-evolving energy landscape. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-153-evolving-utility-landscape-escos-catalysts-change-tim-unruh-executive Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, eyes of the world have been on the resilience of the Ukrainian people in numerous ways. Among those key areas of resilience has come physically with regards to the grid. Reliability and consistency of power delivery is essential for continuing daily life as well as for military operations, so the utility sector has been a critical space to watch. In this compelling episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, the unique challenges and triumphs of the Ukrainian power grid are explored from the first-person perspective, as the podcast welcomes Steve Walsh, Managing Director at Traxys and a former Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. As an experienced leader in the global power industry, Steve's extensive background from military service to roles in power generation, energy distribution, and renewable energy development all provide a nuanced perspective on the critical intersection of energy and national security. As the discussion unfolds, Steve shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester his insights into the state of the Ukrainian power grid under extreme stress, detailing key challenges and the nation's response. The conversation expands to draw lessons for U.S. utility decision-makers on resilience, supply chain impacts, workforce considerations, and the strategic integration of energy technologies in military contexts. With a focus on Steve's diverse experience across global grids, the episode explores universal truths and unique differences in managing and operating energy systems worldwide. This episode is a must-listen for energy professionals seeking valuable insights into the intersection of energy resilience, national security, and lessons learned from the Ukrainian power grid. Key Links: If you're looking for places where you can support the efforts in Ukraine, see here: https://www.helpinghandsua.org/ Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript:https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-152-ukrainian-power-resilience-through-eyes-utility-leader-steve-walsh Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/ Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Forecasting the future of the energy sector, between supply, demand, and technological developments, is a cornerstone of the utility landscape, as such forward-looking exercises seek to inform investments, policies, and more. However, without a crystal ball to pull from, any such forecasts are subject to uncertainty and risks. In this compelling episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, Jeremy Bentham, Co-Chair of Scenarios at the World Energy Council, joins the conversation to delve into the intricate landscape of energy forecasting, exploring the myriad factors that shape expectations for the future energy landscape. As Jeremy Bentham shares with host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester insights as informed by his illustrious career, spanning over 40 years in the global energy sector and his pivotal role at Shell Corporation, listeners will gain a deep understanding of the evolution of energy scenarios and strategies. From embracing decarbonization in the 1980s to navigating radical uncertainty in the ongoing energy transition, Jeremy offers valuable perspectives on how energy leaders can navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing industry. This episode is a must-listen for professionals seeking to grasp the nuances of energy scenarios and the critical shifts needed for a sustainable and resilient energy future. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-151-decoding-future-energy-industry-forecasts-jeremy-bentham-co-chair Jeremy Bentham's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/jeremy-bentham The Dodo Club Newsletter: https://thedodoclub.beehiiv.com/ Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/