Episoder
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In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue speaks to Carol Johnston, VP of Energy, Utilities and Resources at enterprise software company IFS. Johnston unpacks how AI is revolutionising the way utilities operate, the risks associated with delaying digitalisation and how AI will ultimately optimise the relationship between mortals and machines.
Listen to this episode to learn more about:
How technology maturity is facilitating AI's increasing role in the utility business Why we need AI for a successful and swift energy transition How AI is proving to be a game changer in managing the grid and distributed energy resources How to manage the impact AI's energy demand is placing on the grid Where is AI causing the most disruption and providing the most benefit Key use cases of AI in utility operations How to maximise a digitalisation strategy How to prepare the workforce to ensure AI is optimised The safeguards needed to mitigate risks of deploying AI -
In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue gains candid perspectives on the UK's CCUS market from Lorenzo Sani, power and utilities analyst at independent financial think tank Carbon Tracker. Sani shares findings from Carbon Tracker's latest reports which show the technology has shown little evidence of cost improvements and scalability.
In this episode you will learn more about:
Why the UK's CCUS ambitions are not realistic and need to be reconsidered; The importance of policy to set realistic targets and why the UK's new Labour government needs to go back to the drawing board; Where CCUS will have the greatest impact in reaching decarbonisation targets; The challenges presented by upstream emissions for blue hydrogen and gas-CCS; How to ensure the carbon market is fit for purpose. -
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In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue spoke to Jon Salazar, Founder and CEO at Gazelle Wind Power, about why he believes floating wind is the natural next step for offshore wind.
In this episode you will learn more about:
Why floating offshore wind is the next big thing What needs to happen to reduce LCOE of floating wind and Gazelle's innovation roadmap to make that happen How the technology needs to be standardised to create economies of scale The importance of addressing permitting challenges and supply chain constraints What makes Gazelle Power unique and what projects are they involved in How Gazelle Wind Power moved from a concept to a commercially viable technology, as well as how it got its name. -
Radosław (Radek) Gnutek, Director of Hydrogen Projects Development at Polenergia, sheds light on the company's strategic focuses, one of which is green hydrogen. Gnutek highlighted two projects that are making an impact on areas once renowned for coal mining activities. In these regions, energy transition is most visible, with green energy projects having the potential to change the landscape, economy, and culture.
Listen to this episode to learn more about:
Why green hydrogen holds promise for Poland's energy transitionSpecifics about projects H2 Silesia and Nowa Sarzyna CHP PlantThe impact of clean energy projects on Silesia, an industrial hub in PolandThe state of Poland's existing hydrogen economyThe challenges of building a green hydrogen economyTechnologies making the most impact in the country's decarbonisation journeyHow Poland's educated workforce can be used as an assetThis edition of the podcast is part of Enlit on the Road Poland
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In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Joanna Pandera, founder and President of Forum Energii, provides an update on Poland's transition in light of recent leadership changes and the influence of European policy.
In this episode, you will learn more about:
The impact of the energy crisis and government change The current Polish attitude towards green policy An update on the country's coal phase-out Technologies holding promise such as hydrogen and CCS The impact of polarisation on the energy landscape Opportunities and threats to Poland's energy transition Findings from Forum Energii's latest report: Energy Transition in Poland: 2024 EditionThis episode was recorded during Enlit On The Road Poland. You can find more information here.
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In this Energy Transitions podcast episode, Brussels Editor and Host of the EU Energy Projects Podcast, Areti Ntaradimou, talks to Markus Rauramo, the CEO and President of Finnish energy giant Fortum and the Vice-President of Eurelectric, about Europe's road to net zero, policy robustness and the importance of technological neutrality to achieve the ambitious decarbonisation targets.
On a windy day at the Eurelectric Power Summit in Athens, they discussed:
How ambitious EU energy policy provides incentives to energy companies; Why cyber security is increasingly important for the security of supply; How Fortum is planning for increased renewable energy integration onto the network and what role storage would play; What technologies are needed to ensure uninterrupted power to heavy industries; The different nuclear energy technologies that could assist in achieving decarbonisation goals; What the energy sector can learn from the Nordics. -
In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue speaks to Ann Burton, head of global BECCS deployment at Drax, about BECCS and what makes it a viable and sustainable decarbonisation solution. Burton talks about how Drax is progressing with the new energy system's project deployment, as well as the challenges, wins and lessons learned thus far.
In this episode, you will gain insight into:
Why bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is a viable solution despite its bad reputation How BECCS can be sustainable Challenges associated with projects and how to overcome them An update on the 600MW North Yorkshire plant and Drax's expansion plans into US markets The skills needed to make these projects successful Why education and awareness are critical to ensure the growth of the sector How BECCS is developing a robust carbon credits market -
In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue spoke to Inna Braverman, the CEO and co-founder of Eco Wave Power. Braverman details the development of her company and their technology, the challenges and triumphs encountered on the path to commercialisation, and her personal journey from a girl that no one would listen to, to a well-respected industry pioneer.
In this episode, learn about:
The state of wave energy in Europe and across the globe The technology that works and doesn't work, and why Why onshore and near shore are less risky than offshore Lessons learned from pioneering wave energy projects Why an updated regulatory framework is critical to the success of projects -
In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue speaks to Kristian Ruby, Secretary General, Eurelectric and Serge Colle, Global Energy & Resources Industry Market Leader, EY, about what is needed to overcome grid bottlenecks while maximising reliability.
This episode will answer questions about:
The importance of derisking investment through updated policy frameworksIncentives and derisking mechanisms to rightsize grids for 20 years from nowHow TSOs and DSO need to prepare for future challengesAccessing funding for grid expansion without creating a huge bill for the customerThe importance of closing the loop between electrification needs, grid plans and climate targetsUnderstanding the need to build a foundation of knowledge to guide policymakers in future decision makingBoth Kristian Ruby and Serge Colle will be discussing the future of grids at the Eurelectric Power Summit, taking place in Lagonissi, Greece, 22 – 23 May 2024. The summit will address in detail the challenges and opportunities we face to keep the lights on.
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In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pedro Amaral Jorge, President of APREN (Portuguese Renewable Energy Association), explains how being an early adopter of renewable energy set Portugal up for success on its path to energy and economic transformation.
In this episode, we answer these questions:
How is Portugal maximising its renewable energy resources, especially wind and hydro?What policy mechanisms give the country an advantage and help speed up renewables uptake?Why was renewable energy critical to ensuring a positive economic cycle in the country?Does Portugal have the skills and experience needed to achieve net zero goals?What is the future of transition fuels like natural gas?What is APREN's role in Portugal's renewable energy sector and how can renewable energy associations in other countries model their advocacy and policy efforts? -
In this episode of the Energy Transitions Podcast, Danielle Merfeld, Global Chief Technology Officer at Hanwha Qcells, provides insights into these expansion plans, highlighting the success of their Dalton factory, one of the largest manufacturing plants of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.
In 2023, Hanwa Qcells, founded in Germany and headquartered in South Korea invested $2.5 billion in starting a US supply chain.
In this episode, insights will be provided into:
The capital and technical know-how needed to create a complex solar supply chain How Q Cells fosters innovation by centralising production processes Why the US market is a strategic focus for Qcells The importance of partnerships and investing in other suppliers to stimulate growth How the US policy landscape is facilitating growth and participation from European companies Why Europe has lost its first-mover advantage over the US when it comes to solar Why there is still room for innovation and disruption in the mature solar market How effective data management can lead to greater efficiencyMerfeld will be speaking at the World Energy Congress taking place in Rotterdam 22-25 April.
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In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Dr Sama Bilbao y Leon, Director-General of the World Nuclear Association, delves into how the sector is implementing the lessons learned over past decades to become more cost and energy-efficient.
She also explains why she believes nuclear power is critical to providing energy security and resilience in our energy system.
In this episode you will gain insights into:
The nuclear projects coming online around the world, including China, UAE and Bangladesh.Why nuclear power is critical for decarbonising industry, heating and cooling.New reactor technologies and why old-school, big builds are still needed.How innovation, digitalisation and AI are making nuclear power plants more cost-effective and efficient.How the nuclear power sector is embracing circular economy.The Net Zero Nuclear initiative and its role in ushering in the next generation of nuclear power through supporting policy and supply chain growth.What the sector is doing to increase diversity, as well as attract and retain women.This episode is brought to you in partnership with the World Energy Council leading up to the 26th World Energy Congress in Rotterdam, 22-25 April 2024.
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Rotterdam, a Dutch city with one of the biggest ports in the world, is notorious for its polluting industry. In fact, the city's harbour is responsible for 20% of all emissions in the Netherlands and has more work to do than most cities to achieve climate neutrality.
However, there is hope on this emissions-heavy horizon, according to Rotterdam Vice Mayor, Chantal Zeegers.
In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Zeegers, who considers herself a proud 'Rotterdammer', spoke to Pamela Largue about how this city is becoming a trendsetter in terms of implementing net-zero strategies.
Zeegers shares the positive progress being made across Rotterdam industry and society and answers the following questions:
How is Rotterdam balancing industrial growth with achieving energy transition? How is the city ensuring its citizens participate in and profit from the sustainability agenda? What policies are being employed to achieve deep decarbonisation? How is the national government collaborating with industry for green operations? Which clean energy technologies, resources and projects are making the biggest impact in Rotterdam? How are strong "conviction and cooperation" turning this city from an underdog into a trendsetter of energy transition in the Netherlands and Europe?Rotterdam is the host city for the World Energy Congress taking place from 22-25 April 2024. According to Zeegers, the city is well suited to such an event as it showcases innovative solutions to all aspects of the energy transition and the impacts of climate change.
Register to be a part of the conversation
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Addressing the energy trilemma of security, affordability and sustainability, while ensuring a healthy planet and better life for its inhabitants, will require more than good leadership.
It will require great leadership and collaboration, which we have never seen before.
In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Dr Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and CEO of the World Energy Council, maps a divergent, uncomfortable but critical path to great leadership in energy and beyond.
Dr Angela Wilkinson shares her multi-dimensional and people-centred insights by answering the following questions about leadership in energy:
How does the leadership in the energy transition differ from traditional leadership qualities? What are the differences between good leadership and great leadership? Why is it important to recognize emerging leaders who may not be well-known or celebrated in the energy transition space? How can leadership qualities in the public, private, and civic sectors be blended to drive effective energy transitions? What does it mean to have a "communal cookery kitchen" approach to leadership? How can the energy transition be redesigned for people and the planet? How does the people-centric approach to energy transition align with the goal of engaging a wider and more diverse pool of leaders and participants? Why is it important to include future generations in the dialogue and decision-making processes surrounding energy transitions? What role does emotional intelligence play in effective leadership? How can the energy transition movement promote collaboration and diverse perspectives to drive meaningful change?This episode is brought to you in partnership with the World Energy Council leading up to the 26th World Energy Congress in Rotterdam, 22-25 April 2024.
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A just transition to decarbonisation is more than merely an abstract concept. It’s a complex issue based on human rights and if ignored will result in real world consequences for vulnerable people and species.
In fact, many scholars refer to this as a ‘wicked problem’ – a problem that is incredibly difficult to solve because of the very complex and often undefined nature of it.
In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Susie Ho, Director of the Monash Innovation Guarantee, Monash University and Gerry Nagtzaam, Associate Professor at Monash University, unpack what it means to achieve a just transition to decarbonisation.
They elaborate on the different groups that will be most impacted by climate change and the critical importance of agreed definitions to achieve policy cohesion and ensure no one is left behind.
They describe the concept of climate justice and its various forms, with Ho explaining that there are many different forms of justice, such as inter generational justice, something the youth are championing.
“Today’s youth are going to see more severe climate impacts than any generation before and as custodians of the future what is our responsibility to them not only in terms of protecting earths life support systems and their health and wellbeing but also in terms of preparing them to lead through this change.”
Added Nagtzaam: “When we have this debate we often characterise it as we did with sustainable development, as a human problem, but it isn’t. There are myriad other species on the planet that climate change is going to affect as well.”
Both Ho and Nagtzaam also speak to the recent big issue at COPs being loss and damage, with Ho highlighting that while a great deal of funding has been mobilised, “the money that’s been pledged so far is several magnitudes short of where we should be”.
Susie Ho and Gerry Nagtzaam have coauthored a book with Diane Kraal, Katie O'Bryan and Jadranka Petrovic titled: A Just Transition to Decarbonisation: Themes of Loss and Damage, Transport, Nature and Youth. This Palgrave Macmillan title tackles the challenge of a just transition to decarbonisation based around four UN COP themes. -
A minimum of controls and a maximum of simplicity used to be the defining characteristics of wind turbines. However, over the past few decades, turbines have become highly sophisticated and are now the world’s biggest rotating machines.
In this episode of the Energy Transitions Podcast, Pamela Largue speaks to two pioneers of the wind industry. Referred to as the Godfathers of wind, Denmark’s Henrik Stiesdal and Britain’s Andrew Garrad, winners of the 2024 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, describe how turbines have advanced over the years.
From building turbines in their parent’s fields in the 70’s, these two stalwarts have been on the boundary of what is possible, contributing to and witnessing wind turbines become an important contributor to the electricity supply and having a greater impact on the grid. “Gradually, as the turbines got bigger and bigger, they also became more and more complicated…going from something like a tractor in the early 80’s to more like a giant helicopter now,” explained Garrad.
The old turbines were heavier, whereas now they are lighter and smarter with enhanced controls, said Stiesdal. “They did not become more complicated just because engineers like to make them like that…they got more complicated partly because we needed them to change their behaviour,” he added.
Stiesdal and Garrad explain why bigger isn’t always better and why the industry now needs to focus on increasing efficiency and reliability rather than size. They also discuss why floating offshore wind will provide the next quantum leap in wind turbine technology. -
The cleantech investment space is an ever-evolving and complex ecosystem, with increasing pressure to innovate and an increasing need for investment to bring new technology to fruition.
And while there have been some big investments over the past decade, a liquidity crunch, rising interest rates and geopolitical tumult are making the cleantech investment landscape tricky to navigate.
In this episode of the Energy Transitions Podcast, Joseph Jacobelli, managing partner of Bougie Impact Capital and host of The Asia Climate Capital Podcast, delves into identifying and mitigating the risks impacting the cleantech investment space.
Jacobelli unpacks the importance of policy and government support in fostering investor confidence and explains why China continues to dominate the space.
He also answers the question about which technologies are gaining the most attention from investors and why.
"What make investors most comfortable are those technologies with a long track record...and whose levelised cost of energy per unit of electricity produced is falling relatively quickly..."
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Home to one of the most diverse marine energy testing facilities in the world, the Orkney Islands are a picture of natural beauty, as well as green energy innovation.
The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) began testing technology in 2004 and since then, the Centre and the industry have developed in leaps and bounds.
In this episode of the Energy Transitions Podcast, Pamela Largue speaks to Neil Kermode, Managing Director of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), about the origins of tidal and wave energy and how EMEC has played a role in the development of the marine energy sector.
"People realised the best way to try and bring an industry forward is to have a test centre where you can get ideas out of the lab or out of the bathtub and get them to into saltwater..."
In the 20 years that the test centre has been functioning, 35 different types of technology from 22 different developers across 11 countries have graced the waters around Orkney.
The centre has seen a great deal of progress. One of the first milestones saw the world's first floating deepwater offshore wave machine generate power into a national grid. EMEC has also been making hydrogen from power generated by an Orbital Marine turbine and is generating synthetic fuels using air-captured carbon, something that holds great promise for aviation.
Listen to this episode to hear what's next for tidal and wave energy.
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The energy sector is facing multiple challenges that require innovation that goes beyond technology.
From energy security to economic turbulence and a changing energy mix, it has been a bumpy road for the energy industry in the past few years.
In this episode of the Energy Transitions Podcast, Pamela Largue spoke to Claudia Blanco of GE Vernova about the role of policy, technology and specifically leadership in solving these challenges now and for future generations.
During the conversation, that took place at Enlit Europe 2023 in Paris, Blanco speaks passionately about the progress that has been made so far, for example in terms of making gas plants hydrogen-ready.
However, she also addresses the fact that there is a significant skills gap and that she believes that there is a lot to be done to make the industry more attractive.
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Fusion energy has moved from the realm of science to being an energy force with tangible benefits to society.
In this episode of the Energy Transitions Podcast, Pamela Largue speaks to Christopher Mowry, CEO of Type One Energy and Chair of the Fusion Industry Association, about why he believes fusion is finally ready to take its place in the energy mix and why the power source is the ‘vaccine of climate change’.
“It causes me to consider how the world mobilised to develop a vaccine against Covid and when the chips were down, government worked with private sector and academia to produce in one year, something that usually takes a decade.”
Mowry explains that the technology exists, but as with the Covid response, we now need the social mobilisation and acknowledgement to really drive fusion acceptance and deployment.
“Theres no practical way to achieve net zero globally in the energy space without fusion being part of the future energy mix,” stated Mowry.
Despite the technological maturity, Mowry explains there are still policy and supply chain developments needed to make fusion a reality. However, he is optimistic that the first pilot fusion power plant under contract will be finalised by the end of this decade, putting fusion electrons on the power grid by the mid 2030s.
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