Energy Evolution

What California’s launch of an extended day-ahead market means for the western US Jul 01, 2026

Every day, power market participants in the Western US must determine how much electricity they need for the following day and where it’s going to come from. In response, California’s grid operator on May 1 launched its Extended Day-Ahead Market, or EDAM, giving power providers a better way to coordinate to find the cheapest electricity.

So how is it going so far? And what does it mean for grid reliability, emissions, ratepayers and power traders? Joining the podcast to address those questions will be Elliott Mainzer, president and CEO of the California Independent System Operator, and Scott Miller, executive director of the Western Power Trading Forum. They are interviewed by Kassia Micek, a reporter for S&P Global Energy who covers Western power markets, who joins co-host Dan Testa to talk about what’s ahead for the region.

Cameco makes the case for large nuclear reactors Jun 23, 2026

Much of the current discussion about nuclear power focuses on advanced technologies, from the potential for nuclear fusion to the development of various designs for small, modular reactors.

But if we ask what new nuclear reactors have been built recently in North America and are up and running? The answer is the two reactors at the Vogtle plant in Georgia, which use Westinghouse Electric’s AP1000 design.

In this episode, Dan Testa interviews Grant Isaac, president and COO of Cameco Corp., a uranium mining and production company that is co-owner of Westinghouse Electric. Isaac says the global nuclear industry is making significant improvements in cost and execution when it comes to building new projects and refurbishing existing reactors – and that the pieces are lining up in the US for utilities to invest in new, large nuclear reactors using Westinghouse’s AP1000 design.

How the Iran war is challenging and changing Europe’s gas market Jun 16, 2026

After nearly four months, global commodity markets have shown both vulnerability and resilience amid the unprecedented disruptions caused by the Iran war. The European gas market is no exception. In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte examines the paradoxes shaping Europe’s gas outlook.

Gas prices in Europe have surged since the conflict erupted, yet remain far below the panic-driven highs of 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Beneath the surface, however, a new set of risks is emerging: gas storage is filling at its slowest pace in years, and the market’s reliance on LNG has left it increasingly exposed to fresh supply shocks.

Matt Hoisch, senior gas and LNG reporter at Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, speaks with Jack Sharples, senior research fellow on the gas research program at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, about why prices haven’t reached 2022 crisis levels, what current storage figures mean for winter volatility, and how the gas market’s growing interconnectedness is amplifying uncertainty.

How battery storage is transforming the power grid Jun 09, 2026

It’s hard to overstate how fast the battery energy storage industry is growing, and the impact that’s having on the power sector. In 2025, US utilities and independent developers added 17.75 gigawatts of large-scale battery storage capacity, up 52% from 2024. Multiple forecasts suggest another 100 GW or more of large-scale battery capacity will come online in the US through 2030.

To the extent utilities and power producers can meet the electricity demand projected to surge in coming years, batteries are going to be critical to the solution, supporting data centers, electric vehicles, domestic factories and other sources of increased load.

In this episode, Dan Testa digs into these trends with Noah Roberts, executive director of the Energy Storage Coalition, and Mateo Jaramillo, CEO of Form Energy, a company building and deploying long-duration batteries using innovative iron air technology.

Discussing data centers' grid impacts with Amazon Web Services Jun 02, 2026

The growth of data centers, and the amount of electricity expected to be required to meet that demand, is probably the biggest issue in the US power sector.

US grid power supplied to hyperscale, leased and crypto-mining data centers reached about 64.4 gigawatts in 2025, nearly tripling since 2020. And that growth is accelerating.

In this episode, host Dan Testa speaks with Brandon Oyer, head of energy and water for the Americas at Amazon Web Services. Oyer breaks down what he describes as misperceptions regarding the water and power impacts of data centers, the ways in which many people rely on data centers without realizing it and how AWS works with utilities to develop new projects.

Beyond molecules: The rise of environmental commodities May 27, 2026

In this episode, host Eklavya Gupte sits down with Marijn van Diessen, CEO of STX Group, one of the world's leading environmental commodity traders.

The conversation explores Europe's strategic pivot toward domestic energy sources, the explosive growth potential of biomethane as a gas substitute, and the surge in demand for renewable certificates driven by AI data centers — alongside the challenge of creating liquid markets for products that exist only as digital attestations.

Van Diessen explains both the parallels and distinctions between environmental and traditional energy trading. Like oil and gas, environmental commodities require logistics, storage and physical infrastructure. But unlike fossil fuels, they're far more sensitive to regulatory shifts — where a single policy change can trigger volatility as dramatic as any geopolitical shock.

How the war in Iran is accelerating Asia's energy transformation May 19, 2026

In this episode, host Eklavya Gupte explores how the war in the Middle East has exposed Asia's deep reliance on fossil fuels while also accelerating the region's energy transition.

Ruchira Singh, energy transition editor at Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, speaks with Nobuo Tanaka, chair of the steering committee at the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum and former executive director of the International Energy Agency, about the emerging dynamics between petrostates and electrostates, and where Asia stands on the threshold of its energy future.

Echoing the 1970s oil shocks that gave rise to the LNG market, Tanaka believes this crisis will spark another tectonic shift, elevating renewables to the mainstream and fast-track Asia's electrification.

From faster electric vehicle adoption to expanding low-carbon hydrogen trade and strengthened regional collaboration, Asia is poised to respond with a decisive shift toward cleaner, more resilient energy systems, he says.

From crisis to resilience: How renewables are strengthening Europe’s energy security May 12, 2026

The war in the Middle East has put energy security back at the top of Europe's political agenda. For many, it brings back uncomfortable memories of 2022, when Russia's invasion of Ukraine triggered an energy crisis that forced governments to scramble for solutions. But this time, something is different.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Alex Blackburne, senior reporter at S&P Global Energy, who recently sat down with Miguel Stilwell d'Andrade, CEO of Portugal's EDP — one of Europe's largest utilities and a major player in renewable energy.

Stilwell d'Andrade explains why Europe's power system is more resilient now than it was four years ago, driven by the region's massive expansion of wind, solar and storage. But progress hasn't been uniform, and the EDP CEO argues that consistent policy execution, as opposed to new measures, is what Europe needs most to secure its energy independence.

How EU's methane rules could upend global gas trade May 05, 2026

The EU's methane emissions framework has drawn pushback from major gas producers and industry groups, warning that critical implementation details remain undefined even as a key 2027 regulatory deadline looms.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte asks whether Europe's methane regulation will set a new global standard for climate accountability or trigger an energy crisis by impacting long-term contracts and reshaping global gas trade flows.

Desmond Wong, global lead for low-carbon gas pricing at Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, interviews two experts on the legislation's far-reaching implications.

First, Doug Wood, gas committee chair at Energy Traders Europe, explains the commercial realities facing importers: unclear penalties, missing verification standards, and the regulatory gaps that could prevent companies from signing new supply deals.

The conversation then turns to Max Mucenic, senior principal emissions analyst at S&P Global Energy Horizons, who breaks down the technical challenge of measuring methane across complex supply chains and discusses why wide variations could determine which suppliers win or lose access to European markets.

Southern Company CEO Chris Womack on AI, power demand and affordability Apr 28, 2026

Chris Womack is chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company, one of the largest investor-owned, regulated utility holding companies in the US. Its electric and gas subsidiaries serve more than 9 million customers in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi and Tennessee.

In this episode, co-host Dan Testa sits down with Womack to discuss the many issues facing the US power industry, including how utility capital spending impacts affordability, federal loan guarantees, coal-fired power plant extensions, as well as rising power demand forecasts driven by data centers and AI.

Exploring AI applications for energy and the grid Apr 21, 2026

The development of data centers, many of which are to enable the growth and widespread use of powerful AI applications, is one of the key drivers of steeply increasing electricity demand forecasts in the US and around the world.

But while the power industry is working to supply electricity needed by large tech firms, it is also using AI technology to improve its own operations. In this episode, Dan Testa speaks with experts and executives about how utilities, large industrial facilities and energy companies are using AI, and what’s ahead.

Joining this episode are Morgan Scott, vice president of global partnerships and outreach at the Electric Power Research Institute; Honeywell Process Automation President and CEO Jim Masso; and Amit Narayan, co-founder and CEO of GridCARE.

War, sanctions and climate: The forces redefining Russian energy Apr 14, 2026

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally reshaped its energy sector, with oil and gas exports diverted from Europe to Asia while soaring military spending strains the state budget.

The war has stalled Russia's decarbonization plans and reduced investment in cleaner energy projects. But with climate change impacts increasingly visible across Russia's vast territory, the question looms: How will Moscow adapt its energy infrastructure? And what potential exists if the government shifts priorities toward energy adaptation?

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte and Rosemary Griffin, managing editor at Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, examine how geopolitical conflict and climate realities are creating a crossroads moment for one of the world's largest energy producers.

First, Tatiana Mitrova, fellow at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy, explains how the war in Ukraine is affecting Russia's energy strategy and why the country's enormous renewable energy potential remains largely untapped.

The conversation then turns to Eoin Quill, researcher at Climate Analytics, who puts Russia's greenhouse gas emissions in global context, examines its role as a carbon sink, and explores how the rapidly warming Arctic could alter the country's energy infrastructure and export capabilities.

Former Energy Secretary Moniz discusses the Iran war, new technology and power demand Apr 07, 2026

Ernest Moniz was the 13th US secretary of energy, serving from 2013 to January 2017. During his tenure he was part of the team, along with then-Secretary of State John Kerry, that negotiated the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement. Moniz currently serves as founder and CEO of the EFI Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the transition to a low-carbon energy future.

In this episode, Dan Testa speaks with Moniz on the sidelines of the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston, to hear the former secretary’s perspectives on the current war with Iran and the impacts on oil and gas markets, as well as how the conflict could accelerate adoption of other forms of energy. Moniz also weighs in on steeply rising US power demand forecasts, which new energy technologies hold promise and possible “bumps in the road” for the energy transition.

This episode also features information about the Platts Global Power Markets Conference, scheduled for April 13-15 in Las Vegas. Click here to register or learn more about the conference.

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Trump’s 1st year back: Fossil fuels surge, renewables recalculate Jan 13, 2026

One year into his return to the White House, President Donald Trump is exerting a major impact on the US energy landscape. With policy direction shifting rapidly, the administration’s moves on fossil fuels, regulation and geopolitics are already rippling through markets, supply chains and long-term energy transition plans.

In this episode, Dan Testa is joined by Jasmin Melvin, senior editor at S&P Global Energy and head of The Energy Daily, to address whether the US is headed for a renewed fossil-fuel boom, what that means for clean energy, and whether there is still room for a durable, balanced energy strategy in the years ahead.

Jasmin spoke with Maya Weber, senior editor at S&P Global Energy, to break down the most consequential policy shifts so far. The conversation then turns to industry and market impacts, with Dustin Meyer, senior vice president at the American Petroleum Institute, and JC Sandberg, chief policy officer at the American Clean Power Association.

Rooftop solar on edge: navigating the tax credit drop Jan 06, 2026

President Donald Trump's federal budget bill, signed in July 2025, accelerated the end of the Section 25D residential clean energy tax credits in the US, which had been previously set to extend into the mid-2030s. With the sunsetting of the Section 25D tax credit at the end of 2025, the US residential solar sector must once again adapt to dramatic shifts to the tax credit landscape, a phenomenon known as the "solar-coaster."

For this episode, Dan Testa spoke with Platts renewable energy reporter Kirsten Errick, who covers US solar, about what this could mean for US residential solar. Kirsten interviewed Cinthya Peña, a renewables market analyst at S&P Global Energy Horizons, and Maheep Mandloi, director of clean energy equity research at Mizuho Americas, who shed light on how this tax credit cliff could alter the market.

Rising prices, rising capex: what's ahead for the US power sector in 2026 Dec 30, 2025

US power prices are climbing, pushing utilities to the forefront of a national debate over the cost of living. Demand for electricity is growing, and is set to accelerate as tech companies race to build massive data centers to support AI and other technologies. These trends have power providers, regulators and grid operators scrambling to accommodate and prepare.

So what can we see expect to see in the US power and utility sector in 2026? In this episode, Dan Testa speaks with Travis Miller, a senior financial analyst at Morningstar Securities Research, and Sam Huntington, research director on the North American power team for S&P Global Energy CERA, to get their perspectives.

The discussion digs into the factors driving power prices, utility capital expenditure plans topping $1 trillion, the outlook for renewable power and gas plants in key markets, and how AI is drawing a different kind of investor to utility stocks.

The race to rebuild the US power grid in the age of AI Dec 16, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte explores the seismic shift transforming America's electricity landscape as artificial intelligence drives unprecedented power demand after years of flat growth.

The discussion features Benjamin Levitt, associate director of research and analysis for gas power and energy futures, and Christopher Wilfong, director of North America power and renewables consulting, both at S&P Global Energy CERA. They talk about the infrastructure challenges facing the power sector while addressing concerns about grid reliability, impact on electricity prices and the potential for an AI bubble reminiscent of the dot-com era.

Eklavya also speaks with Tom Falcone, CEO of the Large Public Power Council, who reveals how utilities handle gigawatt-scale requests from tech giants and explains the critical challenge of ensuring rapid load growth doesn't compromise affordability for existing customers.

The conversations examine how utilities, caught off guard by the AI boom, are grappling with the stark reality of needing to double grid capacity in some regions within a decade, while navigating supply chain bottlenecks, permitting delays, and the critical question of who pays for this massive infrastructure expansion.

How weather analytics is powering modern energy trading Dec 09, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte explores how energy traders are turning to sophisticated weather analytics for a competitive edge.

From weather derivatives to advanced AI-enhanced weather models, these tools are becoming more sophisticated by the day.

The discussion features insights from two of Munich Re's weather derivatives specialists, Theresa Kammel and Pierre Buisson, who shed light on how the energy industry is increasingly using this market to hedge against weather-related financial risks, especially in the renewables space.

Eklavya also speaks with Sean Kelly, CEO of energy forecasting company Amperon, about how AI is transforming weather analytics and reshaping how traders anticipate electricity demand, renewable generation and power prices.

Breaking down the hydrogen hype Dec 02, 2025

The European hydrogen industry has experienced a turbulent 2025, with project delays and cancellations dominating the headlines. But the data tells a more nuanced story, with large volumes of projects starting construction. In this episode, senior energy transition reporter James Burgess speaks to Christian Stuckmann, Uniper’s head of hydrogen business development, and Shell president for hydrogen Andy Beard to discuss the complexities of the nascent energy transition sector. They examine the challenges facing the industry and explain how they have been able to progress projects despite headwinds from policy delays and demand uncertainty, with the refining industry emerging as a leader in the green hydrogen space.

Nuclear power enjoys growing interest, but can it deliver? Nov 18, 2025

Nuclear power is back in vogue, with shuttered reactors being restarted, existing plants having their operating lives extended and a growing market of new companies racing to build advanced reactor designs. But questions persist about whether the nuclear industry can execute to deliver these generation projects on schedule and on budget in an era of rapidly rising power demand.

In this episode, Dan Testa discusses these trends with Platts reporter Abbie Bennett and Bill Freebairn, Platts associate director of price reporting for nuclear fuels. Also joining the episode are Adam Stein, a nuclear analyst at the Breakthrough Institute, as well as Drew Marsh, CEO of Entergy Corp. and the new chair of the Nuclear Energy Institute.

The AI-driven gas turbine renaissance Nov 11, 2025

The gas turbine industry has staged one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent years, fueled by artificial intelligence's insatiable appetite for power.

In this episode, host Eklavya Gupte sits down with Javier Cavada, president and CEO for EMEA at Mitsubishi Power, to examine how AI's demand for 24/7 power has created multi-year waiting times for new gas turbines.

The conversation explores the far-reaching implications of this boom: tech giants are building dedicated gas-fired plants for data centers, developing nations face turbine shortages, and manufacturers struggle to meet unprecedented demand. Cavada reveals that his company is already discussing projects for 2031-2032, highlighting the unprecedented scale of current demand.

India's race to 500 GW of renewable power by 2030 Nov 04, 2025

India's energy transition story can be vividly seen through the lens of one of its most established utilities, Tata Power, which has shifted from a long-standing reliance on coal to become an integrated renewable energy company aiming for a 70% clean power capacity mix by 2030.

In this episode, S&P Global Commodity Insights editor Ruchira Singh interviews Tata Power CEO and managing director Praveer Sinha on India's ambitious plan to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power capacity by the end of the decade.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Sinha discusses critical infrastructure challenges — from land acquisition hurdles to transmission bottlenecks — and explains how Tata Power plans to deliver 24/7 renewable energy through integrated solar, wind, pumped hydro and battery storage solutions.

Explaining Germany's energy transition 'reality check' Oct 28, 2025

The energy policy of Europe's largest economy, Germany, is the focus of this week's episode.

The coalition government's energy ministry recently published a monitoring report highlighting the need for a reality check on electricity demand forecasts and the implications for renewable energy expansion.

Andreas Franke, editorial lead at S&P Global Commodity Insights, and Henning Gloystein, managing director of energy, climate & resources at Eurasia Group, examine how revised projections could alter Berlin's solar and wind expansion targets, and reshape the country's path to 80% renewable power by 2030.

The conversation delves into the challenges facing German industry amid high energy costs and questions whether the country's 2045 climate targets remain realistic, given its planned reliance on gas-fired power generation.

Franke and Gloystein also discuss how this recalibrated approach signals broader challenges facing the global energy transition, and they debate whether similar "reality checks" may be needed across other European nations.

Transatlantic divide: US and EU chart different energy transition paths Oct 21, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte explores the growing divergence between European and US climate policies nearly a year into Donald Trump's second presidential term.

As the US pivots toward fossil fuel expansion and rolls back clean energy initiatives, Europe is recalibrating its energy transition pace amid mounting concerns about economic competitiveness and affordability.

The discussion features Laurent Ruseckas, executive director of gas, geopolitics and finance, and Coralie Laurencin, director of European gas, power and carbon policy, both at S&P Global Commodity Insights.

They examine Europe's pushback on climate regulations, implementation challenges facing the EU's methane rules and the carbon border adjustment mechanism, and how surging US LNG supplies could strengthen transatlantic energy ties.

How will the EU's new carbon market affect energy costs and inflation? Oct 14, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte examines the rising concerns among EU member states about the upcoming Emissions Trading System 2 (ETS2), set to launch in 2027.

Worries are growing that ETS2 -- encompassing road transport, buildings, and small businesses -- could lead to substantial increases in energy prices, highlighting the complex interplay between ambitious climate objectives and economic realities.

Eklavya also interviews Jason Ying, Commodity Desk Strategist at BNP Paribas, who provides insights into how this new carbon market may influence inflation rates and residential gas prices across the EU.

Links:

EU Emission Allowance Nearest-December EADMP00 Dutch TTF Eur/MWh Month Ahead GTFTM01

What's driving the rush for I-RECs? Oct 07, 2025

While 2025's energy headlines have focused on trade wars and geopolitical turmoil, the market for International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) has seen a dramatic surge in demand, signaling a fundamental shift in corporate sustainability strategies.

In this episode, host Eklavya Gupte sits down with Vittoria Morini, global I-RECs lead at S&P Global, and Fatemeh Zahedi, senior price reporter, to discuss some of the big trends behind the recent expansion of this voluntary market.

The conversation also explores seasonal price dynamics, the growing appetite in emerging economies, and how supply chain issues and 24/7 carbon-free energy matching could define the future of clean energy procurement.

Links:

I-REC Turkey Wind Current Year ATKYE00 I-REC Brazil Hydro Current Year ACERH00

Traders on alert: What lies ahead for European gas this winter? Sep 30, 2025

Winter is coming, and Europe's gas market is bracing for impact. In this episode, host Eklavya Gupte sits down with Matt Hoisch, senior gas and LNG news reporter, and Roudy Dirani, managing editor for European natural gas pricing, to explore what could be a volatile few months as Europe faces its first winter without pipeline Russian gas supplies.

With EU storage levels slightly below recent historical averages, the discussion examines key factors driving supply-demand fundamentals, including geopolitical tensions, new LNG capacity additions, and evolving trade relationships.

Links:

Dutch TTF Eur/MWh Month Ahead GTFTM01 Dutch TTF Eur/MWh Day Ahead GTFTX00 LNG Japan/Korea DES Spot Cargo AAOVQ00 INFOGRAPHIC: LNG and gas markets navigate a world in transition

Path to net-zero gets bumpy for US, European utilities Sep 23, 2025

In this week's episode of Energy Evolution, hosts Taylor Kuykendall and Eklavya Gupte discuss a new series of articles from the S&P Global Commodity Insights newsroom examining how some of the world's largest companies are faring on their path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The hosts interview Commodity Insights senior news reporters Karin Rives and Alex Blackburne about how US and European utilities are adapting their net-zero strategies amid evolving political and economic realities.

Rives sheds light on how some US utilities are increasingly backtracking on their green pledges and adjusting their messaging to align with the Trump administration's "American energy dominance" agenda.

Meanwhile, Blackburne discusses how European utilities are maintaining their emissions targets even as they scale back investment plans due to macroeconomic headwinds.

US coal production is back on the rise Sep 16, 2025

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast, Eklavya Gupte speaks with co-host Taylor Kuykendall, a senior metals and mining reporter at S&P Global Commodity Insights, about the current state of the US coal industry. Although the sector has experienced a significant decline in its share of electricity generation over the past several decades, recent data indicate a resurgence in production compared to last year.

This uptick in coal production coincides with the Trump administration's rollout of several policies and initiatives that favor the coal industry, igniting optimism among coal miners regarding the potential to meet rising electricity demand. However, Taylor cautions that the industry faces several challenges under the current administration, including ongoing trade tensions with key partners. He also highlights long-term forecasts indicating that while coal may see short-term gains, demand could contract again in the coming years due to competitive natural gas prices and the continued expansion of renewable energy sources.

Links: CAPP rail (CSX) OTC CAKM001 PRB 8,800 OTC CTAM001 Low Vol HCC AAWWR00 FOB Baltimore CUATB04

FuelEU Maritime: A new trading opportunity in shipping Sep 09, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, we explore how the EU's FuelEU Maritime regulation is pushing the shipping sector to decarbonize, creating new market dynamics in the world of marine fuels. Under FuelEU Maritime, which took effect from Jan. 1, 2025, ships calling at European ports have a mandate to cut greenhouse gas intensity by 2% this year from 2020 baselines, escalating to 80% by 2050. Host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Chris To, lead specialist in alternative fuels pricing at S&P Global Commodity Insights, about how the maritime industry is adapting to these regulatory changes. To also explains how the policy is spurring innovative compliance trading strategies, including the banking and pooling of surplus credits between compliant and noncompliant vessels.

Unlocking the future potential of hydrogen energy in India Sep 02, 2025

As India tries to position itself as a global hydrogen leader, the World Hydrogen India conference by S&P Global Commodity Insights — scheduled to take place Sept. 25–26 in New Delhi — is set to bring together the nation's decision-makers and industry experts to examine the regulatory frameworks, investment opportunities, and technological innovations shaping India's hydrogen economy. The event will also address the critical challenges and opportunities defining the sector's trajectory. From the National Green Hydrogen Mission's implementation to emerging trade dynamics and project financing strategies, the event is set to provide strategic insights essential for navigating India's evolving hydrogen landscape.

Sambit Mohanty, Asia Energy Editor, discusses some of the key themes with Dave Ernsberger, co-president of S&P Global Commodity Insights, and R. K. Malhotra, president of the Hydrogen Association of India. What are the steps needed to bring transparency to a market that would ultimately drive efficiency and bring down cost over time?

Talking offshore wind: Communication in a polarized world Aug 26, 2025

Seen by hundreds of thousands, Swedish utility Vattenfall’s expletive-laden campaign with Hollywood icon Samuel L Jackson asks the question: Offshore wind farms, yes or no?

On this week’s episode of Energy Evolution, Vattenfall’s head of brand Monica Holmvik Persdotter explains the process behind the campaign and how the utility thinks about public discourse regarding the technology.

Effective communication and local engagement have tangible impact on green-lighting new offshore wind projects, David Bidwell, professor of Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island in the US, told correspondent Camilla Naschert.

Audio clips sourced via European Commission and Vattenfall AB.

Shifting gears: Will states take the wheel on US electric vehicle policy? Aug 19, 2025

In the US, the Trump administration's rollback of federal incentives supporting electric vehicle adoption will put states back in the driver's seat on encouraging the transition to electric vehicles. With states varying wildly in their interest and support in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, what will happen to the deployment of lower-carbon transportation in the country during the current president's term?

Host Taylor Kuykendall discusses the issue with Daniel Weeks, energy transition reporter for S&P Global Commodity Insights; Suzanna Massingue, low-carbon transportation analyst at Commodity Insights; and Alan Collins, director of the division of resource economics and management at West Virginia University. What do the administration's budget bills mean for the trajectory of EVs and how might states react? Tune in to learn more.

One Big Beautiful Bill: Another ride on the solar coaster? Aug 12, 2025

In this episode, Commodity Insights analysts Tiffany Wang and Cinthya Pena explain the implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for US renewables supply chains and project development.

The OBBBA was a sweeping budget reconciliation bill which US President Donald Trump signed on July 4. Cuts to the tax credit regime introduced in the Inflation Reduction Act will effectively curb the bill’s 45Y and 48E clean electricity production and investment tax credits.

Yet, some US companies remain optimistic for long-term success, senior reporter Garrett Hering lays out on the podcast.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Break up or not? Europe's zonal pricing conundrum Aug 05, 2025

In this week’s episode, energy reporters Camilla Naschert and Alex Blackburne explain the ongoing debate around the way in which price zones are divided in Europe’s power markets.

In markets with only one price zone, such as Germany and Britain, widening geographic distances between demand centers and new renewables development are starting to raise questions around grid bottlenecks, redispatch costs and incentives for new renewables.

But there are also political and organizational realities to consider in a potential split, so the answer for regulators and politicians is not straightforward.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Carbon registries key to unlocking Article 6 climate finance Jul 29, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, we delve into the latest developments around Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and explore how various governments and companies are building critical infrastructure for carbon trading and global climate cooperation.

Host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Gurvinder Bains, Director of Business Development of Environmental Solutions at S&P Global Commodity Insights, who highlights the pivotal role of carbon registries in securing financing and scaling project development under Article 6.

We also hear from Hugh Salway, Senior Director of Market Development and Partnerships at Gold Standard, who shares insights on how countries are increasingly viewing carbon credits as national assets and establishing domestic programs.

The discussion addresses the challenges posed by an increasingly fragmented carbon market and the implications for effective global climate action.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Links: Platts CEC $/mtC02e PCECA00Platts Household Devices $/mtCO2e CNHDD00 Unlocking the potential of carbon markets: Designing carbon registries for success (white paper) Register for APPEC Carbon Markets Conference

Hot Grid Summer: Europe's power system under stress Jul 22, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, we explore how heat waves are driving fundamental shifts in European power demand patterns and stress-testing the region's energy infrastructure.

Host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Glenn Rickson, head of short-term European power analysis at S&P Global Commodity Insights, who breaks down the supply and demand pressures that are emerging from warmer temperatures.

Correspondent Camilla Naschert interviews Brian Motherway, head of the office of energy efficiency and inclusive transitions at the International Energy Agency, on Europe's growing appetite for air conditioning and its impact on EU climate and energy efficiency goals.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Links: EEX France Fin Baseload power AAOAM00 Platts UK GTMA Baseload power FUKXY01 Western Europe endures record June heat stress: EU's climate monitor (subscriber content)

The road to commercial nuclear fusion Jul 15, 2025

Nuclear fusion still has a long road ahead before commercial viability, but optimism — and funding — is on the rise. Surging interest in the technology has recently seen $7.1 billion raised across 50 global fusion startups.

Research timelines appear to be accelerating, Steve Piper, director of energy research at S&P Global Commodity Insights, said on the podcast.

Big Tech is well represented in the investor base due to growing energy demand from datacenters.

Francesco Sciortino, CEO of fusion startup Proxima Fusion, said investors are looking to secure a stake in the market now. "Fusion is not something to tiptoe into," he said on the podcast.

How the energy-intensive industry of fertilizers and ammonia could fuel a green future Jul 08, 2025

In this episode, host Eklavya Gupte sits down with Matt Hoisch, senior price reporter at Platts, to explore how the energy-intensive fertilizer industry is navigating extraordinary turbulence, from supply chain shocks to spiralling energy costs, while potentially becoming an enabler of the energy transition itself.

They look at ammonia's pivotal role as both a key ingredient in nitrogen fertilizer production and a potential game-changer for clean energy storage and transport.

Hoisch also discusses how the emerging low-carbon ammonia market could nearly double demand for ammonia by 2050, positioning itself as a viable next-generation fuel.

Links: Ammonia CFR Northwest Europe $/mt AMMOC00Ammonia CFR West Coast India ACWCI00 Granular urea FOB Algeria GLUAD00Ammonia FOB US Gulf AFUSG00

Metals Co. CEO says ocean mining permit coming 'sooner than people expect' Jul 01, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall speaks with Gerard Barron, CEO of The Metals Co. Barron and his company are looking to mine the ocean floor for metals like cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements as demand for the materials surges due to the rise of renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles.

Barron discusses the potential of polymetallic nodules found in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, the technology used to mine the ocean and the environmental implications of mining in such delicate ecosystems. The conversation also touches on recent developments in US policy supporting mineral independence and the challenges ahead as the Metals Co. seeks to transition from exploration to commercial recovery.

How resource protectionism is influencing the energy transition Jun 24, 2025

The global energy transition was already facing headwinds even as trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty escalated. Supply chain disruptions, elevated interest rates, and persistent inflation have created additional hurdles for renewable projects. But could rising resource nationalism paradoxically accelerate the transition by spurring countries to prioritize domestic renewable energy development?

In this episode, host Eklavya Gupte and Commodity Insights journalist James Burgess explore this complex dynamic with two guests who offer different perspectives.

Dan Klein, head of future energy pathways at Commodity Insights, explains how nations are recalibrating their energy strategies to balance security concerns with decarbonization goals in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.
Ben Hoff, Societe Generale’s global head of commodity research, argues that the momentum behind the energy transition is unstoppable, and that protectionist measures could nurture domestic renewables sectors despite short-term disruptions.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Carbon removal technology, markets picking up steam Jun 17, 2025

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast we delve into the emerging field of carbon removal technologies and their role in the fight against climate change.

The discussion highlights various methods, including both technology-based solutions like direct ocean capture and nature-based approaches such as reforestation. Our guests on this week's episode are Jan-Willem Bode, President, Puro.earth, and Steve Oldham, CEO, Captura. Captura is a start-up company focused on capturing carbon dioxide directly from seawater. Puro.Earth is a carbon removal registry focused on removal credits. It created the Puro Standard, which is the world's first carbon standard for engineered carbon removals.

Host Eklavya Gupte asks Oldham and Bode about the economic viability and market dynamics of carbon removal credits and addressing skepticism surrounding their effectiveness and cost. The episode also explores the importance of transparency and quality in the carbon credit market, especially as demand grows from both tech companies and compliance markets.

Buying clean energy in an age of growing electricity demand Jun 10, 2025

Clean energy buyers are facing new challenges and opportunities in the face of a shift in US politics and rising demand for electricity to power energy-hungry data centers.

Rich Powell, CEO of the Clean Energy Buyers Association, joins Energy Evolution to talk about how his organization, representing over $15 trillion in market cap and contracts for 84 gigawatts of new clean energy, is tackling the complexities of changing energy policy, the potential repercussions of tax incentive changes, and the innovative technologies that could shape the future of our energy landscape. Powell also shares his insights on the relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions-free electricity and the importance of permitting reform.

Blackout in Spain: what we know and lessons for the future Jun 03, 2025

A blackout of historic proportions on the Iberian peninsula April 28 has sparked a debate on responsibility and prevention, while the investigation into the causes is ongoing.

One undeniable conclusion is that investments in grids are becoming more important, S&P Global Commodity Insights analysts Kerry Thacker-Smith and Alexandre Mace explain on this episode of Energy Evolution.

Albéric Mongrenier, executive director of think tank European Initiative for Energy Security, argues that grids have become a key frontier in Europe's push for more independence and security.

How tariff tensions are reshaping China's energy landscape May 27, 2025

This episode of Energy Evolution examines the complex trade relationship between the US and China, with a focus on how ongoing tariff measures are reforming Chinese energy markets.

Host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Ivy Yin, energy transition market specialist at S&P Global Commodity Insights, who explains how China is shifting toward a more inward-looking energy strategy by boosting domestic gas production to reduce LNG import dependency. She also talks about how Chinese cleantech manufacturers are refocusing their efforts on the domestic market amid trade uncertainties.

We also interview Commodity Insights principal analyst Eric Yep, who shares his insights on how the trade duel with the US is affecting China's oil and gas imports, highlighting the role of US LNG as a possible bargaining chip in future negotiations.

Adding a legal perspective, Henry Gao, a professor of law at Singapore Management University, discusses China's multifaceted trade diplomacy in an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Restoring trust and integrity for a new era in carbon markets May 20, 2025

In the latest episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Daniel Klier, CEO of South Pole, a key player in the carbon markets.

As the industry grapples with a credibility crisis, Klier shares insights on the various initiatives the voluntary carbon market is undertaking to restore trust and foster a more resilient and robust ecosystem.

He also discusses how South Pole has adapted its strategy to place a greater emphasis on compliance markets and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, alongside a significant overhaul of its senior leadership team.

Klier elaborates on the company's vision for leading the next phase of carbon market evolution and mobilizing substantial investments for climate action.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Financing clean energy in a time of volatility May 13, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, Taylor Kuykendall interviews Jonathan Silver, chair of the Global Climate Council at Apollo Global Management and co-founder of the new advisory firm Multiplier. Silver, who was executive director of the US Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office during the Obama administration, shares insights on the current clean energy financing landscape and discusses his work with sustainability-focused startups.

Silver emphasizes the importance of helping early-stage companies connect with customers and navigate the complexities of capital raising and exit strategies. Silver notes substantial changes in clean energy policies following the recent presidential administration shift, emphasizing that while regulatory environments may fluctuate, the momentum for clean technology is undeniable and irreversible.

Silver also underscores the vital role of federal government support in advancing clean energy technologies, while also addressing the challenges posed by uncertainty in public policy. The discussion concludes with a look at future opportunities in clean energy, including advancements in solar, wind, battery storage, and water technologies, as well as the importance of addressing environmental tipping points.

Critical minerals and renewables: A new era of energy security May 06, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Tim Gould, chief energy economist at the International Energy Agency (IEA). Gould shares his insights on how the expansion of renewables, coupled with geopolitics and evolving economic policies, is reshaping energy security.

Gould explains the need to adapt energy supply security measures as the growth of clean energy leads to new risks, such as those arising from critical minerals and supply chain vulnerabilities.

He also tells us how the IEA is beginning to see some shifts in broader energy investment trends due to a “climate of uncertainty" exacerbated by escalating trade tensions.

This interview was recorded at the Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London, where representatives from over 60 governments and several energy companies convened to collaborate on the key issues facing energy markets.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Navigating climate project finance in a shifting political landscape Apr 29, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall moderates a panel discussion at the Tom Tom Festival in Charlottesville, Virginia, focusing on the question of how to fund solutions to climate change.

The panelists highlighted the current challenges faced by climate tech companies in securing funding, particularly in a volatile political and economic landscape. Their conversation delves into the complexities of measuring climate impact, the importance of transparency in forecasting, and the necessity for businesses to effectively communicate their value propositions to both investors and the public.

The panel features Anne Clawson, principal at Cascade Advisory; Bettina Ring, Virginia state director for the Nature Conservancy; Gilman Callsen, founder and CEO of Rho Impact; and Michael Bobbin, senior director of mergers and acquisitions advisory at DNV. The podcast includes highlights from the lengthier April 17 discussion.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Charting a new course: The global deal that aims to make shipping green Apr 22, 2025

The International Maritime Organization recently agreed to a global deal to tackle shipping emissions after over a year of tense and fraught talks, with the US dramatically exiting discussions.

The agreement includes mandatory marine fuel standards and a carbon trading mechanism. It will need to be adopted in October, but some countries still vocally oppose the measures.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Commodity Insights journalist Max Lin, Edmund Hughes from the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), and Georgios Kasimatis from DNV Maritime to gain insight into the complexities of these regulations and their implications for the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

A dose of realism for Europe’s CBAM Apr 15, 2025

Efforts to simplify the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism reflect a broader struggle within the bloc to balance environmental goals with economic realities.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Commodity Insights senior director Coralie Laurencin, Dan Maleski of Redshaw Advisors, and Nick Ogilvie of CarbonChain, who dig deep into what these proposed changes mean for both the EU’s industrial and climate strategy and the broader global energy transition.

The guests also provide us with insight on how various industries, commodities, governments and policymakers are reacting to the carbon pricing mechanism, which is expected to have a profound impact on global trade.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Will Trump's executive orders increase US mining activities Apr 08, 2025

This episode of Energy Evolution focuses on the recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump to boost domestic mineral production in the US. This order seeks to reduce reliance on foreign mineral supplies, particularly from China, which dominates the mining and refining sectors for critical minerals. Lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are just a few materials essential for energy transition technologies, including batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

For this week's episode, host Taylor Kuykendall is joined by Francesca Price, a senior analyst in the metals and mining research team at S&P Global Commodity Insights; Mark Smith, executive chairman, president, and CEO of NioCorp Developments; Pat Risner, president of South 32 Hermosa; and Athan Manuel, director of the Sierra Club's Lands Protection Program.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Russian gas in Europe: Is there a way back? Apr 01, 2025

Having ramped down imports of Russian gas at the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, the European Union may need to answer industry calls for higher imports if peace or a ceasefire are achieved.

But will politicians be comfortable with this, and what about the damaged Nord Stream pipelines? And how does the US approach the topic, having become a major LNG supplier to Europe in the past few years?

Laurent Ruseckas, executive director for gas at S&P Global Commodity Insights, shares his analysis with host Eklavya Gupte and correspondent Camilla Naschert.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Europe's Clean Industrial Deal: Will it work? Mar 25, 2025

As global competition and trade tensions rise, the EU Commission has pledged to create a supportive business environment for cleantech manufacturing and deployment, including €100 billion in support for manufacturing. But will this be enough to stave off the risk of deindustrialization?

In this episode of Energy Evolution, podcast correspondent Camilla Naschert explains the EU’s latest legislation on competitiveness, the Clean Industrial Deal.

Guest Ben McWilliams, affiliate fellow at think tank Bruegel, lays out the global trade and investment picture on solar, batteries and electric cars and explains why the EU's plan may work.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

CERAWeek: How shifts in the US government are influencing private, public investment Mar 21, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall chats with Ernest Moniz, founder and CEO of the EFI Foundation and the former US Department of Energy Secretary during the Obama administration. We'll also talk to Vast Energy CEO Craig Wood and Plug Power Chief Strategy Officer Sanjay Shrestha.

The discussions, held on the sidelines of the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference, focus on innovations in energy technology, particularly the role the Department of Energy plays in early investment and how it might change under President Donald Trump. Vast Energy and Plug Power are both companies that have partnered with the DOE in the past, and both remain optimistic about the future.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

CERAWeek: Three utility CEOs on energy transition, AI demand and changing US politics Mar 20, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall engages with more industry leaders at CERAWeek, including Maria Pope, CEO of Portland General Electric; John Pettigrew, CEO of National Grid; and Rebecca Kujawa, CEO of NextEra Energy.

The discussion revolves around the rapid growth of datacenters and the evolving energy landscape.

Pope highlights the significant role of semiconductor manufacturing and AI in shaping energy consumption patterns.
Pettigrew discusses National Grid's ambitious $75 billion capital investment plan, focusing on enhancing network reliability and capacity to accommodate increasing energy demands.
Kujawa underscores the importance of renewable energy and storage solutions in meeting new load growth driven not only by AI but also by reshoring manufacturing capabilities in the US.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

CERAWeek: Opportunities and challenges for the US lithium battery supply chain Mar 19, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, co-host Taylor Kuykendall delves into developments in battery technology with Pure Lithium founder and CEO Emilie Bodoin and explores methods for extracting lithium with International Battery Metals CEO Iris Jancik from the sidelines of the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference. The episode also addresses electric vehicle adoption, the impact of changing political climates on incentives, and the need for innovation in the face of a looming natural resource crisis.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

CERAWeek: Navigating the evolving landscape of carbon markets with Trafigura Mar 18, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall sits down with Hannah Hauman, head of carbon trading with multinational commodities company Trafigura, to learn more about the world of carbon markets.

After a brief overview of carbon markets, listeners will learn more about the impacts of geopolitical changes, artificial intelligence and more shaping carbon trading. Hauman emphasized the importance and complexities of carbon accounting and the need to recognize that carbon markets are a vital part of business strategy and not merely a philanthropic endeavor.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

CERAWeek: Takeaways on power, permitting, and policy Mar 17, 2025

As CERAWeek by S&P Global wraps up, Taylor Kuykendall sits down with Commodity Insights co-president Dave Ernsberger, LNG news reporter Corey Paul and power news reporter Kassia Micek to tease out the interesting themes and moments from the conference.

With the AI race front and center at CERAWeek, some of the biggest conversations revolved around powering datacenters, and with a new Trump administration looming large as the backdrop, the spotlight shifted from decarbonization and clean tech in past years to a new emphasis on investment and production, with a constant eye toward energy policy and geopolitics.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

CERAWeek: Why grids are the missing piece in energy-blessed America Mar 14, 2025

Grid planning and capacity optimization in the US have much room for improvement, for instance through new AI capabilities, Arshad Mansoor, president and CEO of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), says on the sidelines of the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference.

Increased flexibility could stave off the potential of rising power bills for general consumers in light of the country's rapid load growth, he tells Energy Evolution host Taylor Kuykendall.

While the US is blessed with abundant gas as well as renewables potential, much remains to be done on the accompanying grid expansion, Hunter Armistead, CEO of Pattern Energy, tells Taylor in this episode from CERAWeek.

Taylor will be hosting additional episodes in addition to Energy Evolution's typical weekly schedule for the duration of CERAWeek, featuring guests attending the conference.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

CERAWeek: Siemens Energy exec sees Trump as a boon for its North American business Mar 13, 2025

“One difficulty may be the wind side,” says Rich Voorberg, president of the North America hub of energy equipment provider Siemens Energy, on the sidelines of the CERAWeek conference in Houston.

Meanwhile, the gas turbine and grids divisions are struggling to keep pace with surging demand, Voorberg tells Energy Evolution host Taylor Kuykendall.

When it comes to the impact of tariffs, Siemens Energy and its competitors sit in the same boat, with limited relative competitive impact, Voorberg notes.

Taylor will be hosting additional episodes in addition to Energy Evolution's typical weekly schedule for the duration of CERAWeek, featuring guests attending the conference.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes now regularly publish on Tuesdays.

CERAWeek: FERC chairman lays out demand challenge facing US grids Mar 12, 2025

As power demand rockets thanks in part to datacenter operators, the US grid needs more dispatchable power, FERC chairman Mark Christie tells Energy Evolution host Taylor Kuykendall on the sidelines of the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston.

Taylor will be hosting additional episodes in addition to Energy Evolution's typical weekly schedule for the next several days, featuring guests attending CERAWeek.

Adapting climate strategies as US sees shift in political support for the energy transition Mar 11, 2025

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall speaks with Mark Brownstein, leader of energy transition efforts at the Environmental Defense Fund about environmental and climate priorities related to the energy transition in 2025.

They discuss the evolving geopolitical landscape impacting energy policies, the role of market forces in advancing clean energy technologies, and private sector adaptation amidst changing political support. The conversation also touches on the need for collaborative efforts in permitting reform and the critical actions required to ensure the continued momentum of the energy transition into 2025 and beyond.

Taylor will be hosting additional episodes in addition to Energy Evolution's typical weekly schedule for the next several days, featuring guests attending CERAWeek by S&P Global in Houston, Texas.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

Previewing CERAWeek: What world energy leaders will talk about in Houston Mar 04, 2025

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast, host Taylor Kuykendall discusses the upcoming CERAWeek conference, scheduled for March 10-14 in Houston. He is joined by Ken Downey, Executive Director of Innovation Agora at CERAWeek, and Naki Mendoza, director of CERAWeek Programs at S&P Global.

Key topics for this year's conference include the changing geopolitical landscape, especially in light of recent elections. Mendoza and Downey said energy leaders will also be focused in on supply chains, AI's role in energy, and the growing importance of metals and mining to the energy transition.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays.

War & emissions: The climate costs of conflict Feb 25, 2025

On Energy Evolution this week, Eklavya Gupte and Rosemary Griffin examine the often-overlooked environmental ramifications of military conflicts as we mark the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Lennard de Klerk, who has studied the climate impact of this war, gives us some insights into how warfare, fuel consumption, forest fires, attacks on energy infrastructure and the estimated costs of rebuilding Ukraine have led to a surge in greenhouse gas emissions.

As concerns around the climate costs of war have intensified, there have been wider calls for military emissions to be calculated and included in international reporting.

We speak to Patrick Bigger, research director at the Climate and Community Institute, and Benjamin Neimark, a senior lecturer at the School of Business and Management at Queen Mary University of London, to learn more about the growing carbon footprint of militaries globally.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays.

How rapidly evolving artificial intelligence technologies are shaping the energy landscape Feb 18, 2025

On this week’s episode, we explore how the rapid evolution of AI technologies such as DeepSeek is reshaping how experts think about the energy landscape and what it means for sustainability and power systems.

Guests on to talk about artificial intelligence and power demand include: Neil Chatterjee, former FERC chairman and current chief government affairs officer at energy tech company Palmetto; Vic Shao, founder and CEO of DC Grid; Jonathan Schroth, a research analyst on the 451 Research Datacenter Infrastructure & Services team at S&P Global Market Intelligence; and Bruno Brunetti, head of S&P Global's Low Carbon Electricity Analytics.

The episode also features a brief chat with Ken Downey, executive director of Innovation Agora at CERAWeek by S&P Global, who offers a preview of the Houston conference coming up on March 10-14.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy and now publishes episodes on Tuesdays.

No transition without transmission? The grid equipment bottleneck explained Feb 11, 2025

On this week’s episode of Energy Evolution, we lay out why grid equipment has become a bottleneck in the deployment of renewables, and why it takes time to ramp up manufacturing.

Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of equipment provider Hitachi Energy, shares industry perspectives on investment trends and the operational realities of scaling up industrial manufacturing of transformers, while S&P Global Commodity Insights analyst Cormac Gilligan explains why demand for grid infrastructure has outpaced supply.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays.

Links:

Register for CERAWeek

What's next in US solar manufacturing Feb 04, 2025

With new tariffs anticipated and a domestic manufacturing sector just ramping up, US solar manufacturers are facing trade headwinds as well as opportunities.

Meanwhile, prices for modules in the US are substantially higher than in China and Europe.

S&P Global Commodity Insights analysts Joe Steveni and Edurne Zoco lay out what to watch in the US solar supply chains and discuss the future of the Inflation Reduction Act and trade restrictions. Price reporter Karen Rivera describes what makes US panels so much more expensive, and Michael Parr of the Ultra Low Carbon Solar Alliance gives an industry perspective on the market dynamics.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays.

Trump makes big moves on energy, climate early in return to presidency Jan 28, 2025

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast, Taylor Kuykendall discusses significant shifts in US energy policy following President Donald Trump's inauguration. On January 20, Trump declared a national energy emergency, aiming to reverse several Biden administration policies that he views as detrimental to domestic energy production. Key proposals include ending what he has called the electric vehicle mandate, increasing oil and gas leasing on federal lands, and streamlining energy infrastructure permitting. Trump also plans to revoke climate-related regulations and halt funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, potentially slowing the growth of renewable energy initiatives.

The episode features insights from three experts: Anna Mosby from S&P Global, Jonathan Elkind from Columbia University and Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power.

Marsh shares his perspective on the green hydrogen industry and the potential implications of an administration change on the recent $1.66 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy for his company. He expresses optimism about the hydrogen sector's future, despite concerns about regulatory changes under the new administration.

Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays.

What's at stake in energy as Germans go to the polls Jan 21, 2025

Ahead of Germany's general election on Feb. 23, Energy Evolution looks at the energy implications for Europe's largest economy.

With the center-right Christian Democrats leading in the polls, correspondent Camilla Naschert lays out the party's energy plans and discusses the main priorities for Germany's energy system with expert guests.

Guests on the episode are Christoph Maurer, managing director at advisory firm Consentec; Daniel Muir, senior power and renewables analyst at S&P Global Commodity Insights; and Christian Schnibbe, communications chief at wind developer WPD.

The episode is hosted by Eklavya Gupte.

Energy Evolution is merging with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays.

What's at stake in energy as Germans go to the polls Jan 21, 2025

Ahead of Germany's general election on Feb. 23, Energy Evolution looks at the energy implications for Europe's largest economy. With the center-right Christian Democrats leading in the polls, correspondent Camilla Naschert lays out the party's energy plans and discusses the main priorities for Germany's energy system with expert guests.

Guests on the episode are Christoph Maurer, managing director at advisory firm Consentec; Daniel Muir, senior power and renewables analyst at S&P Global Commodity Insights; and Christian Schnibbe, communications chief at wind developer WPD. The episode is hosted by Eklavya Gupte.

Energy Evolution is merging with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays.

Looking ahead: Key themes to watch in the energy transition in 2025 Jan 14, 2025

Platts Future Energy is merging with Energy Evolution, and in this inaugural episode of the new series, hosts Taylor Kuykendall and Eklavya Gupte set the stage for 2025, which looks to be another pivotal year for the energy landscape.

We highlight key topics such as advances in renewable technologies, the critical role of hydrogen in decarbonization, and the evolving policies that will shape global energy markets. We delve into the implications of Donald Trump's return to the presidency, including how policy shifts could affect global climate talks and emission regulations. Importantly, these changes are coming against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and the ongoing energy transition. We also preview future episodes on the intersection of energy, technology, policy, and market trends, including the rising influence of artificial intelligence and its environmental implications.

The new Energy Evolution will publish on Tuesdays.

Looking ahead: Key themes to watch in the energy transition in 2025 Jan 14, 2025

Energy Evolution is merging with Platts Future Energy, and in this inaugural episode of the new series, hosts Taylor Kuykendall and Eklavya Gupte set the stage for 2025, which looks to be another pivotal year for the energy landscape.

We highlight key topics such as advances in renewable technologies, the critical role of hydrogen in decarbonization, and the evolving policies that will shape global energy markets. We delve into the implications of Donald Trump's return to the presidency, including how policy shifts could affect global climate talks and emission regulations. Importantly, these changes are coming against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and the ongoing energy transition. We also preview future episodes on the intersection of energy, technology, policy, and market trends, including the rising influence of artificial intelligence and its environmental implications.

The new Energy Evolution will publish on Tuesdays.

What's ahead for nuclear energy in 2025 and beyond? Jan 07, 2025

In this episode of S&P Global Commodity Insights' Energy Evolution, co-host Taylor Kuykendall dives into the future of nuclear energy. With rising global energy demands and an urgent need for sustainable solutions, nuclear power is once again at the forefront of energy discussions.

Listen in to hear about the challenges and opportunities that nuclear energy presents, including advancements in technology and changing public perceptions. Experts also discuss the recent surge in interest from tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, who signed power purchase agreements for over 3 GW of nuclear capacity to meet the energy needs of their data centers.

This week's guests include Mason Lester, a research analyst from S&P Global Commodity Insights, who shares insights on market trends; James Walker, CEO of Nano Nuclear, who is pioneering small modular reactor technology; and Brandon Oyer from Amazon Web Services, discussing how tech companies are integrating nuclear energy into their sustainability strategies.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

Happy New Year! And an exciting update for 2025 Jan 02, 2025

As 2025 kicks off, Energy Evolution and Platts Future Energy are joining forces to bring you the best in energy transition news, analysis, trends, interviews, and our expert insights. Starting January 21, the Platts Future Energy channel will host our merged energy transition podcast, Energy Evolution by Commodity Insights, so follow along there with hosts Taylor Kuykendall and Eklavya Gupte.

Platts Future Energy on Spotify

Platts Future Energy on Apple Podcasts

What to know about Africa's green hydrogen potential Dec 20, 2024

With ample renewable resources, several African markets are tipped as key suppliers of green hydrogen for European industry.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, hydrogen analyst Oghosa Erhahon and clean energy investor Kevin Anderson lay out which regions have the biggest potential, which constraints need to be tackled and how to ensure investments benefit local stakeholders.

Beyond the export potential, markets in Africa may also develop significant local off-take for green hydrogen and its derivatives, the experts tell correspondent Camilla Naschert.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

All Things Aviation: SAF and the sticky issue of feedstocks (pt. 5) Dec 13, 2024

In the latest All Things Aviation episode on the Platts Future Energy Podcast, Sarah Abu Bakar speaks with feedstock analysts Rob Hatchett and Wes Petkau along with biofuel research associate director Ji Yang Lum. The discussion highlights the implications of global biofuel policy uncertainty and the potential impacts that trade tariffs pose on feedstock flows, further complicating an already uncertain and fragmented market. The group takes a regional approach to briefly outline the current layout of key factors influencing SAF policy support.

Links:

Tallow Dlvd Chicago cts/lb ATALA00 UCO Dlvd Houston cts/lb UDSAG00 UCO Dlvd San Francisco cts/lb UDSAF00

How connecting datacenters to new housing could help address two big issues in California Dec 13, 2024

A proposal by Pacific Gas and Electric and real estate developer Westbank aims to connect datacenters and up to 4,000 new residential units in a net zero district energy system in downtown San Jose, California. The project could be a blueprint for tackling AI-driven datacenter demand and the need for housing.

In this episode, Mike Medeiros, PG&E's vice president of South Bay delivery, talks with Dan Testa about the new project's possibilities.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

COP29 in oil and gas nation Azerbaijan – What was achieved? Dec 06, 2024

In this episode, S&P Global Commodity Insights reporter Eklavya Gupte reflects on the outcomes of UN climate conference COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan in conversation with correspondent Camilla Naschert.

What has been achieved and how did the oil and gas nation do as a host?

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

Decoding COP29 – Key outcomes on carbon markets and climate finance Dec 03, 2024

The UN Climate Change Conference took place against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions and political divisions, yet it marked a significant step forward for carbon markets. For the first time in nearly a decade, nations reached a consensus on the rules for international carbon trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

World leaders also set new climate finance targets, with developed countries taking the lead in channeling at least $300 billion a year to developing countries by 2035, but many developing countries left the talks unimpressed.

In this episode, Eklavya Gupte, Roman Kramarchuk, Jonty Rushforth, and Ivy Yin analyse these key developments and explore their implications for climate policy, carbon markets, and the wider energy transition.

Links: Interactive: Platts Carbon Price Explorer

Are the courts an effective tool for climate action? Nov 22, 2024

In this episode of the Energy Evolution Podcast, host Taylor Kuykendall discusses climate litigation with legal experts Hannah Weisman, a professor of law at Penn State University, and Phil Goldberg, special counsel with the Manufacturers Accountability Project.

Weisman argues that litigation is a crucial avenue for accountability in the face of legislative inaction on climate change, while Goldberg contends that courts lack the tools to effectively address broader policy issues and that litigation may divert attention from meaningful legislative solutions. The conversation highlights the differing perspectives on the role of the judiciary in climate action, with Weisman emphasizing the urgency of the crisis and Goldberg cautioning against using the courts as a primary mechanism for policy change.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

What the GOP sweep of the US election means for the energy transition Nov 15, 2024

In the latest episode of Energy Evolution, hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall analyze the energy transition implications of Donald Trump's return to the presidency and the Republican control of Congress.

They discuss potential shifts in energy policy, including anticipated deregulation that may benefit traditional energy sources while slowing the momentum for renewable initiatives. Key topics include the future of the Inflation Reduction Act, the outlook for offshore wind projects, and the evolving landscape for hydrogen and nuclear energy.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

X-energy CEO talks small nuclear reactors, partnership with Amazon Nov 08, 2024

In this episode of the S&P Global Commodity Insights Energy Evolution podcast, host Taylor Kuykendall interviews J. Clay Sell, the CEO of X-energy, a company focused on advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).

X-energy is pioneering a new generation of nuclear technology that promises safer, more economical, and more efficient power generation. The episode follows the announcement of a recent $500 million Series C financing round led by Amazon. The two companies aim to develop over 5 GW of SMR power projects across the U.S. by 2039. The discussion covers the potential of SMRs, the importance of government support and the challenges of deploying this technology.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

All Things Aviation: Navigating jet fuel dynamics in a changing world (part 4) Nov 04, 2024

In this episode of the Platts Future Energy Podcast, Gary Clark hosts downstream oil news managing editor Robert Perkins and head of aviation research James Simpson as they unpack the evolving landscape of jet fuel markets amid significant geopolitical and economic shifts.

From the pandemic's lingering effects on demand to the impact of the Russian-Ukraine conflict and Middle Eastern tensions, supply chains for jet fuel are under scrutiny.

Talking points range from the rise of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and its potential to reshape the future of aviation, to the challenges posed by refinery closures and the need for strategic policy support. Join us for insights into the intricate balance of supply and demand in the aviation sector and what lies ahead for jet fuel markets.

US coal plants are fading, but miners still see a future for the black rock Nov 01, 2024

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall engages with CEOs Jimmy Brock of CONSOL Energy and Randall Atkins of Ramaco Resources to discuss the evolving role of coal in the energy landscape.

Although coal's share of US electricity generation has declined significantly, both executives argue that coal remains vital, particularly in steel production. They explore coal's diversification into new markets, including rare earth elements and advanced carbon products, while also discussing the future of carbon capture technologies.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

Why electric utilities need meteorologists Oct 25, 2024

As more of the world’s power grids are supplied with renewables, accurate weather forecasting has become an increasingly important asset for power utilities.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, correspondent Camilla Naschert speaks to Malte Rieck, meteorologist at Vattenfall, about the key parameters his team is watching, how AI is becoming a sharper tool for forecasting, and how extreme weather events may change the output profile of renewables fleets in the future.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

China’s critical minerals dominance and the implications for the global energy transition Oct 23, 2024

With the world’s renewable energy capacity reaching record levels, attention has shifted to the risks involved in sourcing critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite, essential for sustaining these industries. China’s dominance over global critical minerals supply chains has led the US, EU, and other major consumers to diversify their foreign sources while also developing domestic resources and strengthening recycling capacity.

In this podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights’ Euan Sadden, senior editor for EMEA, is joined by Leah Chen, team lead for battery metals, and Nick Trickett, senior analyst for metals and mining. They examine this dynamic and consider whether China should be recognized as a partner or a competitor by Western economies in the realm of critical minerals and the renewable energy transition.

Price assessments (subscriber content):

BATCA04 Lithium Carbonate DDP China

BATCN00 Recycled Lithium Carbonate DDP China

BATLS00 Lithium Spodumene 5.5% Li2O CIF China

BATSP03 Lithium Spodumene 6% FOB Australia

BATSS00 Lithium Spodumene 0.1% differential

LCCIF00 Lithium Carbonate CIF Europe

BATLA00 Lithium Triangle (LiT) FOB

ANINO00 Low-Grade Nickel Ore

ANIOC00 High-grade Nickel Ore

How the 2024 elections could reshape US domestic energy policy Oct 18, 2024

For this week's episode, Energy Evolution presents an episode of the Platts Commodities Focus podcast, another show in the network of S&P Global Commodity Insights' podcasts.

Political experts say Nov. 5 will likely become known as one of the most pivotal elections in US history. Whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins the presidency, and whether Republicans or Democrats control Congress, the energy sector faces major potential shifts. There will be implications for supply chains, energy infrastructure, and the overall direction of US energy markets.

Jasmin Melvin, senior editor and team lead for The Energy Daily, leads a discussion on what's at stake in the oil, gas, power and metals arenas with Commodity Insights reporters and analysts Zack Hale, Taylor Kuykendall, Starr Spencer and Anna Mosby. They examine the polarizing energy positions from the presidential candidates and how a potentially divided Congress could reshape energy policy.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, routinely featuring the work of Commodity Insights journalists, including regular correspondent Camilla Naschert.

The rise, fall and potential rebirth of solar trailblazer SunPower Oct 11, 2024

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast, the focus is on the rise and fall of California solar pioneer SunPower, as well as its potential for a rebirth following a recent asset sale in its ongoing bankruptcy process.

S&P Global Commodity Insights senior reporter Garrett Hering shares an interview with T.J. Rodgers, the former chairman of SunPower and founding CEO of Cypress Semiconductor, SunPower's former corporate parent. They delve into SunPower's history, its challenges, and the potential impact of its bankruptcy on the broader energy landscape and transition to lower-carbon energy. Rodgers, who has a long history with SunPower, shares his ambition to breathe new life into the company through the acquisition of key assets out of bankruptcy.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, routinely featuring the work of Commodity Insights journalists, including regular correspondent Camilla Naschert.

All Things Aviation: The many pieces of SAF policy and production (part 3) Oct 08, 2024

This is episode 3 of All Things Aviation, a special six-part series focussing on the dynamics, trends and outlooks in the aviation sector.

In this episode, Sophie Byron, global director of biofuels pricing at S&P Global Commodity Insights, and Tom Washington, senior news writer covering biofuels in the EMEA region, are joined by Ina Chirita and Jamie Dorner, Europe and America leads in the biofuels research team.

They take a look at the complexities of the rapidly evolving Sustainable Aviation Fuel market, including feedstocks, policy and distribution. They also discuss some of the headwinds that have beset the SAF market in recent months and how long these could last.

Urban mining: Digging for value in electrification waste Oct 04, 2024

This episode of Energy Evolution features an interview with Corrado De Gasperis, Chairman and CEO of Comstock Inc., who explains the company's shift from a focus on precious metals mining to new business lines as well, including urban mining and recycling materials from end-of-life electrification products and solar panels. Comstock aims to commercialize decarbonization technologies while addressing the growing need for sustainable mineral sources.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, which routinely features regular correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors.

The (flight) path to net zero with sustainable aviation fuel Sep 27, 2024

As airlines look to decarbonize and governments crack down on heavy industry carbon emissions, some in the aviation industry are turning to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

In this episode, correspondents Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert speak with experts from across the SAF industry about what SAF is, how it’s being used, its potential to curb carbon emissions and the biggest challenges and opportunities in its global uptake.

Today’s guests are Andrew Chen, principal for aviation decarbonization at RMI; Dick Benschop, board member and senior fellow at the Mission Possible Partnership; Phil Moore, global head of sustainable aviation fuel at EcoCeres; and Daniel Chereau, head of fuel at the International Air Transport Association.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, which routinely features regular correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors.

How the US government is charging up the American battery industry Sep 20, 2024

The US Department of Energy is on a roll when it comes to backing the US domestic battery industry.

In July, the agency’s Loan Programs Office announced a conditional commitment of up to $1.2 billion for a direct loan to battery separator, extruder, and engineering services company ENTEK to finance a lithium-ion battery separator facility in Indiana.

In June, the DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy, announced it would give $20 million to solid-state battery company ION Storage Systems for the development and commercialization of the company’s solid-state lithium-metal batteries.

In this episode, correspondent Camellia Moors speaks with Chelsea Sexton, director of the DOE’s Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Loan Program; Kim Medford, president for manufacturing at ENTEK; and Ricky Hannah, CEO and board director of ION, about what the federal government’s support means for the industry and US energy transition goals.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, which routinely features regular correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors.

What to watch as hydrogen moves into execution phase Sep 13, 2024

On this week’s episode of Energy Evolution, S&P Global Commodity Insights hydrogen specialists Shankari Srinivasan and Catherine Robinson discuss their research on the current state of the hydrogen industry just a few weeks before World Hydrogen Week, which will take place Sept. 30- Oct. 4 in Copenhagen.

While the mood has been dampened by project cancellations, the industry is now moving from planning to delivery, Srinivasan tells podcast correspondent Camilla Naschert.

Blue hydrogen, made using gas and carbon capture, will play a major role, especially in Asia and the US, leveraging lower cost differentials and existing infrastructure, Robinson says.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

All Things Aviation: CORSIA and the future of carbon markets in aviation (part 2) Sep 06, 2024

This is episode 2 of All Things Aviation, a special six-part series focusing on the dynamics, trends, and outlooks in the aviation sector.

In this episode, Marie-Louise Du Bois, head of the global carbon pricing team is joined by S&P Global Commodity Insights experts Dana Agrotti, low carbon market lead analyst, Agamoni Ghosh, managing editor, global compliance carbon pricing and Eklavya Gupte, editorial lead, carbon news.

They delve into the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), discussing its role in reducing emissions and the challenges surrounding carbon credit availability. They also explore how CORSIA is shaping the aviation industry's approach to sustainability, looking at the big changes ahead for this hybrid carbon market.

A closer look at Utah project converting renewables into hydrogen for later use Sep 06, 2024

Today's episode of Energy Evolution is all about the Advanced Clean Energy Storage project in Delta, Utah. ACES will use electrolysis to convert renewable energy into hydrogen and store it so that the otherwise intermittent resources will be dispatchable on demand from storage in large salt caverns underground. The first project will convert and store up to 100 metric tons per day of hydrogen and is expected to enter commercial-scale operations in mid-2025.

Chevron recently acquired Magnum Development LLC and a majority interest in the project, which is a joint venture with Mitsubishi Power Americas.

Our guests discussing the topic are Austin Knight and Michael Ducker. Knight is the vice president of hydrogen for Chevron New Energies, a division of Chevron USA Inc. Ducker is the President & CEO of MHI Hydrogen Infrastructure, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Power Americas and a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, which routinely features regular correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors.

How an AI-powered robot is speeding up solar installation Aug 30, 2024

This week's episode of Energy Evolution features a conversation with Deise Yumi Asami, the founder of Maximo, an AI-powered robot that automates the heavy lifting for placing and attaching solar modules. The project is being run by AES Corp., a Virginia-based utility and power generation company.

In the episode, Asami explains how the robot uses AI to improve its own performance, how it is changing the way solar is installed and the broader implications of AI and automation in the energy transition.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, which routinely features regular correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors.

All Things Aviation: Post-pandemic economics, geopolitics and infrastructure (part 1) Aug 27, 2024

This is episode 1 of All Things Aviation, a special six-part series focusing on the dynamics, trends and outlooks in the aviation sector.

In the first episode of this Future Energy miniseries, S&P Global Commodity Insights scenarios and aviation experts Roman Kramarchuk, Paul McConnell and James Simpson set the stage, discussing the global state of aviation demand, fuel supply and Commodity Insights scenario outlooks for 2024 and beyond. What is the importance of emissions from the aviation sector in meeting (or not meeting) net-zero targets? How has the coronavirus pandemic impacted the sector? What drives demand for flying? What are the latest trends in aircraft fleets, and what are the policy constructs driving efficiency and alternative low-carbon fuels? Tune in next week for episode two of All Things Aviation, which will focus on the carbon market mechanisms that have been designed and implemented around the globe to constrain aviation emissions.

Adair Turner on Trump 2.0, Chinese solar panels and the hydrogen hype Aug 23, 2024

This week on Energy Evolution we hear from Lord Adair Turner, British businessman and former chairman of the UK Financial Services Authority.

Turner is now heading up the Energy Transitions Commission, an industrial collective. He tells Taylor Kuykendall and Camilla Naschert about the risks he sees for America's climate goals if Donald Trump is re-elected, the challenges of deindustrialization in Europe and why a carbon border is needed.

Turner also argues that concerns over dependence on Chinese cleantech are overblown and that AI datacenters may need regulatory guardrails.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, which routinely features regular correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors.

The business case for solar power in the US energy transition Aug 16, 2024

Solar power is the fastest growing source of electricity in the US. But as adoption of solar and other renewable power generation grows, developers are facing new realities when it comes to financing projects and setting expectations about their returns.

In this episode, guest Sheldon Kimber, founder and CEO of independent power producer Intersect Power, speaks with correspondent Camellia Moors about the business case for solar power development in the US, some of the policies surrounding the industry, and solar power’s role in the US energy transition.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, which routinely features regular correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors.

Exploring the unprecedented growth of global solar PV Aug 13, 2024

Global installed capacity of solar photovoltaics has grown at an extraordinary pace in recent years as countries strive to meet approaching decarbonisation targets, meaning that the technology is having an ever-increasing part in electricity mixes worldwide.

In this episode of the Platts Future Energy Podcast, solar market reporter Lena Dias Martins is joined by associate director for solar research Josefin Berg to discuss the growth of solar globally, installation forecasts and how this technology is impacting decarbonising electricity systems.

What it means to be green: Steel market lacks consensus on what low-carbon looks like Aug 09, 2024

“Green steel” is becoming an increasingly desirable product around the world as more end users establish decarbonization goals and legislation like the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) goes into effect. But with no single definition, steel market participants are having to come up with their own standards as they pursue lower-carbon steelmaking.

In this episode, Laura Varriale, managing editor of the ferrous metals team, EMEA, at S&P Global Commodity Insights and Guido Kerkhoff, management board chairman and CEO of the European unit of German steel service company Klöckner & Co., talk about the state of the European and US green steel markets, challenges and advancements, and how steel trading might be affected by CBAM and the decarbonization drive.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, which routinely features regular correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors.

Direct air capture may sound like science fiction, but investors are taking it seriously Aug 02, 2024

Vacuuming CO2 out of the atmosphere may be possible, but at a cost of nearly $1,000 per metric ton of carbon captured and stored. Nevertheless, direct air capture is attracting serious investment from the US government, oil and gas companies and Microsoft. In this episode of Energy Evolution, hosts Taylor Kuykendall and Dan Testa and reporter Siri Hedreen discuss what the public and private sectors are doing to make this nascent technology a large-scale commercial reality.

First, they hear from the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Sasha Mackler on why direct air capture is a worthy investment, and why now. Next, Heirloom Carbon Technologies’ Max Scholten tells S&P Global Commodity Insights what the company is doing to lower the cost of carbon removal. Scholten also explains how clean electricity is a limiting factor, and how Heirloom’s technology design attempts to solve for the intermittency of wind and solar energy.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, which routinely features regular correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors.

Unintended consequences: When politicians reshape utility regulation Jul 26, 2024

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall and S&P Global Commodity Insights climate and energy reporter Karin Rives discuss the increasing involvement of state lawmakers in electric utility regulations and their impact on the power industry and ratepayers.

Guests on today's show are Lillian Federico, a research director with Commodity Insights, California state Senator Josh Becker and Paul Alvarez with the consulting firm Wired Group.

They highlight how the energy transition and concerns over climate change have prompted lawmakers to shape energy policy, disrupting the traditional relationship between regulators, politicians and ratepayer advocates.

The episode explores various cases where legislators have pushed for utility investments, resulting in unintended consequences and financial burdens for ratepayers. It also examines the challenges of regulatory lag and the uncertainty created by swings in policy.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, which routinely features regular correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors.

Climate tech as economic driver — a chat with former US Commerce Secretary Bill Daley Jul 19, 2024

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast, host Taylor Kuykendall interviews William "Bill" Daley, who was White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama and Commerce Secretary during the administration of President Bill Clinton. Daley joined Taylor to discuss the role of climate technologies in driving economic growth and job creation. Daley explained the work of Crux Climate, a sustainable finance technology company, and how they facilitate the transferability of energy credits. He also emphasized the need for government support and investment in advanced manufacturing and new energy sources. Daley also highlighted the opportunities for economic development in various sectors, including solar, wind, batteries, hydrogen and nuclear energy. Daley also addressed the role of large organizations in the climate technology space and the importance of a balanced approach to energy sources.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Five years later, looking back at the Berkeley gas ban Jul 12, 2024

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall is joined by Tom Dichristopher, senior reporter at S&P Global Commodity Insights, to discuss the movement to ban new gas hookups and require all-electric construction for new buildings.

In 2023, a court struck down a gas ban in Berkeley, California, which was the first of its kind in the nation. The decision came as part of a legal settlement with the California Restaurant Association, and Berkeley will no longer enforce the ban while it goes through the process of repealing it.

The court opinion that led to the settlement is expected to set a precedent for other cities and counties in California and West Coast policymakers to reconsider their own gas bans and building electrification policies. Despite the repeal in Berkeley, many cities in California have implemented their own versions of gas bans, and there is still momentum to transition buildings away from natural gas in several states.

Local areas are exploring options to strengthen building codes and encourage electrification without violating federal energy laws.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Five years later, looking back at the Berkeley gas ban Jul 12, 2024

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall is joined by Tom DiChristopher, senior reporter at S&P Global Commodity Insights, to discuss the movement to ban new gas hookups and require all-electric construction for new buildings.

In 2023, a court struck down a gas ban in Berkeley, California, which was the first of its kind in the nation. The decision came as part of a legal settlement with the California Restaurant Association, and Berkeley will no longer enforce the ban while it goes through the process of repealing it.

The court opinion that led to the settlement is expected to set a precedent for other cities and counties in California and West Coast policymakers to reconsider their own gas bans and building electrification policies. Despite the repeal in Berkeley, many cities in California have implemented their own versions of gas bans, and there is still momentum to transition buildings away from natural gas in several states.

Local areas are exploring options to strengthen building codes and encourage electrification without violating federal energy laws.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

CORRECTION NOTICE: At one point during the podcast, it was mistakenly said that the gas ban was repealed in April 2024. The ban was repealed in 2023.

So you want to buy an EV: Moving past adoption barriers Jul 05, 2024

Electric vehicles are growing in popularity in the US, but purchasing one can come with a host of hurdles to navigate, from tax credits to charger availability.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, correspondent Camellia Moors interviews Bryan Birsic, CEO of Motor, about the challenges faced by EV drivers and headwinds to wider EV adoption. Backed by The AES Corp. and Mitsubishi Corp., Motor provides services designed to help drivers discover, switch to, and stick with EVs.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

As the EU cracks down on 'forever chemicals,' is the energy sector prepared? Jun 28, 2024

Also known as 'forever chemicals', PFAS materials can be found in frying pans and rain coats, but also in hydrogen electrolyzers and batteries.

After a group of countries proposed a ban on PFAS chemicals in the EU in 2023, legislators are expected to restrict their use.

On this episode, correspondent Camilla Naschert hears from scientists Christina Jönsson (Research Institutes of Sweden) and Karsten Pinkwart (Fraunhofer Institut) about how this ban could work and what the energy sector now needs to consider in preparation.

Gerardo Familiar of chemicals giant and PFAS maker Chemours argues that the compounds are crucial for the energy transition and that a blanket ban has to be avoided.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

How are auctions unlocking Europe’s green hydrogen market? Jun 25, 2024

A first wave of subsidy auctions for green hydrogen production in Europe has revealed early price signals and could kick-start the market after a long period of policy and investment delays. The recent European Hydrogen Bank auction results were much lower than expected, but will renewable hydrogen be much cheaper than previously thought, or will consumers have to pay a large premium to secure offtake? Senior energy transition reporter James Burgess discusses these topics and more with senior hydrogen analyst Matthew Hodgkinson, hydrogen analyst Anastasia Pantazopoulou, and pricing specialist Vipul Garg.

Links:Green premium remains for renewable hydrogen after EU's 1.5-GW auction result Platts launches new European Renewable PPA Derived Hydrogen prices Interactive: Platts Ammonia price chart Special report: Atlas of Energy Transition™

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US government stepping into battery metals where private capital is hesitant Jun 21, 2024

In this episode of Energy Evolution, the teams is joined by two special guests: Jigar Shah, the director of the Loan Programs Office of the US Department of Energy, and Jonathan Evans, the President and CEO of Lithium Americas.

The US Department of Energy has shown interest in the metals and mining space, particularly in critical mineral mining and extraction projects. Additionally, the DOE's Loan Programs Office has committed to providing a $2.26 billion loan to Lithium Nevada Corp. for the construction of a lithium carbonate processing plant at Thacker Pass in Nevada.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Unlocking sustainable flight with hydrogen Jun 18, 2024

Hydrogen fuel is gaining traction as a promising solution for decarbonizing the transport sector, particularly in challenging areas like aviation where electrification is limited. US government subsidies for low-carbon hydrogen production and the establishment of the Department of Energy’s seven hydrogen hubs are expected to drive low-carbon hydrogen production at scale. However, the aviation industry awaits regulatory guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration to provide clarity on the potential of hydrogen fuel in decarbonizing commercial flights.

Low-carbon commodities reporter Santiago Canel speaks with with Arnaud Namer, Chief Operating Officer at Universal Hydrogen, and Commodity Insights energy transition news reporter Daniel Weeks to explore the role of hydrogen in aviation and its potential for decarbonization.

Links: Platts Hydrogen Daily (subscriber content) Feature: Logistical woes and high pump prices stall California H2 market development S&P Global Commodity Insights Weekly ET News Highlights

Europe has voted – What does the rightward shift mean for energy? Jun 14, 2024

Right-wing parties have made gains in the EU parliamentary elections this past week, but a coalition of centrists remains likely.

Correspondent Camilla Naschert tells host Taylor Kuykendall what the result means for energy policymaking in the 27-member bloc.

The main message: Net zero is still on, but the pace of climate lawmaking may slow in coming years.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Increasing electric vehicle range with new semiconductor technology Jun 07, 2024

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall interviews Dan Brdar, the CEO of Ideal Power. Ideal Power is developing a bidirectional semiconductor power switch with a wide range of applications, including electric vehicles, renewable energy and datacenters.

The technology enhances energy efficiency and is starting to gain traction in the industry. Ideal Power is partnering with Stellantis, an automotive giant, to develop a custom power module for use in next-generation electric vehicle platforms.

Brdar says his company's technology can increase the range of electric vehicles by 7% to 10%, addressing the issue of range anxiety that is holding back adoption of new EVs. He also talks about the cost of electric vehicles and the need for a charging infrastructure as challenges for wider EV adoption.

Energy Evolution is a podcast dedicated to exploring the latest innovations, trends, and challenges in the energy sector. We bring you expert interviews, insightful discussions, and thought-provoking analysis to help you stay informed and engaged in the rapidly evolving world of energy.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Microreactors promise nuclear power anywhere, deliverable by truck May 31, 2024

Today's episode of Energy Evolution, your podcast for all things energy transition, focuses on small micronuclear reactors and their role in the energy transition. Our guest, Jay Yu, is the founder of Nano Nuclear Energy. Their products include microreactors, which produce one to 20 megawatts of thermal energy that can be used directly as heat or converted to electricity. They are compact, modular, and can be deployed in various locations, including remote areas. They offer a reliable and sustainable source of energy, with reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to something like a diesel generator. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall. Energy Evolution is a podcast dedicated to exploring the latest innovations, trends, and challenges in the energy sector. We bring you expert interviews, insightful discussions, and thought-provoking analysis to help you stay informed and engaged in the rapidly evolving world of energy.

Bridging the gap between conventional energy resources and newer technologies May 24, 2024

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall sits down with Emily Easley, CEO of Novus Energy Advisors. Emily, who hails from the Texas oil and gas fields, now works in the world of renewable energy. During their conversation, Taylor and Emily delve into the topic of bridging the gap between conventional fuels and new energy technologies. They explore the lessons that can be learned from both sides of the energy spectrum and how these insights can be applied to drive innovation and sustainability.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Venture capital arm of mining giant Vale hunting for sustainable mining tech May 17, 2024

In this episode of Energy Evolution, Taylor Kuykendall interviews Bruno Arcadier, head of Vale Ventures, the venture capital arm of international mining giant Vale. Vale Ventures aims to invest in cutting-edge technologies that will revolutionize the mining industry and make it more sustainable. The mining sector plays a critical role in the energy transition because metals like copper, nickel and cobalt are essential components in renewable energy technologies. The challenges in promoting the energy transition in mining include decarbonizing the supply chain, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and addressing waste management. Vale Ventures focuses on four verticals: decarbonization, circular mining, sustainable mining of the future, and energy transition metals. Arcadier said the company takes a portfolio approach to mitigate risks associated with early-stage investments. He also said that Vale Ventures not only provides capital but also offers access to expertise, R&D centers, partnerships and a global network of experts.

Maintaining reliability in the face of an increasingly complex US power grid May 10, 2024

As utilities grapple with how best to expand the US electric grid to improve reliability and support technologies like electric vehicles, they’re turning to a host of technologies like grid storage and AI that can help with planning and managing new demands.

On this week’s episode, co-host Taylor Kuykendall and correspondent Camellia Moors speak with guests Anthony Allard, executive vice president and head of North America at Hitachi Energy, Josh Brumberger, CEO of Utilidata, Robert Piconi, chairman and CEO of Energy Vault, and Paul Doherty, principal communications representative at PG&E.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Why sulfur markets face an upside risk from the energy transition May 08, 2024

Sulfur is a crucial input for the fertilizer market. But, this byproduct of the oil and gas industry is also increasingly in-demand for processing key metals needed for the energy transition, such as copper and nickel.

In this episode of the Platts Future Energy podcast, sulfur and sulfuric acid market reporter Matt Hoisch is joined by sulfur and sulfuric acid Analyst, Yuya Pan, and senior copper analyst, Ruilin Wang, for a deep dive into how a transition to greener energy sources is expected to impact sulfur supply and demand.

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All our non-ferrous coverage (subscriber link)

Space-based solar: Vast promises and major challenges May 03, 2024

Capturing solar energy in space promises 24/7 renewable energy at a competitive cost. But to get space solar to scale, scientists and engineers need to tackle questions around technology management in space, social acceptance of power beaming and ground infrastructure, as well as financing hurdles.

On this week's episode of Energy Evolution, reporter Camilla Naschert discusses all of this with Sanjay Vijendran, who leads the European Space Agency's space solar program, and Martin Soltau, founder and co-CEO of UK startup Space Solar.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

The century-old US law complicating offshore wind goals Apr 26, 2024

A maritime law from 1920 prevents non-US ships from operating in and out of US ports. The problem for offshore wind? There are no large turbine installation ships under US flag yet.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, we hear from industry experts how the Jones Act affects a fledgling offshore wind buildout and how developers found workarounds to get turbines offshore.

Guests are Dominion Energy SVP Mark Mitchell, Ørsted SVP Troy Patton and S&P Global Commodity Insights analyst John Murray. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

How renewables and AI drive cyber threats for utilities Apr 19, 2024

Cyber threats are mounting for utilities' critical infrastructure assets globally. If used by savvy hackers, AI also provides new tools for those trying to disrupt power supply or extract data.

Decentralization of assets through the rollout of renewables is growing the attack vector for malign actors, NERC SVP Manny Cancel tells Energy Evolution correspondent Camilla Naschert.

Cybersecurity expert Andrew Ginter of Waterfall Security lays out the threat landscape and why IT teams and engineers need to layer their prevention approaches.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Navigating the new and old: what lies ahead on India’s energy transition map? Apr 17, 2024

India's energy transition strategy encompasses greater adoption of a wide range of renewable fuels to go with baseload coal for decades to come, with new policies on CCUS, carbon markets and power reforms set to play a role in the decarbonization of the third largest greenhouse gas emitter of the world.

In this Platts Future Energy podcast, Consulting Executive Director, Energy Transition Gauri Jauhar, Managing Editor, Global Compliance Carbon Pricing Agamoni Ghosh, and Associate Director, Research Mohd. Sahil Ali, join Editor – Energy Transition Ruchira Singh, to discuss the journey so far and the likely future landscape of policies, market development and trends post the mid-2024 general elections.

Catching up with Innovators throughout the battery materials supply chain Apr 12, 2024

Wrapping up the series of episodes featuring interviews gathered at CERAWeek by S&P Global, co-host of Energy Evolution Taylor Kuykendall shares bits of conversations with executives from new, innovative companies across different parts of the battery materials supply chain. Guests on this episode are: Gabi Knesel, a senior vice president at Locus Fermentation Solutions; Mahesh Konduru, CEO of Momentum Technologies; Srini Godavarthy, CEO of Li Metal; and John Busbee, the CEO and co-founder of Xerion Advanced Battery Corp.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show.

National Grid, Portland General Electric CEOs share thoughts on the energy transition Apr 05, 2024

Energy Evolution continues to showcase interviews with influential leaders in the energy transition after co-host Taylor Kuykendall returned from CERAWeek 2024 by S&P Global, the company's flagship energy conference.

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast, Maria Pope, President and CEO of Portland General Electric, and John Pettigrew, CEO of National Grid, discuss the future of energy and the challenges facing the industry in the coming years. PGE provides electricity to a service area with a population of about 1.9 million people. National Grid is a large investor-owned utility with operations in the UK and in the northeastern US.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Svante CEOs on the future of carbon capture Apr 03, 2024

Energy Evolution continues to showcase interviews with influential leaders in the energy transition after co-host Taylor Kuykendall returned from CERAWeek 2024 by S&P Global, the company's flagship energy conference.

For this episode, Taylor sat down with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America CEO Takajiro Ishikawa and Svante President and CEO Claude Letourneau about the past and future of carbon capture projects. Carbon capture is a key technology for reducing emissions, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry and transportation. These sectors are responsible for significant global carbon emissions and are difficult to decarbonize using conventional methods. Carbon capture technology offers a promising solution by capturing carbon dioxide emissions before they are released into the atmosphere and storing them safely and securely.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Catching up with the CEO behind the largest clean energy infrastructure project in US history Mar 29, 2024

Energy Evolution continues to showcase interviews with influential leaders in the energy transition as co-host Taylor Kuykendall returns from CERAWeek 2024, by S&P Global, the company's flagship energy conference.

In this episode, we talk with Hunter Armistead, the CEO of Pattern Energy. Pattern Energy is developing SunZia Wind and Transmission to capture energy from the winds of New Mexico to power three million Americans in the western US. Hunter and Taylor talk about the challenges and opportunities of renewable energy, the importance of transmission in meeting demand, and the role of green fuels. They also touch on the difficulties of financing large-scale projects like SunZia, as well as the policy changes that could make it easier to build transmission and allocate costs.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Energy transition insights from a former DOE Secretary and the COP24 President Mar 27, 2024

Energy Evolution continues to showcase interviews with influential leaders in the energy transition as co-host Taylor Kuykendall returns from CERAWeek 2024, by S&P Global, the company's flagship energy conference.

On this episode, we start with a chat with Ernest Moniz, former US energy secretary under the Obama administration, and now president and CEO of the Energy Futures Initiative think tank. Then, we talk to Michał Kurtyka, a fellow with the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center, the first minister of Poland’s Ministry of Climate and the President of COP24 — the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Poland.

In wide-ranging conversations, Energy Evolution talks to the two officials about policy changes, the need to act on climate and rapidly changing energy technologies — from coal to hydrogen to fusion.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Curbing emissions in the oil and gas industry Mar 22, 2024

This week, Energy Evolution reports from CERAWeek, S&P Global's flagship energy conference.

Today’s conversation is with Colin Parfitt, vice president of Midstream at Chevron Corporation.

Parfitt discussed Chevron’s approach to cutting carbon emissions intensity in the oil and gas business amid growing energy demand, the role of liquified natural gas in the energy space, and the pace of energy sector decarbonization with podcast co-host Taylor Kuykendall on the sidelines of the event.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Virtual power plants and the future electric grid Mar 21, 2024

This week, Energy Evolution reports from CERAWeek, S&P Global's flagship energy conference.

Today’s conversation is with Meghan Nutting, executive vice president of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Sunnova Energy.

Virtual power plants (VPPs) can help manage grid demand and support electrification, Nutting told podcast co-host Taylor Kuykendall on the sidelines of the event. She also talked about Sunnova’s Project Hestia, how VPPs may fit in with large conventional power plants, and policy levers to support solar power deployment.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Commodities leave crisis era as demand booms, economist says Mar 20, 2024

This week, Energy Evolution reports from CERAWeek, S&P Global's flagship energy conference.

While the event has become increasingly focused on the energy transition, one commodity trading house says the good times for fossil fuels are far from over.

Demand for oil and gas, as well as key metals such as copper, is set to grow across most global markets, Trafigura chief economist Saad Rahim tells Taylor Kuykendall on the sidelines of the event.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Deconstructing the European carbon market's price slump Mar 19, 2024

The price of emissions in the world’s largest compliance carbon market –the EU’s Emissions Trading System– has fallen sharply so far in 2024, driven by economic uncertainty, weaker industrial activity and lower gas prices. S&P Global Commodity Insights' experts Eklavya Gupte, Coralie Laurencin, Michael Testa and Scott Chen discuss the reasons behind this decline, the outlook for EU ETS prices, and what this slump could mean for short- and long-term climate and energy policy.

Related price assessment EADLP00 - EU Emission Allowance Nearest-December

Read further on our: Specifications Guide Carbon Markets

Carbon news & analysis

Carbon in the Atlas Of Energy Transition

AI is changing the energy system, putting premium on flexibility Mar 19, 2024

This week, Energy Evolution reports from CERAWeek, S&P Global's flagship energy conference.

Our first conversation from the 'Super Bowl of energy' is with Arshad Mansoor, president of the Electric Power Research Institute.

With AI changing the energy landscape at lightning speed, grid flexibility is increasingly indispensable, Mansoor tells podcast co-host Taylor Kuykendall.

Given that, innovation and deployment of small modular reactors and hydrogen cannot come fast enough, Mansoor says.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Previewing 2024 cleantech trends ahead of CERAWeek 2024 Mar 15, 2024

Energy Evolution podcast co-host Taylor Kuykendall interviews researchers behind S&P Global Commodity Insights' Top Ten Cleantech Trends in 2024 for insight into what might be at the front of mind as energy leaders from around the world converge in Houston for CERAWeek 2024.

This show's guests are Cormac Gilligan, an associate director at S&P Global Commodity Insights who focuses on solar and energy storage research, and D'avack Francesco, principal analyst, global power and renewables, climate & sustainability for S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Decarbonizing heavy industry with technology and policy Mar 13, 2024

What industries produce the most greenhouse gas emissions, and how are they changing as the energy transition proceeds? What are the major technological and policy solutions to cutting emissions in the iron and steel, chemicals, and cement and concrete sectors?

Energy Evolution correspondent Camellia Moors spoke with Jeff Rissman, senior director for industry at Energy Innovation, about his new book on industrial emissions and emissions mitigation strategies, Zero-Carbon Industry: Transformative Technologies and Policies to Achieve Sustainable Prosperity.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay up to date on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Building from scrap: Fueling EV batteries with recycled materials Mar 08, 2024

As electric vehicle and clean energy technology demand ramps up, so is interest in sourcing the critical minerals they need from recycled materials.

Energy Evolution correspondent Camellia Moors spoke with guests Ahmad Ghahreman, CEO, president and co-founder of rare earths recycler Cyclic Materials, and Julian Proelss, director of business management battery recycling at chemical company BASF, about how these materials are extracted from old equipment and used in new batteries.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay up to date on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Powering up the US EV battery manufacturing boom in Michigan Mar 01, 2024

Green tech, mining and energy company Fortescue announced in January that it plans to create an advanced manufacturing hub in Detroit, joining a host of companies starting up or expanding EV battery production facilities around the US.

What does Fortescue’s announcement mean for the Michigan EV battery supply chain, and how is the state working to encourage similar projects? How do investments in US EV battery production stack up against those around the world?

Energy Evolution correspondent Camellia Moors spoke with guests Quentin Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund, and Nick Nigro, founder of data-driven research and advisory group Atlas Public Policy.

Tune in to Energy Evolution to stay up to date on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Are cheaper solar panels opening up less sunny markets? Feb 23, 2024

The price of solar photovoltaic modules has declined around 40% in the past year due to high production in China.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, we're exploring whether cheaper panels are unlocking the business case to build utility-scale solar in the Nordic region. With much fewer sun hours and ample wind and hydro, these northern European countries are no solar hubs – but this is starting to change.

Energy Evolution correspondent Camilla Naschert spoke to Warren Campbell and Peter Tornberg of renewables developers Alight and OX2, as well as Justin FitzHugh of investment bank Arctic Securities, bringing a perspective from a region warming to solar energy.

Tune in to Energy Evolution to stay up-to-date on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Crux co-founder on how the transferability of tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act is leveling the energy playing field Feb 16, 2024

On this episode Energy Evolution podcast interviews Alfred Johnson, CEO and co-founder of Crux, about the shift towards clean energy and the tax credits offered by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA is creating hundreds of billions of dollars in tax credits for companies that deploy renewable energy. Transferable tax credits enable companies to sell those credits and access capital quickly. Crux is a platform for developers, tax credit buyers, and financial institutions to transact and manage transferable tax credits. The company’s inaugural market report on the state of clean energy tax credit transactions found that there was between $7 billion and $9 billion in volume of 2023 tax credit transactions. They reported that the transferability of the credits levels the playing field for smaller projects and new technologies.

Please subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show.

Robotic power plant inspectors can boost sustainability by catching problems early Feb 09, 2024

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast by S&P Global Commodity Insights, Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall speak to Troy Demmer, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer for Gecko Robotics, and Gilman Callsen, CEO and Founder of Rho Impact, about the use of robots in power plant inspections for sustainability. These robots can identify potential problems in power plants, allowing for preventive maintenance and reducing the reliance on backup generation sources, thus lowering emissions. Rho Impact has reported that robotic inspections combined with decision-making software could eliminate the equivalent of up to 4.8% of annual emissions in the US.

Please subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show.

How a rural co-op is using artificial intelligence to get the most out of renewables Feb 02, 2024

In the Energy Evolution podcast, Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall interview Jonathan Martell, COO of Mohave Electric Co-Op, and Larsh Johnson, CTO of Stem, to discuss rural power generators using artificial intelligence to help transition to clean energy. The guests discuss the challenges and solutions for increasing the share of renewables in the co-op retail energy mix, and a new solar-plus-storage project recently announced by Mohave.

Please subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show.

At COP28, a pledge to triple nuclear capacity - but can it be done? Jan 26, 2024

At the COP28 climate conference in December, more than 20 countries—including the US, the UK, France and Sweden—signed a declaration committing to a tripling of nuclear capacity by 2050. Correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors spoke with experts across the nuclear energy and uranium mining industries about the declaration. Listen in to hear Antony Froggatt at Chatham House, Kirsty Gogan at TerraPraxis, Timothy Fox at ClearView Energy Partners, and Ross McElroy at Fission Uranium talk about the pledge, what it could mean for a global nuclear power expansion, and how the uranium industry is responding to promises of a nuclear build-out. Tune in to Energy Evolution to stay up-to-date on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

A 'real chance' of tripling renewable energy by 2030, IEA says Jan 19, 2024

The International Energy Agency, a Paris-based intergovernmental organization that analyzes the global energy sector and offers policy recommendations, has announced that renewable energy is expanding faster than at any time in the last three decades, with 507 GW of renewables installed in 2023 alone, almost 50% more than the previous year. Our correspondent Camilla Naschert speaks with Commodity Insights reporter Alex Blackburne about what the report means. Meanwhile, co-host Taylor Kuykendall brings the show a chat with Martin Pochtaruk, the president of North American solar manufacturer Heliene, about the findings of the report and what it is going to take to meet ambitious renewable deployment goals.

Tune in to Energy Evolution to stay up-to-date on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

Digging Space? Startups set sights on the moon, asteroids for resources Jan 12, 2024

The Energy Evolution podcast explores the challenges and changes facing the transition to cleaner energy. One challenge is obtaining the materials necessary for the transition, such as lithium, copper, and rare earth metals. Space mining is a potential solution, with companies investing in research and development to mine asteroids and other celestial bodies for valuable metals and resources like water. The technology for space mining is in its early stages, and there are challenges, such as logistical and ethical considerations. Reporters from the S&P Global Commodity Insights team, Karl Decena, Kip Keen and Eri Silva, also discussed the potential impact of space mining on terrestrial markets and the need for regulatory frameworks for space mining.

Related articles:

Digging Space: Miners to ignite race for outer space ore https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/digging-space-miners-to-ignite-race-for-outer-space-ore-78269052

Digging Space: Asteroid mining unlikely to overwhelm metal markets https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/digging-space-asteroid-mining-unlikely-to-overwhelm-metal-markets-79716462

Digging Space: Galactic gold rush begins with fewer rules than the Wild West https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/digging-space-galactic-gold-rush-begins-with-fewer-rules-than-the-wild-west-79719853

Tune in to Energy Evolution to stay up-to-date on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

What lies ahead for climate policy after COP28 Jan 09, 2024

As the dust settles after COP28, with world leaders finally agreeing to shift energy systems away from fossil fuels, scrutiny of the climate impact of energy policy is set to intensify in 2024.

The thorny issue of finance is likely to dominate the climate debate this year, and with economic and geopolitical uncertainty still dominating the headlines, energy markets are in for a bumpy ride.

In this episode of the Platts Future Energy podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights' experts Anna Mosby, Sara Giordano, Agamoni Ghosh and Eklavya Gupte take a deep dive into some of the key outcomes from COP28 and how they might affect climate policy moving forward.

Further reading: COP28: An in-depth review

Energy Evolution crew previews energy transition themes to watch for in 2024 Dec 29, 2023

In this episode of Energy Evolution, hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall dive into the latest trends in the energy transition and their impact on the energy and mining sectors as we kick off 2024. Joining them are correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors, who share their insights on the rapidly changing landscape of energy production and consumption.

With the world moving towards more sustainable energy sources, the hosts and correspondents discuss how companies in the energy and mining sectors adapt to these changes. They also explore the challenges and opportunities for these industries as they strive to stay ahead of the curve.

Tune in to Energy Evolution to stay up-to-date on the energy transition and its far-reaching implications.

Communication technology and its role in the energy transition Dec 22, 2023

In this episode of Energy Evolution, reporter Taylor Kuykendall interviews Ken Rabedeau, the Chief Technology Officer for Energy, Transportation and Public Sector at Nokia. Ken discusses Nokia's role today in the energy transition and how communication technology is helping industries such as the electricity, oil, gas, and mining sectors, to build more sustainable and cleaner business practices. Ken also shares insights on the concept of Industry 4.0 and how it empowers critical industries to blend the physical and digital, as well as the role of artificial intelligence in the energy transition. The interview also covers cybersecurity, mining, and Nokia's efforts to reduce emissions.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

It's blue-sky thinking for sustainable aviation fuel markets Dec 19, 2023

There's just over a year to go until the EU introduces its sustainable aviation fuel mandate. S&P Global Commodity Insights' Seb Lewis, associate director for biofeedstocks and biofuels consulting, speaks with Stephen Li, associate director for biofuels research and analysis, and Simone Burgin, associate editor for biofuels pricing. The team discusses the current state of the SAF market and HEFA fuels, developments in advanced biofuels and PtL pathways, feedstocks, and the current state and future paths of SAF pricing.

Related prices:

Sustainable Aviation Fuel CIF ARA Premium $/mt (AJNWF00) UCO (RED) FOB ARA $/mt (AUCOA00)

The startups grappling with wind power’s recyclability problem Dec 15, 2023

Wind turbines are widely recyclable – apart from their large rotor blades. As more wind farms get decommissioned, more blades end up in landfill or get burned, making recycling one of the industry’s biggest PR and sustainability challenges.

Developers also pay increasing attention to emissions in the production of steel for towers.

Two start-ups, Germany’s Voodin Blades and Sweden’s Modvion, say they have found solutions – by making the components entirely out of wood. Energy Evolution correspondent Camilla Naschert discusses this with CEOs Tom Siekmann and Otto Lundman.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Tackling the challenge of tracking Scope 2 emissions Dec 08, 2023

Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, or steam. In this episode of Energy Evolution, hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall bring on guest Marek Zhang, vice president of operations and service delivery at CFEX, to discuss the company's decarbonization platform that helps businesses account for and track Scope 2 emissions. Zhang explains the challenges surrounding Scope 2 emissions, such as limited control, complex accounting and reporting processes, and lack of transparency.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

US utility execs share plans for continuing the energy transition amid rising costs Dec 01, 2023

This episode of Energy Evolution is all about utilities' capital plans and how they are adapting to the current economic climate. The episode features Darren Sweeney, a senior reporter in the S&P Global Commodity Insights newsroom, who attended the Edison Electric Institute Financial Conference in Phoenix and interviewed executives from Duke Energy, Exelon, and NiSource about their plans for the future. The executives discussed how they are navigating the energy transition and working to keep costs down for their customers in this high-cost environment, and also shared insights on potential growth opportunities and newer technologies like hydrogen and small modular reactors.

Energy Evolution guests this episode are Shawn Anderson, executive vice president and CFO at NiSource in Indiana; Brian Savoy, executive vice president and CFO at North Carolina-based Duke Energy; and Jeanne Jones, the executive vice president and CFO at Chicago-headquartered Exelon. Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Trash to Treasure: The role of UCO and POME in energy transition Nov 29, 2023

Waste feedstocks in the form of Used Cooking Oil and Palm Oil Mill Effluent have been hitting headlines in the biofuels sphere – touted as the next generation of energy feedstocks. Feedstock flexibility appears to be a dominant trend over the next few years, and legislations across many countries look set to propel demand of waste-based feedstocks.

In this podcast, Asia’s managing editor Takmila Shahid, markets editor Nurul Darni, together with Head of Asia agriculture and metals news team, Rohan Somwanshi, and biofuels analyst Chua Wei Jun, discuss the rising appeal of UCO and POME as the coveted biodiesel feedstocks, recent market trends, trade flows and legislations that drive demand for these feedstocks.

Emerging battery technologies: Alternative long-term energy storage solutions on the rise Nov 22, 2023

The growing use of renewable energy and the phasing out of fossil fuels is creating a large flexibility gap that needs to be filled by clean technologies such as energy storage. Long-term storage technologies are critical to solar and wind power, addressing the challenge of intermittency.

While lithium-ion stands as the incumbent, scaling it for extended durations proves costly. Alternative solutions poised to fill this role will need to demonstrate scalable manufacturing and large-scale deployments to meet soaring demand.

In this special miniseries of the Platts Future Energy podcast, metals engagement lead Jesline Tang and energy storage analyst Susan Taylor join metals markets reporter Euan Sadden to discuss the evolving landscape of alternative long-term storage technologies, their impact on the battery sector, and how they compare to existing lithium-ion battery systems.

For more information, visit https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en

The path to net-zero: An overview of efforts across commodity companies Nov 17, 2023

In this week's episode of Energy Evolution, the hosts discuss a new series of articles out of the S&P Global Commodity Insights' newsroom that examines how some of the largest companies in the world are working to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner. Co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall summarize some of the findings of the team's reporting before interviewing correspondents Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert about their reporting on net-zero efforts in the European power and global metals and mining sectors. The episode also features an interview with Pedro Martins Barata, associate vice president for carbon markets and private sector decarbonization at the Environmental Defense Fund, on the state of industrial decarbonization. He talks about the different major features of decarbonization plans that companies might have and the role of policy in placing pressure on these industries to decarbonize.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

COP28 is a pivotal moment for carbon markets: can countries move forward on Article 6? Nov 15, 2023

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is seen as an essential enabler of international emissions trading, providing countries and businesses with a key pathway to meet and accelerate their climate goals.

However, many key decisions and rules around the use of Article 6.2 and Article 6.4 need to be clarified at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in order to move carbon markets forward.

S&P Global Commodity Insights' experts Dana Agrotti, Vandana Sebastian and Eklavya Gupte explore some of the complexities of Article 6 and its implications for both the compliance and voluntary carbon markets.

Related price assessments: CNHDD00 - Platts Household Devices ANBAA00 - Platts Nature-Based Avoidance CNRED00 - Platts Renewable Energy

Related podcasts: ESG Insider: What to expect from COP28, the UN’s big climate change conference, with president Saugata Saha. Future Energy: Carbon credits seek to regain credibility amid growing scrutiny

Video series: What is the voluntary carbon market?

Further reading: Conversations at COP28 (Vandana Sebastian) UN Article 6.4 body fails to finalize carbon trade text, new meetings planned (Eklavya Gupte) Crunch time for UN carbon body to deliver clarity on Article 6.4 (Eklavya Gupte) COP28 presidency working to drive demand for high-quality carbon credits (Eklavya Gupte) INTERVIEW: COP28 director-general says progress on carbon markets needed to accelerate climate action (Eklavya Gupte)

Fighting climate change with carbon offsets and fossil fuel retirement credits Nov 10, 2023

On this episode of Energy Evolution, we are talking about carbon offset markets and oil and gas retirement credits. What function do these tools serve in the broader decarbonization push, and how exactly are we calculating them anyway? What are the policies needed to make these offsets and credits work appropriately? How useful are these mechanisms in comparison to directly reducing emissions? Listen in to find out!

Today’s speakers include Brad Handler, Program Manager for the Sustainable Finance Lab at the Colorado School of Mines’ Payne Institute for Public Policy, and Brian Prest, an economist and fellow at nonprofit Resources for the Future.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Biodiversity and wind power: Are they at odds, and what are the solutions? Nov 03, 2023

Wind turbines are essential tools for the transition to cleaner energy systems, but as the buildout progresses, questions around their biodiversity impact on land and offshore are becoming louder.

Many new projects face legal challenges over the protection of birds in particular.

In Europe, the energy crisis following the war in Ukraine has led policymakers to reduce the compliance burden for new projects on land. Offshore, biodiversity advocates warn that a vast wind buildout risks the extinction of seabirds and sea animals.

In our 100th episode of Energy Evolution, we hear from Lena Fritsche of wind developer ABO Wind about long delays to new projects due to biodiversity rules, and from Ewout van Galen, director of the North Sea Foundation, which works to protect ecosystems in one of the world’s busiest seas.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes! Read the full article on biodiversity considerations for wind power here:

https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/biodiversity-questions-loom-larger-as-europe-s-wind-fleet-expands-77364736

Power of AI: How artificial intelligence is changing the energy and mining sectors Oct 27, 2023

Energy Evolution and Capitol Crude join forces to co-host today's episode, all about artificial intelligence being deployed in the energy and mining sectors.

This week's guests are some of the journalists from the S&P Global Commodity Insights newsroom who worked together to write an expansive series of articles on the impact of AI. The pieces look at predictions around how much electricity demand AI will generate, the ways AI is improving productivity, resource discovery and trading, and more.

In addition to the co-hosts and regular contributors to Energy Evolution, the podcast features Commodity Insights reporters Jared Anderson and Kip Keen.

Capitol Crude is available on your platform of choice, including Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/capitol-crude-the-us-energy-policy-podcast/id1165562661

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

A selection of stories from the Power of AI series:

Wild predictions of electricity demand from AI put industry on edge https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/power-of-ai-wild-predictions-of-electricity-demand-from-ai-put-industry-on-edge-77859037
Surging datacenter load has Dominion bracing for AI's added demand https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/power-of-ai-surging-datacenter-load-has-dominion-bracing-for-ai-s-added-demand-77792886
AI's big promises start to deliver for miners adopting new tech https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/power-of-ai-ai-s-big-promises-start-to-deliver-for-miners-adopting-new-tech-77649571
Methane satellites proliferate, relying on AI to handle data deluge https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/power-of-ai-methane-satellites-proliferate-relying-on-ai-to-handle-data-deluge-77766461
While automation steams ahead, commodity traders eye AI cautiously https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/power-of-ai-while-automation-steams-ahead-commodity-traders-eye-ai-cautiously-77685642

The hockey Hall-of-Famer installing geothermal systems in New York Oct 20, 2023

Former New York Rangers goaltender Mike Richter has a long list of achievements on the ice, from winning a Stanley Cup to an Olympic silver medal. But in this episode of Energy Evolution, he joins to discuss his post-hockey career and current role as president of Brightcore Energy, which provides energy efficiency retrofits for the commercial sector, including innovative geothermal heating and cooling systems for buildings in dense, urban environments.

Richter also shares thoughts on lessons from hockey he brings to cleantech, and the impact of climate change on winter sports.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Why there are so few women at the top of energy companies and why it matters Oct 13, 2023

In this episode of Energy Evolution, the team talks about gender diversity in the boardrooms of energy companies. Thought gender parity was already in reach? Well, think again. Women hold less than 20% of c-suite leadership positions in utilities in the US and Europe, a data analysis by S&P Global showed. Abbie Bennett and Camilla Naschert, reporters covering the energy transition, discuss some of the key barriers to career progression and ways companies can improve gender diversity. We also hear from Meade Harris, the CEO of women energy leaders network Hawthorn Club, who shares stories from women energy executives and suggestions for men looking to support female colleagues in their careers.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

National Grid Ventures' US Northeast President on the future of US offshore wind and more Oct 06, 2023

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast by S&P Global Commodity Insights, co-host Dan Testa interviews Will Hazelip, president of National Grid Ventures, U.S. Northeast, about the company's involvement in offshore wind along the U.S. Atlantic Coast, renewable projects in the Midwest, and electric transmission projects in Europe. Hazelip emphasizes the need for offshore wind to meet decarbonization goals in the U.S. Northeast and in Europe, and discusses the challenges faced by offshore wind developers due to macroeconomic factors such as rising interest rates, inflation, and struggling supply chains. The episode also touches on National Grid Ventures' business in subsea electricity interconnectors between Britain and its neighbors, and opportunities for competitive electric transmission lines in the U.S.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Emerging battery technologies: Will sodium-ion batteries be a low-cost game changer? Oct 03, 2023

In this series of podcasts, we explore and compare different battery chemistries against the dominant lithium-ion battery sector. Sodium-ion batteries have emerged as a strong competitor to lithium-ion batteries, particularly in the energy storage sector. Some have even hailed it as a game-changer in the entry-level or low-cost EV segment, and that it could threaten the long-standing dominance of lithium-ion batteries in the EV sector. In this episode, battery metals experts Euan Sadden, Leah Chen and Henrique Ribeiro explore the technical differences between sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries, the pros and cons of sodium-ion batteries, and whether it ultimately plays a competitive or complementary role to lithium-ion batteries.

Further reading Lithium price rally opens door for sodium-ion batteries Lithium demand destruction looms as project delays, cost pressures mount

Improving nickel sustainability for electric vehicle batteries Sep 29, 2023

On this episode of Energy Evolution, our guests discuss sustainability and reporting standards for nickel mining, an industry key to supporting electric vehicle battery production.

Today’s guests include Alessandra Carreon, a member of the Michigan Public Service Commission; Ro Dhawan, CEO of the International Council on Mining and Metals; and Chris Showalter, CEO of Lifezone Metals.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

How compressed air can make it easier to close coal, natural gas plants Sep 27, 2023

In this episode of Energy Evolution, co-host Taylor Kuykendall interviews Curtis VanWalleghem, CEO of Hydrostor. VanWalleghem talks about his company's compressed air technology and the importance of using long-duration energy storage in the transition to clean energy.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

American steelmakers lead in clean production amid global decarbonization efforts Sep 26, 2023

Against the backdrop of Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and a self-imposed deadline for a US Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminum, American steelmakers are stepping up investments in clean energy and working to ensure efforts to produce lower-emissions steel are recognized on the global stage. So how will policymakers view their initiatives, and will end-users be willing to pay more for material with a reduced-CO2 profile?

S&P Global Commodity Insights' Christopher Davis, regional pricing director for metals in the Americas, talks with head of Americas metals news Justine Coyne and low-carbon electricity analyst Danylo Babkov about these topics and more.

Related prices: Platts European HR Carbon-Accounted Steel Premium Eur/mt (EHRSA00) Platts Northwest Europe HRC Carbon-Accounted Steel Price Eur/mt (EHRSC00) Platts Ni-Co black mass DDP US $/mt (NBNED00)

How does the Biden administration plan to fix permitting? Sep 22, 2023

In this episode of Energy Evolution, co-host Taylor Kuykendall interviews Eric Beightel, the executive director of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. The council was established in 2015 to improve the transparency and predictability of the federal environment review and authorization process for certain critical infrastructure projects.

Beightel discusses the challenges of permitting reform and the need for more resources, staff, and funding for agencies charged with the permitting process. He also emphasized the importance of early stakeholder engagement and community outreach to reduce the risk of litigation and improve the efficiency of the permitting process.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Carbon credits seek to regain credibility amid growing scrutiny Sep 19, 2023

Voluntary carbon markets are facing a critical moment in their short history. Questions about the integrity and effectiveness of many carbon projects have led to a sharp fall in prices and liquidity. However, a series of quality and transparency initiatives are being adopted to restore confidence in offsets.

S&P Global Commodity Insights' experts Eklavya Gupte, Dana Agrotti and Silvia Favasuli discuss the road to recovery for the VCM as it seeks to rebuild credibility and trust.

Related price assessments:

Hear more on the latest developments in the carbon markets by attending the Global Carbon Markets Conference taking place on November 6-9, 2023 in Paris.

And you can watch our latest videos explaining what determines the price of a carbon credit and the pricing structure in the VCM.

Artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency guzzle electricity, but can they also support the grid? Sep 15, 2023

As it gets harder for bitcoin miners to access power, some say mining is a balancing opportunity for the grid. We speak to mining startup founder Andrew Webber about his vision for data centers in grid flexibility and look ahead at the scaling of AI computing. Could data centers using AI algorithms become flexibility assets, and if so, which use cases could be suitable? On that, we hear from S&P Global tech analyst Jonathan Schroth and professor Ben Lee of the University of Pennsylvania.

Unpacking Big Oil’s risky bet on German offshore wind Sep 12, 2023

The hefty premiums paid by BP and TotalEnergies in Germany’s latest offshore wind auction reflect the value these companies place on diversification – but do the economics stack up? Competition for offshore concessions has been fierce, but the sector is also under extreme cost pressure from stressed supply chains and rising inflation. S&P Global Commodity Insights’ news editors Henry Edwardes-Evans, Andreas Franke and Alex Blackburne discuss these issues with S&P Global analyst director colleague Coralie Laurencin.

Explore our interactive Renewable Energy Price calculator

Related price assessment: WDETF00 - German Offshore Wind Renewable Capture Price

Supporting community efficiency with the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Sep 08, 2023

In this episode of Energy Evolution, guest Jahi Wise, senior adviser to the administrator and acting director of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund at the EPA, joins us to talk about a $27 billion grant program under the Inflation Reduction Act and efforts to use the funding to support the National Clean Investment Fund and efficiency improvements across the country, especially in disadvantaged communities.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Mining the magnet minerals key to decarbonization Sep 01, 2023

In this episode of Energy Evolution, guest Tom Schneberger, CEO of USA Rare Earth, joins us to talk about rare earths supply chains and the production of rare earth magnets key to energy transition technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Renewable natural gas is headed for the moon Aug 29, 2023

Renewable Natural Gas – also known as RNG or biomethane — has gained attention in recent years as a lower-carbon replacement for conventional fossil natural gas. Rising demand for RNG has helped push prices for the associated environmental attributes up to anywhere from five to forty times the price of physical natural gas. As the market has grown, so has the need for transparent pricing. In response, S&P Global Commodity Insights launched first-of-kind pricing for landfill gas RNG for the California and outside-of-California markets in May.

What supports those premiums for RNG and how does S&P Global see demand for this low-carbon gas alternative developing in the future? Kelsey Hallahan, team lead for low carbon commodities, discusses with low carbon pricing analyst Hope Raymond, senior biofuels analyst Jamie Dorner, and senior director for the S&P Global Hydrogen and Renewable Gas Forum Alex Klaessig.

Inflation Reduction Act: A Pragmatist's Guide

Prices in this episode: North America Renewable Natural Gas Premium (California) - AEWAA00 EU Biomass Guarantees of Origin (GO) Current Yr Eur/MWh -- EBGY200 Low Carbon Fuel Standard Carbon Credits Front Quarter -- AAXYA00

Energy transition drives a jobs and manufacturing boom in the US Aug 25, 2023

On this episode of Energy Evolution, our guests discuss the recent boom in jobs and manufacturing in the renewable energy sector in the United States. The one-year-old Inflation Reduction Act drives much of this growth, which is leading to significant cost savings projected for wind and solar developers using U.S.-made components.

Today's guests include Matthew Rand, managing director, research and analytics, at Link Logistics, and Ben Beachy, manufacturing and industrial policy vice president, at the BlueGreen Alliance, a coalition of labor and environmental organizations.

CORRECTION: A previous version of these notes misidentified Matthew Rand's current job title. The episode misidentifies Rand's title at the time of the interview. Matthew Rand is the managing director, research and analytics, at Link Logistics. The episode also mentions that Link "estimates that renewable energy companies currently drive 5-10% of its leasing volumes." This figure represents specific markets rather than the company's national portfolio, in which Rand said it represents "2.3% to 3% of leasing activity."

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Brewing up sustainability: Decarbonizing beer and other industries reliant on steam Aug 18, 2023

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast by S&P Global Commodity Insights, we discuss decarbonizing New Belgium's beer brewing operations. In addition to speaking with Andy Collins, the utilities and carbon neutral engineer at New Belgium, podcast host Taylor Kuykendall interviews Addison Stark, the CEO of AtmosZero. Backed by the U.S. Department of Energy, AtmosZero recently introduced a carbon-neutral electrified boiler that decarbonizes process steam used in various industrial applications across multiple industries.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Decarbonization efforts in India: how ready is the steel industry? Aug 16, 2023

India has an ambitious target to double the steel production capacity by 2030 from current levels. While the steel industry gears up for this expansion, concerns of higher carbon emissions loom large amid India lacking a distinct roadmap for decarbonization and its carbon neutrality target set as far ahead as 2070. At the same time, Europe is gearing up to implement the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is expected to affect the sources and prices of steel imports.

How is Indian steel industry going to be impacted by CBAM and how is India faring in its decarbonization journey? S&P Global Commodity Insights Senior Editor covering the Asia ferrous metals market, Rituparna Nath spoke with Rohan Somwanshi, Managing Editor for Asia Metals News, Agamoni Ghosh, Managing Editor of the Global Compliance Carbon markets and Paul Bartholomew, Senior Metals Analyst to discuss.

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

More listening options:

Possibilities for generative AI to transform energy sector 'nearly endless' Aug 11, 2023

Artificial intelligence has captured the interest of the world in recent months, particularly as advances in generative AI continue to push the envelope. In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast, Hussein Shel, director, chief technologist for energy and utilities at Amazon Web Services, discusses the $100 million Generative AI Innovation Center launched by AWS. The program aims to help enterprises develop and experiment with generative AI. Energy Evolution co-host Taylor Kuykendall asked Shel about using artificial intelligence to optimize energy production.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

How renewables supported the Texas grid through intense heat Aug 04, 2023

In this Energy Evolution episode, we talk about how renewable energy resources played a critical role in supporting Texas' electricity grid during a recent heat wave. Our guests discuss the importance of a mix of renewable energy sources, battery storage, and reforms that will support developers and make it easier to develop renewable energy projects. Our hosts are joined by Katya Ghosh, a business strategist at Kayrros, who used satellite imagery to forecast and monitor the progress of solar capacity additions in Texas. They also talk to Michael Lee, the CEO of Octopus Energy, and Devrim Celal, the CEO of KrakenFlex, about the importance of demand response programs, which incentivize customers to reduce their energy consumption during periods of high demand and high energy prices.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Finding the metals critical to an energy transition Aug 03, 2023

In this episode of Energy Evolution, we discuss where we will find the metals and minerals necessary for the energy transition. Our guest is Kwasi Ampofo, head of metals and mining at Bloomberg NEF and the lead author of the company's recent Energy Transition Metal Production Scores report.

The report ranks the readiness of global economies to boost the production of minerals such as as lithium, copper, graphite and more. Kwasi explains the report ranks the readiness of 10 countries to boost critical mineral supply based on factors such as sector strategy, political stability, talent, and environmental and social frameworks.

BNEF placed Australia, Canada and China on the top of this year’s ranking.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

How is Europe’s steel industry rising to the challenge of energy transition Aug 01, 2023

The European steel industry is at the forefront of developing a market for lower CO2 emission steel. New production processes are being implemented, new products are being offered, but the green steel market is lacking standardization at the same time. Standardization of carbon-accounted products is one of many items on the European Commission’s energy transition to-do list. The next action item is going to be the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is expected to affect the sources and prices of steel imports.

What do we know about the CBAM and how is Europe’s steel industry navigating the uncharted waters of green steel trading? S&P Global Commodity Insights Managing Editor Ferrous Metals EMEA Laura Varriale spoke with Senior Editor Flat Steel Europe Maria Tanatar and Head of Future Energy Outlooks Roman Kramarchuk.

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Supporting rooftop solar power for rentals and apartments Jul 28, 2023

Residential rooftop solar is booming in popularity as policy incentives, driven by decarbonization goals, encourage homeowners to install panels of their own. But for those who rent their home or live in multifamily dwellings like apartment buildings, installing solar panels and accessing their financial benefits may be more complicated. In this episode, Mel Bergsneider, executive account manager at Allume Energy, and Jan Osenberg, policy adviser at SolarPower Europe, join Energy Evolution to talk about some of the challenges and solutions to expanding solar access in rentals and apartment buildings in the US, Europe, and elsewhere.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Grid operator PJM navigates surge in renewables and rapid fossil retirements in the US Jul 21, 2023

The PJM Interconnection, the nation's largest electricity grid operator, is working to alleviate a logjam of renewable projects waiting to be connected to its system, while also warning in a recent analysis that thermal generation retirements could outpace these new intermittent resource replacements. Darren Sweeney, a senior reporter at S&P Global Commodity Insights, joined Energy Evolution for this episode to share interviews with James Wilson, an economist who has critiqued PJM's energy transition analysis, along with Sierra Club senior attorney Casey Roberts and Todd Snitchler, president and CEO of the Electric Power Supply Association.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Battery metals wanted: The US' race to decarbonize (part 2) Jul 18, 2023

Amid global efforts to decarbonize, US President Joe Biden's administration has set an ambitious goal to have 50% of all new vehicle sales in the US be electric by the end of this decade. However, making this shift will be heavily reliant on securing supply of battery metals. As countries around the globe are racing to electrify, Latin America, with its rich mineral reserves, is set to play a critical role.

In the second episode of this special two-part series, S&P Global news and analytics experts Jared Anderson, Justine Coyne, Adriana Carvalho and Jay Hwang discuss Latin America and the role it can play in the US reaching its decarbonization goals.

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Electrifying commercial vehicle fleets, one charger at a time Jul 14, 2023

For major companies with large vehicle fleets, a core tenet of decarbonization efforts can be found in fleet electrification. A host of large corporations including Amazon, UPS, and Walmart have all made EV fleet commitments or signed agreements to purchase electric delivery vehicles. Patrick Sullivan, co-founder and CEO of EV Realty, a California-based company focused on accelerating the adoption of commercial EV fleets and building out their charging infrastructure, joined Energy Evolution to talk about fleet electrification and the challenges of constructing a charging network to support it.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

To read more about the California Public Utilities Commission report on distribution grid constraints and utility upgrade costs through 2035, click: https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M508/K423/508423247.PDF

To read the California Energy Commission’s assessment of EV charging infrastructure requirements in the state, click: https://www.energy.ca.gov/data-reports/reports/electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure-assessment-ab-2127

Battery metals wanted: The US' race to decarbonize (part 1) Jul 11, 2023

Amid global efforts to decarbonize, US President Joe Biden’s administration has set an ambitious goal to have 50% of all new vehicle sales in the US be electric by the end of this decade. However, making this shift will be heavily reliant on securing supply of battery metals. As countries around the globe are racing to electrify, Latin America, with its rich mineral reserves, is set to play a critical role.

In the first episode of this special two-part series, S&P Global news and analytics experts Jared Anderson, Justine Coyne, Adriana Carvalho and Jay Hwang discuss the state of lithium and battery metals supply and pricing, power pricing impacts, and the outlook for the US reaching its goals.

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Crux startup aims to unlock hundreds of billions in clean energy tax incentives Jul 07, 2023

In this episode of Energy Evolution, co-host Taylor Kuykendall talks with Alfred Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Crux, about funding energy transition projects. Johnson, the former deputy chief of staff to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, discusses the Inflation Reduction Act, which makes tax credits available to companies producing clean power and materials, and how Crux provides an ecosystem for developers, tax credit buyers, and financial institutions to manage and transact these transferable tax credits.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Mining industry increasingly a larger part of the energy transition discussion Jun 30, 2023

This episode of Energy Evolution by S&P Global Commodity Insights discusses the mining sector's importance in the worldwide shift to greener energy. The materials that make up energy transition technologies are often mined materials and the demand for minerals is expected to increase by as much as six times what our use is today by 2040. The podcast features interviews with Tony Sage, executive chairman of Critical Metals Corp.; Rebecca Campbell, who leads the Global Mining and Metals team at international law firm White & Case; and David Kanagy, executive director and CEO of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.

Our guests discuss the potential for bottlenecks in the supply chain for clean energy due to permitting, China's claim to much of the minerals and processing of minerals used for clean energy and what some believe are outdated regulations in the industry.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Vast CEO aims to bring concentrated solar power tech back into focus Jun 28, 2023

Vast has developed concentrated solar power that can capture, store and deliver dispatchable solar power and heat on a 24/7 basis. It recently proved its technology with a grid-connected project in Australia. Vast CEO Craig Wood joins Energy Evolution to talk about the revival of concentrated solar power technology and the role it can play in the energy transition.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Wind turbine makers' peril and what size has to do with it Jun 23, 2023

Renewables enjoy unprecedented momentum, but the makers of wind turbines have suffered major losses due to supply chain disruption and high commodity prices in recent years.

A voracious race for ever-larger turbines may have also played a role, argues Hans Martin Smith, chief financial officer of the world's largest turbine maker Vestas Wind Systems, in an interview with energy correspondent Camilla Naschert.

Sector expert Andrei Utkin of Commodity Insights puts the sector's headwinds and opportunities into perspective.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Commodity trading giant Trafigura shares a path to greener shipping Jun 21, 2023

Global commodities trader Trafigura released a report in May showing that shipping is responsible for around 3% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. The report also found a lot of opportunities to reduce those emissions while increasing economic opportunities for countries that step up to supply low-emission fuels to the industry. In this bonus episode, in addition to our typical weekly programming, Energy Evolution speaks with Margaux Moore, head of Trafigura’s energy transition research group, and Rasmus Bach Nielsen, the company’s head of fuel decarbonization.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

24/7 Clean energy: How hourly matching enables big energy buyers to go carbon-free Jun 16, 2023

Large energy buyers, including governments and corporations, are embracing a concept known as hourly matching, or 24/7 carbon-free energy. In this episode, Energy Evolution is joined by Nate Hausman, clean energy markets manager for World Resources Institute, for an update on the concept and challenges ahead.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Crafting tomorrow’s electric vehicle battery chemistries Jun 09, 2023

As electric vehicle manufacturers prepare for a demand surge, many are looking to novel battery chemistries that cut back on materials that may be costly, difficult to access, or that come with labor and environmental concerns. Energy Evolution correspondent Camellia Moors spoke with Reed Blakemore, deputy director with the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center, and Mujeeb Ijaz, CEO at battery developer Our Next Energy, about today’s battery landscape and the market for battery chemistry innovation.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

To read the Battery Next series from S&P Global Commodity Insights’ metals and mining team, click the following:

Metal supply concerns push EV makers to new battery chemistries: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/battery-next-metal-supply-concerns-push-ev-makers-to-new-battery-chemistries-75884340

EV makers use Model T playbook due to metal supply fears: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/battery-next-ev-makers-use-model-t-playbook-due-to-metal-supply-fears-75880328

Emerging chemistries create trade-offs in cost, performance: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/battery-next-emerging-chemistries-create-trade-offs-in-cost-performance-75866899

EVs to use silicon, solid state for next-generation batteries: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/battery-next-evs-to-use-silicon-solid-state-for-next-generation-batteries-75864189

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

The role of the US nuclear fleet, old and new, in the energy transition Jun 02, 2023

As U.S. utilities and power providers explore numerous new technologies in their pursuit of a cleaner energy future, industry experts believe it is important not to lose sight of the evolution of an existing carbon-free resource. Darren Sweeney, a senior reporter at S&P Global Commodity Insights, joined Energy Evolution for this episode to share interviews about nuclear energy with Xcel Energy Chairman, President and CEO Bob Frenzel and John Kotek, a Senior Vice President of Policy Development and Public Affairs at the Nuclear Energy Institute.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Europe’s solar revival dream overshadowed by harsh new realities May 26, 2023

This episode takes you into the German Solar Valley, which was once the world’s largest production hub but was abandoned in the 2010s as China became solar powerhouse Number One. Now, companies like Meyer Burger Technology are ramping up the old factories, gunning for a revival of European production. But, CEO Gunter Erfurt tells the podcast, panels have evolved from commodity to geopolitical poker chip, and Europe risks losing the game without injecting more money into the sector. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, solar expert Edurne Zoco of S&P Global Commodity Insights also sees more incentives for U.S. factories than European ones. Still, ESG considerations and shorter supply routes could increasingly make the case for home-grown products, too. Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

PPAs as a key driver to meet Europe's climate targets May 25, 2023

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) were born out of Europe's desire to wean itself off renewable energy subsidies. PPAs are now becoming more common across the region as more companies use them as a key risk hedging and decarbonisation tool. From a very niche industry, PPAs are becoming mainstream, with companies now having entire PPA departments, which would have been unthinkable a few years ago. Henry Edwardes-Evans, Head of Gas and Power News, discusses the fundamentals and potential of the European PPA market with Kira Savcenko, Senior Power Editor, and Diego Ortíz, Principal Research Analyst in the Gas, Power and Climate Solutions team.

Related analysis by speaker Diego Ortíz: European PPA market continues to grow in the first quarter of 2023

Related interview with Pexapark: European PPA market could see record deals in 2023

Price assessments: Platts-Pexapark Germany Solar 10 Year Pay-as-Produced PPA Index Platts-Pexapark Germany Onshore Wind 10 Year Pay-as-Produced PPA Index Platts-Pexapark Spain Solar 10 Year Pay-as-Produced PPA Index Platts-Pexapark Spain Onshore Wind 10 Year Pay-as-Produced PPA Index

We want to hear about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our podcast survey here and share your thoughts: https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4xyz

Electric vehicles: Earning money from the grid, keeping batteries cool and extracting lithium from oilfield brines May 19, 2023

This Energy Evolution episode features three guests from across the electric vehicle supply chain.

Our first guest is David Slutzky, the founder and CEO of Fermata Energy. The company hopes to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and the transition to renewable energy. Fermata's bidirectional charging technology enables customers to earn revenue from their electric vehicles while combatting climate change and supporting grid resilience.

Our second guest is Kulr Technology Group CEO Michael Mo. Kulr is also accelerating a transition to broader electrification. The company's technology ensures that batteries stay cool and safe.

We also chat with Volt Lithium President and CEO Alex Wylie about his company's efforts to extract lithium from oilfield brines in Canada. The company recently announced a resource report indicating 4.3 million tonnes of lithium resources at its Rainbow Lake project.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. They are joined by correspondents Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues for S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Wild West or emerging market? Certified natural gas gains steam in the US May 12, 2023

With investors, importers, and the public paying more attention to greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel production, US natural gas producers have increasingly turned to third-party certifiers to attest that they are responsible operators. Wyoming gas producer PureWest Energy has been on the forefront of the emerging certified gas market, having certified 100% of its production through Project Canary and as a founding member of the Differentiated Gas Coordinating Council.

PureWest CEO Chris Valdez joins S&P Global Commodity Insights’ Kelsey Hallahan to share his insights on the development of a certified gas market and the state of emissions transparency in the US gas industry. Afterward, SPGCI senior emissions analyst Emmanuel Corral and low carbon pricing analyst Hope Raymond share some key highlights from a new report on this emerging market.

Learn more about the market origins of certified gas, the current state of affairs, and where it could go from here with SPGCI’s Producer Certified Gas Special Report.

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Cloud technology and smart grid modernization with Amazon Web Services and Duke Energy May 12, 2023

Last year, Duke Energy and Amazon Web Services announced they would be collaborating to build out cloud technologies to support Duke's Intelligent Grid Services. The technology is aimed at helping the utility anticipate energy demand and identify where and how it should update its power grid.

The use of the cloud opens up a wealth of opportunities for data collection and analysis and is essential to Duke's efforts to transform the grid. For this episode, Energy Evolution spoke with Sarah Cooper, the general manager of AWS industry products, and Bonnie Titone, the senior vice president and CIO of Duke Energy, one of the nation's largest energy holding companies, serving 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke has targeted a 50% carbon reduction from its electric generation by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. They are joined by correspondents Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues for S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Scale up to phase down: World Bank's roadmap to finance energy transition in developing countries May 05, 2023

Transitioning the world to cleaner forms of energy will require a significant infrastructure transformation.

World Bank released a new framework on April 20 for overcoming the challenges created, particularly in developing countries, as renewable energy scales up and fossil fuel generation is phased down.

For this episode, Energy Evolution spoke with Demetrios Papathanasiou, the organization's global director for energy and extractives.

View the full report here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/energy/publication/scaling-up-to-phase-down

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. They are joined by correspondents Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues for S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Building out green steel for the energy transition Apr 28, 2023

Some members of the steel industry, which is known for being carbon-intensive, are looking toward cleaner primary steel production pathways to cut down on carbon emissions. One avenue is the production of “green steel,” which uses hydrogen instead of fossil fuels in the iron ore smelting process.

Energy Evolution correspondents Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert spoke with Chathu Gamage, a manager in the Climate-Aligned Industries Program at RMI, and Kajsa Ryttberg-Wallgren, head of hydrogen at H2 Green Steel, about the green steel production process and how views about the product are changing in response to the energy transition.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Tackling the challenges electric vehicles present for utilities, featuring Sunny Elebua from Exelon Apr 21, 2023

Energy Evolution co-host Taylor Kuykendall shares one last interview from this year's CERAWeek by S&P Global conference. Sunny Elebua, the senior vice president and chief strategy and sustainability officer at Exelon Corp., joined the show to talk about some of the problems and solutions associated with the rapid rise of electric vehicles.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. They are joined by correspondents Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues for S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Black Mass: battery recycling to play a critical role in EVs globally Apr 18, 2023

Battery production offcuts and end-of-life batteries are collected, dismantled and shredded to produce black mass from which critical materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese can be extracted. The recycling of black mass has become increasingly important as a supplement to virgin material supply and to reduce the carbon footprint of the battery supply chain. Platts, part of S&P Commodity Insights, has launched the publication of daily black mass assessments, which will provide greater transparency and understanding of how the market actually operates, especially as there is currently a lack of standardisation and comprehensive coverage in the black mass market. This episode of the Platts Future Energy podcast aims to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the market, unpack these new price assessments, and answer the question of whether black mass has the potential to address the looming supply deficits.

Click here to learn more about Platts nine new daily black mass spot price assessments for China and Europe.

Solar as a service versus a product sale and the race for green energy Apr 14, 2023

Sunnova Energy President and CEO John Berger joined the podcast from the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference to discuss solar energy deployment in the U.S. Sunnova Energy is an American residential and commercial solar energy company based in Houston, Texas. Also joining from the sidelines of the energy conference is former U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. Moniz, the founder of the think tank Energy Futures Initiative, discussed how current geopolitical events might impact the clean energy transition.

The future of nuclear energy (part 2) Apr 11, 2023

In a time of geopolitical strife, economic uncertainty, and energy transition, nuclear power is edging more and more into the spotlight. Countries are looking to decarbonize, boost their energy security and adjust to shifting trade flows.

In the second episode of this special two-part series, S&P Global nuclear news and analytics experts Bill Freebairn, Morris Greenberg, Dr. Jone-Lin Wang, and Mason Lester discuss new developments in infrastructure and markets as fleets age out and more countries expand their use of nuclear power.

Register for the Platts Global Power Markets Conference here

Smart buildings, vehicle chargers and the energy transition with Powerflex and GridPoint Apr 07, 2023

During CERAWeek by S&P Global in Houston, Energy Evolution co-host Taylor Kuykendall spoke with Raphael Declercq, the CEO of PowerFlex. Declercq's company is a solar-powered electric vehicle microgrid developer. Kuykendall also spent a few moments with Mark Danzenbaker, the CEO of GridPoint. GridPoint is an energy management platform for commercial buildings. The company's technology is already in more than 17,000 commercial buildings across the U.S.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. They are joined by correspondents Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues for S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

The state of nuclear energy (part 1) Apr 04, 2023

In a time of geopolitical strife, economic uncertainty, and energy transition, nuclear power is edging more and more into the spotlight. Countries are looking to decarbonize, boost their energy security and adjust to shifting trade flows, with nuclear power seen by some as a way to advance on all these fronts. Policymakers are dangling attractive incentives in many countries for the energy source.

In the first episode of this special two-part series, S&P Global nuclear news and analytics experts Bill Freebairn, Morris Greenberg, Dr. Jone-Lin Wang, and Mason Lester discuss the global state of nuclear infrastructure and markets in 2023 and beyond. Tune in next week for part two of the discussion, focusing on future outlooks.

Register for the Platts Global Power Markets Conference here

Building a global green hydrogen ecosystem, featuring Plug Power Chief Strategy Officer Sanjay Shrestha Mar 31, 2023

Plug Power is a company providing hydrogen fuel cell systems to power electric motors in place of conventional batteries. Energy Evolution co-host Taylor Kuykendall spoke with Plug Power General Manager of Energy Solutions and Chief Strategy Officer Sanjay Shrestha during the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston in early March. Tune in to their conversation about challenges in the hydrogen space, building out hydrogen supply chains, and the policy environment for green hydrogen projects.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Hitting net-zero targets across industries, featuring 8 Rivers President Damian Beauchamp Mar 24, 2023

8 Rivers is a company providing net-zero solutions across a wide range of sectors, including the oil industry, the renewable sector and so-called hard-to-abate sectors such as cement and steel makers.

Energy Evolution co-host Taylor Kuykendall spoke with 8 Rivers President and Chief Development Officer Damian Beauchamp at the company's booth during the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston in early March.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Funding the energy transition, with Jigar Shah of DOE's Loan Program Office Mar 17, 2023

An influx of public funding for energy transition technologies via the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act is keeping the U.S. Department of Energy quite busy.

S&P Global Commodity Insights' Energy Evolution caught up with Jigar Shah, director of the DOE's loan programs office. In this exclusive interview, Shah talks about the large-scale, all-of-the-above energy infrastructure projects his office is funding in the United States.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Battery makers and miners turn to blockchain to solve transparency concerns, incentivize investment Mar 10, 2023

Pressure to improve metals supply chain transparency is growing, spurred by legislation as well as requirements set by end users like electric vehicle battery makers as they sign supply agreements with miners. At the same time, commodity producers are looking for ways to lure a new investor base to the industry. Supply chain participants are now turning to blockchain to help solve both problems.

Energy Evolution correspondent Camellia Moors spoke with the leaders of two companies at the intersection of blockchain-based technologies and commodities markets. This episode features interviews with Doug Johnson-Poensgen, founder and CEO of Circulor, which develops blockchain track and trace systems for industrial supply chains, as well as Duane Parnham, CEO of Madison Metals, a uranium mining and exploration company offering a uranium-backed NFT.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

New lithium battery tech an energy transition game-changer, says Li-Metal President Kunal Phalpher Mar 03, 2023

Li-Metal Corp. is a company working with lithium metal and anode technology to be used in next-generation lithium batteries.

The company's newly appointed president, Kunal Phalpher, said it is an exciting time to be involved in lithium. The development of battery technologies is moving along faster than he anticipated. As vehicle makers increasingly embrace electric vehicles, a race for differentiating technology could produce interesting new types of batteries that pave the way for new consumer products and services such as electric aviation, Phalpher said in an interview with S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

The Russia-Ukraine conflict and the energy transition Feb 24, 2023

Russia's invasion of Ukraine sapped its dominance as an energy and battery metals superpower, putting the energy transition at risk as countries scramble to source key resources elsewhere. While traders are still moving Russia's gas, nickel, and aluminum around the globe, prices for energy and key metals have jumped, wreaking havoc on the energy and mining industries in Europe and raising questions about global dependence on Russia for crucial supplies. On this episode, Energy Evolution shares some insights from experts we talked to on a recent live webinar hosted by S&P Global. Our guests on the webinar were Melanie Kenderdine, principal at Energy Future Initiative; Morgan Bazillian, director of the Payne Institute and professor of public policy at the Colorado School of Mines; Ben Cahill, senior fellow with the energy security and climate change program at the Center for Strategic & International Studies; and Georg Zachmann, senior fellow at Bruegel, a think tank focused on economic and policy issues.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Check out the full webinar mentioned today here: https://pages.marketintelligence.spglobal.com/Russia-war-and-the-energy-transition-Registration-February-2023.html

How will the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism affect global trade and carbon pricing? Feb 21, 2023

The European Union’s implementation of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to support its industry’s efforts to decarbonize and prevent carbon leakage is likely to have far-reaching effects on global trade and the wider energy transition. S&P Global Commodity Insights' experts Eklavya Gupte, Coralie Laurencin, Michael Evans and Paula VanLaningham take a deep dive on CBAM, examining its potential impact on a range of industries, political alliances and its influence on carbon pricing and regulation.

NOTE: ‘CBAM CO2 emissions data referenced in this podcast relate to emissions modelling totals between 2026-2040’.

Click here to access prices, news and analytics relating to carbon markets on Platts Dimensions Pro

Are world superpowers in a green tech arms race? Feb 17, 2023

The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act is expected to unleash a wave of investment in renewable energy infrastructure. However, it also heavily favored investments at home, causing some concern among trading partners, including the European Union. Now, the EU is increasing its own efforts to promote the development of renewable energy.

S&P Global Commodity Insights reporters Molly Christian and Alex Blackburne join the show to discuss the differences in approaches between the U.S. and EU. The show also welcomes guests Michael Cerasoli, a portfolio manager of energy infrastructure strategies at Eagle Global Advisors, and Melanie Brusseler, a senior researcher at climate think tank E3G.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Investing in the battery minerals fueling the energy transition Feb 10, 2023

Electric vehicle demand is on an upward trend, generating excitement among some investors about the prospects of electric vehicle manufacturers and the miners supplying the materials needed for their batteries.

What retail investors lack, however, is direct exposure to minerals prices to avoid risks associated with investing in manufacturers and miners that may be untested or located in geopolitically hazardous areas, EMG Advisors CEO Will McDonough told metals and mining reporter and Energy Evolution correspondent Camellia Moors.

McDonough joins Energy Evolution to talk about investment opportunities in energy transition metals, EMG Advisors’ new metals-focused exchange traded fund, and the electric vehicle battery chemistries that will define the future of the energy transition. Please note that in this episode, which was recorded before a company name change, EMG Advisors is referred to as "Charged Funds."

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

How big are the implications of the nuclear fusion ignition breakthrough? Feb 03, 2023

In December, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory achieved nuclear fusion ignition, a major scientific breakthrough and a potentially big step for clean energy.

Joining us to discuss the scientific, commercial and climate implications of this breakthrough are Tammy Ma, a plasma physicist at the Livermore National Lab, and Andrew Holland, CEO of the Fusion Industry Association.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Braking Ahead: Understanding the risks to EV sales and battery metals markets in 2023 Jan 24, 2023

Join S&P Global experts from our Commodity Insights and Mobility divisions as they delve into the potential roadblocks facing the electric vehicle market in 2023. From fluctuating lithium prices to the phasing out of government subsidies, learn how these factors may impact EV sales and the battery metals market. Stay ahead of the curve as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the ever-evolving EV industry.

A transition to cleaner energy drives demand for new nickel mines Jan 20, 2023

The world is clamoring for more nickel to feed the energy transition, particularly for use in electric vehicle batteries. Lifezone Metals aims to not only fill the need for nickel but also to differentiate itself by creating a much less carbon-intensive product.

Lifezone CEO Chris Showalter joins Energy Evolution to talk about the prospects for global nickel markets and what his company is doing to clean up nickel's environmental footprint.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Looking ahead to the energy transition in 2023 Jan 19, 2023

In this episode, Energy Evolution hosts chat about the year ahead with S&P Global Market Intelligence's Steve Piper, the director of energy research, and Mark Ferguson, director of research for metals and mining.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Recycling batteries will be key to meeting future lithium demand, says Li-Cycle CEO Dec 28, 2022

The world is increasingly in need of more lithium and other battery metals to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles, but there are doubts that mining can scale up quickly enough. Li-Cycle President, CEO and co-founder Ajay Kochhar joins the podcast to talk about recycling batteries to recover valuable materials inside.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Could ammonia facilitate Europe’s green hydrogen revolution? Dec 13, 2022

Green ammonia is a leading contender as a hydrogen carrier for the energy transition, providing a ready end market and a means of transporting the product over long distances. S&P Global Commodity Insights energy transition reporter James Burgess talks to hydrogen analyst Matthew Hodgkinson and pricing managing editor Mario Perez to explore ammonia’s energy transition potential and the latest green hydrogen developments in Europe.

Related price assessments:

Renewable power-derived ammonia: GADAL04 - EC Canada Renewable derived Ammonia Dlvd into Northwest Europe

GADAF04 - Middle East Renewable derived Ammonia Dlvd into Northwest Europe

GADAJ04 - US Gulf Coast Renewable derived Ammonia Dlvd into Northwest Europe

Carbon-neutral H2: HYNWA00 - Carbon Neutral Hydrogen Ex Works North West Europe

HYMEA00 - Carbon Neutral Hydrogen Ex Works Middle East

HYAUC00 - Carbon Neutral Hydrogen Ex Works Australia

HYUSA00 - Carbon Neutral Hydrogen Ex Works US Gulf Coast

Carbon offsets and the path to net-zero emissions Dec 12, 2022

In this episode, S&P Global Commodity Insights reporter Karin Rives joins to share her interview with ZeroSix CEO Martijn Dekker. ZeroSix is a Houston-based venture focused on closing oil and gas wells and creating carbon offset credits for associated emissions that are avoided.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

How ESG shapes the development of battery supply chains Nov 29, 2022

Despite serving multiple purposes in the energy transition, batteries have their own footprint, and downstream players want to have that addressed. With automakers on the driving seat, ESG requirements over the battery supply chains have been spreading out, despite the lack of standardized guidelines.

In this episode of the Platts Future Energy podcast, metals editors Henrique Ribeiro and Leah Chen discuss the main ESG challenges faced by the battery industry and what steps are being taken to mitigate the risks.

Related price assessments:

BATLC04 - Lithium Carbonate CIF North Asia $/mt

BATCA04 - Lithium Carbonate DDP China Yuan/mt

BATLH04 - Lithium Hydroxide CIF North Asia $/mt

BATHY04 - Lithium Hydroxide DDP China Yuan/mt

BATSP03 - Lithium Spodumene 6% FOB Australia $/mt Wkly

BATCO04 - Cobalt Sulfate 20.5% CIF North Asia $/mt

BATCS04 - Cobalt Sulfate min 20.5% DDP China

BATCH04 - Cobalt Hydroxide CIF China $/lb

BATNS04 - Nickel Sulfate DDP China Yuan/mt

BATMS00 - Manganese Sulfate DDP China Yuan/mt

Europe's looming energy crisis Nov 22, 2022

Europe’s energy economy changed almost overnight when Russia invaded Ukraine, cutting off access to a massive source of cheap, abundant natural gas. Now the EU is scrambling to secure new fuel sources and shield residents from soaring energy costs. Is this the new normal?

In this episode, S&P Global Commodity Insights reporters Alex Blackburne and Camilla Naschert discuss these developments as part of their four-part series on the European energy crisis.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

New York's aggressive climate goals create a market for manufacturers Nov 18, 2022

New York's climate goals are among the most aggressive in the U.S., creating a vast need for equipment and materials to supply the clean energy transition. Can the state's manufacturing sector meet the moment?

Joining us for this episode are John Williams of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Clint Wilder of Clean Edge, Whitney Skeans of National Grid, Marnie LaVigne of Launch New York, and John Cerveny of the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Middle East promotes compatibility of energy security and energy transition Nov 15, 2022

Gulf countries attending the ADIPEC conference in October made it clear that oil and gas will be needed for decades to come, and the region has the least carbon-intensive barrels to fuel a global economy seeking to lower its emissions. How does this play against the United Nations’ assertion that new hydrocarbon investments are incompatible with credible net-zero targets?

S&P Global Commodity Insights news editors Dania El Saadi and Henry Edwardes-Evans compare notes.

Click here to explore Platts Dimensions Pro

Click here to interact with our Hydrogen Price Wall

Climate, conflicts prompt reappraisal of nuclear power Nov 08, 2022

Climate change and the global energy crisis are making nuclear power attractive again to countries and utilities that were once eager to reduce or eliminate reactors. But whether the uranium mining sector sees sufficient price signals to expand production remains to be seen. And many cost and execution issues facing new nuclear construction are not resolved.

In this episode, S&P Global Commodity Insights reporters Abbie Bennett, Camellia Moors and Kip Keen discuss these developments as part of their 3-part series on nuclear power.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Will the Inflation Reduction Act help US low-carbon hydrogen outpace the EU? Nov 08, 2022

Plug Power, one of the leading green hydrogen companies in the US, has put a lot of investment and attention in the European green hydrogen market over the years. But its attention is now expected to shift back to the US side of its business following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and its generous hydrogen tax credits. There’s broad consensus that the IRA makes US green hydrogen far more competitive than before, but can it now outcompete EU hydrogen?

Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh joins S&P Global Commodity Insights reporter Brandon Mulder to share his insights on the IRA and what it means for the US market. Then SPGCI hydrogen analyst Brian Murphy and pricing reporter Santiago Canel share their thoughts about the US’s green hydrogen export potential.

Learn more about regional differences in hydrogen prices around the world with SPGCI's Hydrogen Price Wall, and analysis of global hydrogen news and developments with the quarterly Hydrogen Market Monitor on Platts Dimensions Pro.

COP27: A critical year for global climate talks Oct 25, 2022

With geopolitical and economic pressures altering the context dramatically since the last meeting in Glasgow, S&P Global Commodity Insights tackles the most pressing questions ahead of this global climate gathering. Vandana Sebastian speaks to Roman Kramarchuk and Dan Klein on what to expect at COP27, whether countries can reach a consensus on climate goals, the significance of decarbonization in a world of evolving energy priorities, and the relevance of COP27 amid the global energy crisis.

US climate law to fire up public power sector's investment in clean energy Oct 03, 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act contains many provisions aimed at accelerating the development of clean power. In this episode we talk about one, in particular: the new law’s so-called direct pay provision, which is expected to help municipal utilities, electric cooperatives and other public, tax exempt utilities to tap federal clean energy incentives.

To talk about it, we're joined by Nick Chaset, CEO of East Bay Community Energy, a community choice aggregator in California.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Beyond Australia's climate wars: hydrogen and decarbonization goals Sep 21, 2022

Australia has accelerated its climate ambitions with a new commitment to cut emissions by 43% by 2030, which translates into having about 82% renewable power in its energy mix. Alongside that, the 2019 National Hydrogen Strategy aims to position the country as a top global exporter of the energy carrier. Demonstrations, pilot projects and hubs are being developed around the country, such as the first international pilot to export hydrogen.

In this episode of the Platts Future Energy podcast, Ruchira Singh discusses the contours of the Australian government’s climate policy measures, and the considerations around hydrogen for the nation’s decarbonization journey with Mendo Kundevski, Ankit Sachan and Anton Ferkov.

Related price assessments:

Hydrogen Western Australia SMR with CCS (inc. CAPEX) A$/kg (HYAAZ00)
Hydrogen Western Australia Alkaline Electrolysis $/kg (HYAES00)
Hydrogen Queensland PEM Electrolysis (inc. CAPEX) $/kg (HYABR00)
Hydrogen South Australia PEM Electrolysis A$/kg (HYABW00)
Japan Hydrogen Alkaline Electrolysis (incl CAPEX) $/Kg (IGYFU00)

A skills shortage imperils the global energy transition Sep 12, 2022

The energy transition will require a huge influx of new workers with new skills. Where those workers will come from, and how they will be trained, are questions that big energy companies and policymakers in Europe and in North America are wrestling with as the shift to renewable energy sources gathers steam.

Joining us to discuss these challenges in this episode are: S&P Global Commodity Insights Reporter Camilla Naschert; Kerstin Knapp of Vestas; Tom Hopkinson of Taylor Hopkinson; Louise Christensen and Stefan Hobmair of Baywa r.e.; and Nate Manning of Johnson Controls.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Building electrification movement gathers East Coast momentum Aug 29, 2022

Three years after a movement materialized in several West Coast cities to prohibit natural gas use in new buildings, those policies are gathering momentum along the East Coast. Strategies to require building electrification have advanced recently in New England and Washington, D.C., while an effort to prohibit local gas bans failed in Pennsylvania, a major gas-producing state.

Joining us for this episode is Tom DiChristopher, a senior reporter for S&P Global Commodity Insights covering natural gas, to provide an update on gas restrictions and electrification mandates across the U.S.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

How will US Democrats' new deal on climate affect the energy transition? Aug 05, 2022

A new package of energy policy is moving through the U.S. Congress after Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., struck a deal with fellow Democrats. Energy Evolution recently sat down with colleagues from the S&P Global Commodity Insights newsroom to talk about the implications of the legislation. Guests include Molly Christian, Bill Holland and Camellia Moors.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

How will the Supreme Court's West Virginia v. EPA decision impact the energy transition? Jul 20, 2022

On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in West Virginia v. EPA, limiting the agency's authority to deal with climate change. Energy Evolution recently sat down with colleagues from the S&P Global Commodity Insights newsroom to talk about the implications of the ruling. Guests include Glen Boshart, Zack Hale and Corey Paul.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Are the nickel and cobalt chemical markets shifting away from traditional pricing mechanisms? Jul 12, 2022

Nickel and cobalt chemical prices have traditionally been determined by their respective finished metal prices, but lately they have shifted towards each being priced independently. Both nickel and cobalt metal are not driven by battery demand, so participants in the chemical products markets are seeking alternatives. In this episode of the Platts Future Energy podcast Scott Yarham, Jesline Tang and Michael Greenfield explore what the current state of play is and the reported move by the market to seek alternative pricing practices.

Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

A better way to finance energy efficiency investment Jul 11, 2022

Energy efficiency as a service, or EEaaS, represents a growing model for investing in energy efficiency improvements allowing customers to reduce costs and emissions over the long term while minimizing or avoiding upfront expense. So how does it work? Aaron Block, CEO of Allumia, a leading EEaaS firm, joins us for this episode to break it down.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Emissions benchmarking in crude markets Jun 28, 2022

In this episode of the Platts Future Energy podcast, Varaleka Pant and Arsalan Syed discuss with Deb Ryan the importance of evaluating the carbon intensity for crude and some of the major global crude grades, and explain the need for standards in this space to ensure consistency in low carbon crude trading.

Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

'The next OPEC' – Battery materials startup 6K on risks of US import dependence Jun 24, 2022

The U.S. is highly dependent on other countries for lithium-ion batteries and materials. Aaron Bent, CEO of lithium-ion battery materials startup 6K, told Energy Evolution that could change with new technologies.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Inside Koch Industries' push into solar, batteries and electric cars: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/inside-koch-industries-push-into-solar-batteries-and-electric-cars-69705159

Crunch time for EU carbon market reform as legislators finalise negotiating positions Jun 15, 2022

Attempts to overhaul the EU Emissions Trading System have entered a crunch period as the European Parliament and European Council aim to finalise their negotiating positions by the end of June. The EU Parliament rejected draft legislation proposed by lawmakers in its plenary vote on June 8, but is preparing for a second vote on June 22. EU ETS revisions are being considered against a backdrop of very high energy prices, surging inflation and a military conflict on Europe’s eastern flank. S&P Global Commodity Insights' Frank Watson and Michael Evans take a deep dive into the key elements in the negotiations and why they matter for carbon prices and other energy commodity markets in Europe.

Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Path to net-zero: How large companies across sectors are tackling emissions Jun 13, 2022

S&P Global Commodity Insights reporters dove into the net-zero goals of companies in the energy, mining, technology and communications, insurance and banking sectors. Several journalists who worked on the project joined us for this episode to discuss what they discovered.

The first article in the series is available here: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/path-to-net-zero-as-regulators-step-in-push-for-climate-disclosure-intensifies-70485484

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

‘TiVoing electricity’: How Wärtsilä is solving renewable energy’s biggest problem Jun 03, 2022

Energy storage is a crucial piece of technology for advancing the energy transition. Andrew Tang, vice president of energy storage and optimization with Wärtsilä, joins Energy Evolution to talk about how batteries can overcome intermittency — the "Achilles heel" of renewable energy sources.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

US ethanol industry eyes CCS to boost long-term demand May 31, 2022

As the US ethanol industry pursues carbon capture and sequestration projects, producers are looking at the effects of lower carbon intensities in markets with low carbon fuel standards and in future industries like sustainable aviation fuel produced from ethanol. The voluntary carbon credit market for technology-based carbon capture could also attract interest given high prices but hurdles could keep ethanol producers focused on regulated markets.

S&P Global Commodity Insights' Americas biofuels manager Josh Pedrick talks through the evolving CCS interest in US ethanol with low-carbon lead Arsalan Syed and biofuel analytics manager Corey Lavinsky.

This Future Energy podcast was produced by Felix Fernandez in London.

How has China's 'zero-COVID' strategy impacted battery supply chains? May 24, 2022

China's "zero-COVID" strategy saw the country entering multiple provincial lockdowns. While this has hit electric vehicle production, the impact on battery materials production has been limited.

Prices of battery metals, especially lithium, have fallen for the first time in 18 months.

What implications do such events have on an already stressed supply chain, EV production costs and overall EV adoption?

S&P Global Commodity Insights’ Henrique Ribeiro discusses these issues with pricing specialist Leah Chen and analyst Lucy Tang.

Examining the energy implications of Russia's war on Ukraine May 20, 2022

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has major consequences for the energy transition in Europe, from cutting reliance on Russian gas to accelerating renewable deployment to extending the lives of coal and nuclear plants. Joining us to discuss these issues are Kristian Ruby, secretary general of Eurelectric, the trade group for European utilities; Roman Kramarchuk, head of future energy analytics at S&P Global Commodity Insights; and Florian Widdel of BEE, the German renewable energy federation.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

How Putin’s war in Ukraine is accelerating hydrogen in Europe May 17, 2022

When Putin invaded Ukraine in February, the industry wondered whether it would set back Europe’s ambition to develop a low-carbon hydrogen market. Already, we have seen quite the opposite. The EU, member states and other countries are doubling down on clean energy commitments, with hydrogen at their heart. S&P Global Commodity Insights’ James Burgess discusses recent developments with pricing specialist Jeff McDonald and analyst Matthew Hodgkinson.

Learn more about our Hydrogen Markets Europe Conference in Amsterdam this September on: https://plattsinfo.spglobal.com/HydrogenMarketsEurope2022.html

Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Understanding methane one commodity at a time May 03, 2022

Methane is everywhere, but it poses a particular problem in natural gas production. Head of Low Carbon Commodities Deb Ryan is joined by Emmanuel Corral and Paula VanLaningham to discuss the unique problems posed by methane emissions in the fight against climate change, and S&P Global Commodity Insights’ new Methane Intensity assessments.

Using a top-down approach to measuring methane intensity through satellite data and the pricing transparency generated by the Methane Performance Certificate market, Commodity Insights has brought new transparency to the cost of methane emissions generated through natural gas production.

The consumer side of the energy transition Apr 25, 2022

In this episode, Taylor talks with Aaron Berndt, head of energy industry partnerships at Google, who works with utilities to distribute the Nest home automation system, which can conserve energy by controlling thermostats, smart light bulbs and more.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

EnergyX aims to improve lithium extraction and battery technology to fuel the energy transition Apr 12, 2022

Global demand for lithium and other materials used in electric vehicle batteries, consumer electronics and myriad other applications is rapidly increasing. And as demand for those commodities grows, so do prices. An orderly energy transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy resources will require a steadily rising supply of critical metals to keep pace with demand and keep prices at affordable levels.

S&P Global Commodity Insights writers Jared Anderson and Nick Lazzaro speak with EnergyX CEO Teague Egan about the tech company’s plans to increase lithium supplies with an innovative extraction technology that could also be used to increase lithium-ion battery performance. They also sit down with S&P Global low carbon transportation analyst David Capati to discuss supply, demand and pricing dynamics unfolding within these metals markets.

This Future Energy podcast was produced by Jennifer Pedrick in Houston.

Heliene president says financing solar manufacturing in North America remains a challenge Apr 12, 2022

Heliene President Martin Pochtaruk told the Energy Evolution podcast that financing continues to be a challenge for solar manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada as supply chain bottlenecks impact global suppliers. Heliene manufactures solar photovoltaic modules at its U.S. and Canadian facilities.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

The rise of Asia’s carbon trading hubs Apr 06, 2022

Asia’s carbon markets are on a trajectory of rapid growth as demand for carbon offsets rises and regional governments work towards net-zero commitments. While turmoil in global energy markets has temporarily shifted attention to energy security, commodity trading hubs like Singapore are pushing ahead with plans to become a carbon trading powerhouse. Eric Yep and Roman Kramarchuk of S&P Global Commodity Insights discuss with Mikkel Larsen, CEO of Climate Impact X, a Singapore-based carbon exchange, on what lies ahead for Asia's carbon markets.

Meet a few of the women driving the energy transition Mar 29, 2022

Energy Evolution sat down with several women with careers focused on the energy transition and sustainability for an episode celebrating Women's History Month.

Guests include Enel Green Power's Maggie Teliska and Israa Ismail, Agoro Carbon Alliance's Anastasia Pavlovic and Giulia Sartori, and Angie Slaughter with Anheuser Busch.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Battery metals pricing evolves as EV transition accelerates Mar 15, 2022

Battery metal prices have been escalating, placing price pressure on battery pack costs and overall EV adoption. Furthermore, buying practices and the make up of long term contracts have experienced radical changes in the past 18 months, including the adoption of indexation mechanisms. In this episode of the Platts Future Energy podcast, S&P Global Commodity Insights pricing specialists Scott Yarham, Henrique Ribeiro and Michael Greenfield explore the lithium and cobalt markets, with both exhibiting their own unique dynamics and signs of breaking from traditional practices.

Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Plug Power CEO says hydrogen's here today, not a fuel of the future Mar 15, 2022

Hydrogen’s role in decarbonization is under the microscope as developers aim for large-scale global deployment of technologies like fuel cells. For this episode, we spoke with Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh about the fuel’s widespread appeal.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

How to launch a clean energy business Mar 01, 2022

What happens after a clean energy startup achieves a major technological or scientific breakthrough? To survive and scale up as a clean energy business you need the right mix of funding, timing, strategy and many other variables. For this episode we talk to Tim Latimer, CEO of geothermal developer Fervo Energy, and Eric Dresselhuys, CEO of long-duration battery storage producer ESS, about their experiences launching businesses.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Sustainable gas and nuclear investment: unpacking the EU’s taxonomy guidance Mar 01, 2022

The addition of nuclear and natural gas to the EU’s sustainable finance taxonomy provoked a furious response from dissenting quarters. S&P Global Platts analysts detail the proposals, discuss their likely significance and crucially, look at future gas and nuclear investments through the prism of today’s highly unstable markets.

Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

Battery pack costs on the rise: will it slow down EV adoption? Feb 08, 2022

For the first time in over a decade, battery pack costs started to increase —even in the low cost segment. Battery packs are the main cost component in an electric vehicle (EV), meaning that this uptrend should either squeeze manufacturers’ margins or lead to higher EV price tags. Henrique Ribeiro (S&P Global Platts) and Alice Yu (S&P Global Market Intelligence) discuss how surging battery metals prices, particularly lithium, are playing a key role in the recent battery market developments.

Tell us more about your podcast preferences so we can keep improving our shows. Take our two-minute survey here: https://bit.ly/plattspod22

A preview of energy transition hopes and hurdles for 2022 Feb 02, 2022

Seven guests from across a wide swath of energy organizations join Energy Evolution to talk about the issues likely to affect the transition to cleaner energy in 2022. Guests are Sheila Hollis of the U.S. Energy Association; John DiStasio of the Large Public Power Council; Julia Hamm of the Smart Electric Power Alliance; Maria Korsnick, of the Nuclear Energy Institute; Arshad Mansoor of the Electric Power Research Institute; Jim Matheson of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Greg Wetstone from the American Council on Renewable Energy.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

National Grid US president sees federal support as crucial for energy transition infrastructure Jan 19, 2022

National Grid USA President Badar Khan said he is optimistic about global climate action in 2022, but also outlined several challenges ahead in a recent interview for the latest episode of S&P Global Market Intelligence's Energy Evolution podcast.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Energy Evolution's year in review Dec 18, 2021

From hydrogen and wind power to COP26 and severe weather events that tested the grid, 2021 was a year of major advancements and challenges for the energy transition.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Renewable Capture Prices: Wind and solar revenues and future potential Dec 16, 2021

The growth in renewable generation is the central plank in meeting Europe’s 2050 carbon net-zero targets, but as more wind and solar assets come on line and as more are exposed to merchant prices, the price cannibalization risk for these assets increases.

In the latest episode of the Platts Future Energy podcast, our experts take a closer look at both Platts Historical Renewable Capture price index and Platts Analytics’ new European wind and solar capture price forecasts. They discuss how these innovations will track the level of price cannibalization as it evolves in Europe’s largest power markets and what the outlook is for the relative profitability of merchant renewables in the coming years.

S&P Global Platts Renewable Capture Price indices provide the market with an independent and transparent view on how merchant renewable revenues are changing through time as the energy transition accelerates and wind and solar plants make up a greater share of the generation mix.

Breaking the myths on battery recycling Nov 23, 2021

In addition to powering electric vehicles, batteries will play an essential role in the energy transition story by optimizing intermittent clean energy sources such as wind and solar. But what happens to batteries in their end-of-life? Although it can still be optimized, battery recycling technology already exists; but despite its potential to alleviate battery metals’ tightness in the future, can it really replace lithium, cobalt and nickel mining?

Former DOE Secretary Ernest Moniz talks energy and innovation Nov 10, 2021

As world leaders gathered for global climate talks in Glasgow, former U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz joined Market Intelligence Live for an online video chat about climate solutions and decarbonization innovation. This episode features the audio recording of the discussion between Moniz and Energy Evolution co-host Taylor Kuykendall.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Hydrogen and the path towards decarbonization Nov 09, 2021

Hydrogen has received extraordinary policy support over the past year, with nations worldwide racing to publish national hydrogen strategies. These roadmaps provide a decade-long pathway to developing wide-scale utilization of low-carbon hydrogen as a means to achieving deep decarbonization in otherwise problematic sectors. In this episode of the S&P Global Platts Future Energy podcast, our experts discuss the hurdles hydrogen still faces on the path towards a future fuel.

COP26 preview: World leaders aim to strengthen climate commitments Oct 29, 2021

World leaders are gathering for global climate talks in Glasgow. For this episode, we talked to several climate experts from the U.S. and abroad who are familiar with past negotiations including Kelly Sims Gallagher, Carol Browner, Helen Mountford, Rachel Kyte, Thom Woodroofe, and Amal-Lee Amin.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Mechanical vs chemical recycling for plastics: competing or complementing to drive sustainable growth? Oct 26, 2021

Recycled plastics has become a hot topic recently with soaring demand driven by legislation, corporate commitments and increasing consumer awareness across the globe. There are raising questions on how the current recycling mechanisms could cope with such rapid-changing market dynamics to drive the sustainable growth of recycled plastics industry. Which option is better – mechanically or chemically recycled plastics? In the latest Platts Future Energy podcast, our experts take a closer look at both plastics recycling mechanisms, how they work, and what what role they play in the industry at large.

At the heart of COP26: The role of carbon markets Oct 12, 2021

The landmark Paris Agreement was agreed back in 2015 with 29 different Articles. Almost all have been fleshed out, agreed upon and finalized - but Article 6 has not – given ongoing debates. And this Article’s text will prove critical to how international voluntary carbon markets develop going forward – with these markets seeing unprecedented growth and interest as corporates take steps to address their carbon footprints.

Mining lithium in North America to feed growing EV appetite Oct 12, 2021

Piedmont Lithium President and CEO Keith Phillips sat down with the show to talk about the North Carolina-based company's efforts to tap into lithium supplies. Demand for the battery material is rapidly increasing as a critical component of electric vehicles.

Check out S&P Global's recent dive into the growing electric vehicle sector here.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

U.S. poised for Atlantic Coast offshore wind power boom Sep 20, 2021

With construction set to begin on the 800-MW Vineyard Offshore Wind farm, the U.S. is on the cusp of a massive buildout of offshore wind generation along the Atlantic Coast. But challenges loom, from an arduous permitting process to grid interconnection to financing. In this episode the team talks to Ørsted COO Troy Patton, Dominion Energy's Mark Mitchell, Wells Fargo tax equity banker Samantha Buechner, Lesley Jantarasami of the Bipartisan Policy Center and Christy Guthman of GE Renewable Energy.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Marine Fuels of the Future: The challenge of meeting growing demand while transitioning the fleet Sep 14, 2021

As London International Shipping Week 2021 begins, Platts Analytics discuss the major shipping fuel alternatives, as the shipping sector seeks to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions ahead of stringent caps in 2030 and 2050. In the final episode of the series, Platts Analytics reviews our outlooks of top line shipping demand by category - while laying out different expectations around turnover of the fleet – and the technologies, fuels and adaptations in play.

Marine Fuels of the Future: Ammonia & Hydrogen Sep 07, 2021

Ahead of London International Shipping Week 2021, a six-part S&P Global Platts podcast miniseries looks into the pricing of alternative marine fuels for the global shipping industry. In each episode of Marine Fuels of the Future, Platts editors investigate the current state of the major fuel alternatives, as the shipping sector seeks to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions ahead of stringent caps in 2030 and 2050. In episode five, Platts energy transition reporters look at the practical and economic complexities of using ammonia or hydrogen to power the fleet.

Marine Fuels of the Future: Vessel Optimization and Oil-based Fuels Aug 31, 2021

Ahead of London International Shipping Week 2021, a six-part S&P Global Platts podcast miniseries looks into the pricing of alternative marine fuels for the global shipping industry. In each episode of Marine Fuels of the Future, Platts editors investigate the current state of the major fuel alternatives, as the shipping sector seeks to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions ahead of stringent caps in 2030 and 2050. In episode four, we look at whether those caps can be met with existing fuels or with innovative vessel optimization technologies.

FERC's chairman on the urgent need for more transmission lines to combat climate change Aug 25, 2021

Richard Glick, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, joins Energy Evolution to discuss what it will take deliver more clean energy to U.S. consumers. FERC recently began a push to address obstacles that are holding up the development of electric transmission in a bid to connect more consumers to less emissions-intensive energy and avert the worst impacts of a changing climate. Glick said he is confident that the U.S. can drastically increase its electric transmission capacity by mid-century to meet that goal. Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Marine Fuels of the Future: Methanol Aug 24, 2021

Ahead of London International Shipping Week 2021, a six-part S&P Global Platts podcast miniseries looks into the pricing of alternative marine fuels for the global shipping industry. In each episode of Marine Fuels of the Future, Platts editors investigate the current state of the major fuel alternatives, as the shipping sector seeks to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions ahead of stringent caps in 2030 and 2050. In episode three, we look at methanol – a cleaner-burning hydrocarbon that is proving popular amongst shipowners.

Marine Fuels of the Future: Biofuels Aug 17, 2021

Ahead of London International Shipping Week 2021, a six-part S&P Global Platts podcast series looks into the pricing of alternative marine fuels for the global shipping industry. In each episode of Marine Fuels of the Future, Platts editors investigate the current state of the major fuel alternatives, as the shipping sector seeks to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions ahead of stringent caps in 2030 and 2050. In episode two, we look at biofuels – a diverse energy source derived from vegetable oils and waste matter, rather than from traditional hydrocarbons.

Marine Fuels of the Future: LNG Aug 10, 2021

Ahead of London International Shipping Week 2021, a six-part S&P Global Platts podcast series looks into the pricing of alternative marine fuels for the global shipping industry. In each episode of Marine Fuels of the Future, Platts editors investigate the current state of the major fuel alternatives, as the shipping sector seeks to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions ahead of stringent caps in 2030 and 2050. In episode one, we start with one of the frontrunners: LNG.

In ESG era, shale gas drillers try going green Jul 21, 2021

Natural gas producers are partnering with data companies to reduce emissions amid growing pressure to decarbonize supplies. This episode features interviews with Chris Romer, the co-founder and CEO of Project Canary, and Andrew Baxter, the Environmental Defense Fund's director of energy strategy. The team also spoke with Andrew Logan, senior director for oil and gas at nonprofit investor network Ceres.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

All Systems GO: How Guarantees of Origin are helping underpin Europe’s renewable expansion program Jul 13, 2021

Total renewables penetration targets in Europe require a "common currency" which provides a reliable price signal against which the cost of different technologies and renewable paths can be assessed. Guarantees of Origin certificates could become this common currency, incentivising the use of renewable sources as part of corporate fuel mix disclosures, and promoting a net-zero culture. In this Platts Future Energy Podcast episode, Glenn Rickson, Head of European Power Analytics, is joined by Energy Transition experts in the Platts Pricing team to discuss the scope of the Guarantees of Origin markets.

Electrification and biofuels: Combination, not disruption, is the path to decarbonize transportation Jul 08, 2021

Electric vehicles have been trending as the primary choice to decarbonize the transportation sector worldwide. Although some could expect the EV revolution to disrupt all current technologies, existing biofuels can keep playing a key role where they are available.

In this podcast, Brazil is discussed as an example of where transitioning to EVs is not as urgent as in other countries since the wide adoption of ethanol is already yielding significant reductions in emissions at a competitive cost.

Helping communities impacted by the energy transition Jul 02, 2021

The move from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources can have a big impact on the communities that once depended on those industries.

Our guest for this episode is Brian Anderson, director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory. He was recently tasked with leading the Biden administration's Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization. In this role, he aims to identify and ameliorate the economic and social problems encountered by communities reliant on fossil fuel extraction, as those fuels account for a smaller proportion of energy production.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Natural gas in the energy transition era Jun 22, 2021

Today we are looking at how the energy transition to lower emissions and cleaner fuels will affect natural gas.

Editors from S&P Global Platts and Market Intelligence discuss the findings of their recent series of stories looking the natural gas sector in the era of Energy Transition.

From the burner tip back to the wellhead, natural gas interests will find that changes ahead bring risk and opportunity.

Voluntary Carbon Credits: what they are, why they matter Jun 16, 2021

Voluntary carbon markets have seen significant growth in recent years and are expected to surge in the years ahead. But they have traditionally been seen as opaque, complex and niche. That is rapidly changing as a large range of companies start to engage with them. In the latest Platts Future Energy podcast, Jonty Rushforth is joined by Paula Vanlaningham and Jeff Berman to discuss the ‘beauty’ of carbon credit markets.

Utilities eager to charge a growing US electric vehicle fleet Jun 15, 2021

U.S. utilities are responding to growing demand for electric vehicles by forming new coalitions to build charging infrastructure for their consumers. Energy Evolution spoke with two leaders in the utility space to better understand the trend. This episode features interviews with Badar Khan, the U.S. President of National Grid and Matthew Forck, the vice president of community economic development and energy solutions for Ameren Missouri. The team also spoke with Kara Kockelman, a professor of transportation engineering at the University of Texas Austin and Amanda O’Toole, a specialist in clean economy investing and portfolio manager for AXA Investment Managers. Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Evolving electric vehicle trends cause lithium prices to diverge and defy expectations Jun 02, 2021

Evolving choices around EV battery composition have altered price dynamics in the lithium market, with the two main forms, hydroxide and carbonate, now moving independently to each other, reflecting different use cases and trading patterns. LFP was considered by many industry participants to be a lower priority in the upcoming EV boom. This started to change with the gradual removal of Chinese EV subsidies, which lowered the incentives for local automakers to target only long-range EVs and increased the pressure to reduce costs. Moreover, improvements on the pack design, through the cell-to-pack approach, allowed a bigger portion of the battery pack to be filled with cells which significantly increased energy density.

In the latest S&P Global Platts Future Energy Podcast, Platts Pricing Director of Metals Scott Yarham speaks to Tianqi Lithium’s Sales Director Ron Mitchell and Platts Pricing Specialist Henrique Ribeiro to unpack these new trading patterns and what is emerging in the market.

China's climate conundrum: Carbon neutrality 2060 and its implications for fossil fuels May 11, 2021

China has laid out some lofty goals for its climate action. In September 2020, it pledged that it would peak its carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and hit carbon neutrality before 2060. This was followed in December 2020 by an announcement to enhance its nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement for 2030, including increasing the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption to around 25%. Earlier this year, it issued rules for its emissions trading scheme for the power sector and carbon trading is expected to begin in late 2021.

How realistic are these goals? How can China's climate policy align with its economic and social goals? And what is the role for fossil fuels in a carbon neutral China?

These questions are more are addressed on this episode of Future Energy Podcasts, with S&P Global Platts Editorial Team Lead for LNG and Energy Transition Eric Yep, Platts Analytics Lead for Global Coal Matthew Boyle, Platts Senior Writer Oceana Zhou, and Dr. Philip Andrews-Speed, senior principal fellow at the National University of Singapore's Energy Studies Institute

Dr. Andrews-Speed has 38 years of experience in the field of energy and resources, and his current research focuses on the low carbon energy transition in China and Southeast Asia as well as on the governance of nuclear energy. He is the author of the book China As A Global Clean Energy Champion, which looks at the institutions of governance that are shaping the trajectory of China's low carbon energy transition.

Get access to the Annual Guidebook mentioned on this podcast: Platts Future Energy Outlooks

Booming electric vehicle demand spurs on mining, metals sector May 11, 2021

Electric vehicle demand is expected to skyrocket worldwide and that could require a lot more minerals than currently being supplied today for the necessary batteries.

S&P Global Market Intelligence expects sales of passenger plug-in electric vehicles to increase from just over three million units in 2020 to over 11 million units by 2025. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency recently suggested that government action will be needed to ensure adequate supplies exist of nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements given the "looming mismatch" between expected demand and planned investments in supply.

This episode features interviews with Nikit Abyankar, a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and David Wooley the executive director of the Center for Environmental Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. The team also spoke with S&P Global Market Intelligence metals analysts Jason Sappor and Alice Yu, and Payal Sampat, the mining program director at Earthworks.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

UK hydrogen’s blue vision Apr 22, 2021

The UK’s hydrogen production landscape is littered with big natural gas-based CCS projects – why is this, and what does it say about renewable hydrogen’s immediate prospects? S&P Global Platts Zane McDonald, Jeff McDonald and Henry Edwardes-Evans discuss projects, prices and policies with a little help from Ryse Hydrogen’s Jo Bamford.

Surging demand for battery metals drives push to mine ocean floor Apr 20, 2021

The world is moving closer to mining the deep sea to accommodate surging demand for battery metals needed in the global energy transition, but opposition to the practice is also mounting.

After years of review, the International Seabed Authority, or ISA, is nearing completion of regulations that would allow entities to begin collecting lumps of metal from the deep ocean. While some tout the process as a greener alternative to terrestrial mining, several ocean scientists and environmental groups are urging caution.

This episode features interviews with: Douglas McCauley, a professor of ocean science at the University of California, Santa Barbara; Matthew Gianni, co-founder of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition; DeepGreen Metals Inc. CEO Gerard Barron; and Jeffrey Drazen, a professor at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Nickel pig iron-matte conversion could be a game changer for the battery industry Apr 13, 2021

The recent plans announced by China's Tsingshan to convert nickel pig iron (unsuitable for batteries) into nickel matte (an intermediate for the production of battery-grade nickel sulfate) has shaken the market, causing nickel prices to pull the brakes on its bull run. The price uptrend was driven by the widespread belief that nickel demand for batteries would boom shortly, while supply of battery-grade material would not increase at the same pace. Tsingshan’s plans, however, could completely change the supply-demand landscape for battery-grade nickel, but not without a significant environmental cost that automakers might have to assimilate. In this Platts Future Energy podcast Henrique Ribeiro discusses these developments with independent nickel specialist Lyle Trytten, Platts clean energy senior analyst Michael Mccafferty, and Platts metals pricing director Scott Yarham.

The Evolving Energy Sector: Updated Takeaways for Energy Transition Outlooks Mar 23, 2021

In the latest S&P Global Platts Future Energy Podcast, Roman Kramarchuk, Head of Future Energy Outlooks, is joined by Dan Klein, Head of Future Energy Pathways, to talk about the main takeaways of Platts Future Energy Outlooks Annual Guidebook, a comprehensive study that includes Platts oil, gas, and overall energy reference cases, along with long-term outlooks for global crude, regional crude and product markets, and regional natural gas markets. Discussion includes analysis around scenarios with emission levels consistent with limiting global warming to 2 degrees.

The mess with Texas Mar 16, 2021

The February winter storm that crippled the Texas power grid left millions of residents without light and heat for days, and drove natural gas prices to record highs. So how did this happen? What does it mean for the future of the energy industry?

Joining the discussion are Jay Hakes, an author and former administrator of the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Emily Grubert, a professor at Georgia Tech, International Energy Agency analysts Keith Everhart and Gergely Molnar, and Shayle Kann with Energy Impact Partners.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

UK’s first gigaplant readies for construction as EV demand rises Mar 09, 2021

Ground is due to be broken on the UK’s first battery gigaplant, built by Britishvolt, in summer 2021, with the plant due to start producing batteries at scale by the end of 2023. The gigaplant is an important step in shortening the UK’s battery supply chain and helping ensure that UK automakers comply with the Brexit agreement’s rules of origin standard, which dictates that at least 40% of the value of the parts in a finished vehicle originate in the UK, or face paying export fees.

In the latest of S&P Global Platts Future Energy Podcast, EMEA metals senior pricing specialist Jacqueline Holman speaks to Britishvolt’s Chief Strategy Officer Isobel Sheldon, and Chief Technology Officer Allan Paterson about the company’s planned gigafactory in Blythe, Northumberland, and the UK’s battery supply chain. They are joined by Mark Mozur, lead analyst of energy transition at Platts Analytics to provide insight on EV demand and whether there will be enough batteries produced domestically to meet this demand.

Explore now: The Platts Atlas of Energy Transition, your map to the sustainable commodity markets of the future

US returns to Paris climate agreement, but faces 'credibility gap' Feb 19, 2021

President Joe Biden moved quickly to return the United States to the Paris climate. He is likely to take major steps forward on climate policy that could impact the energy transition as the world heads to the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference later this year. However, the United States also faces a credibility problem on climate change issues after the Trump administration withdrew from the agreement.

During this episode, we hear from multiple guests on the U.S. returning to climate talks, and what the implications could be for on the energy transition already underway: Christine Todd Whitman, former New Jersey governor and EPA chief; Eric Usher, the head of the United Nations’ Environmental Program Finance Initiative; Jonathan Elkind, a senior research scholar at the center on global energy policy at Columbia University; Amanda O’Toole, global portfolio manager and clean economy strategy manager with AXA Investment Managers; and Paul Baiocchi, senior investment strategy advisor at SS&C ALPS Advisors.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Biden administration: a new dawn for battery metals in the US? Feb 09, 2021

During the Trump years, the US issued an Executive Order to ensure the local development of critical minerals, but no material production was established after that. During his campaign, president Joe Biden stressed the importance of promoting clean energy, which is directly linked to the supply of key battery metals. What will the new US administration bring in terms of policy and strategy around lithium and other battery metals? In this Platts Future Energy podcast Henrique Ribeiro talks to renown lithium guru Joe Lowry and Editor in Chief of Platts Metals Daily Anthony Poole to answer this and other questions.

Has hydrogen energy's time come? Jan 25, 2021

Hydrogen is generating a lot of buzz in the U.S. energy world, but what might look like a nascent technological revolution is not going to occur overnight, according to several experts interviewed on this episode.

But while hydrogen has received its fair share of hype in the past, this time may be different as the growth of sustainability-driven investments, rising pressure to act on climate change and shifting economics are increasingly favoring hydrogen technologies.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Spain’s Repsol taking the front seat in transition drive Jan 19, 2021

Spain’s Repsol was the first oil major to set net-zero emissions to target in December 2019, and the company has pivoted fast to grow its low-carbon energy business launching a raft of wind, solar, biofuels, and green-hydrogen projects. The surge in clean energy projects will see Repsol's low-carbon spending jump to 40% of total capex by 2030, up from an already peer group-leading 25% in 2020.

Following an interview with Luis Cabra, Repsol's head of Energy Transition, Sustainability, and Technology, S&P Global Platts Robert Perkins and Roman Kramarchuk discuss the key points of Repsol’s low-carbon transition strategy and how they fit with the S&P Global Platts broader outlook of the energy transition landscape.

How electric vehicles and battery metals survived the pandemic Jan 05, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic hit many industries hard in 2020, including automotives.

Electric vehicles’ sales, however, grew substantially from 2019 -- and the trend should continue in 2021, supporting the demand for battery metals such as lithium and cobalt.

This edition of the Platts Future Energy podcast explains why EVs outperformed internal combustion engine cars and how the lithium and cobalt markets reacted to this increase amid the pandemic.

Exploring Distro: Rotterdam Port’s new high-frequency trading platform Jan 04, 2021

In the latest Platts Future Energy podcast, Janjoost Jullens, Energy Lead at the at the Blocklab innovation lab in the Netherlands, and James Rilett, Senior Director of Innovation at S&P Global Platts, tell Henry Edwardes-Evans about Platts AI trading platform Distro.

Rotterdam's blockchain-based microgrid has driven user costs down 11% and producer returns up 14% - now its developers are looking to extend its reach within the port and roll the system out elsewhere.

Sustainability-linked bonds: A financial tool to lower power sector emissions Dec 18, 2020

New financial tools are emerging alongside new technology to help companies address greenhouse gas emissions.

Unlike green bonds, where the proceeds from the bond are used for new and existing projects with environmental benefits, sustainability-linked bonds can be more flexible.

NRG Energy announced the issuance of a $900 million sustainability-linked-bond earlier in December. The company says that is going to help them achieve a 50% reduction of absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 from a 2014 baseline.

Gaetan Frotte, the senior vice president and Treasurer at NRG Energy, spoke with Energy Evolution co-host Taylor Kuykendall about the latest announcement.

The future of cobalt in Electric Vehicles - with Robin Tisserand, SCB Group Dec 16, 2020

Cobalt is a pivotal metal for the batteries that underpin electric vehicles. Recent long-term supply commitments signed by battery makers suggest that cobalt is set to remain a crucial component for many years, as such understanding the market and pricing of this metal is critical.

In the latest instalment of the Platts Future Energy podcast, Emmanuel Latham is joined by Robin Tisserand, Cobalt Broker at SCB Group, to discuss the market, the major pricing issues and the risk management options available to the market and what this means for cobalt’s future as a key battery raw material.

Pipeline company executives lead oil, gas firms toward net zero emissions Dec 09, 2020

As the world aims to hit global climate goals, countries and companies around the world are setting targets and making plans to reduce emissions of greenhouse gas. While utilities are leading the way in the energy sector, rising pressure from investors has the oil and gas sector working to catch up.

S&P Global Market Intelligence's Energy Evolution interviewed Williams Cos. Inc. President and CEO Alan Armstrong and Enbridge Inc. Chief Sustainability Officer Peter Sheffield on their companies' recently-announced ambitions to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Greening steel production and hydrogen’s potential Nov 24, 2020

The global steel sector accounts for roughly 7% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Blast furnaces, which process iron ore and coking coal, and produce most of the world’s steel, have a higher emissions intensity compared with mini-mills that melt ferrous scrap. Incorporating hydrogen and renewable power could help the sector lower its emissions profile as it looks for new ways to meet demand for greener steel.

S&P Global Platts managing editor Andrew Moore speaks with Platts senior editor for steel raw materials and metals analysis Hector Forster and Platts Analytics’ lead hydrogen analyst Zane McDonald on how hydrogen may help transition the steel sector away from emissions-intensive blast furnaces and more toward direct reduction iron- and scrap-fed electric arc furnaces.

The discussion covers global steel production trends, PCI coal substitution by hydrogen, power and hydrogen sources, carbon-based taxes on steel in Europe, and how demand for low emissions steel is already being seen in Europe.

How the Biden administration could accelerate the energy transition Nov 24, 2020

President-elect Joe Biden is expected to enter the White House with big plans to address climate change, a goal with substantial implications for the energy sector.

Biden's climate plan is a $2 trillion economywide proposal that looks to cut or eliminate emissions from power generation, transportation, buildings, agriculture and more. S&P Global Market Intelligence's Energy Evolution team briefly previews some potential implications for the energy sector with senior policy correspondent Molly Christian.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

The 2020 election's implications for fracking, FERC and utilities Oct 27, 2020

While Democratic nominee Joseph Biden and Republican President Donald Trump have different stances on fossil fuels, much of the demand for clean energy is being driven at the state and individual consumer level, where it may be difficult to reverse the momentum of a transition toward more renewables. But there are several ways that transition could be slowed or accelerated by the outcome of the election.

In the second of two episodes on the Nov. 3 contest, S&P Global Market Intelligence's Energy Evolution team spoke about potential impacts to the oil, gas and utility sectors with Lillian Federico, energy research director for Regulatory Research Associates, Sarah Ladislaw, a senior vice president and director of the energy security and climate change program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Christine Tezak, managing director of research at ClearView Energy Partners.

Co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Energy Transition in the time of COVID-19 Oct 27, 2020

In this first Platts Future Energy podcast, representatives from Analytics, News and Pricing discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the Energy Transition, with a focus on: energy demand and carbon emissions, now and in the years ahead; recovery programs, whether supportive, regressive or ineffective; and finally, the technology pathways set to emerge strongest from the pandemic.

Energy executives assess what's at stake in 2020 election Oct 19, 2020

With the upcoming U.S. presidential election offering two very different visions for the energy industry's future, some executives remain confident the renewable energy transition has gained a permanent foothold no matter the outcome. On Energy Evolution's latest episode, Sunnova CEO John Berger, Hannon Armstrong Managing Director Susan Nickey, Ramaco Resources Chairman Randall Atkins and former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz game out what's at stake in 2021, based on who prevails in November.

Co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Be sure to subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Is nickel the world's most sought-after commodity? Oct 19, 2020

With an annual traded value of around $35 billion, nickel would probably be categorized by most as a medium-sized commodity. For the past few decades it has really had quite a low profile, perhaps due to its mainly industrial use as an alloying agent in stainless steel production. But excitement and chatter has been building around nickel sulfate in particular, due to its critical role in battery chemistry.

S&P Global Platts Pricing Director for APAC Metal Markets Julien Hall talks to Platts battery metals experts Joyce Zhang and Jianong Ong for an overview of nickel use in electric vehicle batteries, the main fundamental drivers in the market, and how the pricing behaves, to get a better sense of how hot the nickel market really is.

The key to electric vehicle uptake: subsidies Oct 02, 2020

Overall global EV sales have been weaker in 2020, mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic hitting sales in Asia, although European sales are notably up year on year, with European governments employing a number of incentives and subsidies to encourage car buyers to switch over to EVs. In the latest Battery Metals Podcast, S&P Global Platts senior pricing specialists Emmanuel Latham and Jacqueline Holman discuss the subsidies and incentives in place for electric vehicles and their impact on sales and uptake.

Growing battery storage market key to adding renewables to grid Sep 16, 2020

As the 2020 wildfire season continues to inflict damage across the American West, a key question will be how much, and how fast, the battery storage sector can mobilize to reinforce the power grid in California and elsewhere. S&P Global Market Intelligence examines the prospects of battery storage technology in our latest episode featuring Fluence Energy LLC COO John Zahurancik; Dan Finn-Foley, head of energy storage with consultancy Wood Mackenzie's energy transition practice and Dharik Mallapragada, a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Energy Initiative.

Co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Be sure to subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!

Energy sector grapples with growing environmental justice movement Aug 17, 2020

As calls for racial justice grow across the U.S., the impacts of energy infrastructure projects on communities of color are also getting more attention. Does the cancellation of a major project like the Atlantic Coast gas pipeline mark a turning point for the movement? In this episode, S&P Global Market Intelligence's Energy Evolution podcast team spoke about the implications for the sector with experts Jean Su of the Center for Biological Diversity and University of Michigan Professor Tony Reames, as well as community activists Vicki Dobbins and Richard Walker.

Co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to catch upcoming episodes!

The LFP resurgence in electric vehicles Aug 13, 2020

For some time, many lithium-ion industry participants believed LFP (lithium iron phosphate) would be progressively phased out from electric vehicles due to its intrinsic lower energy density compared with nickel-rich chemistries.

However, technology improvements -- coupled with the current market dynamics in China -- have put LFP back in the story.

Henrique Ribeiro and Emmanuel Latham discuss the implications of this trend to the battery metals space.

Grassroots movement working to keep natural gas out of new buildings Jul 08, 2020

Local governments around the United States are making it more difficult to include natural gas as a fuel option in new building construction. S&P Global Market Intelligence senior reporter Tom DiChristopher joins the podcast with interviews about the varied approaches communities are taking on natural gas infrastructure and how the industry is responding.

A conversation with NanoGraf's Francis Wang Jul 03, 2020

NanoGraf Technologies CEO Dr Francis Wang talks to S&P Global Platts senior pricing specialist Jacqueline Holman about the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on China’s dominance in the battery metal supply chain, as well as the challenges and opportunities of the supply chain becoming more global.

Boost to EVs from China’s new policy at risk due to COVID-19 Jun 03, 2020

The battery metals industry has welcomed China’s two-year extension of subsidies for new energy vehicles, but the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented EV sales from picking up as expected.

In this edition of S&P Global Platts’ monthly Battery Metals podcast, Jacqueline Holman and Henrique Ribeiro discuss how the new Chinese policy works and what can be expected for EV sales and battery metals going forward.

Former DOE chief envisions a jobs revival coming from the energy transition Jun 01, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc on the world economy. Could the global energy transition and the jobs that come with it be a part of the cure? Former U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz believes it will be. He is behind a new initiative to develop the framework for a modern energy economy that prioritizes the creation and preservation of high-quality jobs. Energy Evolution called the former Obama Administration official to talk about the potential of this new effort, which energy sources will be a part of the jobs revolution, the role government can play to encourage new energy technology and more.

Cobalt in the time of Corona: refining, mining and pricing May 05, 2020

S&P Global Platts Battery Metals podcast looks at how cobalt markets are faring during the current coronavirus pandemic.

Emmanuel Latham is joined by Battery Metals editor Melvin Goh to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Chinese cobalt sulfate refining, the developing situation in the DRC, anticipated market developments and what this all means for cobalt prices.

Energy transition to be shaped by world response to COVID-19 Apr 30, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic could help accelerate the investment shift from oil and gas to renewable energy. But the pace of that transition depends heavily on how governments direct economic recovery spending, and whether the consumer behavior changes induced by the pandemic prove permanent. In this episode, the Energy Evolution team spoke about these issues with Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency, environmentalist and writer Bill McKibben, Amy Myers Jaffe of the Council on Foreign Relations, and Mark Lewis, head of climate change investment research at BNP Paribas Asset Management. Check out the article accompanying the episode here. Co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to catch upcoming episodes!

Small reactors could be a big deal for nuclear industry Mar 30, 2020

States developing long-term plans to zero out carbon emissions by mid-century are key to driving adoption of advanced nuclear technology, Dr. José Reyes, a co-founder of NuScale Power said on S&P Global Market Intelligence's Energy Evolution podcast.

NuScale is developing a new design for nuclear small modular reactors, or SMRs, which could be useful for states moving toward a system in which "firm" carbon-free power generation technology is needed to complement renewables.

Co-hosts Dan Testa, Allison Good and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility, oil and gas and mining sectors. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to catch upcoming episodes!

Lithium demand heads for 2020 decline as market feels effects of coronavirus Mar 27, 2020

Joe Lowry of Global Lithium -- known as "Mr. Lithium" -- forecasts lithium demand to fall in 2020 compared with 2019, the first annual decrease in many years.

Lowry examines the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak on the lithium market with Henrique Ribeiro of S&P Global Platts.

Coronavirus pandemic, oil price crash shake up energy industry Mar 13, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic drives crude oil prices into the $30 per barrel range, the Energy Evolution team takes a look at what the global economic slowdown means for fossil fuels, utilities and renewable energy. Listen to the episode, and subscribe to catch future episodes. (Photo: AP)

China battery metals sector remains optimistic about 2020 demand despite weak Q1 Mar 05, 2020

In this episode of the S&P Global Platts Battery Metals podcast, Platts head of APAC Metals Insights Paul Bartholomew, analyst Lucy Tang, and associate editor Joyce Zhang discuss how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting China's automobile and new energy vehicle industry, and illustrate the details of the latest Platts survey on battery metals and lithium outlook.

Climate concerns are driving the financial world away from fossil fuels Feb 20, 2020

BlackRock Inc., the world's largest asset manager, recently announced it would be pulling out of its investments in certain parts of the coal sector. The move is part of a broader trend where banks, insurers and other parts of the finance world are pledging to stay away from fossil fuels to address concerns about climate change. Join us on Energy Evolution, where this month we check in on what is being said about the rising fossil fuel divestment trend and talk to activists, analysts and a representative of the largest coal company in the U.S. about what is going on and what may be next.

What's in store for Nickel over 2020? Feb 04, 2020

The S&P Global Platts Battery Metals podcast kicks off 2020 with a deep dive into nickel. Platts Editor Henrique Ribeiro is joined by Jason Sappor, nickel analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, to discuss his expectations for the nickel market in 2020, the implications of the Indonesian ore export ban, and what this means for the EV battery industry. You can learn more in our quarterly Platts Battery Metals Insight.

The forces driving a gas-fired power plant glut Jan 23, 2020

After an S&P Global Market Intelligence investigative team uncovered the powerful incentives to build natural gas-fired power plants in the U.S., the Energy Evolution podcast interviewed some of the "Overpowered" series' sources and authors to follow up on why utilities are adding gas generation despite flat demand and some states' efforts to adopt more renewable energy.

Energy Evolution also talked to sources from the Overpowered series about why the PJM Interconnection — the country's largest market for electric power — may continue to over-procure gas generation capacity, how Virginia state officials are starting to push back against Dominion Energy Inc.'s electricity demand forecasts and what the Oxnard, Calif., city council is doing to acquire more power from renewable resources after rejecting the Puente Power Project proposed by NRG Energy Inc. and Edison International utility Southern California Edison Co.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.

(Photo: AP)

A very special Energy Evolution holiday episode Dec 18, 2019

From turkeys and LED lights to celebrating Hanukkah with solar energy, the Energy Evolution team breaks down power usage during the holidays with efficiency tips, fun facts and a cooking tutorial.

The fourth episode also features answers to questions about the history behind Americans' holiday light tradition, which variety of stuffing is best and how regional grid operators prepare to accommodate soaring demand.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.

(Photo: AP)

Why solar energy could get even cheaper Nov 20, 2019

The price of producing electricity from solar energy has dropped rapidly in the last several years and nothing is stopping it from dropping even further, an expert recently told the hosts of Energy Evolution, an S&P Global Market Intelligence podcast. There is still room for reducing the cost of solar, both by improving the physical workings of the technology itself and by reducing the cost of production and deployment of solar photovoltaics, said Greg Nemet, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who researches technological shifts and how public policy can affect those changes. Once denounced as too expensive, solar energy is already displacing other fuel sources as the cheapest form of generation in some regions. Nemet, who wrote the recently published book "How Solar Energy Became Cheap," noted one of the challenges with solar energy is that once it is installed it essentially becomes a zero variable cost source of electricity. That could contribute to under investment on the part of utilities. The solution, he said, is to modernize utility regulations that in many cases were created decades ago in order to better accommodate renewable energy resources and other technologies.

Listen to the full episode to hear more, and subscribe to Energy Evolution to catch future episodes.

(Photo: AP)

Stationary storage market today and expectations for the future Nov 12, 2019

Stationary storage takes the stage in the November edition of S&P Global Platts Battery Metals podcast. Senior pricing specialist Emmanuel Latham is joined by Felix Maire, lead analyst on US and European Power Storage markets at Platts Analytics, to discuss the major drivers on this growing...

US energy officials push innovation to meet evolving energy needs Oct 21, 2019

As technological innovation is spurs opportunities in the energy sector, the U.S. government wants to facilitate a major shift in how the nation generates its power, top federal energy officials said during a new S&P Global Market Intelligence podcast. "We are in this incredible American moment where we are really seeing a fascinating transition in our energy landscape," Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Neil Chatterjee said on S&P Global Market Intelligence's second episode of Energy Evolution. "The challenge is that this transition is putting pressure on traditional forms of baseload power, namely coal and nuclear. As the regulator responsible for the reliability of the grid, ensuring that we can make that transition while maintaining reliability is a challenge." The administration has taken several steps to try to support coal and nuclear power. However, agencies like FERC and the U.S. Department of Energy are also supporting the development of policies and technology that would support the growing role renewable energy plays in U.S. electricity generation. "If the cost of renewables, the cost of storage, gets to a point where it can compete, I think that's great for consumers," Chatterjee said. "It's great for the economy. It's great for the environment and it's great for America." The U.S. electricity grid has already undergone a massive change as cheap natural gas from new shale gas drilling technologies pushed coal-fired generation out of the market. Now, growing renewable energy deployment is causing a "bit of a strain on the system," said Brian Anderson, director of the DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory. "What we're looking for in the future are the options for large scale grid storage of electricity," Anderson said on the Energy Evolution podcast. "There are only a few options: battery packs — the costs are coming down tremendously — and other grid-scale storage options for storing electrons. We're going to start seeing a grid that is much different than we are used to because we need to be able to follow the dynamic nature of intermittent renewables." The DOE is working on finding a part of that solution. For example, they are studying materials that could be used to create a new generation of battery storage technology that does not have the same limitations as current batteries utilizing lithium-ion. "Lithium ion's done a great job for the last two or three decades, providing storage capabilities," said Dan Brouillette, the deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy who has recently been tapped to succeed outgoing Energy Secretary Rick Perry. "But it is limited and the ability to do utility-scale or large-scale storage still eludes us. That's why we've seen perhaps a slower adoption of some of the renewable technologies and we might otherwise have had." DOE is examining the possibility of using magnesium-ion instead of lithium-ion, for instance, which may prove to be a better means of storing power for later use. Battery storage research and development, he added is a high priority for the DOE as the technology is expected to be a "very important component" of the U.S. electricity generation mix in the coming years. The agency is also looking to more futuristic technology such as being able to beam power from one point to another without the use of wires. "Think about that," Brouillette said on the podcast. "Think about a world in which hurricanes matter perhaps a little bit less for the provision of electricity or the recovery from a major catastrophe like that. Those are some of the things we're thinking about at the DOE. And it's a very exciting place to be." Subscribe to Energy Evolution on Soundcloud to catch future episodes. (Photo: AP)

Interview with Formula E Team Principal Mark Preston Oct 15, 2019

In this month’s Battery Metals podcast, regional manager Marcel Goldenberg talks to Mark Preston, Team Principal of the Techeetah Formula E racing team, about battery technology and innovation in the world of electric vehicle racing and its possible applications to the everyday use of EVs, as...

Rising nickel prices, Indonesia's planned export ban on unprocessed ore, pose global challenges Sep 21, 2019

Nickel prices have been strong since mid-July, aided by Indonesia's plan to move forward on its ban of unprocessed ore exports beginning in 2020, as well as global supply issues. Three-month nickel prices reached a year-to-date high in September. S&P Global Platts editors Marcel Goldenberg,...

Energy futurist sees major obstacles for renewables in next 30 years Sep 19, 2019

Population growth and mineral resource scarcity will hamper the global energy sector's transition from hydrocarbons to renewables even as activist investors push many oil and gas companies to pivot toward more sustainable electricity sources, financial forecaster and futurist Jason Schenker says in the inaugural episode of Energy Evolution, a new S&P Global Market Intelligence podcast. Schenker is the Chairman of The Futurist Institute and the President of Prestige Economics. He has also authored several books on disruptive emerging technologies, including "The Future of Energy". Subscribe to Energy Evolution on Soundcloud to catch upcoming episodes! (Photo: AP)

Lithium producers seek direction amid changing scenarios Aug 30, 2019

Despite the consensus on lithium demand spiking in about five years from now, the current outlook is challenging producers in many different ways. The bearish price trend triggered different strategies among some of the major worldwide producers, but which of them is more likely to succeed? And how...

What does H2 hold for Chinese battery metals prices? Jul 31, 2019

S&P Global Platts Battery Metals Podcast brings its focus back to China, the world's largest producer of new energy vehicles and the largest consumer of battery raw materials. In this episode, Platts commodity associate Melvin Goh and metals associate editor Joyce Zhang examine the impact of...

Will potassium-ion batteries replace lithium-ion batteries? (Part 2 of 2) Jun 26, 2019

As technology evolves, several researchers are trying to identify the game-changer that could disrupt lithium-ion technologies in the battery space by being more cost effective and delivering longer driving ranges. The low price and high energy density of the potassium-ion technology has brought...

The battery of the future: Seeking higher energy density Jun 12, 2019

Lithium-ion battery manufacturers are in a quest to develop new, more efficient cathodes -- such as NCM 811—featuring higher energy density which allows electric vehicles to drive for longer distances. In addition to the cathode, there are several other areas of study being researched...

Lithium market to remain oversupplied in 2019 despite Q1 disruptions Apr 18, 2019

Despite some production issues related to heavy rains in South America, lithium production is expected to keep growing faster than demand this year, especially in the case of lithium hydroxide. S&P Global Platts pricing analyst Marcel Goldenberg in London and battery metals pricing specialist...

What's in store for China's new energy vehicles? Mar 22, 2019

China plays a crucial role in the global electric vehicles industry. It consumes more than half of the world's battery raw materials. In this podcast, editor Joyce Zhang and analyst Lucy Tang take a look at the rapid growth of new energy vehicles in China as well as the demand and supply of metals...

Developments in battery metal raw materials; nickel and cobalt supply outlooks Feb 14, 2019

S&P Global Platts global market and methodology specialist Marcel Goldenberg, battery metals pricing specialist Emmanuel Latham and news journalist focusing on battery metals Ben Kilbey discuss developments and outlooks on nickel and cobalt supply. High anticipated demand has seen the 'much...

The state of cobalt supply and the potential impact on battery metal raw materials Dec 03, 2018

S&P Global Platts Market and Methodology Specialist Marcel Goldenberg and battery metals pricing specialist Emmanuel Latham examine recent developments in the global cobalt supply and the potential ramifications on battery feedstocks as we head into 2019. Glencore’s recent announcement...

Electric vehicle chargers: CHAdeMO, CCS, TESLA and GB/T Sep 21, 2018

S&P Global Platts Battery Metals podcast series continues, tracking one of the most-followed topics in the market and how this has impacted lithium carbonate prices over recent weeks. Platts looks at chargers for electric vehicles and the East vs West battle about which technology will become...

Battery 'Gigafactories' and their impact on battery metals raw materials Aug 01, 2018

S&P Global Platts Battery Metals Podcast series continues, tracking one of the most-followed topics in the market and how this has impacted lithium carbonate prices over recent weeks. In this edition, Platts looks at Gigafactories and why Europe seems to be the next hotbed for these to be...

Chinese EV subsidies squeeze lithium carbonate prices Jun 19, 2018

S&P Global Platts Battery Metals Podcast series continues, tracking one of the most-followed topics in the market and how this has impacted lithium carbonate prices over recent weeks. In this edition, Platts looks into the implementation of the 2018 Chinese electric vehicle subsidies that came...

The battle between spodumene and brine – lithium mining Apr 30, 2018

S&P Global Platts Battery Metals Podcast series continues, tracking the most-followed topics in the market. In this edition, Platts looks into lithium and how mining techniques differ for one of the lightest metals in the world. The podcast sheds light on what brine and spodumene are, where and...

Will there be enough nickel to support the EV hype? Apr 03, 2018

Battery technology appears to be driving towards the 8:1:1 nickel-cobalt-manganese format from the currently used 6:2:2 version, but with nickel prices a third of what they were at the beginning of the decade, investment into nickel projects has been limited and poses the question of whether the...

Battery metals move to the front, oil still driving sentiment Mar 23, 2018

Battery metals, the electric vehicle revolution and protectionism versus free trade dominated discussions at this year's FT Commodities Global Summit in Lausanne, Switzerland. But like any gathering of the commodities industry's biggest players, oil pricing and the outlook for energy weren't too...

Battery metals still on the up: technology may be game-changer Feb 20, 2018

Battery metals markets continue bullish, recent industry events have shown, but with concerns in both the lithium and cobalt camps. In the first of S&P Global Platts’ monthly podcasts on battery metals, Marcel Goldenberg, markets and methodology development, metals, talks to Diana Kinch...

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