Energy Evolution

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.

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CORRECTION NOTICE: At one point during the podcast, it was mistakenly said that the gas ban was repealed in April 2024. The ban was repealed in 2023.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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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™

Our subscriber platform Platts Connect (formerly Platts Dimensions Pro)

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.

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