Are the courts an effective tool for climate action?
Energy Evolution
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...
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What the GOP sweep of the US election means for the energy transition
Energy Evolution
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...
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X-energy CEO talks small nuclear reactors, partnership with Amazon
Energy Evolution
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...
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US coal plants are fading, but miners still see a future for the black rock
Energy Evolution
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...
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Why electric utilities need meteorologists
Energy Evolution
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.
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How the 2024 elections could reshape US domestic energy policy
Energy Evolution
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...
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The rise, fall and potential rebirth of solar trailblazer SunPower
Energy Evolution
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...
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Urban mining: Digging for value in electrification waste
Energy Evolution
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...
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The (flight) path to net zero with sustainable aviation fuel
Energy Evolution
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;...
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How the US government is charging up the American battery industry
Energy Evolution
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...
info_outlineThis 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.