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    Energy Evolution

    Energy Evolution is a podcast from S&P Global Commodity Insights that explores how the energy industry is changing. Co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall spend each episode talking to leading experts from the energy and finance fields and breaking down the trends that the policymakers, traders and industry professionals need to know about. The team uses the reporting firepower and data resources of Market Intelligence to tackle the big issues of the day and changes on the horizon. Dan and Taylor are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the utility and mining sectors.
    enS&P Global Commodity Insights116 Episodes

    Episodes (116)

    Building from scrap: Fueling EV batteries with recycled materials

    Building from scrap: Fueling EV batteries with recycled materials

    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

    Powering up the US EV battery manufacturing boom in Michigan

    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?

    Are cheaper solar panels opening up less sunny markets?

    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.

    Energy Evolution
    enFebruary 23, 2024

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

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

    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.

    Energy Evolution
    enFebruary 16, 2024

    Robotic power plant inspectors can boost sustainability by catching problems early

    Robotic power plant inspectors can boost sustainability by catching problems early

    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

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

    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?

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

    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

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

    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

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

    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. 

    Energy Evolution crew previews energy transition themes to watch for in 2024

    Energy Evolution crew previews energy transition themes to watch for in 2024

    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

    Communication technology and its role in the energy transition

    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!

    The startups grappling with wind power’s recyclability problem

    The startups grappling with wind power’s recyclability problem

    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!

    Energy Evolution
    enDecember 15, 2023

    Tackling the challenge of tracking Scope 2 emissions

    Tackling the challenge of tracking Scope 2 emissions

    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

    US utility execs share plans for continuing the energy transition amid rising costs

    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!

     

    The path to net-zero: An overview of efforts across commodity companies

    The path to net-zero: An overview of efforts across commodity companies

     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! 

     

    Fighting climate change with carbon offsets and fossil fuel retirement credits

    Fighting climate change with carbon offsets and fossil fuel retirement credits

    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?

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

    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

    Power of AI: How artificial intelligence is changing the energy and mining sectors

    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

    The hockey Hall-of-Famer installing geothermal systems in New York

    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

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

    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!