Energy Terminal

Today, we are thrilled to welcome the incredible Mona Dajani to the show. Mona serves as the Global Co-head of Energy, Infrastructure, Hydrogen, Mobility, Renewables, and Water at Baker Botts. She is also an ambassador for the US Department of Energy's C3E initiative and a regular news correspondent on energy transition topics. Through her extensive career in clean energy, Mona has witnessed the evolution of global opinions on this issue. Mona believes that the way we engage in conversations about energy is pivotal to advancing the energy transition. These discussions can often be polarizing, making it essential to find common ground. As someone deeply experienced in navigating these challenging conversations, Mona shares how she approaches the topic with openness and gratitude, even when engaging with diverse leaders and stakeholders. Tune in to learn from Mona's insights on fostering productive and impactful dialogue about the energy transition and how we can all contribute to meaningful progress. Keynotes: Dealing with polarized opinions on energy The importance of having technical conversations with those from a non-technical background The evolution of the energy transition, and opinions surrounding it   Resources mentioned:  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Department of Energy (DOE)   Follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/   Check out Energy Dialogues: https://energy-dialogues.com

50 episodes later… Thank you all for joining us on this journey. We are so pleased to celebrate this milestone by hosting Neha Palmer, CEO and Co-Founder of TeraWatt Infrastructure! Neha Palmer's career in energy is extensive, with experience in utilities, finance and technology. In her role most prior to TeraWatt, as Head of Google's Energy Strategy, she led Google to be the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy in the world.    In this episode we will dive into the electric heavy-duty vehicle space. This sector is notoriously hard to decarbonize, yet accounts for 23% of US transportation emissions. Tackling it has major benefits for our air and Earth. To do so, Terawatt's approach includes thinking of electric heavy-duty vehicle infrastructure in the same way as we think about building energy solutions to data centers. The demand is high, the scale is large, and the capital is intense. Tune in to hear Neha's thoughts.    Thank you to Energy Dialogues for making this (and all our prior episodes!) happen.    Keynotes: How to tackle complicated electrification issues Why is the energy transition a 'once in a generation' transition? What lessons is TeraWatt taking from global electrification leaders?   And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/  

In the last 20 years, the United States has only successfully built one nuclear energy project. So how does startup The Nuclear Company plan to turn the industry on its head? In this episode, we are joined by Joe Klecha, Chief Nuclear Officer of The Nuclear Company, to discuss the startup's ambitious plans to deploy 6 GW of new nuclear power in the next decade. Having played a key role in the development of Southern Company's Vogtle project, Joe reflects on lessons learned and how the nuclear industry will look much different in the future. We cover must-know topics including why nuclear energy is seeing a resurgence in public opinion, how technology will play a key role in lowering costs, why their innovative partnership model is critical to their success, and where the next generation can play a role. Keynotes: -Why the U.S. stopped building new nuclear, and why need to start again -How macro trends like electrification and AI are affecting perceptions of nuclear energy -How digitalization and technology will make nuclear energy more cost-effective -And much more   And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/  

The US's grid is expansive and complicated. To break it down we are featuring guest Tyler Norris, former VP of Development at Cypress Creek Renewables and current Duke PhD student in Energy Systems. He walks us through the nuances of the issues surrounding transmission and interconnection.  Join us as we discuss how important transmission and interconnection is to the growth of renewables, and what sort of policy work needs to be done to fix the current problems facing our grid. Also, hear about Tyler's own career path, and why diversity of experiences is so beneficial to the energy transition. Thank you to our sponsor, Energy Dialogues, for making content like this possible.  And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

Join us for an engaging discussion with Katie Kross, sustainability champion from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, as we uncover the secrets to building impactful careers in energy and climate. With over 15 years of experience in this space, Katie understands the importance of building business careers and outcomes that are sustainability forward. From defining positive-impact careers to navigating evolving trends, we explore how to drive change and overcome obstacles in the pursuit of a sustainable future. Learn more about Katie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekross/details/experience/ Check out Katie's ClimateCAP: https://www.climatecap.org/ Keynotes: - How to weave success and impact into one rewarding career - How to determine what passions drive you - How to build the skills and background to achieve your career goals  

In this episode, we are joined by Scott Martin, CTO of Net Power, an innovative company revolutionizing carbon capture technology. NetPower's technology focuses on capturing emissions while producing power from natural gas, addressing the challenge of decarbonization of fossil fuels. We explore Scott's journey in the energy industry, the genesis of Net Power's vision, the challenges and triumphs encountered in advancing carbon capture technology, and the implications of Net Power's breakthroughs for the future of sustainable energy production. Thank you to Energy Dialogues for making content like this possible! Keynotes:  The importance of mission-focus leadership, and how to develop a leadership skillset Carbon capture's role in driving a future of reliable and sustainable energy  Challenges and opportunities surrounding Net Power's development and deployment journey And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/  

Over the last several years, climate tech has emerged into the spotlight as more than $120B in venture capital funding has poured into the sector and interest for decarbonization solutions have surged. Through it all, CTVC has tracked, analyzed, dissected, and reported on the biggest news and deals in the climate tech ecosystem.   CTVC (now Sightline Climate) founder and CEO Kim Zou joined us on the show to talk about the quickly changing climate tech sector and about her journey building CTVC from a popular newsletter into a market intelligence platform used by some of the top investors and companies in the industry.   In the episode, we talk about the state of climate tech VC, where it's changing the most quickly, where the opportunities are, and where the industry is heading. We also discuss Kim's hopes for Sightline to mitigate some of the mistakes made in Cleantech 1.0 and to direct investment to the most critical areas. Keynotes: -How Kim's work building Energy Impact Partners' Frontier Fund influenced the transition of CTVC into Sightline Climate -Which sectors within climate tech are changing the most quickly -How we can avoid the challenges faced in Cleantech 1.0 -Where the biggest opportunities in climate tech are And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/  

Dive into the importance of energy education with Benjamin Abram, an energy innovator and venture capitalist. Benjamin Abram, CEO of Modern Energy, started his career as a venture capital investor with the Westly Group during the gold rush of Cleantech 1.0. From there, he founded energy efficiency company American Efficient in 2013, then Modern Energy in 2016. As CEO, Ben leads Modern Energy's strategy operating at the intersection of venture capital, private equity, and operating company to grow and manage a portfolio of energy transition businesses across solar, hydrogen, electric vehicles, and more. The episode focuses on the evolving needs in energy education, which are essential for training future leaders who can impact our energy transition. Our conversation, which is wide-ranging, touches on several topics: how Ben's experience during Cleantech 1.0 shapes his approach at Modern Energy; his decision to teach an energy class at Duke University; the changes he hopes to see in energy curricula on college campuses; and the areas where he believes young people have the most opportunity to make a difference. Thank you to our sponsor, Energy Dialogues, for making content like this possible! John D. Rockefeller Biography And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/  

On this episode we feature David Villagra, CTO of EverBright, a clean energy software and financing platform. David's been active in the energy space since 2013, when he co-founded Sighten, EverBright's predecessor. He's a big believer in the power of distributed energy, and walks us through the value of this form of energy in our energy mix.  In the wake of COP 28, we know how important energy and climate security are. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) have the power to make our grid more affordable, more reliable and much more sustainable. David, being on the technical side of DERs, understands the difficulty in implementing these energy solutions, but also the many technological solutions that are underway.  Also, David discusses the role each of us can play in getting this energy solution, and other important ones, off the ground. He makes it clear that we need all the help we can get in the energy transition. Listen to learn more about finding your place in the energy space! Books David mentions:  The Grid How to Avoid a Climate Disaster Keynotes: The importance of DERs in our energy mix The value of DERs vs. other forms of energy How DERs work on current energy grids   And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/ 

Today, we are joined by the founder of the field of climate security, Sherri Goodman. In this episode, she explains what climate security is, why it's necessary, and how the establishment of climate security has changed U.S. and international military operations.  Climate security has changed a lot in recent years, and will now be a large focus of COP 28. Sherri dives into how she thinks climate security will affect the COP agenda, and her thoughts on the COP conference this year.  This episode gives an important understanding of the connection between energy, climate and national security. In light of the start of COP, Sherri's insights are valuable into understanding how global leaders will approach certain topics.  Learn more about Sherri here: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/person/sherri-goodman  Key Notes: What is climate security and the term "threat multiplier"? What is the difference between climate security and energy security? How has the US military adapted to the changing climate? In what way will climate security affect the agenda of COP 28? And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/ 

How do we ensure the energy transition we have is equitable? Why is this a piece of the transition that is so frequently left out of the conversation? In this episode, join Lauren Shum as she talks about the many different ways equity needs to be addressed. Lauren --- who's recently published white paper on sustainable aviation has influenced the Biden Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -- draws on many international examples when discussing the importance of equity, and gives us tools with which to learn and research industry organizations' practices on our own. This is an incredibly important episode to listen to in order to ensure equity is always part of the conversation.   Keynotes: - Tackling the energy transition starts with ensuring equitable practices - Strategies to determine if a company is engaging in equitable practices or not - The health impacts of lead-based aviation fuels   Check out the following links: Resources about the DRC:  •https://resourcegovernance.org/sites/default/files/documents/no_time_to_waste_governing_cobalt_amid_the_energy_transition.pdf  •https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354092905_The_Real_Effects_of_Conflict_Minerals_Disclosures •https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2018/mukwege/lecture/ •https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/nov/06/i-cant-explain-how-i-am-still-alive-dr-denis-mukwege-on-risking-his-life-to-save-african-women   Lauren's policy paper:   • https://uploads.dayoneproject.org/2021/06/16112047/Support-Electrification-at-Regional-Airports-to-Preserve-American-Competitiveness-Improve-Health-Outcomes.pdf      The things that became of this paper include...     White House Sustainable Aviation Fact Sheet:   • https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/09/09/fact-sheet-biden-administration-advances-the-future-of-sustainable-fuels-in-american-aviation/    FAA's notice of proposed rule-making for engine efficiency mandates:   • https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-proposes-requiring-more-efficient-jets-and-turboprops-lower-climate-impacts   EPA's final endangerment finding:   • https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-determines-lead-emissions-aircraft-engines-cause-or-contribute-air-pollution     And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

For the last 70 years, Jones Power has been a leader primarily for midstream oil & gas projects, but now, they're diving headfirst into renewable development and emerging as a top company for renewable project construction.   John Clark, CEO of Jones Power, joins us on the show to talk about the concept of energy transition vs. emissions transition and how we consider the balance of clean energy with energy that is reliable, secure, and affordable as we seek to both decarbonize and end energy poverty. We also discuss how to navigate such a bold transition with company culture, how to have productive conversations with people who don't agree with you, and the changes John hopes other traditional energy companies make to promote sustainability.   Tune in for an insightful discussion with a pro-energy, anti-emissions leader with a big vision for our energy future. To learn more about Jones Power, check out their website here: https://jonespower.com/about-us/.  Keynotes: -The difference between emissions transition and energy transition -Balancing clean energy with energy security, reliability, and affordability -How the shift toward working in clean energy affected company culture, and tips for managing such a transition within a company -How to have productive conversations with energy dissidents And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/  

"The energy transition is by far the largest mobilization of capital and the largest use of capital the world has ever seen."   Wil Vanloh, Founder and CEO of Quantum Energy Partners joins us on the show to tell us not just why the energy transition is revolutionizing energy finance, but how to take advantage of the emerging opportunities.    Having founded his own investment bank at age 24 and Quantum at age 28, Wil has been at the forefront of major transitions in the industry from the shale revolution to the clean energy transition. In the conversation, we talk about how Quantum's strategy has changed amid major energy events, how they think about impact alongside financial returns, and where the industry is heading. We also discuss the gaps in the market, the opportunities for young people to get involved, and why a career in energy can be more impactful than any other industry. This is a special episode released in collaboration with Energy Dialogues Perspectives Series. Keynotes: -The biggest changes in the energy industry in the past 25 years -The opportunities for global impact working in the energy industry -Why we need diverse and flexible funding solutions for different energy companies -How the energy transition is changing the way we think about investing And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/  

Partnerships, and often unconventional ones, are at the heart of meaningful progress in the energy transition. And what better way to explore this topic than with Monika Simoes, Founder and CEO of Energy Dialogues, Energy Terminal's founding podcast sponsor and long-time partner.   Monika's work at Energy Dialogues involves bringing together executives, thought leaders, and stakeholders from across the energy industry. Through their events, content, and network, they've facilitated many groundbreaking partnerships and conversations that have created incredible growth and progress. In the episode, we discuss the partnership between Energy Terminal and Energy Dialogues, navigating the tough conversations the energy industry needs to have, the perspectives of energy executives and nextgen leaders, and much more. Keynotes: -How to facilitate meaningful conversations on complex energy topics -The ideas that top energy executives want the next generation to know -The partnerships shaping the future of energy -Creating a collaborative environment to advance emission-reducing energy solutions   And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

To create an energy transition that is not just clean, but also lasting and sustainable, justice and equity must be at the forefront of conversations.   Our guest Raya Salter, Founder of the Energy Justice Law and Policy Center and "Climate Auntie," shines a light on the world of energy justice and how communities are a central part of a successful transition. Throughout her career as an activist, lawyer, and storyteller, Raya has worked to address harms caused by energy systems while promoting a transition to clean energy. In the episode, we discuss the origins of energy justice, how communities and individuals can have their voice heard, the role of policy in shaping equitable solutions, and much more.   Keynotes: -The intersection between energy justice and environmental justice -The importance of objective analysis and the trap of "good" vs. "bad" -The role of fossil fuels and their complicated history relating to energy justice -Opportunities for youth involvement and activism   And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/  

Brendan Duval, CEO and Founder of the Glenfarne Group, walks us through the importance of equitable investment, especially in the context of the energy transition. The Glenfarne Group LLC, an asset management firm, invests its assets into global energy infrastructure, looking to help decarbonize energy systems throughout the globe. But investing in the energy transition does not mean just investing in renewables; it means taking a "fully engaged approach", i.e. investing in coal plants for the purpose of decommissioning them and looking at other traditional fuel sources more holistically to see how existing infrastructure can be appropriately altered. Brendan is a firm believer that appropriate investment is key in speeding the transition forward, and you won't want to miss his insights! Keynotes:  Investment's role in the energy transition What is conscious capital allocation + why is it important The importance of supporting and engaging local communities when working globally    And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

The electric vehicle is an icon of cleantech and the sustainable technology shaping our future. But how do we build the national charging network we need to support EVs across the country?   Joining us on the show is Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo, the company building one of the largest fast charging networks in the country. Cathy has worked across government and the private sector as the CEO of both public and private companies, an advisor to the White House, and the Assistant Secretary of Energy. Across her career, she's worked to reduce emissions and enable sustainable energy technology deployment across the globe.   In the episode, we discuss the most pressing challenges to EVs and EV charging. How is EV charging economical? Are EVs actually sustainable? How do we address supply chain constraints? We then explore solutions to each of these challenges, drawing on a mix of technology, policy, and economic developments needed to address the growing EV market.   And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

How do many renewable technologies get off the ground? Is public capital really important to the success of the energy transition?  In this episode we talk with Jonah Wagner, Chief Strategist at the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Loan Programs Office. We learn how the Loan Programs Office has successfully jumpstarted many renewable technologies (i.e. utility scale solar), and what current technologies it is looking at. Public funding and support is crucial to the success of emerging technologies, and in this episode we learn exactly why. Finally, Jonah shares his excitement about the energy transition, and shows us that this new energy future is possible if everyone starts working towards it.  Referenced in the episode:  Monthly Application Activity Report Pathways to Commercial Liftoff DOE LPO Careers  

More important than financing, policy, or even technology is the workforce that will build the energy transition. Over the next decade, we'll see millions of new jobs created in the energy industry led by a booming cleantech sector.   Joining us on the show is Jason Radisson, serial unicorn breeder and CEO and Founder of Movo, a company leveraging technology to provide frontline workforce solutions to the clean energy, healthcare, and warehousing industries and more. In the episode, we talk about what kinds of energy jobs are in highest demand, how universities and trade schools can shift their curriculum to support cleantech jobs, how to find entry-level energy jobs, and much more. If you're a young person looking for clean energy jobs or a company looking to hire more effectively, you won't want to miss this episode.   Keynotes: -What kinds of jobs are in highest demand -How workforce development in energy varies around the world -What skills are more important for the energy workforce of the future   And follow us on: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

We see it all the time: millions for emerging startups and successful fundraising rounds. In this episode, we go behind the headlines to uncover the gaps in energy financing and how we can address these gaps to speed the energy transition. Joining us on the show is Hilary Vogelbaum, Senior Analyst at S2G Ventures and MIT Engineering grad. Hilary has given two TED Talks on how we can break down barriers to more effectively tackle climate change and the energy transition as well as how people with non-traditional backgrounds can make an impact. In the episode, we talk about the concept of "radical inclusion" to bring together diverse perspectives, how she got started with a career in energy venture capital, and the opportunities she sees for startups and investors to take advantage of funding gaps.   Keynotes: The role of "radical inclusion" to speed up the energy transition The biggest gaps in energy venture capital and how to address them Bringing diverse people and perspectives to the conversation   Check out Hilary's Ted Talks: Breaking barriers to solve climate change: https://www.ted.com/talks/hilary_vogelbaum_breaking_barriers_to_solve_climate_change  How to make the energy transition 10x faster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSBqbjEkvSc    And check out Energy Terminal's: Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/