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322 episodes — Page 3 of 7

EU Dials Down Green Finance Rules as US Wages ESG War

The EU has taken an ax to its sustainable reporting regulations. While the bloc is widely considered the global leader for sustainable finance policy, this rollback could limit investors’ access to climate data and their ability to push capital towards the energy transition. With the ramping up of anti-ESG laws in the US, fears over competitiveness lie behind the softening of these EU policies. Yet just as these regions are watering down their requirements, Asia Pacific is stepping up, strengthening its own sustainable finance policies and potentially filling the Western void. On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by BloombergNEF sustainable finance analysts Maia Mesanger and Jameson McLennan to discuss their recent notes “Sustainable Finance Market Outlook 1H 2025: Back on Track” and “EU Weakens Sustainability Leadership with Rule Rollback: React”. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Sustainable Finance Market Outlook 1H 2025: Back on Track - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35863?context=eyJxIjoic3VzdGFpbmFibGUgZmluYW5jZSIsImNvbnRlbnRUeXBlIjoiaW5zaWdodCIsInJlZ2lvbiI6W10sInNlY3RvciI6W10sImF1dGhvciI6W10sImluc2lnaHQtdHlwZSI6W119 EU Weakens Sustainability Leadership with Rule Rollback: React - https://www.bnef.com/analyst-reactions/ssb4jtdwlu6800See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 3, 202525 min

Unlocking Southeast Asia’s Clean Energy Potential

Southeast Asia is an up-and-coming player in the energy transition. As the region’s production capacity has grown, so have its exports of key clean-power technologies. Within Southeast Asia, favorable policy has encouraged the growth of cheap renewable energy and electric vehicle adoption. Yet recent US tariffs and aid cuts have had an impact. Just how damaging have they been, and can better regional cooperation help mitigate the fallout? On today’s show, Dana Perkins is joined by Shantanu Jaiswal, BNEF’s head of India and Southeast Asia research, and analyst Felix Kosasih, to discuss some of BNEF’s recent research including “US Climate Fund Withdrawal Imperils Indonesia’s Transition” and “Southeast Asia in Short: Energy Storage, Net Zero Push”. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Southeast Asia in Short: Energy Storage, Net-Zero Push - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35639 US Climate Fund Withdrawal Imperils Indonesia’s Transition - https://www.bnef.com/shorts/ssqqiot0g1kw00?context=eyJxIjoic2luZ2Fwb3JlIiwiY29udGVudFR5cGUiOiJzaG9ydCIsInJlZ2lvbiI6W10sInNlY3RvciI6W10sImF1dGhvciI6W119 Net Zero Transition: Opportunities for Vietnam - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35529?context=eyJxIjoib3Bwb3J0dW5pdGllcyBmb3IgdmlldG5hbSIsImNvbnRlbnRUeXBlIjoiaW5zaWdodCIsInJlZ2lvbiI6W10sInNlY3RvciI6W10sImF1dGhvciI6W10sImluc2lnaHQtdHlwZSI6W119 Southeast Asia and Energy: Things to Watch in 2025 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35745?context=eyJxIjoic2hhbnRhbnUiLCJjb250ZW50VHlwZSI6Imluc2lnaHQiLCJyZWdpb24iOltdLCJzZWN0b3IiOltdLCJhdXRob3IiOltdLCJpbnNpZ2h0LXR5cGUiOltdfQ==See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 26, 202519 min

Liquid Demand: Tech Solutions for Water Stress

We live on an increasingly thirsty planet. Growing populations and rising demand from industry, data centers and farming have led to water stress across the globe. Even under a scenario where global warming is limited to 2C, some three billion people are projected to live in areas where water demand exceeds supply by the middle of the century. Energy-intensive desalination plants offer a solution, but what other opportunities lie in technologies that can not only increase water supply but more efficiently manage it? On today’s show, Dana Perkins is joined by Stephanie Diaz, a BNEF technology and innovation analyst, to discuss her recent research note “Tech Radar: Water Supply, Use and Treatment”. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Tech Radar: Water Supply, Use and Treatment - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35987See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 20, 202529 min

Hydrogen: Bucking the Low-Cost Clean Power Trend

The cost of producing clean power has never been lower. Improving financial conditions and oversupply of key equipment drove costs to record lows in 2024. Yet while the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) declined as a global average, different regions and technologies fell at different rates, and one key technology proved to be an outlier. On this episode, Dana Perkins is joined by Amar Vasdev, a senior associate from BNEF’s energy economics team, and Martin Tengler, BloombergNEF’s head of hydrogen research, to discuss findings from the flagship report “Levelized Cost of Electricity 2025: Record Lows”. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Levelized Cost of Electricity 2025: Record Lows - https://www.bnef.com/flagships/lcoeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 12, 202532 min

Data Center Dynamics: AI and Energy Demand

Energy-hungry data centers are on the rise. Power demand driven by artificial intelligence has been met by an increase in power purchase agreements (PPAs) for low-carbon energy. Meanwhile, DeepSeek has reduced demand through more efficient computations. So what is driving decision making at tech companies that work in the AI and data center space? At the 2025 BloombergNEF Summit San Francisco, Mark Daly, BNEF’s head of technology and innovation, moderated a panel titled “Data Center Dynamics.” This episode brings listeners that panel, which featured Steven Carlini, chief advocate of data centers and AI at Schneider Electric; Will Conkling, head of data center energy for the Americas and EMEA at Google; Kleber Costa, chief commercial officer at AES Corporation; and Darwesh Singh, founder and CEO at Bolt Graphics. To learn more about BNEF’s Summits taking place around the world and to see recordings of BNEF Talks at previous Summits, head to https://about.bnef.com/summit/.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 5, 202536 min

Investors Bet $2 Trillion on the Energy Transition

Annual investment in the energy transition has surpassed $2 trillion for the first time. Investors placed bets on renewable energy, power grids and energy storage, while buzzy emerging technologies fell out of favor. On this episode, Dana Perkins is joined by Meredith Annex, BNEF’s head of clean power, to discuss the report ‘Energy Transition Investment Trends 2025.’ Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: A publicly available summary report of Energy Transition Investment Trends 2025 can be found at  - https://about.bnef.com/energy-transition-investment/ BNEF subscribers can find the whole report at - https://www.bnef.com/flagships/clean-energy-investmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 27, 202524 min

Weather and Commodities: A Perfect Storm

Little connects the natural world to our lives more tangibly than the weather. Weather impacts everything from food to energy production, and shifting weather patterns have the power to shift the economy. From wind droughts to heatwaves, utilities and commodities traders are seeking a better understanding of how enhanced weather modeling could help them predict the future. On today’s show, Dana Perkins is joined by BNEF weather analysts, Jess Hicks and Willa Tobin, to discuss their recent research notes “Weather and Commodities - Nine Things to Watch in 2025” and “Shifting Weather Patterns: A Black Swan for US Commodities”. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Weather and Commodities - Nine Things to Watch in 2025 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35719 Shifting Weather Patterns: A Black Swan for US Commodities - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35305See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 19, 202526 min

Bank Transition Ratios Plot Route for Decarbonization

Banks are still spending less money on low-carbon solutions than on fossil-fuel projects. At last count, the energy supply ratio for bank financing was just 0.89 cents of low-carbon spend for every $1 spent on fossil fuels. That’s an improvement over previous years, but with a ratio of 4:1 by 2030 required to meet a 1.5C climate scenario, the world is still a long way from hitting that target. On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by analyst Trina White, a member of BNEF’s sustainable finance team, to discuss the third annual Energy Supply Investment and Banking Ratios”. Together they discuss worldwide and local trends in energy financing, which banks have the highest energy financing ratios, and why the average ratio is still below 1:1 even though global clean energy investment has hit a new record and surpassed fossil-fuel financing for the first time. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Third Annual Energy Supply Investment and Banking Ratios - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35765See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 12, 202534 min

Global Wind Market Shifts as Chinese Exports Expand

Chinese wind turbine makers are expanding their global footprint at an impressive rate. Leading manufacturers like Goldwind, Envision, Mingyang and Windey are exporting their turbines at a significant discount to Western incumbents, undercutting their rivals and establishing themselves in developing economies and emerging markets. Yet while the volume of their orders has risen, significant barriers to entry remain, including low brand awareness, a limited track record outside of China and political risks that are raising red flags for buyers, lenders and insurers. So just how large is the threat these Chinese manufacturers pose to established Western companies? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by Oliver Metcalfe, BloombergNEF’s Head of Wind, to discuss the note “China Wind Turbine Export Update: Momentum Builds”. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: China Wind Turbine Export Update: Momentum Builds - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35671/viewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 6, 202530 min

Public to Private: The Shift in Clean Energy Ownership

Over the past five years, clean energy company valuations have reached new heights. As the ESG hype cycle ends, inflated public market valuations have given way to industry fundamentals. Increasing energy demand aided by the hype around AI and data centers mean that the world needs more clean power than ever before, and project developers are requiring new sources of capital. In response, a new trend is emerging, in which public investments are shifting into private hands. On today’s show, Dana Perkins is joined by BloombergNEF Solar Specialist Pietro Radoia and Sustainable Finance Analyst Ryan Loughead to dive into the recent research note “Listed Clean Energy Firms: Moving Back Into Private Hands”. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Listed Clean Energy Firms: Moving Back Into Private Hands - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35367See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 30, 202522 min

Five Energy Transition Lessons for 2025

Was 2024 a good or a bad year for clean energy and climate progress? Looking through one prism, we saw record global electric vehicle sales, massive clean power capacity additions, and the adoption of new energy storage technologies. Yet, if we compare these record numbers to what is actually required to achieve net zero by 2050, we find ourselves falling short. What lessons can be learned from the year gone by, and how might we apply these lessons to improve future outcomes? On today’s show, BloombergNEF’s Deputy CEO, Albert Cheung, shares his note “Five Energy Transition Lessons for 2025.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Five Energy Transition Lessons for 2025 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35643See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 202519 min

Energy Security in Flux: Gas Faces 2025 Stress Test

This could be a challenging year for natural gas. Market dynamics are in flux, and how buyers and sellers react to the changes will make the year ahead a ‘stress test’ for the fuel and how the sector positions itself for the future. On the supply front, a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape has had a massive bearing on the trade flows of pipeline gas and LNG. In terms of demand, heat waves and extreme weather events have inverted seasonal consumption trends. So what can we expect from 2025? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by Fauziah Marzuki, BloombergNEF’s Global Head of Gas Markets, to discuss findings from her recent report “Gas Things to Watch in 2025: Crunch Time Before Comeback”. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Gas Things to Watch in 2025: Crunch Time Before Comeback - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35571/viewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 15, 202524 min

Drilling for Gold: The Hydrogen Beneath Our Feet

At first glance, gold hydrogen could be a game changer. This naturally occurring molecule, which is found in reservoirs below the Earth’s surface, has the potential to be less carbon intensive and less expensive than man-made hydrogen. But all that glitters is not necessarily gold, and a myriad of factors, from possible synergies with helium extraction to ongoing technical challenges, could still tip the scales either toward or away from gold hydrogen’s economic viability. On today’s show, Dana Perkins is joined by Sami Alisawi from BNEF’s Hydrogen team and Musfika Mishi from BNEF’s Technology and Innovation team to discuss findings from their recent report “Technology Radar: Geologic Hydrogen”. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Technology Radar: Geologic Hydrogen - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35101See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 8, 202529 min

Japan Powers Up: Market Liberalization Sparks Interest

Japan’s power market is creating a stir. Having faced natural disasters, global energy crises and ever more extreme periods of weather, the world’s third-largest liberalized power market has had to contend with some almighty challenges in recent years, and yet it has still piqued the interest of foreign investors. The long process of restarting Japan’s nuclear fleet, completely shuttered after the Fukushima disaster, has dragged on, and with little available land, utility-scale renewables have traditionally struggled to gain a foothold. To fill the energy void, the resource-poor nation has had to import coal, gas and oil to fuel its power plants. Yet the arrival of energy-intensive data centers and semiconductor manufacturing plants mean power demand is once again on the rise, and with it new opportunities for energy installations. On today’s show, Tom is joined by two analysts from BNEF’s Global Power Markets Team, Mariko O’Neil and Yumi Kim, to discuss key findings from the report “Japan Power Market Outlook 2H 2024: Tailwinds Ahead”. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Japan Power Market Outlook 2H 2024: Tailwinds Ahead - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34981  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 2, 202531 min

Splitting Atoms, Scaling AI: Big Tech’s Nuclear Gambit

The boom in energy-hungry data centers in the US has led to a revival of interest in nuclear power. Small modular reactors, or SMRs, are often held up as the way forward, but the technology remains in development, which has led some big tech firms – or ‘hyperscalers’ – to explore other pathways for using nuclear power. One alternative is restarting some of the 11 nuclear facilities that have been shut in the US in the last 15 years, an option made all the more attractive given the regulatory hurdles, cost concerns and schedule overruns that tend to plague new nuclear projects. On today’s show, Tom is joined by Chris Gadomski, BloombergNEF’s lead nuclear analyst, to discuss key findings from his report “Hyperscalers’ Energy Appetite Boosts Nuclear Prospects”. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Hyperscalers' Energy Appetite Boosts Nuclear Prospects - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35223See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 19, 202428 min

Getting Real: Net Zero Isn’t Enough for Fortescue

The world is focused on net zero. Yet some companies, like Australian mining giant Fortescue, have set their sights higher, and are now aiming for ‘real zero’. On today’s show, we bring you an interview from the recent BNEF Summit Shanghai, where Fortescue Founder and Executive Chairman Andrew Forrest sat down with Leonard Quong, BNEF’s Head of Australia Research, to talk about green hydrogen, green iron ore, and why real zero is good for people, the planet and the bottom line. Today’s episode was recorded live at BNEF Summit Shanghai. To learn more about our Summits and to listen to more interviews, please visit https://about.bnef.com/summit/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 12, 202422 min

Under the Hood of Emerging Markets’ Energy Transition

Emerging markets have big plans when it comes to the energy transition. Today, 95% of developing economies have a renewable energy target in place, and many of them are seeing massive growth in solar and other renewable power technologies. Yet this clean power revolution won’t come cheap. While EMDEs attracted more than $100 billion for clean energy development last year, that’s a drop in the bucket of what it’ll take to reach net zero, and many markets are racing to implement the policy and infrastructure needed to attract many billions more. On today’s show, BloombergNEF researchers Sofia Maia and Ana Paula Fonseca Teixeira present the newest edition of Climatescope, a public BNEF resource that evaluates and ranks emerging markets’ readiness to utilize energy transition investment. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Climatescope 2024 - www.global-climatescope.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 5, 202420 min

Climate-Tech Finance: India Surges, China Slumps

Climate-tech funding is falling precipitously. During the third quarter of 2024, worldwide investment in the sector reached just $10.3 billion, a far cry from the $22.6 billion raised in the third quarter of 2023 and the $40.9 billion seen in 3Q 2022. These dramatic declines have been led in part by manufacturing overcapacity in China, where a collapse in market funding has allowed India to supersede China for the first time in BloombergNEF’s climate-tech rankings. With protectionism on the rise, questions have also arisen about how tariffs will impact equity funding moving forward, but where some see barriers, others see opportunities. On today’s show, Dana is joined by Mark Daly, BloombergNEF’s Head of Technology and Innovation, to discuss key findings from the recent report “Investment Radar 3Q 2024: Funding Drop Again”. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Investment Radar 3Q 2024: Funding Drop Again - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35203/viewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 27, 202428 min

Burning Issue: Peak Coal Close But Demand Lingers

“It looks like coal weather today,” is an unlikely forecast, but it shouldn’t be. Coal production and consumption are linked to weather, and the return of a La Niña weather cycle has the potential to extend the lifespan of coal power assets and influence fuel switching. While peak coal demand is close, near-term drivers point to stagnation rather than a rapid decline. Developed economies are shutting thermal power assets at scale, but China is responsible for 56% of global coal consumption and continues to import and stockpile coal in vast quantities. On today’s show, Dana is joined by Fauziah Marzuki, BloombergNEF’s Global Head of Gas Markets, alongside Yumi Kim, Power Markets Associate, to discuss key findings from their recent report Coal Outlook: Hot and Cold to 2050. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Coal Outlook: Hot and Cold to 2050 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35205See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 20, 202437 min

Gone With the Wind: Turbine Additions Still Fall Short

Wind is key to tripling global clean energy capacity by 2030, but in recent years both onshore and offshore additions have been blowing cold. The landscape improves as we look ahead to 2030, when BloombergNEF expects annual installations of wind to have risen by a massive 70%. China, which is currently responsible for over a half of all global wind additions, is leading the charge. But now that its massive turbine manufacturing base is looking outside its borders, the picture for equipment exports is about to be shaken up. On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees speaks with BNEF’s head of Wind Research, Oliver Metcalfe, about key findings from three recent reports: Unlocking Investment to Triple Renewables by 2030, 3Q 2024 Wind Turbine Order Dataset: Volume Surges, and Floating Offshore Wind: Big Potential But Big Price Tag. Together they discuss what it’ll take for wind to grow at the pace required to meet net-zero goals, the threat to western turbine manufacturers posed by rising Chinese exports, and the impact floating wind could have on the offshore market. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Unlocking Investment to Triple Renewables by 2030 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34887/view 3Q 2024 Wind Turbine Order Dataset: Volume Surges - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35179/view Floating Offshore Wind: Big Potential But Big Price Tag - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34913See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 13, 202440 min

Current Investments: Expanding the World’s Power Grids

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” This proverb is just as apt if you swap out “trees” for “grid investment.” Some $326 billion flowed into the world’s power grids in 2023, up 7% from the year before. Yet while investment may be increasing overall, only a few markets align with a net-zero pathway. On today's show, co-hosts Dana Perkins and Tom Rowlands-Rees are joined by Felicia Aminoff from BNEF’s Grids and Utilities team. They discuss the growing power demand from new data centers, strategies for protecting the grid from extreme weather events, and how grid authorities are addressing a backlog of renewable energy projects waiting for a connection. This episode draws upon BNEF research found in the 2024 Power Grid Investment Outlook and the New Energy Outlook 2024: Grids. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: 2024 Power Grid Investment Outlook - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34703/view New Energy Outlook 2024: Grids - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35211See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 7, 202431 min

Catch Me If You Can: EU Trails US On Clean-Tech Policy

Tariffs and subsidies loom large in the energy transition. The US Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, has been of global importance, changing trade relationships and causing some governments to rethink their domestic policies. The European Union responded by introducing the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), although it has fewer subsidies and trade barriers than its transatlantic counterpart. On today’s show, Dana speaks with Antoine Vagneur-Jones and Matthew Hales from BNEF’s Trade and Supply Chains team. As they discuss key findings from the report US Clean-Tech Industrial Policy Leaves EU Behind – For Now, they look at the risks the IRA faces in the upcoming US election, the relative effectiveness of US and EU tariffs, and whether western markets can realistically expect to challenge Chinese manufacturers on cost competitiveness. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: US-Clean Tech Industrial Policy Leaves EU Behind - For Now - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34863See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 30, 202428 min

Heavy Transport Maps Out a Low-Carbon Future

Heavy transport is at a crossroads. There are many possible paths for decarbonizing aviation, maritime shipping and long-haul trucking, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), ammonia, methanol and synthetic fuels. Now that companies are working to secure feedstocks, governments are writing clean-fuel policies, and investors are looking for new fuels to back, will these sectors coalesce around a single low-carbon pathway? Or will a cornucopia of options be the way of the future? On today’s episode, Colin McKerracher, BloombergNEF’s Head of Transport and Energy Storage, moderates a discussion at the BNEF Summit London on the future of clean fuels in heavy transport. He is joined by panelists Freya Burton, Chief Sustainability Officer at LanzaTech; Chris Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer at C2X; and Lara Naqushbandi, Chief Executive Officer at ETFuels. Together, they discuss which clean fuels are seeing the greatest uptake, what they’d most like to see from government policy, and how to stimulate investor activity across the sector at large. Today’s episode was recorded live at BNEF's London Summit. To learn more about our Summits and to listen to more interviews, please visit https://about.bnef.com/summit/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 24, 202441 min

Who Gives a COP? UN Biodiversity Summit Expectations

This month, 196 parties are converging in Cali, Colombia for the 16th United Nations Conference on Biological Diversity (COP16). Less famous but no less significant than its climate-focused sibling (which will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, a few weeks later), COP16 offers a chance to negotiate and assess strategies for protecting global biodiversity, with a focus on implementing the targets agreed upon at COP15 in Montreal two years ago. That’s critical, because as one of today’s guests points out, 100% of global economic activity is based to some degree on nature. To preview COP16, Dana is joined by Hugh Bromley, BNEF’s Head of Food, Agriculture and Nature, and team member Alistair Purdie. Together they discuss BNEF’s outlook for this meeting, published in the research note Expectations for Biodiversity COP16: Cali Fauna Dreamin'.They also discuss the funding gap for the Global Biodiversity Framework, the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, and the contentious issue of profiting from genetic data. Links to research notes from this episode: Public Research on Climate and Nature - https://about.bnef.com/bnef-climate-action/ Expectations for Biodiversity COP16: Cali Fauna Dreamin' - https://www.bnef.com/insights/35001See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 16, 202429 min

Rocky Markets Undermine Energy Transition Metal Demand

Lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen electrolyzers and transmission lines all require one fundamental ingredient: metals. In other words, there can be no energy transition without massive metal supplies. Lithium demand jumps 17-fold by 2050 in BloombergNEF’s Net Zero Scenario. Manganese demand jumps 15-fold, and copper needs rise 4.5-fold against 2023 levels. Yet as demand skyrockets, supply growth is facing headwinds as low metals prices jeopardize important capacity additions. On today’s show, Dana is joined by Rosemary Katz and Kwasi Ampofo from BNEF’s metals and mining team to discuss the 2024 Transition Metals Outlook. Their conversation focuses on the 10 metals critical to the energy transition, the link between cooling electric vehicle demand and falling metals prices, and whether the world has enough known metals reserves to meet 2050 net-zero targets. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Transition Metals Outlook 2024 - https://www.bnef.com/flagships/transition-metals-outlookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 9, 202435 min

BNEF Pioneers Award: Net-Zero Fuels and Nature Data

Innovative climate tech is a key weapon in the battle to halt global warming, but finding the most effective new technologies isn’t always easy. Enter the BloombergNEF Pioneers. This annual award program identifies new tools for tackling three critical challenges in the transition to a low-carbon economy. This year’s awards focused on relieving bottlenecks in the deployment of clean power, decarbonizing the construction and operation of buildings, and creating the next generation of net-zero fuels. They also highlighted an array of ‘wildcard’ entries that were too compelling to ignore. On today’s show, Dana is joined by guest host Benjamin Kafri, Co-Chair of BNEF Pioneers, to interview two winners from the net-zero fuels challenge, XFuel and CoverCress, and wildcard winner NatureMetrics. More information regarding the upcoming 2025 BNEF Pioneers program, including the three key challenges and submission deadlines, can be found at www.about.bnef.com/bnefpioneers/. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 2, 202449 min

Growing Problems: Food Companies’ Environmental Impact

Agriculture is responsible for almost a third of global emissions. It’s also a leading driver of deforestation, water stress and plastic waste generation, and pressure is mounting on food companies to address their climate and nature impacts. The value chain that underpins the sector, however, is vast, involving millions of individuals and tens of thousands of companies, which makes identifying and addressing areas of concern a huge challenge. On today’s show, Dana Perkins hosts two analysts from BNEF’s Food, Agriculture and Nature team, Helen Ramsbottom and Alistair Purdie. Together they discuss the structure of the agri-food system, the challenges faced by large food companies when it comes to quantifying their true environmental footprint, the rising field of regenerative agriculture, and whether the lack of existing mandates is harming its adoption. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Corporate Sustainability in the Agri-Food System - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34305/view Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture: Company Targets - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34809See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25, 202432 min

Satellites Zero In on Elusive Methane Emissions

Methane might be the world’s simplest hydrocarbon, but its immense global warming potential makes it a complex problem in the battle to halt climate change. It’s also invisible to the human eye, which has made catching the methane plumes leaking from oil and gas assets a challenge. That’s now changing, as a growing network of satellites offers more accurate evidence of methane leaks around the globe. On today’s show, Dana Perkins speaks with Maria-Olivia Torcea from BNEF’s Oil Team. They discuss the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0, new methods of detecting methane, and how data is being used by those responsible for leaks. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Oil and Gas Methane Monitor: Super-Emitters in the US - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34535 Oil and Gas Methane Fix More Likely With Growing UN Group - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33675 The Methane Bill Facing US Oil and Gas - https://www.bnef.com/insights/31081 Gas With Low Methane Footprint to Grow to 45% of US Market - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33811 Tracing Methane Emissions From Oil, Gas and US Small Wells - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32979See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 18, 202434 min

Scaling Clean Energy to Power India’s Growing Demand

Extending energy access to the world’s most populous nation will be a Herculean task. To do it while also achieving its 2030 clean energy goals, India must increase its wind and solar capacity installations fourfold, highlighting just how much of a feat this energy transition will be. On today’s episode, Rohit Gadre, a BloombergNEF Specialist, moderates a discussion at the BNEF Summit New Delhi on what it will take to realize India’s clean energy revolution. He is joined by panelists Giorgio Fortunato, Head of Clean Energy and Power in Asia Pacific for Google; Kavita Saha, Managing Director, Head of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energies, India for CPP Investments; Amit Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Adani Green Energy; and Gurdeep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, NTPC Limited. Together they discuss the ongoing issue of underperforming renewable energy assets, the role of nuclear power in India’s future and why AI’s energy demand means there is no time to waste. Today’s episode was recorded live at BNEF's New Delhi Summit. To learn more about our Summits and to listen to more interviews, please visit https://about.bnef.com/summit/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 11, 202438 min

Big Oil Pumps the Brakes on Its Dirty Asset Divestment

International oil companies have been divesting assets at a surprising rate. Between 2015 and 2023, nine of the world’s largest IOCs have sold a total of $290 billion of assets, with upstream oil assets accounting for half of the divestment deals. Yet this trend toward ditching dirty assets may now be changing, as divestment proceeds dropped 15% last year. On today’s show, co-hosts Dana Perkins and Tom Rowlands-Rees are joined by David Doherty, BloombergNEF’s Head of Oil and Renewable Fuels Research, to discuss the key factors that inform these decisions. As they consider the investment and divestment strategies that major oil and gas companies are now pursuing, they also discuss how public and investor pressure to decarbonize is impacting the sector, how a spike in energy prices in 2022 changed the calculus, and why simply selling dirty assets won’t make for a cleaner world. This episode draws on BNEF research, including the note Oil and Gas Divestment Trends 2023: Divestment Slowed. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Oil and Gas Divestment Trends 2023: Divestment Slowed - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34457See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 5, 202431 min

Carbon Capture: Innovation Rises as Investment Stalls

Carbon capture is on a roller coaster these days. Projects in the sector attracted more than $11 billion in 2023, almost double the investment figure from the year before, only to see growth stall in the first half of 2024. Fortunately, carbon removal technology reaches beyond the traditional ‘CCS’ model of carbon capture and storage (or ‘CCUS’ when a utilization component is involved). Coming from a small base, direct air capture, or DAC, is gaining momentum, and new technologies such as direct ocean removal are proving to be hubs of innovation. On today’s show, Brenna Casey, a member of BloombergNEF’s Sustainable Materials team, joins Dana to discuss new directions in carbon sequestration, how tax credits and other policies are shaping CCS projects around the globe, and what whales have to do with capturing carbon. The episode draws on BNEF research including CCUS Market Outlook 1H 2024: Trough of Disillusionment and Direct Air Capture’s Technology Battle to Heat Up in 2030s. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Tech Radar: Direct Ocean Carbon Dioxide Removal - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34401 CCUS Market Outlook 1H 2024: Trough of Disillusionment - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34161 Direct Air Capture’s Technology Battle to Heat Up in 2030s - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33877 Direct Air Capture Technologies: Primer - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33877See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 29, 202428 min

Fuel for Thought: Rising Tide of LNG May Become a Glut

A wave of new liquefied natural gas projects are due to be commissioned by the end of the decade. Yet a sharp increase in supply runs the risk of creating a glut, and with the rise of this transportable commodity, what impacts one market could have a ripple effect around the world. Today’s show addresses the interplay between global and regional gas markets, with co-hosts Dana Perkins and Tom Rowlands-Rees joined by Fauziah Marzuki, Global Head of Gas Markets at BNEF. Together, they discuss the role of the US and China in how LNG moves around the globe, how shifting policies and net-zero goals are impacting the outlook for natural gas, and the ‘shadow fleet’ that recently departed sanctioned LNG terminals in Russia. The show draws upon BNEF research including Global LNG Market Outlook 2030: Focus on Supply Risks and Global LNG Supply Outlook 2030: Second US Wave Incoming. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Global LNG Market Outlook 2030: Focus on Supply Risks - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34357/view Global LNG Supply Outlook 2030: Second US Wave Incoming - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34307/view LNG Trade Weekly - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34651See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 21, 202435 min

With Great Power Markets Comes Great Responsibility

Using electricity seems so simple: You flip a switch, and the light turns on. Yet behind that simple action is a sprawling and complex system of supply, demand and free-market economics. Today’s show dives into power markets. What are they and what role do they play in increasing the efficiency of power systems? Tom Rowlands-Rees, BNEF’s Global Head of Power Markets, hosts Helen Kou, Head of US Power, and Ian Berryman, Head of Energy Systems Modeling, to talk about capacity markets, vertically integrated utilities, power purchase agreements, and how changes to market design could help power markets better incorporate renewable energy. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: US Merit Order Primer: A Supply-Side Power Study - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34361 US Merit Order - LiveSheet (1.0.1) - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34379 US Power Weekly: Cheap Gas Changes Up the PJM Merit Order - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34587 2024 Caiso Market Outlook: Dynamics in Transition - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33467/view European Carbon Monthly July 2024: Supply Sprints Ahead - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34525See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 14, 202434 min

Food or Fuel: The Energy Transition’s Battle for Land

What do biofuels, renewable power, and the food on your plate have in common? They all need land, and lots of it. While the technologies required to reach a net-zero future are expanding alongside rising energy demand, growing populations and higher living standards could require roughly a fifth more land be cultivated for agriculture by mid-century. Of the available land on Earth, decisions must be made regarding whether to devote it to agriculture, biofuels, bioplastics, power generation, battery metals or nature conservation. The challenge is profound, yet key solutions are emerging, including co-location and innovations to improve energy output and agricultural yields. On today’s show, Dana is joined by Hugh Bromley, BNEF’s Head of Food, Agriculture and Nature, and Kostas Pegios, who specializes in modeling at BNEF. Together they discuss the vast quantity of land required for the energy transition, which renewable energy technologies can be co-located with existing agriculture, and the competition between food crops and biofuels for suitable land. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: New Energy Outlook 2024 - https://about.bnef.com/new-energy-outlook/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 7, 202429 min

New Energy Storage Solutions Test Lithium-Ion’s Reign

With the rise of intermittent renewable energy generation, the need for long-duration energy storage is rising fast. Lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the market, with record-low prices fueled by a global oversupply in battery manufacturing, but a group of new energy storage technologies may be about to challenge this technology’s position. On today’s show, Dana is joined by Yiyi Zhou, a BNEF clean power specialist, and Evelina Stoikou, a senior associate on its energy storage team, to review findings from their inaugural Long-Duration Energy Storage Cost Survey. Together they discuss the different types of long-duration energy storage studied in the report, whether these technologies can challenge the dominance of cheap lithium-ion batteries, and which countries are adopting these latest advanced storage options and why. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: 2024 Long-Duration Energy Storage Cost Survey: Tough Race - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34105 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 31, 202430 min

EV Sales Growth Cools But Some Markets Still Run Hot

This year has been a mixed bag for electric vehicles. After EV sales hit new highs in 2023, some automakers have now revised down their near-term targets, citing falling demand. While this may have generated headlines, the overall market offers a more nuanced image, with different segments outperforming others, and growth in developing economies starting to pick up pace. On today’s show, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF’s Head of Electric Vehicles, Aleksandra O’Donovan, and Head of Advanced Transport and Energy Storage, Colin McKerracher, to talk about findings from this year’s Long-Term Electric Vehicle Outlook. Together they discuss the slowdown in EV sales seen in some regions, the collapse in Chinese battery prices and its effect on the wider market, and the rise of electric commercial vehicles. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Electric Vehicle Outlook 2024 - https://about.bnef.com/electric-vehicle-outlook/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 24, 202439 min

US Leads Clean Hydrogen Charge But Who Will Buy It?

Driven by supportive policies and a maturing project pipeline, clean hydrogen supply is set to increase 30-fold by 2030. Demand will be aided in part by Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and other government policies, but fewer than a third of the 1,600 hydrogen projects that have been announced so far actually materialize in our analysis, and they are often subject to delays. On today’s show, Dana and hydrogen analyst Adithya Bhashyam discuss findings from our recent hydrogen outlooks. Together, they cover the global picture for clean hydrogen production, including how the US is leading the way on gas-fueled blue H2 and the uncertainty around the scale of future Chinese green hydrogen production capacity. They delve into the need for government support for offtake agreements, and the large gap between clean hydrogen supply and demand. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: 1H 2024 Hydrogen Market Outlook: Targets Meet Reality - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34075/view Hydrogen Supply Outlook 2024: Regional Deep Dives - https://www.bnef.com/insights/34093/view Hydrogen Supply Outlook 2024: A Reality Check - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33965/view Hydrogen Supply Outlook 2024: Projects - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33959?context=eyJxIjoiaHlkcm9nZW4gb3V0bG9vayBhZGl0aHlhIiwiY29udGVudFR5cGUiOiJpbnNpZ2h0IiwicmVnaW9uIjpbXSwic2VjdG9yIjpbXSwiYXV0aG9yIjpbXSwiaW5zaWdodC10eXBlIjpbXX0= Hydrogen Offtake Agreement Database 2.0 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32697?context=eyJjb250ZW50VHlwZSI6Imluc2lnaHQiLCJyZWdpb24iOltdLCJzZWN0b3IiOlsiMmQ2MzdhYTg0MTJhNGY3MyJdLCJhdXRob3IiOltdLCJpbnNpZ2h0LXR5cGUiOltdfQ==See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 17, 202429 min

Net-Zero Window Closing But Still Time to Get On Track

Each year, BloombergNEF’s New Energy Outlook develops and evaluates scenarios for the transition to a low-carbon economy. Delving into electricity, industry, buildings and transport, this flagship report outlines sector and country transition scenarios out to 2050. On today’s show, Dana is joined by co-host Tom Rowlands-Rees, BNEF’s head of research for North America, and guest David Hostert, Head of Economics and Modeling at BNEF and lead author of the New Energy Outlook. They discuss nine technological pillars that underpin the energy transition, and consider which of these are gaining traction or stalling. They also debate the value scenario exercises bring to those working in climate and energy when charting the path to a net-zero future. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: New Energy Outlook 2024 - https://about.bnef.com/new-energy-outlook/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 3, 202432 min

US Tariff Threat Risks Own Goal in Solar Trade War

The persistent oversupply of solar modules has pushed prices to record lows and threatened the competitiveness of manufacturing outside of Asia. Against this backdrop, a group of US companies has petitioned the Biden administration for further tariffs to be applied. While China has historically been the target of the US government, the latest levies are focused on Southeast Asian countries where Chinese manufacturers have set up shop: Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia. On today’s show, Dana is joined by co-host Tom Rowlands-Rees, and Pol Lezcano from our solar team. Together they discuss whether these tariffs could do more harm than good, given the push for net zero and the significantly cheaper modules that are already available. They also unpack the range and depth of the proposed duties, and how likely they are to support new and existing solar manufacturing in the US. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: US Solar Manufacturers Call for More Expensive Modules - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33971See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 202438 min

Does Europe Need to Become More Protectionist?

The European Union could be leaning towards a more protectionist stance when it comes to clean industry manufacturing, with policies such as import tariffs and domestic content targets under consideration. Would such protectionist measures help the domestic clean energy and electric vehicle sectors flourish? Today’s show brings you a panel from the BloombergNEF Summit Munich, in which Herbert Diess, Chairman of Infineon and The Mobility House; Jacek Truszczynski, Deputy Head of Unit - Net Zero Industries, Sustainable and Circular Products at the European Commission; Yann Vincent, CEO of Automotive Cells Company; and Håkon Volldal, CEO of Nel Hydrogen were led in conversation by Jon Moore, CEO of BNEF. They debated whether the European Union should follow the US in applying tariffs to Chinese imports, the inflationary risks that could arise should trade barriers go up, and the risks and potential benefits of allowing foreign markets to build clean-tech manufacturing plants in Europe. This episode of Switched On was recorded live at the BNEF Summit Munich. To learn more about BNEF’s Summits and to listen to more interviews, please visit https://about.bnef.com/summit/ Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 19, 202434 min

Nuclear Harbors Big Dreams Despite Hurdles

The global nuclear industry has been plagued with retirements for over a decade. However, after delegates at the COP28 summit last year voiced aspirations to triple nuclear capacity by 2050, the industry could be poised for growth. The usual regulatory, environmental and economic hurdles remain, but small modular reactors have the potential to ameliorate several of these obstacles if they can get off the ground. Meanwhile, exuberance for nuclear energy has been dampened by fluctuations in the price of enriched uranium. On today’s show, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF’s lead nuclear analyst, Chris Gadomski. He shares insights from the recent report Nuclear Market Outlook 1H 2024: Big Dreams Despite Hurdles, and provides perspective on the feasibility of a comeback story for the nuclear industry. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Nuclear Market Outlook 1H 2024: Big Dreams Despite Hurdles - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33819 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 12, 202436 min

Strained Power Grids Test Flexible Market Solution

As already-strained power grids grapple with rapidly increasing demand, Europe is pioneering an innovative and powerful new tool to help system operators manage grid constraints. These local flexibility markets help balance electricity supply and demand by enabling distributed energy resources, such as electric vehicles or storage operators, to solve grid bottlenecks. On today’s show, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF’s Head of Grids and Utilities, Sanjeet Sanghera, along with Felicia Aminoff, lead author of the recent BNEF report, Europe’s Local Flexibility Markets: Aiding a Strained Grid. Together they discuss the mechanisms that can be used to create a flexibility market, the potential scale of future markets and the technology required to grow them, and the existing regulatory models that underpin flexibility in an energy system. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Europe’s Local Flexibility Markets: Aiding a Strained Grid - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33289/viewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 5, 202431 min

Rooftop Solar Boom Turns Australian Power Prices Red

Rooftop solar is celebrating a runaway success in Australia, which has positioned itself to become a renewable energy superpower. From a target of doubling its renewable energy capacity by 2030 to $1.2 billion in the federal budget dedicated to the clean energy sector, the country has big plans for its energy transition. Yet the country still has a ways to travel before reaching its goals, with substantial legacy coal-fired power stations still contributing to the energy mix. On today’s show, Dana is joined by Leonard Quong, BloombergNEF’s Head of Australia Research. Together they discuss the state of the energy transition in Australia, including how large volumes of rooftop solar are leading to negative power prices, the country’s ambitions to become a leader in green hydrogen, and how its exports of coal, liquefied natural gas and other commodities continue to shape the region. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: 1H 2024 Australia Market Outlook - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33285?context=eyJjb250ZW50VHlwZSI6Imluc2lnaHQiLCJpbnNpZ2h0LXR5cGUiOls4XSwicmVnaW9uIjpbImF1cyJdLCJzZWN0b3IiOltdLCJhdXRob3IiOltdfQ== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 30, 202442 min

Self-Driving Vehicles Navigate Funding Speed Bumps

Autonomous vehicles might be the cars of the future, but following a flurry of venture capital and private equity funding a decade ago, investment in this space has since tapped the brakes. Last year saw VC/PE fundraising fail to reach $4 billion for the first time since 2017. While green shoots have come in the form of Tesla’s upcoming robotaxi launch, in such a capital-intensive industry, which levels of autonomy are the rest of the field still betting on? On today’s show, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF’s Head of Intelligent Mobility, Andrew Grant. Together they discuss the recent drop in investment, advances in self-driving vehicle development, and Tesla’s continued resistance to following its peers in adopting laser-based sensor technology known as lidar. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Automated Vehicles: State of the Industry 2024 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33597See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 22, 202432 min

US ESG Backlash Steps Up as EU Strengthens Standards

The first quarter of 2024 has seen a flurry of sustainable finance policy activity and a wave of mandatory reporting rules. Yet on the flip side, anti-ESG policies are gaining traction in the US. On today’s show, Dana is joined by Maia Godemer, senior associate for green and sustainable finance at BloombergNEF, to discuss this rapidly changing environment. Together, they consider BNEF’s new Sustainable Finance Policy Quarterly, touching on the new EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and how it differs from the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Sustainable Finance Policy Quarterly 1Q 2024 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33831See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 15, 202433 min

Brazil Harnesses Natural Capital to Fuel Green Future

As the host of this year’s G-20 meetings and next year’s COP30 climate conference, Brazil is in the spotlight. Ranked sixth globally for energy transition investment in 2023, and third for both wind and solar capacity additions, Brazil is aiming to use its vast array of natural resources to ensure its future as a clean energy powerhouse. On today’s show, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF’s head of Latin America research, James Ellis, and analyst, Vinicius Nunes. They discuss Brazil’s potential for green hydrogen production, growing electric vehicle (EV) adoption in a market that is already dominated by vehicles powered by biofuels, and the role of the Amazon forest in voluntary carbon markets. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Latin America Market Outlook 1H 2024: Brazil Drives Growth - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33999See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 8, 202434 min

US Hydrogen Industry at Odds Over Tax Credit Rules

As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, draft guidance for the US hydrogen production tax credit was introduced in December 2023, with the aim of promoting decarbonization in hard-to-abate sectors and enhancing energy security in the country. While some applauded the draft guidance for preventing greenwashing and driving real decarbonization, others view these requirements as excessive, and fear they could potentially discourage investment in green hydrogen production. On today’s show, BNEF’s head of hydrogen research, Martin Tengler, hosts a conversation on hydrogen production in the US, with panelists Kathleen Barron, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Constellation; Claire Behar, Chief Commercial Officer at Hy Stor Energy; Elena Scaltritti, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe; and Andy Vesey, President and Chief Executive Officer at Fortescue North America. They discuss whether the tax credit rules are helping or hurting green hydrogen production in the US, the lack of demand incentives compared with the EU, and the role that nuclear could play in the hydrogen sector’s future. Today’s episode was recorded live at the BNEF Summit New York. To learn more about BNEF’s Summits and to listen to more interviews, please visit https://about.bnef.com/summit/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 1, 202439 min

Green Jet Fuel Mandates Lift Demand for Scarce Supply

Sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, has the potential to help decarbonize aviation and is the most scalable technology for this hard-to-abate sector in the near term. With offtake agreements for SAF surging over the past two years, the nascent industry has been showing promise. However, hurdles remain due to scarcity of supply, resource competition from renewable diesel, and a lack of technological diversification. On today’s show, Dana is joined by Daisy Robinson and Rose Oates, two members of BloombergNEF’s renewable fuels team. Together they discuss the regional policies that are driving the uptake of cleaner jet fuels, the different feedstocks used to produce SAF, and the greenium that SAF faces when compared with traditional fuels. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: 2024 Sustainable Aviation Fuel Outlook: Getting Airborne - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33497/view See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 24, 202430 min

China’s Clean-Tech Glut Undercuts US Onshoring Hopes

China is churning out clean energy technology at a breakneck pace, driving down prices on everything from solar panels to lithium ion batteries. With supply far exceeding demand, the timing couldn’t be worse for the many countries that are looking to onshore clean-tech equipment manufacturing. On today’s show, Dana is joined by BloombergNEF’s Head of Trade and Supply Chains, Antoine Vagneur-Jones. They discuss the impetus behind the Chinese government’s drive to dominate the clean-tech export sector, the sheer scale of the global manufacturing overcapacity and whether it’s already sufficient to meet net-zero goals, and the US reaction to Chinese companies potentially offshoring production to countries like Mexico. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: China’s Clean-Tech Overcapacity Threatens Onshoring Dreams - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33543 Mexico Won’t Be China’s EV Export Hub to US Anytime Soon - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33761See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 18, 202439 min

Do or Die: Carbon Offset Markets Face Critical Year

Voluntary carbon markets are coming off a tumultuous year, with constant public scrutiny and high-profile scandals undermining investor confidence. Despite the turmoil, the market has grown to a record size, as corporations look to carbon offsets to reach their net zero goals. On today’s show, Dana is joined by Layla Khanfar, BNEF corporate sustainability and carbon offsets analyst, alongside Kyle Harrison, BNEF’s head of sustainability research for the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. They discuss BNEF’s long-term carbon-market scenarios, the different types of offsets that are available for purchase, and how private companies are stepping in to help fill the regulatory void. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Long-Term Carbon Offsets Outlook 2024 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33315/viewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 10, 202437 min