Redefining Energy

Dr. Michal Meidan, Head of China Energy Research at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, explains China’s shift from fossil fuels to electrification and clean tech. She covers rapid deployment of renewables, the interplay of central planning and provincial markets, the rise of battery and EV champions like CATL and BYD, supply-chain dependencies for critical minerals, and energy-security strategies such as diversification and strategic storage.

Ira Joseph, a leading global gas and LNG analyst at Columbia’s energy center, breaks down how the Middle East conflict has upended LNG markets. He explains benchmark pricing, regional exposure, and why supply, infrastructure damage, and trade flows are reshaping who wins and loses. Short-term fixes and longer-term shifts in investment and energy security are also explored.

Natasha Luther-Jones, global co-chair of Energy & Natural Resources at DLA Piper and specialist in energy transition deals, PPAs and storage. She discusses the rise of BESS and hybrid project design. She covers platform M&A and the shift to holdco and portfolio financing. She explores hyperscaler-driven demand and the growth of energy parks co‑located with data centres.

A deep look at the coming surge in power demand driven by AI and hyperscale datacenters. They quantify roughly 180 GW of commitments and the strain that creates on US market structures. Discussion covers how regulated and deregulated utilities are scrambling to plan, finance and modernize. Innovation in grid tech, faster interconnections and decentralized solutions are highlighted as essential responses.

Shayle Kann, Managing Partner at Energy Impact Partners and deep-tech investor in grid and physical-AI, joins a fast-paced discussion. They debate the end of the 2021–22 hype cycle and a shift to infrastructure-led climate tech. Conversation jumps from batteries as the cornerstone to AI converging with real-world systems, grid-enhancing tech, and even orbital data-center ideas.

Matt Fernley, Managing Director at Battery Materials Review and RK Equity partner with 25 years in battery metals. He breaks down wild moves in lithium, copper and silver. Short supply, permitting bottlenecks, and battery demand shifts drive the story. They debate structural repricing versus cyclical pullbacks and explore DLE, sodium-ion and grid metal constraints.

Shanu Matthew, a public markets portfolio manager focused on clean energy equities, offers market analysis on equipment suppliers versus utilities. He explores why kit makers have surged while utilities lag. The conversation covers hyperscaler-driven data center demand, speed-to-power hardware like fuel cells, and emerging tech such as SMRs and enhanced geothermal.

Luca Pedretti, co-founder of Pexapark and power market analyst, explains how accounting rules and volatile markets are reshaping renewable value. He covers mark-to-market PPA pricing, the rise of flexibility contracts for batteries, collapsing solar capture rates, and shifting buyer dynamics from corporate PPAs to data centers and optimizers. The conversation spotlights shifting revenue models and the rapid repricing of clean energy.

Ronny Fiuren, founder of Mylicia Energy and Nordic energy strategist, brings deep expertise in power markets and grid operations. He talks about why resilience now outranks mere reliability. The conversation covers decentralization, smart meters and EV charging, AI and automation for operators, interconnectors and political fallout, and new threats like sabotage and cyber risks.

Zak Bentley, Americas Editor at Infrastructure Investor, tracks fundraising and market data in infrastructure. He explores the 2025 fundraising surge and why capital is concentrating among mega-platforms. He discusses the data center boom and its pull on renewables and grids. He covers sector shifts like the return of airports, a reset in ESG, and gas rebranding as energy transition.