Climate Confident

Send me a message In this Climate Confident episode I had the honour of hosting Sabine Erlinghagen, Global CEO of Siemens Grid Software to dive deep into our modern energy transition.In this special edition, sponsored by Siemens Smart Infrastructure, we peeled back the layers of the Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2023 report. Sabine shed light on the urgent need for upgrading grid infrastructure to support the ballooning demand for renewable energy, and to help us transition away from fossil fuels as agreed at COP 28 earlier today. This will require a monumental effort to double grid capacity in the next seven to twelve years! This conversation highlighted that grids are a bottleneck in our journey towards net zero.We also talked about the critical role of data in grid operations. It's fascinating how the traditional, data-sparse approach to managing distribution grids is undergoing a transformative change. The power of smart meters and AI in managing this complexity cannot be overstated. But it's not all challenges and hurdles; there's a note of optimism too. We delved into the potential of small, independent decisions in driving a faster adoption of renewables. It's about empowering everyone to be part of this transition.I urge you all to listen to this episode. It’s packed with insights that are crucial for anyone keen on understanding the nuances of our energy future. And, as always, I look forward to your thoughts and feedback. Let's keep the conversation going!For a deeper dive on this important topic, check out the Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2023 report.The video version of this episode is at https://youtu.be/s5jtaOXpvMYUntil next time, stay climate confident!Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Send me a messageIn today's episode of the Climate Confident podcast, chatting with Caroline Chalmer, CEO of Finematter, a platform transforming the jewellery industry.Caroline brings a unique perspective to the table, sharing her journey from the fashion world to championing sustainability in jewellery. Finematter isn't just a brand; it's a mission to revolutionise how we perceive and interact with jewellery. With their circular economy model, they're setting a new standard – focusing on made-to-order pieces, repairs, remodelling, and importantly, recycling.We explore the challenges of making an industry known for its lavishness more sustainable. Caroline's insights on circularity - reducing production waste, repairing to extend product life, and recycling existing materials - are a blueprint for other industries.One of the most striking points was the significant CO2 emissions from gold mining, underscoring the importance of recycling in reducing environmental impact. Caroline's discussion on the tangible and emotional value of jewellery, and how recycling can be a meaningful process rather than a transactional one, was particularly thought-provoking.We also touched on how Finematter is changing perceptions about recycling gold, traditionally viewed as a desperate measure. Caroline highlights how their model allows customers to repurpose their assets, retaining emotional value while contributing to a more sustainable practice.Lastly, Caroline's vision for the future is inspiring. With plans to expand globally and make circularity in jewellery commonplace, she's paving the way for a more sustainable and conscious consumer world.DOn't forget to check ut the video version on YouTube, and remember to stay Climate Confident!Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Send me a messageHello, Climate Champions! In today's episode of the Climate Confident Podcast I had the pleasure of hosting Matt Gray, the co-founder and CEO of Transition Zero, a trailblazer in energy systems modelling.In our conversation, Matt delved into the intricate world of energy systems modelling, a crucial tool for stakeholders and decision-makers in shaping our energy future. He emphasized Transition Zero's mission to democratise this complex tool, making it accessible, auditable, and reproducible. This, Matt believes, is vital for accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future.We explored the significant challenges in moving towards net zero, particularly the technical and political barriers. Matt highlighted the crucial role of transmission investments in the energy grid and how these investments, or the lack thereof, influence our ability to harness low-cost renewable energies like wind and solar.Another key takeaway from our chat was the importance of data transparency in fostering global collaboration. Matt underlined how Transition Zero's commitment to open data and models aims to bridge the gap between pledges and actions in climate commitments, thereby enhancing global climate action.Matt's insights on the role of transmission in achieving net zero were particularly thought-provoking, revealing how strategic investments can save trillions while facilitating a faster shift to renewable energy sources.We wrapped up with Matt's thoughts on COP28 and his future plans for Transition Zero. For those keen to learn more about their groundbreaking work or get involved, check out the TransitionZero website.Check out the video version of this episode on YouTube.Tune in, get inspired, and let's continue to make strides towards a sustainable future together! Remember, every step counts in our journey to net zero. Let's keep the conversation going – and remember to stay climate confident!Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Send me a messageWelcome to another enlightening episode of the Climate Confident Podcast. Today I have the pleasure of diving deep into the world of carbon-negative hydrogen with Arnaud Lager, the Founder and CEO of Decahydron.Arnaud brought to light some groundbreaking work his team is doing in Ra's al Khaimah, UAE. They're not just creating hydrogen; they're doing it in a way that actively reduces carbon emissions. The magic happens through a unique process where methane is cracked to produce hydrogen, coupled with capturing CO2 from local cement industries. But here's the clincher – this CO2 isn't just captured; it's transformed into carbonate minerals by being injected into ultramafic rocks, ensuring it's locked away permanently.We also explored the fascinating potential of natural hydrogen reserves in the region. Imagine, hydrogen bubbling up from the ground – it's not science fiction but a reality that could revolutionize our energy landscape. Decahydron's pursuit of this untapped resource could be a game-changer, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective hydrogen source.But it's not all about hydrogen. Arnaud and his team have set ambitious goals for CO2 sequestration, aiming to tackle gigatons of emissions. Their approach is pragmatic yet innovative, focusing first on high-concentration CO2 sources before venturing into more dilute areas like direct air capture.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the cutting-edge of climate technology and sustainable energy. Arnaud's insights offer a glimpse into a future where energy production and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.Stay tuned for more updates on Decahydron's progress and do check out their website for the latest news. Remember, tackling climate change requires a variety of approaches, and it's pioneers like Arnaud who are leading the charge.Btw, don't forget to check out the video version of this podcast at https://youtu.be/lJv5RZfzj1ISign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I talked energy storage with Matt Harper, the Chief Commercial Officer at Invinity Energy Systems, who explained vanadium flow batteries—and their implications for renewable energy.We started with a 'Battery 101' comparing the familiar lithium-ion to vanadium flow batteries. Matt shared fascinating insights into the modular nature of these batteries, how they differ in their response to the degradation issues plaguing conventional batteries, and their non-flammability—a significant safety advantage.We discussed the role of vanadium flow batteries in supporting infrastructure rather than powering EVs, given their weight. But where they truly shine is in the realm of grid energy storage.Looking at the bigger picture, Matt highlighted the economic shifts towards longer-duration storage, driven by the ever-decreasing costs of solar and wind power. Our conversation touched upon the broader market dynamics and the critical role of energy storage in achieving a net-zero future.The episode closed with Matt's passionate perspective on the necessity of supportive industrial policies for renewable technologies, ensuring a robust and sustainable energy sector.Do not miss this enlightening conversation on 'Climate Confident,' where we continue to unravel the innovations steering us towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future. And don't forget to check out the video version on YouTube.Stay Climate Confident!Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Send me a messageIn today's episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I talked sustainability with Mary Wilson, the Founder and CEO of All In. We unpacked the subscription model of All In – a model that champions the belief that sustainability transcends the boundaries between our professional and personal worlds. Mary detailed their tiered system, designed to democratise sustainability knowledge from the ground up, making it accessible to everyone at a minimal cost.Education and community are the cornerstones of All In. Mary passionately spoke about their knowledge cubes and academy, which are central to fostering an informed and proactive community. It's about building a hub where ideas, best practices, and groundbreaking solutions are exchanged freely and where every voice can help accelerate change.We also touched on the platform's innovative content aggregation – pulling RSS feeds, facilitating thought-provoking discussions, and allowing personalized content curation. Mary emphasized how critical this is for staying abreast of the torrent of news in the sustainability sector.Looking ahead, All In's roadmap is set to spotlight groundbreaking solutions and technologies, with special mentions of gamification and generative AI enhancing the user experience. Their upcoming collaborations promise to invigorate the platform with fresh perspectives and robust engagement.For more insights and to be a part of this thriving community, visit www.allin.inc, and check out the video version of this episode at https://youtu.be/EWGo-Pd9jDY. Until next time, stay climate confident.Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Send me a messageIn this week's episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had the pleasure of Chatting with Jeremy Bentham, Co-Chair & Senior Advisor at World Energy Council. Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive background in the energy sector.🔍 Key Highlights:A Personal Responsibility: Jeremy laid out five actionable steps that each of us can incorporate into our daily lives to make a tangible differenceDriving Change through Supply Chains: 8 key supply chains cause over 50% of emissions? Targeting these is vitalThe Tesla Phenomenon: We discussed the role of Tesla in the EV market - how one company's vision can disrupt an entire industryPolicy & Demand – The Dance: Jeremy articulated the delicate interplay between policy-making and market demandSectoral vs. National Approach: We talked about interventions at the sectoral level. Recognising unique challenges within sectors, be it aviation or steel, is keyAnd finally, ever heard of the Dodo Club? It is Jeremy’s latest initiative - a newsletter and a call to action for those who refuse to go the way of the dodo.Thanks to Jeremy for this deep dive into our role in shaping a sustainable future. As ever, be Climate Confident.(P.S. - My hat's off to Jeremy, even if he wishes he had one like mine! 😉)Check out the video version of this episode at https://youtu.be/GQTA1kSkyWk Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

"Climate Confident" podcast discusses personal carbon allowances with Prof Denise Baden from Southampton University and Prof Tina Fawcett from Oxford University. They explore the role of carbon allowances in fighting climate change, incentivizing low carbon choices, and the potential benefits and hurdles of implementing such a system. They also discuss historical parallels with the EU ETS scheme and the struggle with vested interests. This scheme could guide us towards net-zero and retire once achieved.

Send me a messageHey folks, in today's episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with James MacNaghten, the CEO of Caldera, to dive deep into the game-changing world of energy storage.🔋 What’s special about Caldera, you ask? They're not just storing energy - they're reimagining it! We delved into Caldera's innovative thermal battery technology, and I was blown away. Imagine storing excess renewable energy in the form of heat! And get this – these batteries could play a pivotal role in supporting green energy transitions across numerous industries. James explained it all so brilliantly – trust me, you don't want to miss out.💡Some golden nuggets from our conversation:Caldera's unique tech can store energy at temps up to 300°C, serving industries like food, beverages & hospitals, amongst others! 🌡️Why don’t they go hotter, you ask? James gave us the lowdown on temperature bands, and the challenges of storing heat at ultra-high temps.Plus, the chat on heat pumps and their role was an eye-opener! ⚡️On the design front, who knew vacuums and cylindrical shapes would play such a critical role in this technology? 🌀But wait, there's more! We even touched upon the benefits of hydrogen in industries like steel-making, hinting at the vast potential of alternative energy solutions.And, for all of you looking to get involved, James has an invitation: Caldera is on Crowdcube! So, if you’re feeling as inspired as I was after our chat, you know where to go. 🔗As always, I’m thrilled to share these insights with you. Let’s keep the conversation going and push the boundaries of what's possible for our planet. Listen in, share, and stay climate confident! 🌱DOn't forget you can check out the video version of this podcast at https://youtu.be/JB-qm7mOBXgSign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Send me a messageHello, Climate Confident family! It’s Tom Raftery here with a power-packed episode featuring Raj DasGupta, CEO of Electrovaya! 🚚🔋💚We dive into the enthralling world of lithium-ion battery tech and its game-changing impact on heavy-duty industrial vehicles.🌟 Raj takes us behind the scenes, unfolding the innovative steps Electrovaya is taking to reduce GHG emissions and create a sustainable future for us all. 🌏🍃⚡️Fast Charging & Longevity: Explore how Electrovaya is lighting up the material handling sector with its incredible battery tech - one that charges swiftly and stands the test of time and use! 🕒🔋🚀🚌 Transit Buses & Beyond: Raj speaks about transit buses, their unique challenges, and how their battery tech is fitting into the bigger picture of sustainable transit! 🚌✨🌱 Going Green in Mining: We dive into a fascinating chat about how electrifying mining operations (even in remote locations!) is not just eco-friendly but a boon for operational efficiency! ⛏️💡🚗 Not Your Regular Car Battery: Discover how Electrovaya's batteries offer something distinctly impactful, transcending their use in cars and impacting heavier industries in a BIG way. 🚛🔋Plus, we delve into future-forward elements - demand response, smart charging, and potentially, battery-to-grid applications. 🔄🔌🏭Join our enthralling conversation 🎧 and ride along on this electrifying journey into a sustainable future! Let's dive deep into conversations that matter and navigate our way to a cleaner, greener world together! 🌍🌟Don't forget to check out the video version of this episode at https://youtu.be/zR5lFcdn3_kSign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.