In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, Jonny Prest sits down with Guy Nicholson Head of Zero Carbon Grid Solutions at Statkraft in the UK. With over 40 years of experience in renewable energy, Guy shares his expertise on the critical challenges and opportunities in the UK’s energy transition, focusing on innovations for grid stability and Statkraft's pioneering Greener Grid Parks. The discussion covers Guy's journey in renewable energy, the role of synchronous compensators in supporting the grid, and the collaborative efforts needed to reach a zero-carbon electricity grid by 2025. Guy also sheds light on Statkraft's community-focused approach and their work with local supply chains to drive sustainable development.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview

00:00:30 – Guest Introduction: Guy Nicholson

00:02:14 – Guy's Passion for Sustainability and Renewable Energy

00:06:32 – Statkraft's Role and Vision in Renewable Energy

00:10:24 – Hydro's Place in the Renewables Mix

00:15:22 – Early Career in Off-Grid Renewable Systems

00:22:11 – Understanding the UK’s Electricity Grid System

00:30:36 – Challenges of a Zero-Carbon Grid & System Stability

00:40:23 – The Role of Synchronous Compensators and Greener Grid Parks

00:49:26 – Batteries, Storage, and Grid Innovations for 2025 Targets

00:53:15 – Engaging Local Communities in Renewable Projects

00:56:43 – Future Prospects and Knowledge Sharing Across Statkraft

01:00:28 – Closing Remarks & Where to Connect with Guy Nicholson

Additional Links:

• Guy Nicholson on LinkedIn
• Statkraft UK
• Statkraft’s Greener Grid Parks

Stay Connected

Energy Futures Podcast YouTube Channel: Watch more episodes of the Energy Futures Podcast.

Spotify: Listen to more episodes of the Energy Futures Podcast.

Apple Podcasts: Subscribe to the Energy Futures Podcast.

In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, Jonny Prest speaks with Dr. Malte Jansen Lecturer in Energy and Sustainability at the University of Sussex Specialising in the intersection of energy markets, finance, and policy, Dr. Jansen offers valuable insights into achieving net-zero with high shares of renewables. They discuss the UK’s evolving renewable financing landscape, including the impact of the new UK energy bill, economic factors affecting offshore wind farms, and financing models for renewable energy projects, from large-scale developments to community energy initiatives.

Dr. Jansen shares his perspective on the challenges of financing renewables in times of inflation and higher interest rates and reflects on the need for innovative policy mechanisms, like Contracts for Difference, to support renewable investments. The conversation also extends to financing in the Global South, exploring unique challenges faced by developing regions and ways to facilitate a fair energy transition.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview

00:00:30 – Guest Introduction: Dr. Malte Jansen

00:01:03 – The UK Energy Bill and Renewable Financing

00:03:07 – Offshore Wind Farms: Economic Viability and Policy Support

00:06:17 – Financing Renewables vs. Fossil Fuels: Interest Rates & Capital Costs

00:11:23 – Challenges in Renewable Energy Grid Integration

00:15:03 – Financing Models: Debt, Equity, and SPVs

00:20:20 – Community Energy Projects: Opportunities and Models

00:27:01 – Changes in Onshore Wind Policy and Future Prospects

00:30:38 – Financing the Just Transition in the Global South

00:36:23 – Dr. Jansen’s Journey in Energy Finance

00:39:17 – Closing Remarks & Where to Connect with Dr. Jansen

Additional Links:

• Dr. Malte Jansen LinkedIn
• University of Sussex, Science Policy Research Unit
• Contracts for Difference - UK Government

• Stay Connected
• Energy Futures Podcast YouTube Channel: Watch more episodes of the Energy Futures Podcast.
• Spotify: Listen to more episodes of the Energy Futures Podcast.
• Apple Podcasts: Subscribe to the Energy Futures Podcast.

Show Notes: Episode 7 - Navigating Global Energy Shifts

Host: Lukas Schirren, MSc student, Sustainable Energy Futures, Imperial College London

Guest: Dr. Yousef Alshammari, CEO of CMarkits, Energy Strategist

In this episode, Lukas Schirren speaks with Dr. Yousef Alshammari about the global shifts affecting energy markets, from COVID-19’s impact to geopolitical changes. They delve into the interplay between fossil fuels and renewables and discuss how to navigate these complexities toward a sustainable future.

Dr. Alshammari shares insights from his career as an award-winning energy analyst and offers guidance on addressing the challenges facing the energy sector today.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview
• 00:00:30 – Guest Introduction: Dr. Yousef Alshammari
• 00:01:14 – Background and Journey in the Energy Sector
• 00:02:27 – Founding CMarkits and Key Industry Insights
• 00:04:06 – Influence of PhD on Career and Perspective Shift on Energy
• 00:06:17 – Expanding Beyond Oil: Renewables and EVs
• 00:09:07 – Working with OPEC and UNECE for Decarbonisation
• 00:11:23 – OPEC’s Role in the Global Energy Transition
• 00:13:19 – Geopolitical Influence on Oil and Gas
• 00:19:02 – The Gas Crisis and Its Impact on Energy Markets
• 00:22:27 – Renewable Systems and Limitations
• 00:27:11 – The Importance of Natural Gas as a Transition Fuel
• 00:30:23 – Challenges in Achieving 100% Renewable Energy
• 00:33:32 – AI and Digitalisation in Energy Systems
• 00:36:18 – COVID-19 and Its Lasting Effects on Energy Markets
• 00:40:22 – Oil Price Volatility Post-COVID and Geopolitical Events
• 00:46:55 – COP28, COP29, and Future Technologies
• 00:52:20 – Sustainability, Energy Security, and Climate Justice
• 00:54:08 – Closing Remarks & How to Connect with Dr. Alshammari

Additional Links:

• Additional Links:
• CMarkits: https://www.cmarkits.com/
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): https://www.iaea.org/
• United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE): https://unece.org/
• University of Vienna: https://www.univie.ac.at/
• OPEC: https://www.opec.org/
• International Energy Agency (IEA): https://www.iea.org/
• Energy Institute: https://www.energyinst.org/
• Sustainable Energy Futures Programme - Imperial College London: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/sustainable-energy-futures/

Stay Connected

In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, host Jonny Prest, Communications Manager at Energy Futures Lab, engages in a conversation with Juliette Sanders, Chief Communications Officer at Energy UK. Juliette shares her insights into the UK’s energy sector, her role in shaping industry communication, and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion through the TIDE initiative. With a background in engineering and experience across several international energy companies, Juliette brings a unique perspective on decarbonising the UK and the importance of engaging the public creatively.

Tune in to learn about the power of communication in driving the energy transition, how diversity initiatives are reshaping the industry, and Juliette’s creative alter ego, Killah Jules, who uses music and art to connect with broader audiences about energy.

Chapters:

In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, host Jonny Prest, Communications Manager at Energy Futures Lab, engages in a conversation with Juliette Sanders, Chief Communications Officer at Energy UK. Juliette shares her insights into the UK’s energy sector, her role in shaping industry communication, and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion through the TIDE initiative. With a background in engineering and experience across several international energy companies, Juliette brings a unique perspective on decarbonising the UK and the importance of engaging the public creatively.

Tune in to learn about the power of communication in driving the energy transition, how diversity initiatives are reshaping the industry, and Juliette’s creative alter ego, Killah Jules, who uses music and art to connect with broader audiences about energy.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction & Podcast Overview

00:00:30 - Guest Introduction: Juliette Sanders

00:01:07 - Recent Developments in the UK Energy Sector

00:01:54 - Challenges Facing a Net-Zero Future

00:02:27 - Key Infrastructure and Policy Needs

00:03:57 - The Role of Private Sector Investment

00:05:10 - The Importance of Public Engagement

00:06:02 - Energy UK Overview

00:09:02 - Strategic Focus for the Next Five Years

00:10:25 - Economic Cost of Inaction on Net-Zero

00:11:47 - Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Energy

00:15:04 - Career Opportunities Across the Energy Sector

00:19:23 - Supporting Diversity with the Tide Initiative

00:22:07 - Public Engagement: Introducing Killah Jules

00:25:06 - Music and Creative Engagement in Energy

00:28:08 - Engaging Youth in the Energy Sector

00:31:48 - Conclusion and Resources

Additional Links:

Energy UK

https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/

Killah Jules Website

https://www.killahjules.com/

Young Energy Professionals Programme

https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/careers/young-energy-professionals/

Mission Possible Report

https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/insights/govt-priorities/

Energy Networks Association

https://www.energynetworks.org/

Energy Institute

In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, host Dr. Nadine Moustafa, Research Associate in the Chemical Engineering Department and the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, leads a conversation with Dr. Pete Bryant, Director of ESG and Radiation Strategy at Sizewell C. With over 15 years of experience in the nuclear power and contaminated land sectors, Pete discusses his work on environmental sustainability, governance, and radiation protection at Sizewell C.

Tune in to explore the future of nuclear energy, ESG strategies, and the vital role of policy and regulation in shaping the nuclear sector.

Chapters

0:02:44 - Overcoming Challenges with New Technologies

0:04:42 - Achieving Net Zero: The Road Ahead

0:06:53 - Why Energy Innovation Matters More Than Ever

0:09:07 - Tweaking the System for a Sustainable Future

0:11:45 - The Power of Nuclear: What Makes It Unique

0:14:03 - Lessons from Energy Pioneers: What’s Next?

0:16:09 - Electricity Bills and the Path to Affordability

0:18:15 - Impartiality in the Energy Debate: Fact or Fiction?

0:20:27 - Britain’s Bold Vision for a Clean Energy Future

0:22:39 - The Hidden Challenges in Energy Transitions

0:25:07 - Why Nuclear Welding is a Critical Skill for Net Zero

0:27:15 - How We’re Building a More Resilient Supply Chain

0:29:32 - Redundancy in Energy Systems: Preparing for Failures

0:31:57 - The Complexities of Building Large-Scale Energy Projects

0:34:13 - Solving Big Energy Questions: A Fresh Approach

0:36:44 - Collaboration vs. Isolation: What Works Best?

0:39:03 - From Finance to Energy: A Personal Journey

0:41:00 - The Unexpected Challenges of Leading in Energy

0:43:19 - Going In-House: A Career Shift with Purpose

Additional Links

• Pete Bryant on LinkedIn
• Sizewell C Project: Discover more about Sizewell C’s role in the UK’s nuclear energy future.
• Society for Radiological Protection: Learn about Pete Bryant’s former role as President and the organisation’s work in radiation protection.
• University of Liverpool: Discover Pete’s academic contributionsto radiation protection science.
• Society for Radiological Protection: Explore Pete Bryant’s former role as President and the organisation’s initiatives in radiation protection and safety standards.
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Stay updated on global efforts led by the IAEA in promoting safe, secure, and peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

Stay...

Episode 4: Navigating Ireland’s Energy Transition with Caitríona Sheridan

In this episode, host Jonny Prest is joined by Caitríona Sheridan, Senior Engineer at Bord na Móna and an alumna of Imperial College London. Caitríona shares her journey through the energy sector, offering insights into Ireland’s renewable energy goals and her work at the forefront of the country’s transition to clean energy. They discuss Bord na Móna’s innovative projects, including flexible technology initiatives and the co-location of large energy users with renewable power generation, driving sustainability and efficiency.

If you’re curious about Ireland’s renewable energy landscape or how industries are innovating for a sustainable future, this episode is a must-listen!

Key chapters

Guest Introduction: Caitríona Sheridan [00:00:30]

Caitríona Sheridan, Senior Engineer at Bord na Móna, discusses her role and Ireland's renewable energy goals.

Caitríona’s career path [00:01:03]

Caitríona shares how her passion for sustainability evolved during her academic journey and the influence of her engineering background.

The importance of power systems [00:04:03]

Caitríona discusses the critical role of power systems in decarbonisation and the transition to renewable energy.

Ireland's ambitious renewable energy goals [00:07:17]

Ireland aims to generate 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and Caitríona explores the challenges and opportunities.

Bord na Móna's role in renewable energy [00:12:26]

Caitríona explains Bord na Móna's transition from peat harvesting to becoming a climate solutions business and its renewable energy projects.

Offshore wind as a key opportunity [00:09:08]

Offshore wind presents Ireland's biggest opportunity for renewable energy development, with a potential of 37GW.

Eco Energy Parks and co-location [00:17:17]

Caitríona introduces Bord na Móna's eco energy parks, which co-locate renewable energy infrastructure with data centers to optimise resources.

Energy storage innovations [00:19:35]

Caitríona dives into exciting developments in energy storage, including lithium-ion projects and the future of long-duration storage.

Collaboration between industry and academia [00:22:00]

Caitríona highlights the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and policymakers for advancing renewable energy.

Advice for students pursuing industry connections [00:23:48]

Caitríona offers practical advice for students looking to connect with industry and develop research applicable to real-world challenges.

Ireland as Europe's energy lab [00:25:18]

Ireland's unique position as a leader in wind energy and its role as the "Lab of Europe" for renewable energy integration.

Engaging communities in renewable energy projects [00:29:11]

Bord na Móna's community engagement strategies, including benefit schemes and scholarships, to involve local communities in energy projects.

Decarbonisation and a just transition [00:32:10]...

In this episode, host Dr. Aidan Rhodes is joined by Dr. Nadine Moustafa, a Research Associate at Imperial College London’s Chemical Engineering Department and the Centre for Environmental Policy. Nadine specializes in systems modelling for carbon management, decarbonisation technologies, and developing net-zero strategies. She also serves as Program and Policy Officer at the Coalition for Negative Emissions, advancing policies around negative emissions technologies.

Together, they discuss the role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the global energy transition, its critical role in helping industries achieve zero carbon goals, and research breakthroughs driving CCS innovation.

If you're looking for a comprehensive and accessible guide to understanding CCS and its future impact, this episode is a must-listen!

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:31 What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?

01:06 Simplified Explanation of CCS

03:00 Role of CCS in the Energy Transition

05:15 Achieving Zero Carbon with CCS

08:45 How CO2 is Captured in the CCS Process

12:00 Transporting CO2: The Transport Phase

15:30 CO2 Storage: Geological Formations

18:20 Aqueous-Amine Solvents and CCS Efficiency

21:50 The Future and Challenges for CCS

Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to CCS

• What is CCS?
• Nadine breaks down the fundamentals of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and explains why it's a crucial technology for reducing carbon emissions.
• Simplifying CCS

A clear and simple explanation of the CCS process for those who may be unfamiliar with the technology.

1. The Role of CCS in the Energy Transition and Zero Carbon Goals

• CCS in the Energy Transition

How CCS technology integrates into the broader global energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

• Achieving Zero Carbon

The critical role CCS plays in helping industries and countries achieve ambitious zero carbon targets.

1. Deep Dive into the CCS Process

• Capture Phase

Nadine outlines how CO2 is captured from industrial processes and power generation facilities.

• Transport Phase

An overview of the methods used to transport captured CO2 to storage sites.

• Storage Phase

A detailed look at how CO2 is stored underground and the types of geological formations suitable for long-term storage.

1. Research and Innovation

• Aqueous-Amine Solvents

Nadine discusses her research on aqueous-amine solvents and their significance in enhancing the carbon capture process.

• Impact of Research

How advancements in solvent technology can improve CCS efficiency and reduce costs.

1. Future Outlook and Challenges for CCS

• Challenges to Adoption

The biggest obstacles facing the widespread adoption of CCS technology.

• Future Advancements

Nadine shares insights into the promising advancements expected in the CCS field over the next few years.

Additional Links...

In this episode, Jonny Prest speaks with Dr. Sam Cooper, a leading figure in the intersection of artificial intelligence and materials science. Dr. Cooper is at the forefront of applying machine learning to address challenges in material design, particularly in the development of sustainable battery technologies. He leads the Tools for Learning, Design, and Research (TLDR) group and is a co-founder of Polaron, a spinout from Imperial College London that is transforming material design through generative AI.

Key Topics Discussed:

Introduction and Guest Introductions

00:00:00 - 00:02:30

The Role of AI in Sustainable Design

00:02:30 - 00:06:45

Importance of Collaboration Between Industry and Academia

00:06:45 - 00:11:10

Challenges in Scaling AI for Industry Use

00:11:10 - 00:14:30

How AI Can Help Decarbonize Manufacturing

00:14:30 - 00:18:55

Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption in Key Sectors

00:18:55 - 00:22:20

The Future of AI in Reducing Carbon Footprints

00:22:20 - 00:25:45

Public Perception of AI and Climate Solutions

00:25:45 - 00:28:50

How Polaron’s Technology Works in Practice

00:28:50 - 00:31:30

Personal Responsibility vs. Systemic Change in Climate Action

00:31:30 - 00:35:20

The Impact of UK Policy on Renewable Energy (Onshore Wind and North Sea Oil)

00:35:20 - 00:38:45

Government Investment in Clean Energy and Economic Benefits

00:38:45 - 00:41:38

Polaron’s Future Goals: Pilot Studies and Scaling Up

00:41:38 - 00:42:34

Advice for Those Interested in Polaron and AI in Sustainability

00:42:34 - 00:43:19

Final Thoughts and Optimism for the Future of Sustainable Innovation

00:43:19 - End

Dr. Sam Cooper, Reader in AI for Materials Design at the Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London

Sam Cooper Links

• Polaron’s Website
• Imperial College London
• Imperial College News on Polaron
• Dr. Sam Cooper on X
• TLDR Group on X
• Dr. Sam Cooper on LinkedIn
• Samuel Cooper - Imperial College London Faculty Page

Additional Links:

William MacAskill - Author of...