Energy Evolution

Nuclear fusion still has a long road ahead before commercial viability, but optimism — and funding — is on the rise. Surging interest in the technology has recently seen $7.1 billion raised across 50 global fusion startups. Research timelines appear to be accelerating, Steve Piper, director of energy research at S&P Global Commodity Insights, said on the podcast. Big Tech is well represented in the investor base due to growing energy demand from datacenters. Francesco Sciortino, CEO of fusion startup Proxima Fusion, said investors are looking to secure a stake in the market now. "Fusion is not something to tiptoe into," he said on the podcast.

In this episode, host Eklavya Gupte sits down with Matt Hoisch, senior price reporter at Platts, to explore how the energy-intensive fertilizer industry is navigating extraordinary turbulence, from supply chain shocks to spiralling energy costs, while potentially becoming an enabler of the energy transition itself. They look at ammonia's pivotal role as both a key ingredient in nitrogen fertilizer production and a potential game-changer for clean energy storage and transport. Hoisch also discusses how the emerging low-carbon ammonia market could nearly double demand for ammonia by 2050, positioning itself as a viable next-generation fuel. Links: Ammonia CFR Northwest Europe $/mt AMMOC00 [https://plattsconnect.spglobal.com/#platts/priceProfile?symbol=AMMOC00]Ammonia CFR West Coast India ACWCI00 [https://plattsconnect.spglobal.com/#platts/priceProfile?symbol=ACWCI00] Granular urea FOB Algeria GLUAD00 [https://plattsconnect.spglobal.com/#platts/priceProfile?symbol=GLUAD00]Ammonia FOB US Gulf AFUSG00 [https://plattsconnect.spglobal.com/#platts/priceProfile?symbol=AFUSG00]

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall speaks with Gerard Barron, CEO of The Metals Co. Barron and his company are looking to mine the ocean floor for metals like cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements as demand for the materials surges due to the rise of renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. Barron discusses the potential of polymetallic nodules found in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, the technology used to mine the ocean and the environmental implications of mining in such delicate ecosystems. The conversation also touches on recent developments in US policy supporting mineral independence and the challenges ahead as the Metals Co. seeks to transition from exploration to commercial recovery.

The global energy transition was already facing headwinds even as trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty escalated. Supply chain disruptions, elevated interest rates, and persistent inflation have created additional hurdles for renewable projects. But could rising resource nationalism paradoxically accelerate the transition by spurring countries to prioritize domestic renewable energy development? In this episode, host Eklavya Gupte and Commodity Insights journalist James Burgess explore this complex dynamic with two guests who offer different perspectives. * Dan Klein, head of future energy pathways at Commodity Insights, explains how nations are recalibrating their energy strategies to balance security concerns with decarbonization goals in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment. * Ben Hoff, Societe Generale’s global head of commodity research, argues that the momentum behind the energy transition is unstoppable, and that protectionist measures could nurture domestic renewables sectors despite short-term disruptions. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast we delve into the emerging field of carbon removal technologies and their role in the fight against climate change.  The discussion highlights various methods, including both technology-based solutions like direct ocean capture and nature-based approaches such as reforestation. Our guests on this week's episode are Jan-Willem Bode, President, Puro.earth, and Steve Oldham, CEO, Captura. Captura is a start-up company focused on capturing carbon dioxide directly from seawater. Puro.Earth is a carbon removal registry focused on removal credits. It created the Puro Standard, which is the world's first carbon standard for engineered carbon removals. Host Eklavya Gupte asks Oldham and Bode about the economic viability and market dynamics of carbon removal credits and addressing skepticism surrounding their effectiveness and cost. The episode also explores the importance of transparency and quality in the carbon credit market, especially as demand grows from both tech companies and compliance markets.