Blackout in Spain: what we know and lessons for the future
A blackout of historic proportions on the Iberian peninsula April 28 has sparked a debate on responsibility and prevention, while the investigation into the causes is ongoing. One undeniable conclusion is that investments in grids are becoming more important, S&P Global Commodity Insights analysts Kerry Thacker-Smith and Alexandre Mace explain on this episode of Energy Evolution. Albéric Mongrenier, executive director of think tank European Initiative for Energy Security, argues that grids have become a key frontier in Europe's push for more independence and security.
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How tariff tensions are reshaping China's energy landscape
This episode of Energy Evolution examines the complex trade relationship between the US and China, with a focus on how ongoing tariff measures are reforming Chinese energy markets. Host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Ivy Yin, energy transition market specialist at S&P Global Commodity Insights, who explains how China is shifting toward a more inward-looking energy strategy by boosting domestic gas production to reduce LNG import dependency. She also talks about how Chinese cleantech manufacturers are refocusing their efforts on the domestic market amid trade uncertainties. We also interview Commodity Insights principal analyst Eric Yep, who shares his insights on how the trade duel with the US is affecting China's oil and gas imports, highlighting the role of US LNG as a possible bargaining chip in future negotiations. Adding a legal perspective, Henry Gao, a professor of law at Singapore Management University, discusses China's multifaceted trade diplomacy in an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.
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Restoring trust and integrity for a new era in carbon markets
In the latest episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Daniel Klier, CEO of South Pole, a key player in the carbon markets. As the industry grapples with a credibility crisis, Klier shares insights on the various initiatives the voluntary carbon market is undertaking to restore trust and foster a more resilient and robust ecosystem. He also discusses how South Pole has adapted its strategy to place a greater emphasis on compliance markets and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, alongside a significant overhaul of its senior leadership team. Klier elaborates on the company's vision for leading the next phase of carbon market evolution and mobilizing substantial investments for climate action. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.
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Financing clean energy in a time of volatility
In this episode of Energy Evolution, Taylor Kuykendall interviews Jonathan Silver, chair of the Global Climate Council at Apollo Global Management and co-founder of the new advisory firm Multiplier. Silver, who was executive director of the US Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office during the Obama administration, shares insights on the current clean energy financing landscape and discusses his work with sustainability-focused startups. Silver emphasizes the importance of helping early-stage companies connect with customers and navigate the complexities of capital raising and exit strategies. Silver notes substantial changes in clean energy policies following the recent presidential administration shift, emphasizing that while regulatory environments may fluctuate, the momentum for clean technology is undeniable and irreversible. Silver also underscores the vital role of federal government support in advancing clean energy technologies, while also addressing the challenges posed by uncertainty in public policy. The discussion concludes with a look at future opportunities in clean energy, including advancements in solar, wind, battery storage, and water technologies, as well as the importance of addressing environmental tipping points.
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Critical minerals and renewables: A new era of energy security
In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Tim Gould, chief energy economist at the International Energy Agency (IEA). Gould shares his insights on how the expansion of renewables, coupled with geopolitics and evolving economic policies, is reshaping energy security. Gould explains the need to adapt energy supply security measures as the growth of clean energy leads to new risks, such as those arising from critical minerals and supply chain vulnerabilities. He also tells us how the IEA is beginning to see some shifts in broader energy investment trends due to a “climate of uncertainty" exacerbated by escalating trade tensions. This interview was recorded at the Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London, where representatives from over 60 governments and several energy companies convened to collaborate on the key issues facing energy markets. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now regularly published on Tuesdays.
Interviews, analysis and reporting from S&P Global Commodity Insights on energy and commodities' transition to a cleaner future. Hosts Taylor Kuykendall and Eklavya Gupte speak with policymakers, industry professionals and SPGCI in-house experts worldwide on topics related to decarbonization, climate, emerging fuels and energy sources, and the outlook for commodity markets from oil to power to metals. The Energy Evolution podcast has merged with the Platts Future Energy podcast as of January 2025.