In this episode, we’re taking you to the London Climate Technology Show 2024—an inspiring hub of innovation and collaboration for a sustainable future.

We’ll be sharing highlights from two expert panel discussions, followed by insights from the exhibition floor, where industry leaders showcased groundbreaking solutions.

Panel 1: Innovation for Sustainability: Technology's Role in Achieving Net Zero

"Our first panel, 'Innovation for Sustainability: Technology's Role in Achieving Net Zero,' brought together leading voices in the field of clean energy and innovation:

• Naomi Weir, Director of Innovation at the Confederation of British Industry,
• Chris Coonick, Innovation Management Office Director at National Grid,
• Luke Ames Blackaby, Head of Innovation Hub at Ofgem,
• Michael Green, Founder and Strategy Director of Luna 9,
• Philip Jarvis, CEO of Coomtech Ltd, and
• Ioannis Kasinopoulos, Co-founder and CEO of Electryone.

This panel unpacked how cutting-edge technologies are accelerating the journey to net zero, with a focus on scalability, collaboration, and innovation across industries."

Panel 2: Balancing Financial and Environmental Performance in Global EcoFunds

"The second panel, 'Balancing Financial and Environmental Performance & Navigating Compliance in EcoFunds Globally,' explored the intersection of sustainability goals and financial strategies.

On the panel were:

• Martyn Link, Managing Director of Link Advisory Services Ltd,
• Eman Adel, Sustainable Energy Expert at RCREEE,
• Mark Campanale, Founder and Executive Director of Carbon Tracker,
• Jim Totty, Managing Director of Viridis Capital,
• Satyajit Mohanan, Projects Coordinator at Cambridge Cleantech, and
• Catherine Barber, Assistant Director of Environment & Energy at the Greater London Authority.

Although we captured only the first half of this discussion, the insights offered a compelling look at navigating compliance challenges and unlocking the potential of sustainable investments."

Exhibition Highlights

"Finally, we explored the exhibition floor, where cutting-edge solutions were on display. From National Grid’s latest innovations to transformative projects by the Department for Science,...

Today’s episode takes us to the Resilient Renewable Society Summit 2024—a remarkable gathering of experts from government, infrastructure, and academia.

In this episode, we bring you insights from two exceptional panel discussions. From exploring the energy sector's preparedness for catastrophic events to envisioning the investments needed for a green and resilient future, we’ll hear from thought leaders on the frontlines of resilience and sustainability. And to cap it off, I had the privilege of catching up with Professor Yoav Yair, Dean of the School of Sustainability at Reichman University in Israel, for a fascinating one-on-one conversation.

Panel 1 Introduction

"Our first discussion, 'What is the Energy Sector's Capability to Cope with a Black Sky Event?', delves into the energy sector's readiness for catastrophic disruptions, such as those caused by Black Sky events, and explores the lessons that can be applied to other sectors.

Moderated by Dr. Paul Stockton, former Assistant Secretary of Defence for Homeland Defence in the USA, this panel features a powerhouse of experts:

• Ben Kuchta, Group Resilience Improvement Manager at National Grid, UK,
• James B. Robb, President and CEO of NERC, USA,
• Bronwyn Bullen, Head of Organisational Resilience at UK Power Networks, and
• Lili Colon, Principal Deputy Director at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response.

Together, they’ll discuss interconnected threats, the critical role of energy infrastructure, and the governance and policies needed to enhance resilience in a transitioning world."

Panel 2 Introduction

"Our second panel, 'Climate Change: Turning the Grid Green and Investing for the Future,' explores the dual imperatives of mitigating climate change and transforming our energy systems.

This conversation, moderated by Dr. Chris Beck, Chief Scientist and Vice President of Policy at the EIS Council, brings together distinguished panelists:

• Amos Lasker, Managing Partner at Amrav Investment and former President and CEO of the Israel Electric Corporation,
• Ivan Savov, Chairman of the European Risk Policy Institute and the Future Risk Institute, Bulgaria, and
• Professor Yoav Yair, Dean of the School of Sustainability at Reichman University, Israel.

The panel will unpack challenges and

In this special episode, recorded live at the Sustainable Energy Futures Annual Conference 2024, we feature Sir David King, Head of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group. Sir David shares his expert insights during his closing remarks and a follow-up interview, discussing critical climate challenges, innovative interventions, and the urgent need for a global shift toward an "ecological civilisation."

Highlights include:

• The history of climate science and its modern implications
• The urgent need for climate interventions, including re-freezing the poles
• The role of young professionals in the energy transition
• Insights on global climate policy and the COP process

• Sustainable Energy Futures Annual Conference: Imperial College London - Energy Futures Lab
• Sir David King's Climate Crisis Advisory Group: CCAG Website

• Energy Futures Lab Website
• Energy Futures Podcast YouTube Channel
• Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts

In this episode, we’re joined by Rayan Kassis Co-Founder and CEO of Aed Energy and decades of experience in CleanTech development and over 9GW of operational projects spanning 24 countries. Rayan shares insights into the UK’s key energy challenges, the critical role of long-duration storage in grid stability and the future of renewable energy integration. He also introduces Aed Energy’s innovative thermal battery technology, which delivers both electricity and heat, with the potential to transform global energy systems.

Links:

• Connect with Rayan on Linkedin
• Learn more about Aed Energy

Chapters and Timecodes

00:00:00 - Introduction

Overview of the Energy Futures Podcast and the vision for a sustainable energy future.

00:00:30 - Meet Rayan Kassis

Introduction to Rayan’s background, including his extensive experience in cleantech and energy infrastructure.

00:01:08 - UK’s Energy Challenges

Key challenges facing the UK in energy storage and grid stability, and how these are shaping the nation’s energy landscape.

00:05:00 - Importance of Energy Storage

Why energy storage, particularly long-duration solutions, is crucial for achieving a stable and reliable energy grid.

00:09:45 - Aed Energy’s Purpose

The inspiration behind Aed Energy and how their thermal battery technology is addressing critical gaps in the energy transition.

00:15:30 - How Aed’s Technology Works

An in-depth look at Aed Energy’s thermal battery technology, including its dual capability to deliver electricity and heat.

00:20:00 - Rayan’s Journey in Energy

Reflections on Rayan’s career across GE, Vestas, and eSolar, and lessons learned that guided him to co-found Aed Energy.

00:25:15 - Innovation and Sustainability

How Aed Energy fosters innovation and integrates sustainability into their operations and technology development.

00:30:00 - Advice for Entrepreneurs

Rayan shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the cleantech and energy sectors.

00:34:50 - Looking Ahead

The future vision for Aed Energy and its contribution to the global energy transition over the next decade.

00:38:30 - Closing Remarks

Wrapping up the conversation and a call to action for a sustainable energy future.

In this episode of The Energy Futures Podcast, titled Positive Energy, we shine a spotlight on three incredible social and tech entrepreneurs making waves in the climate and energy space. Through their community-driven projects, innovative apps, and empowering educational programs, they’re proving that purpose, creativity, and collaboration can drive real progress toward a net zero future.

1. Yujia Du – Founder of The Climate Circle

Yujia shares how her passion for decarbonisation and empowering women in climate led to the creation of The Climate Circle, a community fostering meaningful connections among women in the field. With experience at Ofgem and National Grid ESO, Yujia offers a unique perspective on decentralisation, electrification, and building a culture of accountability, empathy, and courage.

https://www.yujiadu.com/

https://www.the-climate-circle.com/

Connect with Yujia on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yujia-i-du/

2. Leo Barnett – App Designer and Innovator

Leo talks about his journey as an award-winning app designer who creates impactful tech solutions for climate action. From working with startups to receiving global recognition from Apple, Leo explains how his latest app combines real data with local action to inspire optimism and collective change.

Download UK Zero & Get the widget in seconds:

IOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/uk-zero-climate-app/id6448979425

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.worldnetzero&pli=1

Website: https://www.ukzeroapp.com

Connect with Leo on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leobarnett/

3. Dr. Elif Selin Calik – Founder of Women in Smart Energy UK

Dr. Calik, a global leader in sustainable energy, discusses her work empowering women in smart energy and influencing climate policies. From COP26 and COP27 to authoring The Renaissance of Smart Energy, Dr. Calik shares how she bridges energy, health crises, and sustainability to inspire innovative solutions worldwide.

https://selincalik.com/

Connect with Selin on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-selin-calik-9b6b1750/

• Energy Futures Lab Website

• Energy Futures Podcast YouTube Channel
• Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts

In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, host Jonny Prest speaks with Dr. Lior Suchoy, a Geoscientist, Scientific Consultant, and Postdoctoral Research Associate at Imperial College London. Together, they delve into the fascinating world of geothermal energy, exploring its potential as a sustainable energy source and its role in achieving a Net Zero future.

Dr. Suchoy explains the fundamentals of geothermal energy, enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), and the challenges and opportunities in utilising this largely untapped resource. They discuss the similarities between geothermal and traditional oil and gas exploration, the use of mine water for heating, and innovative ways to integrate geothermal energy into the UK's energy mix.

The conversation also highlights the transition of skills from the oil and gas sector to geothermal energy and the need for investment and research to overcome barriers to adoption. Dr. Suchoy shares his journey from geodynamics research to becoming a passionate advocate for geothermal energy, offering insights for anyone interested in the future of renewable energy.

00:00:00 – Introduction: Welcome to the Energy Futures Podcast

00:00:31 – Guest Introduction: Dr. Lior Suchoy

00:01:03 – Exploring Geothermal Energy: Basics and Global Potential

00:03:40 – Traditional Geothermal Energy: Extraction Methods and Applications

00:06:19 – Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): Breaking Rocks to Generate Energy

00:10:14 – Geothermal in the UK: From Bath Springs to Mine Water Heating

00:15:06 – Transitioning Skills from Oil and Gas: Opportunities for Industry Talent

00:18:34 – Challenges of Geothermal Energy: Costs, Risks, and Public Perception

00:25:12 – Geothermal and the Energy Mix: Providing Baseline Energy for Net Zero

00:32:02 – Long-Term Sustainability of Geothermal Reservoirs: Future Innovations

00:36:11 – Enhanced Applications: Heat Storage, CO₂ Sequestration, and More

00:41:06 – Barriers to Adoption: Research, Investment, and Infrastructure

00:44:03 – Lior’s Journey: From Tectonics to Geothermal Energy

00:47:18 – Future of Geothermal: A Call to Action for Research and Advocacy

00:50:00 – Closing Remarks: How to Connect with Dr. Suchoy

• Dr. Lior Suchoy’s LinkedIn Imperial
• Simulation of Enhanced Geothermal Systems Using Dynamic Unstructured Mesh Optimisation- Paper
• Geothermal technology could help decarbonise the UK's heating and cooling- Article
• Energy Futures Lab Website

• Energy Futures Podcast YouTube...

In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, we sit down with Cathy McClay an energy industry trailblazer with over 25 years of experience across Europe and the Middle East. From transforming ancillary service markets at National Grid System Operator to her groundbreaking work at ENOWA—the energy company of NEOM—Cathy has been at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution.

Topics Covered:

• The NEOM Project: Insights from building a fully renewable energy system in the Saudi desert, including challenges and key innovations.
• Sustainability and Flexibility: How Cathy’s work contributed to NEOM’s ambitious sustainability goals and lessons applicable to global energy systems.
• Career Journey: Cathy’s transition from academia to industry leadership and how it shaped her approach to tackling energy challenges.
• Future of Energy: What’s next for National Grid and Cathy’s vision for a flexible, sustainable energy future.
• Advice for Young Professionals: Tips for navigating careers in energy and the importance of mentorship.

Join us as we explore Cathy’s remarkable career, her perspective on the future of renewable energy, and the bold steps needed to drive global sustainability forward.

Resources Mentioned:

• NEOM and ENOWA Projects
• National Grid DSO
• National Grid System Operator

Subscribe to the Energy Futures Podcast for more inspiring conversations with leaders shaping the energy landscape.

Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

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

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